2010 KIA Ceed 1.6L Diesel · WF60 PLJ

A recurring pattern of rubber component degradation, specifically regarding drive shaft boots and suspension dust covers, defines the mechanical history of this vehicle. While the most recent test on 10 September 2025 resulted in a pass, it carried a minor advisory for a severely deteriorated nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover, a component that previously caused a failure in 2021. The overall trend shows a susceptibility to perished seals and boots, with multiple failures recorded for constant velocity boots on both the nearside and offside front inner drive shafts between 2023 and 2024. The recorded mileage of 85,352 miles is low for a sixteen-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,334 miles per year. This low annual accumulation suggests the car has not been subjected to heavy long-distance wear on the engine or gearbox. However, the prevalence of perished rubber seals and boots in the MOT history is often characteristic of vehicles that have spent significant time stationary or have been used for short trips, where rubber components degrade due to age and environmental exposure rather than mechanical mileage. During a physical inspection and test drive, specific attention must be paid to the front drivetrain and suspension. The history of split constant velocity boots suggests a risk of joint wear; listen for rhythmic clicking or popping sounds when steering at full lock or during tight low-speed manoeuvres. Given the current advisory and previous failure regarding the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover, feel for any looseness in the steering or listen for knocking sounds when driving over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces. Further scrutiny is required regarding the braking system and external seals. A 2023 advisory flagged the potential fitment of incorrect brake pads on the front axle, which should be verified by inspecting the pad fitment and thickness. On the test drive, check for any unusual pedal judder or uneven braking force. Additionally, the recorded damage to the offside seal should be checked for active leaks or ingress of water, as this may affect the interior or structural integrity of the door assembly.