2016 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · HK66 AAJ

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 20 November 2025, but the overall maintenance trend suggests a period of stagnation regarding preventative repairs. While the car has consistently passed its annual inspections, there is a concerning pattern of recurring advisories that have not been addressed between tests. Specifically, the persistence of steering and tyre issues indicates that the vehicle has been maintained to the minimum legal standard rather than being kept in peak mechanical condition. With a recorded mileage of 68,035 miles over approximately ten years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 6,800 miles per year. This represents a typical usage profile for a family SUV, suggesting that the drivetrain and engine have not been subjected to excessive wear. However, this level of usage means that while mechanical wear from distance is moderate, the vehicle is now at an age where rubber components, such as suspension bushes and engine mounts, may begin to perish due to calendar age regardless of the relatively low mileage. A primary area of concern is the recurring advisory for play in the steering rack inner joints, which has appeared in consecutive tests. During a test drive, you should listen for clicking or knocking sounds when turning the steering wheel and feel for any vagueness or instability in the steering response at cruising speeds. This defect typically progresses until the vehicle fails an MOT, and rectification will likely involve the replacement of the inner tie rods followed by a professional four-wheel alignment. Furthermore, the repeated advisories regarding inner edge wear on the front tyres strongly suggest a persistent wheel alignment issue or worn suspension components, such as control arm bushes. You should physically inspect the front tyre treads for uneven wear and check the service history to see if a tracking adjustment has ever been performed. Additionally, given the previous advisories for thinning brake pads, ensure that the current pads have sufficient material remaining and that the brake discs are free from excessive corrosion or lip formation, which can occur if the vehicle has spent periods of time stationary.