2010 KIA Venga 1.4L Petrol · WD10 BFY

A pattern of front‑end wear and leakage defines this Venga’s mechanical story: multiple MOTs have recorded deteriorating lower suspension‑arm dust covers, excessive play in both front track‑rod ends and a fractured nearside front coil spring, while an oil leak escalated from advisory to a major failure in early 2024 before being cleared in the most recent July 2026 test, which passed without recorded defects. The recent clean result shows the leak has been remedied, yet the recurrence of front suspension and steering component failures signals a concentration of wear that should be scrutinised before purchase. At 96,616 mi the vehicle averages just over 6,000 mi per year, a figure that sits within normal UK usage for a sixteen‑year‑old car. The MOT chronology shows no large gaps in testing, indicating the mileage has been logged consistently. However, the relatively low annual accumulation means the engine and drivetrain may have experienced lighter loads, while the front suspension and steering assemblies have borne the majority of the wear, as reflected by the repeated advisories and failures despite modest overall mileage. Prospective buyers should give the front suspension and steering a thorough road‑test. Listen for clunks or knocks when passing over bumps, and feel for any looseness or wandering under steering input, which could betray worn ball‑joint dust covers, a compromised Macpherson strut top mount, or lingering track‑rod end play. Inspect the nearside and offside lower suspension arms for corrosion or cracked dust‑cover material, and check that the coil springs are intact and free of rust, especially the nearside spring that previously fractured. Verify that the rear sub‑frame shows no signs of structural weakening beyond the advisory note, and confirm that brake pads have been replaced if the thin‑pad advisory from 2024 persists, watching for reduced pedal feel or pulsation during braking. The oil leak that prompted a major failure in February 2024 must be confirmed as fully resolved; a visual inspection of the engine bay for fresh oil traces around the valve cover, oil filter housing and gasket areas is essential, and a short idle should be observed for any fresh drips. Additionally, ensure the off‑side front position lamp now operates, as its failure was recorded in early 2023. Finally, verify tyre tread depth and sidewall condition, given the 2024 advisories about both front tyres being close to the legal limit, and confirm that the tyres are still within safe wear limits before committing to the purchase.