2017 KIA Picanto 1.2L Petrol · R19 EAV

The most recent MOT test for the 2017 Kia Picanto was conducted on 2025-09-03 and resulted in a passing grade, though it included several persistent advisories that warrant careful consideration. The overall maintenance trend over the past two years appears to be relatively stable, with no repeated failures beyond the noted advisories, though the vehicle’s tyre condition has fluctuated significantly. The 2024 failure highlighted critical tyre defects—including exposed ply on the offside rear tyre and tread depth below the legal minimum—which suggest either prior neglect or an incident that compromised tyre integrity. In contrast, the 2023 tests, while also failing due to tyre issues, at least avoided the severe structural sidewall damage seen in 2024, indicating some improvement in tyre management or replacement. The advisories on brake pad wear and disc condition remain consistent, indicating routine but necessary attention to friction system maintenance. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 69,427 miles at the time of this assessment represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 7,714 miles per year, which is typical for a nine-year-old car driven under normal conditions. The mileage data does not suggest either excessive wear from high annual mileage or prolonged idleness, though the presence of tyre defects—particularly the exposed ply and sidewall tears—could indicate either a history of low-quality tyres, poor road conditions, or an incident that caused sudden wear. The gaps between MOT tests vary, with some intervals spanning over a year, which may reflect seasonal use patterns or periods of reduced operation. For a vehicle of this age, the wear observed in the suspension arm ball joint and brake components is expected, but the severity of these advisories should be monitored closely, as progressive joint play or brake disc pitting could lead to alignment or performance issues over time. As a prospective buyer, your primary inspection focus should be on the tyre condition, given the recurring and critical failures recorded in the MOT history. The exposed ply on the offside rear tyre and the sidewall cracks or tears on multiple tyres are highly concerning and suggest a need for immediate replacement, as these defects compromise structural integrity and safety. During a test drive, listen for uneven tyre wear patterns, which may indicate misalignment or suspension issues, and check for any unusual vibrations or pulling sensations that could correlate with tyre or wheel balance problems. Additionally, verify that all tyres meet the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm and ensure no further sidewall damage is visible. Beyond tyres, inspect the brake system for signs of excessive heat damage, such as glazed or warped discs, which may accompany the noted disc pitting. Listen for a consistent brake pedal feel and test the stopping distance to rule out binding calipers or worn brake pads, which could exacerbate the thin pad advisories seen in the latest MOT. For the suspension and mechanical components, the advisories on the offside front suspension arm ball joint with slight play indicate that this area may require attention to prevent increased wear or alignment issues. During the test drive, observe for clunking noises from the front suspension, particularly when driving over bumps or at speed, as this could confirm the presence of excessive joint play. Check for uneven suspension travel or alignment discrepancies, which may manifest as leaning tendencies or uneven tyre wear. The brake disc advisories, while not failing the MOT, should be addressed promptly to prevent further pitting or warping, which could lead to reduced braking performance or the need for costly disc replacement. Lastly, given the vehicle’s age and the potential for standing corrosion, particularly on the brake discs and suspension components, conduct a visual inspection of these areas for signs of rust or binding. If the vehicle has been stored for extended periods, ensure the battery is fully charged and the alternator is functioning correctly to prevent electrical system failures. For fluid systems, check the brake, coolant, and power steering fluids for contamination or degradation, as these can become less effective over time, even without mileage accumulation.