2018 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · BL18 NPE

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but exhibits a worsening trend in reactive maintenance rather than preventative care. While it passed its most recent test on 27 May 2026 at 124,569 miles, it failed just three weeks prior due to critical suspension defects. The tester identified both the nearside and offside rear suspension arm pins or bushes as likely to detach from the trailing arm. This indicates a significant failure in the rear suspension assembly that was only addressed after the vehicle was flagged as unroadworthy. At 124,569 miles over eight years, this Sportage covers an average of over 15,500 miles per year, which accelerates the degradation of heavy-duty components. The record shows high usage intervals between June 2024 and May 2025, where the vehicle clocked 15,492 miles in just eleven months. This consistent high-mileage profile suggests frequent motorway driving but puts considerable strain on the drivetrain and braking systems, as evidenced by the repeated failures regarding the drive shaft CV boot and the parking brake efficiency issues. A buyer must physically inspect the rear suspension to ensure the trailing arm bushes have been replaced properly and not merely adjusted. The history of rear service brake binding noted in May 2026, combined with the 2025 parking brake failure, suggests the rear brake calipers or mechanisms may require close attention. Furthermore, the nearside front drive shaft CV boot, which was previously severely deteriorated in 2025, should be checked for grease leakage or signs of ingress, which would lead to an expensive drive joint failure if left neglected.