2019 KIA RIO 1.2L Petrol · WR19 HFJ

The Kia Rio holds a valid MOT pass from 16 April 2026 at 38,319 miles, but the maintenance trend shows a brief worsening sharply reversed within a week. The 10 April 2026 test at 38,307 miles failed the car for near-side and off-side front lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers that no longer blocked dirt ingress, plus slight play in the near-side front track rod end ball joint. Six days later the pass retained the track rod end advisory and added slight rear tyre perishing, confirming the suspension boots were fixed while steering wear lingers. Mileage accumulation sits low for a 2019 registered vehicle, averaging 5,474 miles per year across its life. Records show 24,843 miles at the 14 April 2023 test, rising to 31,833 by 5 April 2024, then 35,645 by 16 April 2025 and 38,319 by April 2026. Annual distances dropped from roughly 7,000 to under 3,000 miles, indicating lighter use or extended standing periods in later years. The consistent yearly testing from 2023 onward provides a clean baseline, though no data exists for the first three years. A buyer must inspect the near-side front track rod end for perceptible movement and verify both front lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers are intact, since the earlier failure implies the previous owner ignored boot degradation. Rear tyres exhibit cracking and perishing in the 2025 and 2026 tests; this consumable ageing poses no structural threat but demands new rubber. The front plate's deteriorated state recurs from April 2025, signalling the keeper skipped a trivial replacement. No corrosion, brake disc wear or structural advisories appear in the record. Front tyre edge wear flagged in April 2024 has not recurred, likely rectified by renewal. The low mileage and consistent annual testing suggest careful if sporadic use, leaving the Rio roadworthy once the open advisories are cleared.