2018 KIA RIO 1.4L Diesel · WG67 XTS

The 2018 KIA Rio presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a completely clean MOT pass on 30 September 2025 at 142,164 miles with zero defects recorded. That recent pass is significant because it follows a period of recurring tyre wear and a brake pad failure, suggesting the previous owner addressed those issues promptly rather than neglecting them. The absence of any advisories or failures in the most recent test indicates the vehicle is currently in sound mechanical order. The mileage accumulation tells a clear story of sustained high use. Between the October 2022 test at 65,571 miles and the October 2023 test at 91,405 miles, the car covered roughly 25,800 miles in twelve months. The following year saw a similar pace, jumping to 116,707 miles by October 2024. Yet the final interval between October 2024 and September 2025 shows a marked slowdown, adding only around 25,457 miles. More striking is the complete halt in recorded use after the September 2025 test, with no mileage increase since. That gap of over eight months without movement raises a question about whether the car has been sitting idle, which can cause its own problems such as flat-spotted tyres, stale fuel, and moisture-related corrosion in the brake system and exhaust. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering geometry. The record shows repeated inner edge wear on both nearside and offside front tyres across multiple years, a classic symptom of worn suspension bushes, deteriorated track rod ends, or incorrect toe alignment. While the most recent MOT found no tyre defects, the underlying wear pattern may have been masked by recent replacement tyres rather than properly diagnosed. Inspect the inner sidewalls closely and check for any uneven wear on the current rubber. The October 2023 failure for front brake pads below 1.5 mm, followed by an immediate retest pass four days later, confirms the pads were replaced. Examine the front brake discs for lipping and scoring, and check the rear calipers for any tendency to bind, as high-mileage city use often leads to sticking slide pins. Given the period of inactivity since September 2025, test the brakes for judder or pull on the first drive and inspect the underside for any fresh surface corrosion on brake lines or exhaust components that can develop during prolonged standing.