2012 KIA Sportage 2.0L Diesel · CF12 FSJ

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status following a pass on 12 August 2025 at 114,670 miles. However, the maintenance trend shows a period of reactive repair rather than proactive upkeep. A failure just one day prior to that test revealed multiple mechanical issues including an excessively worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint and an anti-roll bar linkage ball joint. While these were addressed to achieve the pass, the recurrence of faults suggests that components are only replaced once they reach a failure point. At 114,670 miles, this 14-year-old Sportage has averaged approximately 8,200 miles per year, which aligns with typical UK usage patterns for its age. The mileage progression shows consistent use, with roughly 7,300 miles covered between August 2023 and August 2024, and another 10,133 miles between August 2024 and August 2025. This regularity suggests the vehicle has not suffered from long periods of standing, though the higher mileage places significant stress on rubber components and suspension systems. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the structural integrity, specifically the nearside rear sub-frame. The record shows a critical failure on 5 August 2024 at 104,395 miles due to corrosion that significantly reduced assembly rigidity. Although the vehicle passed the subsequent test, rust is a progressive condition that requires constant monitoring. The buyer should also check the front suspension for further play in ball joints and bushings, as the history indicates these are prone to rapid wear on this vehicle. The repeated issues with tyres reaching the legal limit in 2024 also indicate a lapse in basic consumable maintenance by previous owners.