2018 KIA Picanto 1.0L Petrol · RV68 ACU

A clear pattern of brake-related advisories has emerged across the last three MOT tests, while the front tyres have now begun to show their age at the most recent examination on 13 July 2026. The 2026 test was a pass, but the front tyres were flagged for slight damage, cracking or perishing on both sides, a typical finding for a vehicle of this age regardless of mileage. The 2025 test, also a pass, recorded worn, pitted or scored front brake discs on both sides, indicating that the rotors have reached a serviceable but degraded state. The 2024 test similarly passed but advised that both the offside rear brake pad and the offside front outer brake pad were wearing thin, suggesting the friction material was approaching the threshold where replacement would soon be required. By contrast, the 2022 and 2023 tests returned clean pass results with no advisories at all, which means the deteriorating brake components and tyre condition have only become apparent in the latter half of the recorded MOT history rather than being a long-standing concern. At 60,653 miles over an eight-year lifespan, the Picanto has covered roughly 7,582 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a small city car of this generation and indicates fairly regular but not excessive use. There are no significant gaps between annual tests and no erratic mileage jumps that would point to clock irregularities or extended periods off the road. This steady accumulation rate is consistent with the kind of urban and short-journey driving the Picanto is designed for, and mechanically it means the wear patterns recorded in the advisories are proportionate to the mileage rather than disproportionately advanced. The consistency of annual testing also means there is no hidden history of long storage that could have produced issues such as seized brakes, perished seals, or deteriorated fluid systems. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas for inspection are the brake discs and pads that have already been flagged, together with the cracking tyres now noted. The front brake discs were recorded as pitted and scored in 2025, and on this 2026 test there is no fresh advisory on them, but it would be prudent to feel for vibration through the brake pedal or steering wheel under firm braking, as warped or excessively corroded discs will often produce a noticeable pulse. Listen also for any grinding or metallic scraping noises from the front wheels during low-speed manoeuvres, which would indicate that the pads have worn beyond the thin stage noted in 2024. Inspect the visible inner and outer faces of the front discs for a pronounced lip at the outer edge and check whether the disc surface is deeply scored rather than simply lightly marked. The offside front and offside rear pads flagged in 2024 should also be visually inspected through the wheel spokes to confirm remaining friction material thickness. On the road, pay particular attention to any pulling to one side under braking, which can indicate a binding caliper or uneven pad wear, and test the handbrake on a slope to ensure it holds securely given the rear brake pad advisory. The front tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, bulges, or embedded damage, as the 2026 advisory noted perishing on both sides and perished rubber will progressively worsen regardless of tread depth. Given the age of the vehicle, also inspect the underside for any emerging corrosion on suspension arms, brake pipes, and exhaust components, none of which have yet been flagged but are common age-related concerns on cars entering their ninth year. Finally, check that the steering remains free of clonks over speed bumps and that the car tracks straight on a flat road, as these are practical indicators of suspension bush wear that the MOT record has not yet highlighted but would be expected to develop over time.