2014 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · HJ64 OTR

The 2014 Kia Sportage presents a stable and largely positive maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT conducted on 7 January 2026 at 89,488 miles resulting in a pass. However, that latest test did flag three advisories, indicating a slight uptick in wear items that a buyer should note. The tester identified a defective rear spare tyre, a front brake disc that was worn, pitted, or scored (though not seriously weakened), and a worn offside front wishbone rear bush that had not yet resulted in excessive movement. These are not immediate failures, but they do suggest the vehicle is entering a phase where age-related suspension and braking components are beginning to demand attention. The preceding four annual tests from 2022 through 2025 were entirely clean, with the sole earlier advisory in January 2022 relating to thin front brake pads at 68,193 miles, which were evidently replaced promptly. Overall, the trajectory is one of consistent care with minor wear now appearing at the current mileage. The mileage accumulation is remarkably linear and typical for a vehicle of this age. Between January 2022 and January 2026, the recorded distance grew from 68,193 to 89,488 miles, an increase of 21,295 miles over four years, averaging approximately 5,324 miles per annum during that window. The full-life average sits closer to 7,457 miles per year, implying the vehicle may have seen heavier use in its earlier years before settling into a lighter recent pattern. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer readings, and the annual testing cadence has been consistent each January, which supports the view of regular, if not meticulous, upkeep. A buyer inspecting this Sportage in person should focus on the front suspension and braking system, given the advisories raised in the January 2026 test. The worn offside front wishbone rear bush is the most structurally significant finding. While the tester noted no excessive movement at the time of inspection, a degraded bush can accelerate tyre wear, introduce steering vagueness, and worsen over speed bumps or uneven surfaces. Have a mechanic check both front lower suspension arms, the inner bushings, and the track rod ends for play. The scored or pitted front brake disc flagged in the same test warrants measurement of disc thickness and a check for lipping or uneven wear. If the disc is near or below the minimum thickness specification, budget for replacement along with new pads. The rear spare tyre defect is a minor concern but should not be overlooked, as a flat or perished spare is of little use in an emergency. Beyond the flagged items, inspect the underside for corrosion, particularly around the rear subframe, suspension mounting points, and brake lines, as these are common deterioration points on Sportages of this generation. Check the condition and tread depth of all four road tyres, looking for uneven wear that could indicate alignment issues or neglected suspension geometry. The exhaust system should be examined for corrosion and leaks, especially at joints and the flexible section. Given the clean MOT history prior to 2026, this appears to be a well-maintained example that simply needs attention to a few age-related wear items before it returns to a fully advisory-free status.