2018 KIA Sportage 2.0L Diesel · DP55 CJP

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a clear shift toward reactive rather than preventative care. The most recent test in March 2026 at 136,823 miles passed with advisories for both front tyres reaching the legal tread limit and a damaged windscreen. This follows a period of deteriorating upkeep seen in 2024, where multiple tyres and suspension components were flagged, suggesting that the current owner is only addressing faults once they approach a failure threshold. The mileage profile is significantly high for an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 17,000 miles per year. Between March 2023 and March 2024, the car covered 19,293 miles in a single year, indicating consistent high-intensity use. While the records from 2022 and 2023 were entirely clean, the rapid accumulation of over 46,000 miles in the last two years has placed considerable strain on the drivetrain and chassis components, which is evidenced by the recurring wear noted on rubber parts. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the rear suspension, as the 2024 test identified worn trailing arm bushes on both sides. Although these were not mentioned in the 2026 test, high-mileage SUVs often suffer from accelerated degradation of these bushes under heavy loads. The history of perished and damaged tyres in 2024 also indicates a lack of basic attention, necessitating a check of the current tyre sidewalls and alignment to ensure uneven wear is not being caused by mechanical misalignment. The windscreen has been a recurring defect since 2024, and its condition should be monitored for spreading cracks that could compromise the structural integrity of the glass over time. Given the high mileage, the buyer should also inspect the brake system for signs of binding calipers or thin discs and check the underbody for corrosion, as the MOT record has not explicitly flagged structural rust yet but the high usage increases the likelihood of hidden component fatigue.