2010 KIA Picanto 1.1L Petrol · YR10 XUC

The most recent MOT, conducted on 2026-02-04 at 110,058 miles, resulted in a pass, but the record reveals a worsening trend in braking system and exhaust integrity that demands attention. The vehicle failed the previous day on 2026-02-03 at the same recorded mileage, indicating a retest following urgent repairs. While the retest cleared the Lambda reading and the split nearside front CV boot, it left multiple serious advisories unresolved. Both front service brakes were flagged as binding, front brake imbalance only just met the minimum standard, several brake pipes were corroded and contaminated with grease or other material, and the exhaust had a minor leak. The tester also noted a cracked or perishing offside rear tyre and an inoperative nearside registration plate lamp. These are not minor cosmetic issues; binding brakes and corroded brake pipes directly compromise hydraulic integrity and stopping performance, and the exhaust leak raises concerns about emissions compliance and potential fume ingress into the cabin. The mileage pattern is notable for a sharp jump between January 2025 and February 2026. From 108,670 miles on 2025-01-24 to 110,058 miles on 2026-02-03, the vehicle covered 1,388 miles in just over one year, a very low figure that suggests limited use or a period of standing. Prior to that, the annual mileage was more consistent, rising from 104,344 miles in January 2023 to 106,586 miles in January 2024 and then to 108,670 miles in January 2025, averaging roughly 2,160 miles per year. The sudden drop in usage before the most recent tests raises the possibility that the car sat idle for extended periods, which can accelerate brake seizure, tyre perishing, and moisture ingress into brake lines and exhaust components, all of which are now appearing in the record. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the entire braking system. The repeated advisories on binding front brakes and corroded brake pipes across both the 2024 and 2026 tests suggest the corrosion issue was identified but not fully remedied. Have the brake pipes replaced, not merely cleaned, and confirm that the front calipers are not seized on their slides or pistons. The exhaust system also warrants close examination; a minor leak noted in February 2026 could worsen rapidly, particularly if the vehicle has been subjected to short journeys that prevent moisture evaporation from the system. Check the offside rear tyre for sidewall cracking and verify its age code, as perished rubber at this age and mileage is a known risk on lightly used city cars. Beyond the flagged items, inspect the underside for structural corrosion, paying attention to suspension mounting points and subframes, as the 2010 Picanto is susceptible to surface and structural rust in salted road conditions. The CV boot failure on the nearside front was resolved between the two February 2026 tests, but confirm the joint itself was not contaminated or damaged during the period it was split. Finally, verify that the nearside front driveshaft does not click under full lock, as this would indicate joint wear requiring replacement. The vehicle's low recent mileage does not offset the pattern of deferred maintenance now becoming visible in the MOT record.