2012 KIA Ceed 1.6L Diesel · LM12 FWR

Critical tyre safety issues and lighting defects defined the most recent inspection of this vehicle, with a failed test on 04 October 2024 highlighting dangerous tread depth levels and exposed cords on the nearside rear tyre. While the vehicle secured a pass on 07 October 2024 following these rectifications, the sudden appearance of dangerous tyre defects suggests a period of significant wear or a lack of attention to consumable safety items. This follows a relatively clean 2023 result, indicating that the vehicle's roadworthiness has fluctuated between a defect-free state and high-risk failures within a twelve-month window. The recorded mileage of 156,005 miles over approximately fourteen years represents a consistent usage pattern of roughly 11,143 miles per year. This annual accumulation is typical for a vehicle of this age and suggests regular road use rather than long periods of stationary storage. From a mechanical standpoint, this level of mileage implies that high-wear components such as suspension bushes, dampers, and drivetrain elements will have undergone significant cycles of use, and the recent tyre failures may be symptomatic of the natural progression of wear associated with this distance. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the braking system, as the 2022 MOT history recorded advisories for pitted or scored front brake discs on both sides, alongside fluctuating service brakes at the rear. During a test drive, it is essential to check for any pedal judder or vibration when applying the brakes at various speeds, which could indicate uneven disc wear or sticking calipers. Furthermore, the presence of fluctuating rear brakes warrants a check for binding or uneven braking force, which may manifest as a pulling sensation toward one side during deceleration. The recent history of lighting failures, specifically the offside registration plate lamp and front position lamp, necessitates a thorough visual inspection of all exterior bulbs and electrical connections to ensure no intermittent faults persist. Given the previous dangerous tyre defects, a close examination of the current tread depth and sidewall integrity on all four tyres is mandatory. Listen for any rhythmic thumping or uneven road noise during the test drive, which could indicate that the tyres have been driven while heavily worn or that there is underlying suspension wear contributing to irregular tyre patterns.