2009 KIA Picanto 1.1L Petrol · LL59 HLG

Recurring suspension component wear and exhaust system issues define the mechanical profile of this vehicle, with the most recent test on 19 November 2025 showing a pass despite multiple advisories regarding suspension bushings and registration plate deterioration. A pattern of instability is evident in the recent history, specifically a failure on 17 November 2025 due to excessive exhaust emissions (Lambda reading) and a faulty anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover. While the vehicle has maintained a consistent testing frequency, the shift from a clean record in 2022 to repeated advisories concerning suspension arm pins and bushes in 2024 and 2025 suggests a progressive degradation of the front-end linkage components. The vehicle has covered 106,295 miles over approximately 17 years, representing an average annual usage of roughly 6,253 miles. This relatively low annual mileage is typical for a city-based vehicle but often subjects components to more frequent thermal cycles and short-trip driving conditions. Mechanically, this usage pattern can contribute to the specific issues noted in the records, such as the exhaust emission failure and the deterioration of rubber components like suspension bushes and anti-roll bar dust covers, which can perish more readily when subjected to intermittent use rather than sustained motorway mileage. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the front suspension during a test drive, as the MOT history consistently flags worn pins and bushes on both the nearside and offside front suspension arms, as well as play in the nearside front upper strut top mounting. You should listen for knocking, clunking, or creaking noises when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, and feel for any wandering or imprecise steering response that might indicate excessive play in these bushings or the strut bearings. The repeated advisories regarding worn, pitted, or scored brake discs in 2023 also warrant a physical inspection of the braking surfaces for heavy corrosion or uneven wear. Further inspection is required regarding the exhaust system and lighting. Given the recent major failure for exhaust emissions and previous advisories for defective exhaust mountings, check for excessive vibration from the engine or any audible rattling from underneath the car while idling or under acceleration. Additionally, ensure that the registration plate illumination and the front position lamps are fully operational, as these have been recurring points of failure or minor defects in recent years. Verify that the windscreen wipers provide clear visibility, as this was a recorded major failure in 2021.