2017 KIA Soul 1.6L Diesel · LM67 TYK

The defining mechanical concern across the MOT history of this 2017 Kia Soul is a recurring pattern of wear around the front suspension and braking system, with the most recent test on 10 March 2026 recording a pass alongside an advisory for an offside rear handbrake cable sticking. Just twelve months earlier, on 4 March 2025, the vehicle failed on majors for excessive wear on both rear bushes of the front lower suspension arms, and although it passed again on 14 March 2025 with the front brake discs noted as corroded and the offside rear brake pads flagged as close to their wear limit, the underlying issue had clearly progressed rather than resolved. The history also shows earlier advisories on the same front lower arm rear bushes in February 2024, which suggests a component wear pattern that has been monitored across at least three consecutive tests before reaching failure threshold. Combined with consistent brake disc and pad advisories across multiple years, the record points to a chassis whose consumable wear items are advancing at a steady rate rather than a vehicle exhibiting isolated incidents. Against an age of roughly nine years and a recorded mileage of 75,212, the annual accumulation works out at approximately 8,357 miles per year, which sits broadly within typical parameters for a vehicle of this vintage and indicates regular rather than occasional use. The MOT record itself shows a near-continuous annual testing cadence with no multi-year gaps, meaning the recorded mileage history is likely reflective of consistent road use rather than periods of standing or extended storage. This pattern is mechanically relevant because the wear items flagged, in particular the front suspension bushes, rear brake discs, and handbrake mechanism, are consistent with what would be expected on a car in active service rather than one suffering from neglect through disuse. That said, the mileage itself does not offer any protection from the recorded defects, as the front lower arm rear bushes are component-specific wear parts that deteriorate on a timescale related to road and load conditions irrespective of annual mileage. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas for physical inspection and test drive assessment should centre on the front suspension and braking system. The front lower control arm rear bushes have now failed at MOT on both sides within the last eighteen months, and replacement of both arms or just the bush inserts should be confirmed with the seller along with evidence of the work carried out between the March 2025 failure and the subsequent pass later that month. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps and potholes, and feel for vagueness or wandering through the steering which would indicate the bushes have not been properly renewed. The handbrake cable advisory recorded at the most recent test warrants specific attention: on a stationary pull, check that the offside rear mechanism applies and releases cleanly without a noticeable delay or stick, and verify that the lever travel is within normal range, as a binding cable can also drag and cause premature rear pad wear. The rear brake components flagged in 2025 also merit a closer look before purchase, as corroded rear discs and pads approaching their limit in March 2025 may not have been replaced in the twelve months since. On a road test, expect firm and progressive pedal feel without excessive travel, and listen for any scraping or grinding from the rear under light braking which would indicate worn pads contacting corroded discs. From a standing start, apply the footbrake firmly and check for any pulling to one side, as a sticking caliper or seized handbrake cable on the offside could create asymmetry. Finally, although the rear tyres were noted as worn close to the legal limit in 2024, they should now have been replaced at least once since, so confirm tread depth visually and check the sidewalls for any cracking or bulging associated with age-related rubber degradation.