2015 KIA Optima 1.7L Diesel · FV65 FVX

The 2015 KIA Optima’s most recent MOT test on 3 December 2025 at 136,982 miles passed without defects, confirming it currently meets roadworthiness standards. However, the preceding December 2023 test at 112,567 miles revealed a cluster of critical failures—tyre treads, worn brake discs and pads, and a binding rear brake—indicating a period of deferred maintenance. While the vehicle has since passed three consecutive tests without further issues, the December 2023 failures suggest a lapse in basic upkeep, particularly around brakes and tyres, before consistent servicing resumed. The absence of advisories or recurring structural concerns in later tests suggests these issues were addressed promptly, but the high mileage accumulation between failures warrants scrutiny of long-term wear. The recorded mileage of 136,982 miles over 11 years averages approximately 12,453 miles annually, which is unusually high for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the December 2023 failure and the subsequent December 2024 pass—covering 15,043 miles—implies either accelerated usage or a deliberate delay in rectifying the December 2023 faults before retesting. The consistent annual mileage suggests the vehicle was in regular use rather than stored, which accelerates wear on suspension bushes, coil springs, and drivetrain components. The lack of earlier MOT records makes it impossible to assess whether this pattern of high mileage is recent or long-standing, but the December 2023 failures serve as a clear warning of potential wear trends. A buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the brakes, particularly the rear calipers and binding mechanism flagged in December 2023, as well as the front and rear discs for pitting or uneven wear. The tyres, which failed twice on tread depth, should be checked for uneven wear patterns or edge damage, which could indicate alignment issues or aggressive cornering. Given the high mileage, the suspension—including coil springs, shock absorbers, and bushes—should be examined for deterioration, as should the subframe and wheel arches for corrosion, especially if the vehicle has experienced wet or salted roads. The absence of advisories in recent tests does not preclude gradual wear, so components like the exhaust system, steering rack, and differential should also be assessed for leaks or excessive play.