2014 KIA Sorento 2.2L Diesel · HV14 UKL

The most recent MOT on 13 April 2026 was passed, but it carried an advisory that the front suspension arm pin or bush is worn. Over the last three years the vehicle has shown a pattern of recurring advisories – front brake discs have been noted as worn since October 2023, the off‑side track‑rod end ball joint has shown slight play on three occasions, and a front‑suspension arm bush was flagged in the latest test. In April 2025 the car failed due to an excessively binding off‑side front service brake, a serious safety issue that was rectified before the subsequent pass. While the latest result is a pass, the history indicates that wear items are not being fully resolved and that the overall maintenance trend is marginally deteriorating rather than improving. With 58 773 miles recorded on a 2014 model, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 4 900 mi, well below the typical 10‑12 000 mi per year for a vehicle of this age. Such low utilisation often points to long periods of inactivity, which can be as detrimental as high mileage. Prolonged standing can accelerate corrosion of suspension components, lead to brake disc rust, cause battery sulphation, and allow seals and hoses to dry out. Conversely, the modest mileage means that high‑wear items such as clutch plates, timing chain and major drivetrain bearings are likely to have more life remaining, provided they have been serviced at appropriate intervals. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front suspension and steering assembly. Inspect the front suspension arm bushes and pins for looseness, cracking or excessive play, and check the off‑side track‑rod end ball joint for any movement when the wheel is rocked at the 12 o’clock position. During a test drive listen for clunking or knocking from the front corners when turning or going over bumps, and feel for any steering wander that could indicate worn bushings. The brake system warrants a thorough check: the front discs have been flagged as worn for several years, so measure disc thickness and examine the pads for uneven wear; the previous binding of the off‑side service brake suggests a possible caliper piston or slide‑pin issue, so verify that the pedal feels firm, without a spongy or dragging sensation, and that the vehicle does not pull to one side when braking. If any of these symptoms are present, budget for replacement of the discs, pads, and possibly the off‑side caliper and track‑rod end. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, also examine age‑related items that are not mileage‑dependent. Check all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or tread separation, especially if the tyre dates are older than three years, and verify that the tread depth meets the legal minimum. Inspect the battery for signs of sulphation, low electrolyte levels or a weak cranking voltage; a load test at the garage is advisable. Examine the under‑carriage for rust, particularly around the wheel arches, suspension mounting points and exhaust hangers, as standing periods can promote corrosion. Finally, confirm that the service book shows timely oil, filter and coolant changes, and that any time‑based fluids such as brake fluid and gearbox oil have been replaced within the recommended intervals, as these degrade even when the car is not driven heavily.