2013 KIA Picanto 1.0L Petrol · LT13 BWH

The vehicle achieved a PASS at its most recent MOT test on 14 May 2026, but this was accompanied by two advisory items, one minor defect, and notably absent any recorded advisories or defects at the immediately prior two tests in May 2025 and May 2024 (the latter being a re-test following a failure). The most recent test outcome, while legally compliant, shows a clear departure from the clean pass status of 2025 and indicates emerging wear items on consumable and suspension components. The advisory concerning the offside rear brake pipe being corroded and covered in grease suggests either a temporary masking of surface corrosion or an active corrosion issue that warrants closer inspection, as brake pipe integrity is critical for safe hydraulic operation. The front suspension arm pin or bush wear advisory points to a deteriorated bush that is not yet causing excessive movement but is on a clear wear progression, while the nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover being severely deteriorated allows contamination ingress which will accelerate joint wear. This represents a noticeable uptick in advisory items compared to the immediately preceding two clean tests, suggesting either a maintenance lapse or accelerating component wear consistent with the higher annual mileage now being accumulated. The May 2024 failure, while subsequently rectified to enable a pass, included a dangerous defect for significantly weakened offside front seat belt webbing, which is particularly concerning as this was an active safety system failure that required immediate rectification rather than mere advisory attention. With recorded mileage of 112,993 over approximately 13 years, the vehicle has covered an annual average of 8,692 miles, which is broadly typical for its age and slightly above the UK average for city cars of this era. The MOT history indicates relatively consistent annual usage with no extended periods of standing unused, though the rapid turnover of front tyre advisories and front suspension component wear does suggest the vehicle is now being driven more regularly or has reached a mileage threshold where consumable wear accelerates. The front tyres are of particular concern, having appeared as advisory items at both the most recent test and as far back as May 2022 with perishing noted, indicating a recurring pattern of either aggressive front-end geometry, premature inner edge wear from alignment issues, or potentially worn suspension components allowing camber disturbance. For a 2013 Picanto now approaching 113,000 miles, the timing chain, clutch, and engine mount components are also reaching typical replacement intervals and should be specifically inspected. A prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection with particular attention to the brake system given the recent advisory on the offside rear brake pipe corrosion. Request that the seller demonstrate the vehicle on a lift or ramp to visually inspect the offside rear brake pipe for pitting or active corrosion beneath any grease coating, as grease application is sometimes used to mask corrosion concerns. On a test drive, listen for any metallic scraping from the rear offside wheel indicative of corroded brake components, and feel for any pulling to one side under moderate deceleration which could indicate a seized or binding caliper, particularly relevant given the May 2024 advisory noting rear service brake binding. Inspect the front suspension on full lock both ways for any knocking or clunking from the offside front suspension arm bush, and check for uneven tyre wear across the full tread width suggesting geometry misalignment or worn bushes. The deteriorated anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover on the nearside front should be inspected for play by attempting to rock the joint manually, as ingress of dirt and moisture will rapidly progress to a failed joint requiring replacement. Additional checks appropriate for this age and mileage include a thorough inspection of all seat belt webbing for fraying, cuts, or weakened stitching, given the dangerous defect recorded at the 2024 failure for the offside front belt, ensuring any replacement was completed with a manufacturer-approved unit and that the remaining belts show no similar degradation. Inspect the front tyres for perishing cracks in the sidewalls, which is a particular concern on a thirteen-year-old car, and check the production date codes on all tyres including the rear pair to confirm they are not aged beyond six years regardless of remaining tread depth. Verify the 12V battery health, as a battery of this age is likely approaching end of service life and could fail without warning, particularly relevant if the vehicle is used for short urban journeys. Confirm the timing belt or chain replacement history according to manufacturer schedule, inspect the exhaust system for corrosion at joints and mounting rubbers, and verify all fluid replacement histories including engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid (which degrades on a calendar basis regardless of mileage and should be renewed every two years), and coolant. Finally, given the recurring pattern of front tyre edge wear, have the wheel alignment professionally checked before fitting new tyres to prevent premature recurrence of the same wear pattern.