2015 KIA Picanto 1.0L Petrol · ST65 FKA

The latest recorded MOT test on 15 October 2025 resulted in a PASS with no defects or advisories, which is the cleanest outcome in the available history. However, evaluating the broader trend reveals a concerning pattern that any prospective buyer must weigh carefully. The vehicle failed its test on 23 September 2025 with multiple major defects including an excessively corroded offside front brake pipe, a worn offside front suspension arm ball joint, an inoperative offside parking brake, and overall parking brake efficiency below requirements. This was followed shortly thereafter by a clean pass, suggesting repairs were carried out. Looking further back, the car failed in September 2024 with dangerously defective rear tyres and multiple corroded brake pipes across the front-to-rear run, and again in September 2023 with parking brake issues and electrical faults. The recurrence of brake pipe corrosion, suspension wear on the offside front, and parking brake irregularities across three consecutive years suggests either localised neglect, persistent exposure to corrosive conditions such as winter road salt, or the gradual deterioration of components common to a vehicle now eleven years old. The recorded mileage of 79,424 miles over an eleven-year period equates to roughly 7,220 miles annually, which sits squarely within typical usage parameters for a small city car of this type. There are no dramatic gaps in mileage accumulation between tests, with the readings progressing steadily from year to year, indicating the vehicle has been in regular service rather than left standing for extended periods. This consistent usage is mechanically favourable because it implies that consumables such as brake fluid, tyres, and the 12V battery have been exercised regularly, reducing the risk of issues associated with long-term inactivity such as brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, or battery sulphation. Nevertheless, the mileage combined with age places the vehicle in a phase where original or recently renewed components are ageing simultaneously, particularly rubber and metal items exposed to corrosion. The most significant area of concern in the MOT record is the repeated appearance of brake pipe corrosion, first flagged in 2023 as advisories on the offside rear and front-to-rear pipes, escalating to major failures in 2024 across the main front-to-rear pipes and offside rear, and resurfacing as a major failure on the offside front in 2025. This pattern indicates that the braking system's metal hydraulic lines have been deteriorating progressively, likely due to age and environmental exposure. A buyer should physically inspect the entire length of visible brake piping for surface rust, flaking, or pitting, and should request documentation confirming whether the 2025 replacement involved a full section or a localised repair. On a test drive, listen for any sponginess or excessive travel in the brake pedal, and verify that the handbrake holds the vehicle securely on an incline, since the parking brake faults in 2023 and 2025 suggest the rear mechanism, cables, or shoes may require attention. The suspension advisories and the ball joint failure on the offside front warrant close physical inspection of the front suspension assembly, including a check for perished or cracked suspension bushes, worn ball joints, and any play in the steering or wheel bearings. On a road test, listen for clonking or knocking noises over bumps, particularly from the offside front, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering response. The 2024 failure noting an insecure battery also suggests inspecting the battery tray, securing clamp, and terminal condition, while the 2023 daytime running light and washer faults, although minor, indicate a need to verify all electrical systems operate correctly. Beyond the recorded defects, given the vehicle's age, the buyer should also examine the tyres closely for sidewall cracking or perishing even if tread depth remains adequate, inspect the coolant and brake fluid for age-related degradation, and confirm the timing belt or chain service interval status along with full service history stamps to verify that age-related maintenance has been diligently observed.