2009 KIA Soul 1.6L Diesel · LL59 HLC

The most recent DVSA examination on 7 February 2026 recorded a PASS with no advisories or defects noted, which represents the current roadworthy status of the vehicle. Looking at the broader five-test history, the pattern shows an alternating sequence of failure followed by pass across consecutive attempts in both 2024 and 2025, with a clean pass now secured at the start of 2026. Because no specific defect categories have been recorded against any of these tests, it is impossible to determine the exact nature of the previous failures, but the fact that the vehicle has been presented for retest and passed shortly afterwards on both occasions suggests that the issues were rectifiable in a short timeframe and have not been allowed to develop into chronic faults. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable rather than deteriorating, and the absence of any recorded advisories on the most recent certificate is a positive indicator. With 90,885 miles recorded over a seventeen-year service life, this Kia Soul has averaged roughly 5,346 miles per year, which is well below the national average and points towards either a period of predominantly light use, extended standing time, or a combination of both. Mileage accumulation at this rate generally places less wear on internal powertrain components such as the clutch, engine, and gearbox than a higher-mileage equivalent, but it does shift the principal maintenance concerns away from mechanical wear and towards age-related degradation of perishable components. Significant gaps between annual mileages cannot be confirmed from the data provided, but any prospective buyer should attempt to verify the MOT mileage readings on each certificate to identify whether the vehicle has spent extended periods off the road, as this has particular implications for corrosion, fluid condition, and battery health. Given the low annual mileage and the age of the vehicle, the MOT pass certificates alone do not tell the full story, and a physical inspection should pay particular attention to time-served degradation. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common on vehicles that have reached this age regardless of tread depth, and any tyres older than five years should be treated as due for replacement. The braking system, despite passing the MOT, may exhibit corrosion on the disc friction surfaces and seizing or binding caliper slides due to prolonged inactivity; these conditions can manifest on a test drive as a pulling sensation under braking, brake shudder through the pedal, or an uneven and juddering stop. A thorough road test should include several firm brake applications from moderate speed to clear surface corrosion and confirm that the pedal feels firm and that the vehicle tracks straight. Similarly, the exhaust system, including the catalytic converter, should be inspected for external corrosion and blowing joints, which are typical MOT failure items on older vehicles. Other practical checks worth carrying out include verifying the condition and charge state of the 12-volt battery, as low-use vehicles frequently suffer from premature battery failure due to repeated partial discharge cycles, and confirming that the engine starts promptly without prolonged cranking. All fluids, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid, degrade with calendar age rather than mileage alone, and a low-mileage vehicle is just as susceptible to moisture absorption in the brake fluid or glycol depletion in the coolant as one covering high annual distances; service book stamps and dated service invoices should be examined to confirm that annual or biennial fluid changes have been carried out regardless of odometer readings. Under-bonnet and under-vehicle examination should look for evidence of fluid leaks, perished rubber hoses, and corrosion to structural areas such as suspension mounting points and the rear subframe. Finally, on a road test, listen for any clonks or rattles from the suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes, drop links, or coil springs, and verify that the steering is free from excessive play or vibration.