2016 KIA Niro 1.6L Hybrid electric (clean) · LL66 WRT

The most recent MOT, dated 1 December 2025, was passed but noted an advisory that a rear child seat prevented a full inspection of the adult belt. Over the last six years the record shows a mixed picture: the vehicle passed in 2020, 2021 and early 2022, then failed in October 2022 with a dangerous front‑tyre bulge, a damaged off‑side front tyre, a nail in the rear tyre and a non‑functioning front side‑repeater. A subsequent pass in November 2023 carried an advisory of thin off‑side rear brake pads, while the November 2024 test recorded a major engine MIL fault. The latest pass suggests the most serious defects have been remedied, yet the recurrence of electronic and brake‑related advisories indicates the maintenance trend is only marginally stabilising rather than clearly improving. At ten years old the car has logged 63 226 miles, averaging roughly 6 300 miles per year, which is well below the UK average of about 10‑12 000 miles annually. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited use or extended storage, which can be gentler on wear items but can also promote age‑related deterioration such as tyre perishing, battery sulphation and fluid breakdown. The modest mileage does not automatically guarantee component health; rather it shifts the focus to calendar‑based wear rather than distance‑based wear. When you inspect the vehicle, give particular attention to the tyre set. Verify that the front‑tyre bulge reported in 2022 has been rectified and that the off‑side front tyre, previously described as cracked or perishing, has been replaced with tyres of adequate tread depth and uniform wear. Look for any signs of sidewall cracking, bulges or uneven wear that could indicate internal damage. During a test drive listen for thumping, vibration or a pull to one side, especially at higher speeds, which would suggest a lingering tyre or wheel‑balance issue. Also confirm that the side‑repeater lamp now operates, as a non‑functioning warning light can mask other electronic faults. Beyond the tyres, examine the rear brake pads on the off‑side, which were flagged as thin; check for squealing, pedal feel and any pulsation that could indicate worn discs or uneven pad wear. A diagnostic scan should be performed to clear the engine MIL warning and to read any stored fault codes, as unresolved emission‑control faults can affect fuel economy and may re‑trigger a failure at the next MOT. Inspect the suspension bushes and coil springs for any looseness or creaking, and verify that there is no corrosion on the chassis, undercarriage or wheel arches that could have developed during periods of inactivity. Test the 12 V battery voltage and check its age; a battery older than three years may need replacement. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil, coolant and brake‑fluid changes, as fluids degrade with time even on low‑mileage cars, and ensure that any recommended time‑based services have been carried out before committing to purchase.