2012 KIA Picanto 1.0L Petrol · SW12 AAY
2012 KIA Picanto (1.0L, petrol). First registered 24 Apr 2012. Recorded mileage 58,951 miles. MOT valid until 28 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- KIA PICANTO
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Aberdeen
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 28 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 58,951 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
SW12 AAY Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/10/2025
- 58,951 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SW12 AAY MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Kia Picanto (SW12 AAY) between October 2023 and October 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 17 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))”; “Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
SW12 AAY Mileage History
- 02/10/202349,637 mi
- 02/10/202349,637 mi
- 14/10/202453,929 mi+4,292 mi
- 16/10/202558,938 mi+5,009 mi
- 17/10/202558,951 mi+13 mi
Average of roughly 4,560 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A sensible choice for city driving, prov
When inspecting this specific 1.0L Picanto, your priority should be confirming that the offside rear brake pipe corrosion noted in October 2025 has been properly addressed and not merely cleaned. Ask for receipts to prove the replacement or repair of the brake pipe and the offside front track rod end.
Because the 2023 MOT recorded a worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, you should check the vehicle for any knocking sounds from the front suspension during a test drive. Ensure the steering feels precise and free from the play that caused the previous failure. Given the age of the vehicle, also check the condition of the tyres and headlamps, as these are common failure points for this model across the wider dataset.
The 998cc petrol engine is designed for efficiency, making it an economical option for urban environments. Expect relatively low insurance groups and tax bands typical for a small-capacity city car.
Maintenance costs for a Picanto are generally predictable, though you should budget for periodic replacement of suspension components like ball joints and track rod ends, as evidenced by this vehicle's history. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and basic maintenance, sit in the mid-range for small petrol cars.
Specifically inspect the braking system; the October 2025 MOT failure highlighted a corroded offside rear brake pipe covered in grease. Ensure the area is clean and the pipework shows no signs of further degradation.
Secondly, examine the front suspension. With failures recorded for both a track rod end (2025) and a lower suspension arm ball joint (2023), it is vital to check for any play in the steering or unusual noises when turning the wheel or driving over bumps. Finally, check the tyres and lighting, as these are the most frequent failure reasons for the Picanto model aggregate.
This 2012 red Kia Picanto has covered 58,951 miles, which is higher than the model average of 4,787 miles per year. While it has had two MOT failures since 2023, the most recent test in October 2025 was a pass following repairs to the brake pipe and track rod end. The vehicle has demonstrated periods of defect-free testing, notably in 2023 and 2024.
The Kia Picanto shows an average MOT pass rate of 80.3% across the dataset, with common issues relating to tyres, headlamps, and anti-roll bars.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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