2006 KIA Sorento 2.5L Diesel · CE06 WNT

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a trend of accelerating structural and mechanical degradation. While the most recent test in July 2025 at 101,475 miles passed, it highlighted persistent issues including an oil leak and corrosion on the nearside MacPherson strut. The failure in July 2024 due to excessively worn anti-roll bar linkage ball joints and a defective door mechanism indicates that components are only being addressed once they reach a point of failure rather than through preventative maintenance. At 101,475 miles, the Sorento is low for its twenty-year age, averaging approximately 5,000 miles per year. However, the data shows a significant jump of over 14,000 miles between April 2022 and July 2023, followed by 9,000 miles in the following year. This pattern suggests periods of relative inactivity, but the low annual mileage often leads to the degradation of rubber components and seals, which aligns with the recurring corrosion on fuel pipes and shock absorber casings recorded annually. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the structural integrity, as the record has consistently noted corrosion since at least 2022. While the tester noted rigidity is not yet significantly reduced, the presence of rust on the fuel pipes and shock cups suggests the vehicle is susceptible to deep-seated decay. The suspension requires close attention; the history of worn anti-roll bar links and corroded coil springs indicates that the entire assembly is nearing the end of its service life. The oil leak noted in both 2024 and 2025 should be monitored to determine if it is a minor seep or a failing seal. Additionally, the frayed offside front seat belt webbing identified in 2025 is a safety concern that requires immediate replacement. Given the recurring reports of tyres worn to the legal limit across multiple years, the previous owner appears to have neglected basic consumables until failure, necessitating a comprehensive check of all current rubber and rubber components.