2012 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · EA12 EOE

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward reactive rather than proactive care. In the most recent test in January 2026 at 106,760 miles, the tester identified thin front brake pads and a binding nearside rear service brake. This indicates that while the car passed the inspection, the braking system is reaching the end of its service life. The recurring nature of brake issues suggests the owner is only addressing faults as they appear rather than during scheduled service intervals. The mileage pattern is consistent with a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,600 miles per year. The record shows steady usage, with roughly 7,000 miles covered between January 2024 and January 2025, and another 6,000 miles covered in the year leading up to the latest test. This regularity suggests the vehicle has not suffered from long periods of stagnation, which often leads to internal seal failure and corrosion. However, the cumulative mileage puts significant wear on age-related components like rubber components and steering assembly, as noted in the earlier history. A buyer must prioritize inspecting the steering system, as the play in the steering rack inner joints noted in January 2025 remains a significant mechanical concern if it has not been rectified. The braking system requires a thorough check; the binding nearside rear caliper and the thin front pads suggest that the discs may be scored or below minimum thickness limits due to uneven friction. Given the history of worn tyres on the edge in early 2025, a check of the wheel alignment is also necessary to ensure the suspension geometry is not causing premature tyre wear.