2018 KIA Niro 1.6L Hybrid electric (clean) · SS68 DAD

The most recent MOT, carried out on 21 August 2026, recorded a pass but flagged a failure on the near‑side front headlamp for excessive aim. Apart from this isolated advisory, the vehicle has passed every test since its first recorded MOT in November 2021, with no other defects or advisories noted, indicating a generally stable maintenance record and no evidence of deteriorating condition over the past five years. At eight years old the car has accumulated 68 345 miles, averaging roughly 8 500 miles per annum. This is in line with typical UK usage and suggests the vehicle has not been subjected to unusually high annual mileage that would accelerate wear of major components. There are no large gaps in the recorded mileage, implying regular use rather than prolonged periods of standing, which can sometimes lead to corrosion or fluid degradation. The headlamp aim issue should be verified during a pre‑purchase inspection. Excessive upward aim can be a symptom of front‑suspension misalignment, worn steering geometry bushes, or an incorrectly positioned headlamp assembly. Request a professional alignment check and confirm that the headlamp housing is securely mounted and free from damage. While driving, listen for any clunking from the front suspension, feel for pulling to one side, and observe whether the beam pattern is correctly centred on the road. Correcting the aim is a relatively inexpensive fix, but it is worth confirming that the underlying alignment is sound to avoid premature tyre wear. Given the vehicle’s age, even with a clean MOT history, a thorough physical examination is advisable. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or uneven tread wear, which can develop from age or mis‑alignment. Test the 12‑volt battery voltage and check for any signs of sulfation, especially if the car has spent time idle. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and verify that the calipers move freely without binding. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil and filter changes, coolant flushes and that the electric‑drive battery health has been monitored according to Kia’s schedule, as time‑based degradation can affect range and performance.