2018 KIA Carens 1.7L Diesel · NJ18 HRO

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a persistent failure to address recurring mechanical issues. In the most recent test in December 2025 at 25,485 miles, the tester again flagged rear service brake binding and thin pads on both front and rear axles. This mirrors findings from the December 2024 test at 21,691 miles, indicating that the owner has neglected basic brake maintenance despite multiple MOT warnings highlighting these defects. At eight years old, the recorded mileage of 25,485 miles represents a low average of approximately 3,186 miles per year. This low usage profile often leads to rubber degradation and component seizing, which is evident in the December 2023 records. At 17,421 miles, the vehicle failed due to perished front tyres and significant structural sidewall tears on the rear tyres. The gap between the November 2022 test and the 2023 failure suggests the car may have sat for long periods, explaining the dry cracking of the tyres despite the low overall mileage. A buyer must personally inspect the braking system to identify the root cause of the recurring binding calipers. This often stems from seized slider pins or corroded piston seals caused by infrequent use. The consistent reportage of thin brake pads across three consecutive years suggests a reactive rather than proactive approach to vehicle care. Furthermore, the age and condition of the tyres should be checked for sidewall cracking, as the history proves the vehicle is prone to age-related rubber failure regardless of tread-wear.