2014 KIA Sportage 2.0L Diesel · EU64 XHA

A clean five-test DVSA history, with the most recent examination on 2 February 2026 returning a pass and no advisories of any kind, demonstrates a vehicle that has consistently met roadworthiness standards over the past three years. The only irregularity in the record is a failed test on 29 January 2025 that was immediately followed by a pass on the same date with no defects recorded, suggesting a minor rectification was carried out on the day rather than any underlying structural or systemic concern. With no advisories logged for wear items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, suspension components, exhaust integrity, or corrosion across any of the recent tests, the recorded mechanical picture is unusually tidy for a KIA Sportage of this age and mileage, pointing to either prompt replacement of consumables before they became testable defects or simply light duty on the wear-related systems. Overall, the trajectory is stable rather than deteriorating, with no emerging pattern of marginal defects. With 116,366 miles accumulated over roughly twelve years, the average annual mileage works out at approximately 9,700 miles, which sits firmly within the typical range for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record and no obvious plate-form anomalies, so the recorded odometer readings progress in a consistent manner without any sudden jumps or extended absence from testing that might raise questions about the vehicle's true usage. Mechanically, this kind of steady, moderate-mileage usage tends to be kinder to the drivetrain than stop-start urban work of equivalent total mileage, allowing the engine, transmission, and clutch assemblies to remain well exercised without being overstressed, while still presenting typical wear on suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and brake components commensurate with the distance covered. Because the MOT history itself is unusually clean and contains no advisories to draw on, the inspection priorities for a prospective buyer should shift towards the components that frequently fail on a second-generation Kia Sportage approaching the 120,000 mile mark. Particular attention should be paid to the rear suspension bushes and trailing arm bushes, which are known to perish and split on this platform, producing a clonking noise over speed humps and uneven road surfaces. The front lower control arm bushes and stabiliser bar drop links should be checked for wear by rocking the wheel at nine and three o'clock and listening for any knocking or looseness, while the coil springs themselves should be inspected for any sign of fracture, particularly at the lower coils where corrosion can initiate. On the test drive, any pulling to one side under braking, vibration through the steering wheel, or a soft or spongy pedal feel would indicate binding calipers, warped front brake discs, or air ingress into the hydraulic system respectively. Beyond the suspension and braking systems, a thorough pre-purchase examination should include a careful look underneath the vehicle for any surface corrosion on the subframe, rear axle beam, and brake pipes, as well as around the wheel arch liners and sills, even though none of these areas have yet been flagged on test. The engine bay should be inspected for oil seepage from the valve cover gasket and any signs of coolant staining around the water pump and thermostat housing, both of which are recurring age-related concerns on the 1.7 and 2.0 litre diesel engines offered in this model. Listen at start-up for any timing chain rattle from the top end, and on the road for any clutch slip under acceleration in higher gears, which can manifest as a rising engine speed without a corresponding increase in road speed. Finally, confirm that all warning lights extinguish promptly after ignition, that the air conditioning system delivers cold air consistently, and that the dual-clutch or automatic transmission (where fitted) changes smoothly without shunt or hesitation, as these ancillary systems are not assessed at MOT but contribute meaningfully to the overall ownership experience of a twelve-year-old Sportage.