2012 KIA SPORTAGE1.7L DIESEL

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift from clean inspections to emerging wear and tear. The most recent test in August 2025 at 85,737 miles identified multiple suspension and tyre issues that were not present in previous years. While the car passed without failures, the appearance of a corroded rear coil spring and damaged track rod end dust covers indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase where rubber and metal components require proactive replacement due to its age. The mileage pattern is consistent with a low-use vehicle, averaging approximately 6,100 miles per year over fourteen years. Between August 2021 and August 2025, the car covered 16,164 miles, maintaining a steady rate of travel. This low mileage likely explains why the vehicle had clean records during the 2022 and 2023 tests, but the recent accumulation of corrosion and wear-related advisories suggests that age-related degradation is now the primary factor of concern regardless of the low distance driven. A buyer should inspect the front suspension geometry closely, ensuring the track rod end dust covers flagged in the 2025 test have been replaced to prevent premature joint failure. The corroded rear coil spring also requires examination for structural thinning, as surface rust can quickly progress to a fracture. Given the history of thin brake pads in 2021 and uneven tyre wear in 2024, a physical check of the current brake system and tyre alignment is necessary to ensure the previous owner has addressed these recurring maintenance items.