2009 KIA Picanto 1.1L Petrol · RO59 ODH

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend indicates a reactive rather than proactive approach. In the most recent test in September 2025 at 69,261 miles, the car failed initially due to exposed cords on a tyre and worn suspension arm bushes. While it passed upon re-test, the recurring nature of failures across multiple years related to lighting, wipers, and safety equipment suggests that the owner only addresses mechanical issues once they reach the point of legal failure. At 17 years old, the recorded mileage of 69,261 miles is notably low, averaging approximately 4,000 miles per year. This low-intensity use often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components rather than traditional mechanical wear. Between August 2023 and September 2024, the vehicle covered roughly 5,500 miles, yet this period saw a cluster of failures including a weakened offside front seat belt and failing windscreen wipers. This pattern suggests the car may sit for long periods, leading to perished seals and dry-rott components. A buyer must personally inspect the front suspension thoroughly, as both the nearside and offside lower suspension arm bushes were flagged as worn in the 2025 test. Despite the low mileage, these components are showing signs of fatigue likely due to the age of the vehicle. The history also shows a trend of uneven tyre wear on the nearside front in 2024, which often indicates an alignment issue or worn shocks that have not been fully addressed. The structural integrity of the seat belts requires close attention, as the offside front webbing was found to be significantly weakened in 2024. Given the recurring presence of child seats preventing full inspections of the adult belts, the buyer should ensure all safety matting devices are functional and free of fraying or corrosion, as the tester's access was previously restricted. Check for any significant surface corrosion on the undercarriage, as low-mileage vehicles of this era are susceptible to hidden rust if stored in damp environments.