2010 KIA Sorento 2.2L Diesel · EF10 LML

The vehicle presents a roadworthy status following a successful test in March 2024. The maintenance trend shows signs of improvement after a period of reactive repairs. While the car failed its March 2024 test initially at 72,857 miles due to a serious fluid leak on the offside front shock absorber and misting on the nearside unit, the subsequent re-test one day later confirmed these repairs were addressed, leaving the vehicle with no recorded defects. The mileage profile is notably low for a sixteen-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,554 miles per year. Between January 2021 at 50,562 miles and March 2024 at 72,858 miles, the vehicle covered roughly 22,000 miles over three years. This pattern suggests short-distance use or long periods of inactivity. However, low mileage often leads to the degradation of rubber components and seals due to age, which is consistent with the recurring suspension-related issues seen in the record. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the suspension geometry, as the record shows a history of persistent wear. The 2021 test flagged play in the offside front ball joint and worn rear bushes, while the 2022 test identified worn suspension arm bushes both front and rear. Despite passing later, these components are prone to perished cracking over time. The front shock absorbers, which caused the failure in early 2024, should be inspected for any new signs of weeping or premature failure. The braking system and tyres also require scrutiny based on the 2022 advisory regarding thin front brake pads and a worn nearside tyre. Given the two-year gap since that advisory, the buyer should check for dry rot on the sidewalls and ensure the pads have sufficient remaining life. Because of the age of the vehicle, a thorough check of the chassis for structural corrosion is essential, as the MOT record does not detail the structural integrity beyond the standard pass/fail criteria.