2014 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · EK14 UJB

The 2014 Kia Sportage presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 24 November 2025 at 38,758 miles with zero defects recorded. That clean sheet is significant given the preceding five years of advisories. The record shows a clear pattern of tyre-related advisories from 2021 through 2024, with cracking, perishing, and wear appearing repeatedly across multiple axles. The fact that no tyre defects were flagged in the most recent test suggests the owner addressed the rubber comprehensively, which is a positive indicator of attentive upkeep in the last twelve months. At roughly 3,230 miles per year over twelve years, this is a notably low-mileage vehicle. The annual MOT entries are consistent and well-spaced, each falling within the November window, indicating regular annual testing without gaps or missed years. Mileage progression is steady: 29,515 in November 2021, 31,723 in November 2022, 34,139 in November 2023, 36,097 in November 2024, and 38,758 in November 2025. Each year shows an accumulation of approximately 2,000 to 2,400 miles, which is modest and suggests short urban or suburban journeys rather than sustained motorway use. Low mileage can mean reduced wear on drivetrain and braking components, but it also raises the question of whether extended periods of standing contributed to the perishing tyre issues flagged in earlier tests. Perishing is often a function of age and ozone exposure rather than mileage, so a vehicle left stationary for weeks at a time would be more susceptible. A buyer inspecting this vehicle in person should pay close attention to the condition of all four tyres, including the spare if fitted, checking for sidewall cracking, uneven tread depth, and date codes. Tyres older than six years should be considered for replacement regardless of remaining tread. The 2021 advisory for front and rear brake pads wearing thin indicates the braking system has been under regular load, so a visual check of pad thickness, disc condition, and caliper operation is warranted. Given the age of the vehicle, a thorough underbody inspection for corrosion on suspension mounting points, subframes, and brake pipe runs is advisable, particularly around the rear where salt exposure tends to accumulate. Suspension bushes and coil springs should be examined for deterioration, as low-mileage vehicles can still suffer from age-related rubber perishing. The clean November 2025 result is encouraging, but it represents a single snapshot. The recurring tyre advisories across four consecutive years point to a vehicle that was not always kept in peak cosmetic or consumable condition. A prospective buyer should treat the recent clean pass as a starting point, not a guarantee, and arrange an independent inspection focused on structural integrity, brake health, and tyre age before committing to purchase.