2016 KIA Sorento 2.2L Diesel · AC16 DJC

The most recent DVSA examination on 2 March 2026 resulted in a PASS, with a single advisory noting that the towbar bumper support brackets are corroded, although this corrosion does not currently compromise the structural integrity of the towbar itself. Reviewing the broader MOT history, the vehicle has demonstrated a consistent pattern of passing, with only one failure recorded back in March 2024 related to a nearside front tyre with exposed ply or cords, an issue subsequently resolved. However, a recurring theme has emerged over recent tests involving front tyre wear and damage as well as rear suspension arm bushes, both of which have appeared as advisories across multiple examinations. The presence of these repeat advisories suggests a maintenance trend that is stable but with persistent wear patterns worth investigating, rather than a vehicle with a worsening overall condition. The recorded mileage of 77,651 miles over a ten-year period equates to an average annual usage of approximately 7,765 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history, and the testing frequency has remained consistent on an annual basis, indicating regular use rather than extended periods of standing. This level of usage generally allows consumable components such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and clutch materials to wear at a moderate and expected rate, without the accelerated degradation often associated with high-mileage examples. The absence of large mileage jumps between tests also suggests the odometer reading is likely to be genuine and that the vehicle has been used consistently rather than subjected to harsh driving conditions. Given the advisory history, particular attention should be paid to the rear suspension during a physical inspection and test drive. The repeated advisories concerning the nearside and offside rear suspension arm pins or bushes indicate wear in the trailing arm bush assemblies, which are common failure points on Sorento models of this generation. While the test station assessed these as not resulting in excessive movement, the wear is likely to be progressive, and a buyer should listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or during tight low-speed manoeuvres. Additionally, the vehicle should be inspected for uneven rear tyre wear, particularly on the inner edges, as worn trailing arm bushes can alter the rear wheel alignment. It would be prudent to have the rear suspension geometry checked and budget for replacement bushes in the near future, as they will eventually reach a point where excessive movement results in an MOT failure. Beyond the recorded advisories, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough age and mileage related inspection. The front tyres have been flagged multiple times for edge wear and damage, so the current tyres should be examined for any uneven wear patterns, sidewall cracking or perishing given the vehicle's age, and overall tread depth. The corrosion noted on the towbar brackets, while not currently structural, should be monitored as it could spread to load-bearing areas over time. Given the ten-year age of this Sorento, it is also advisable to check the condition of the brake discs for any lipping or surface corrosion from infrequent heavy use, inspect all underbody areas and structural components for corrosion particularly around wheel arches and suspension mounting points, verify the health of the 12 volt battery, and confirm that time based servicing such as brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid replacement has been carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's schedule rather than purely on a mileage basis. A complete service history review and a pre-purchase inspection by a competent mechanic would be strongly recommended to identify any developing issues not visible during a standard test drive.