2015 KIA RIO 1.2L Petrol · SH15 CVD

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the maintenance trend shows a recent shift toward minor mechanical defects. The most recent test in August 2025 at 18,822 miles resulted in a pass despite a non-hazardous oil leak and a nail in the nearside rear tyre. This follows a clean result in June 2024, indicating that while the car remains safe for road, it is beginning to show signs of wear associated with its age and usage patterns. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for an eleven-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 1,711 miles per year. There is a significant gap in usage between September 2022 and September 2023, where the car covered only 373 miles, followed by a more active period covering over six thousand miles in the following years. While low mileage generally reduces wear on the drivetrain and engine, it often leads to the degradation of rubber components, seals, and brake surfaces due to lack of thermal cycling and mechanical movement. A buyer must conduct a close inspection of the oil leak that appeared in both the 2023 and 2025 tests. Although the tester did not find it excessive, persistent leaks on low-mileage engines often indicate perished gaskets or seals that have become brittle over time. The failure in September 2023 regarding the worn offside front suspension arm ball joint and a torn dust cover suggests that suspension components are requiring attention. Verify that these parts, along with the remaining bushes, have been properly replaced and are currently free of play or perished rubberwork. Given the car likely sits for long periods, the buyer should also examine the tyres for flat spotting or age cracking and check the brake discs for surface corrosion or pitting.