2018 KIA Stonic 1.6L Diesel · SL18 OVC

The 2018 Kia Stonic presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a completely clean MOT pass on 16 June 2026 at 63,416 miles with zero defects recorded. This current outcome marks a significant turnaround from the preceding test cycles, which were characterised by multiple tyre and suspension defects. The progression from a failure in May 2024 to a fully advisory-free pass in June 2026 suggests the previous owner addressed the flagged items promptly and has maintained the vehicle to a consistent standard over the last two years. The mileage accumulation of roughly 7,900 miles per year sits squarely within the typical range for an eight-year-old supermini. The annual increments between tests are steady: approximately 6,700 miles between May 2023 and May 2024, and roughly 4,700 miles between June 2025 and June 2026. There are no alarming gaps in the record that would suggest long periods of disuse or sudden high-mileage accumulation, and the 2025 test at 58,720 miles confirms the vehicle has been driven regularly throughout its life. Despite the clean recent record, the 2024 failure warrants close attention during any physical inspection. The tester flagged a serious fluid leak from the offside rear shock absorber, which is a component that directly affects damping performance and structural integrity under load. A buyer should thoroughly inspect the offside rear suspension for residual oil misting, corrosion on the damper body, and any uneven tyre wear that might indicate the unit has not been replaced or is still weeping. The coil spring and top mount on that corner also deserve a careful check for fatigue or rust jacking. The recurring tyre wear advisories across all four corners in May 2024 point toward either aggressive driving habits or a misalignment issue that may have since been corrected. The May 2023 test also flagged binding rear service brakes and pitted front brake discs, which together suggest the braking system has historically run hot or suffered from sticking calipers. A test drive should verify that the handbrake releases fully, the vehicle tracks straight under braking, and there is no judder through the pedal. Inspect the rear caliper slides and the condition of the front discs and pads for any uneven scoring that could indicate the original faults were only partially resolved.