2013 KIA RIO 1.4L Petrol · SW62 LVC

The vehicle is currently in an unroadworthy state with a clear trend of worsening mechanical degradation. The most recent test on January 13 2026 at 118,057 miles resulted in a significant failure involving multiple critical safety and environmental defects. While previous years showed persistent surface-level corrosion issues, the recent appearance of a leaking fuel tank and extensive brake pipe corrosion indicates that the vehicle's underbody has reached a point where reactive maintenance is no longer sufficient to ensure safety. The recorded mileage of 118,057 miles over 13 years reflects an average usage of approximately 9,000 miles per annum, which is consistent with typical UK patterns for this age. The data shows consistent annual testing, with roughly 7,500 miles covered between the January 2024 and January 2025 tests. However, despite this moderate mileage, the vehicle has suffered from accelerated structural decay, suggesting that the damage is driven by environmental factors or lack of preventative treatment rather than high-mileage wear. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the structural integrity of the chassis, as both the front and rear sub-frames have been flagged for corrosion since at least 2024. The 2026 failure highlights a leaking fuel tank and corroded retaining straps, which are high-priority items requiring immediate replacement to prevent fire. Furthermore, the braking system shows a recurring history of binding calipers, fluctuating discs, and corroded pipes, suggesting the entire braking assembly is nearing the end of its functional life. The suspension also requires attention, specifically the anti-roll bar linkage ball joint which was found severely deteriorated in the latest test. Given the persistent nature of the brake issues and the advancing structural rust, the cost to bring this vehicle back to a reliable roadworthy condition may quickly exceed its current market value. Any prospective buyer should verify that the corrosion on the sub-frames has not progressed into structural thinning, which would render the vehicle a failure.