2014 KIA Sorento 2.2L Diesel · BR06 AMR

The most recent DVSA MOT test recorded for this 2014 Kia Sorento took place on 24 April 2023, at which point the vehicle passed. However, the result should be read alongside the immediate prior test on 18 April 2023, where the car failed and was subsequently presented for retest within six days. The failure items included a rough offside rear wheel bearing, an offside front side repeater with a multiple light source more than half not functioning, and an inoperative registration plate lamp. These were addressed prior to the retest, but the advisory items carried forward unchanged. The overall pattern across the documented MOT history suggests a vehicle whose condition is stable rather than improving, with a consistent thread of advisories relating to engine oil leakage, rear suspension arm pin or bush wear, and front tracking components. The fact that advisories persist across multiple consecutive tests, particularly the suspension wear noted in 2021, 2022, and 2023, indicates components that are progressively deteriorating and have not been rectified between examinations. The recorded mileage of 145,411 miles over approximately twelve years equates to an annual average of around 12,100 miles, which is broadly in line with moderate-to-high usage for a vehicle of this age. The MOT records do not reveal any significant gaps or periods of standing inactivity, with tests conducted at consistent intervals throughout 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. This continuity suggests the vehicle has been in regular service rather than laid up for extended periods, which is mechanically positive in that seals, brake components, and drivetrain fluids have remained in active use. However, the cumulative mileage now places the Sorento firmly into a category where age-related wear on suspension, drivetrain mounts, and ancillary components is to be expected, particularly given that the original MOT entry falls outside the scope of the provided records, meaning higher-mileage wear patterns may have been developing for some time. For a prospective buyer, the recurring advisory regarding rear suspension arm pins or bushes warrants particular attention. This is a known wear item on vehicles of this age and mileage, and on a test drive the buyer should listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear axle over uneven surfaces, observe whether the vehicle tracks straight, and check for any uneven or feathering wear on the rear tyres, which can indicate bush deterioration. The oil leak advisory, consistently noted since at least 2019, should be inspected visually for fresh seepage around the engine block, sump, and cam cover area, and the oil level should be checked on the dipstick. The advisories regarding offside front track rod end play from 2019 and 2020, combined with inner-edge tyre wear noted in 2022, suggest the front end geometry should be examined for worn tie bars, drop links, and anti-roll bar components, particularly as a failed offside rear upper anti-roll bar linkage ball joint was recorded in 2022. The coolant leak advisory from 2020 and the note of no coolant in the bottle in 2019 are concerning and warrant verification that the cooling system has been properly repaired and bled, as continued neglect could lead to cylinder head gasket failure. The offside rear wheel bearing that failed in 2023 should be confirmed as replaced, and any residual noise or humming on the test drive should be taken seriously. Beyond the recorded defects, the buyer should consider general age and mileage-related items that may not yet have triggered advisories. Brake discs on a high-mileage Sorento are susceptible to corrosion at the rubbing surface and lipping, and caliper slide pins may seize, so a test drive should include firm pedal application to check for pulling or shuddering under braking. The 12-volt battery should be tested for cranking strength, particularly if the vehicle has stood for any period between MOT tests. Tyres should be inspected for sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common on ageing rubber regardless of tread depth, and the production date code should be checked as tyres over six years old are often recommended for replacement on safety grounds. Given the 2019 advisory that oil was added prior to the test, the engine’s consumption rate should be discussed with the seller, and a compression test or at minimum a thorough inspection of the timing chain, crankcase ventilation system, and turbocharger (if fitted) would be prudent at this mileage. Finally, the service history should be verified to confirm that timing belt or chain, transmission fluid, and coolant have been changed at manufacturer-recommended intervals, as calendar-based fluid degradation can be just as damaging as mechanical wear on a high-mileage diesel or petrol engine of this vintage.