2014 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · AS14 JRT

The most recent DVSA examination on 6 November 2025 resulted in a pass, but it was accompanied by five advisories that warrant close attention. Of particular concern is the repeat advisory on the front tyres being worn close to the legal limit on both sides, which has now been flagged at three consecutive tests, and the new advisory concerning corroded rear coil springs, both sides. An oil leak was also noted, classified as not excessive at the time of inspection but clearly a developing issue that should be monitored. The previous test in October 2024, which actually failed and was then immediately re-presented as a pass, included a dangerous defect for nearside rear brake pads worn below 1.5 mm, alongside a pitted rear brake disc, suggesting the braking system on the rear axle has been a persistent weak point. Overall, the maintenance trend is not stable; it is a gently worsening picture, with brake and suspension wear now appearing on both axles and tyre condition recurring annually. With 159,506 miles recorded against a 2014 registration, this Sportage has covered approximately 13,300 miles per year on average, which is high for its age and well above the typical UK annual mileage of 7,000 to 9,000 miles. The MOT record shows consistent annual testing with no significant gaps, and the mileage progression implies the vehicle has been in regular, sustained use rather than left standing. Mechanically, this level of annual mileage means the engine, clutch, turbocharger (where fitted), and drivetrain components have all been worked hard, while higher-mileage consumables such as suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, wheel bearings, and exhaust mounts will be approaching the latter part of their service life even when not yet flagged on the MOT. Given the recurring advisories on front tyre wear and the dangerous brake pad failure of October 2024, a prospective buyer should carry out a physical inspection of the front and rear brake pads, calipers, and discs, looking for lipping, scoring, or signs of binding. The car should be test-driven from cold, listening for any grinding, squealing, or pulsing through the brake pedal, as well as any pulling to one side under braking. The front suspension should be examined for worn bushes, droplinks, and top mounts, and the vehicle should be driven over speed humps and on uneven surfaces to detect knocking or clonking, which would indicate tired rear coil springs given the corrosion advisory. Uneven inner or outer tyre wear would also point to geometry or suspension wear and the tyres themselves should be inspected for age-related sidewall cracking as well as remaining tread depth, since the advisory suggests the previous set was almost exhausted. Beyond the items already flagged, this age and mileage of vehicle warrants a number of standard but essential checks before purchase. The timing chain, if applicable to this engine variant, should be confirmed as having been replaced, as these are known to stretch with high mileage. All fluids, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, should be inspected for condition and evidence of recent renewal, with brake fluid ideally changed every two years regardless of mileage. The underside should be examined for any fresh oil leaks, corrosion to subframes, brake and fuel lines, and exhaust mounting points, and the 12V battery should be load tested, particularly if the car has been used for short journeys. Finally, verify full service history with stamps at appropriate intervals, check for any illuminated dashboard warning lights on ignition, and consider an independent compression test or diagnostic scan to confirm internal engine health given the sustained high mileage.