2010 KIA Sportage 2.0L Diesel · GD59 HSZ

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile characterized by a trend of reactive rather than preventative maintenance. The most recent test in December 2024 at 121,130 miles resulted in a significant failure due to a major exhaust leak, worn front brake pads and discs, and poor tyre condition. This follows a recurring pattern where mechanical issues are only addressed after failing an inspection, suggesting the owner ignores essential service items until they become legal points of failure. At 16 years old, the recorded mileage of 121,130 miles represents an annual average of approximately 7,500 miles, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. However, the data shows a steady accumulation of miles in recent years, moving from 99,310 miles in 2019 to over 121,000 by late 2024. While the mileage itself is not excessive, the frequency of failures related to wear-and-tear components, particularly the braking and lighting systems, indicates that the vehicle is showing the strain of its age. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension, as the nearside front lower suspension arm bushes have been flagged as worn or deteriorated consistently between 2015, 2019, and 2023. The braking system also shows a history of neglect, with binding calipers noted in 2017 and inoperative parking brakes and worn rear discs recorded in 2023. Particular attention should be paid to the corrosion on the brake back plates, which were described as badly deteriorated in 2021. Furthermore, the offside front seat belt has been noted as frayed or damaged since at least 2021, representing a safety defect that has remained unaddressed for years. Given the recent failures for exhaust leaks, lighting, and incorrect tyre pressure, the vehicle likely requires immediate investment in consumables to be brought to a truly roadworthy standard. Any prospective buyer should verify that the major exhaust leak identified in the December 2024 test has been professionally rectified and that all current tyres meet legal depth requirements.