2015 KIA Sorento 2.2L Diesel · LB64 DPX

The most recent MOT test on 24 October 2025 resulted in a pass, but the advisory list is the most concerning in the vehicle's recorded history and suggests a maintenance trend that is beginning to deteriorate rather than remain stable. Across earlier tests the advisories were largely confined to cosmetic brake disc wear and pad thinning on the rear axle, items consistent with normal progressive wear on a vehicle of this age and mileage. The 2025 entry, however, introduces a front brake imbalance that only just met the minimum requirement, corrosion on an offside front brake pipe, light oil misting from the nearside rear shock absorber, and worn trailing arm bushes on both rear corners. The recurrence of the rear trailing arm bush advisories, noted in 2023 and again in 2025, points to a progressive suspension wear pattern that should not be ignored. Taken together, the latest record indicates that the braking and rear suspension systems are entering a phase where remedial work is likely to be required within the next service interval. The recorded mileage of 75,119 miles over an eleven-year life equates to roughly 6,829 miles per annum, which is a typical usage profile for a large family SUV and means the vehicle has neither been excessively driven nor left standing for prolonged periods. There are no anomalous gaps in the MOT history that would suggest long-term inactivity, and the relatively even progression between tests indicates the car has been in regular service. This pattern reduces the risk of certain age-related issues commonly associated with low-mileage or stored vehicles, such as severe underbody corrosion, seized brake calipers from standing, or flat-spotted tyres, although those checks remain worthwhile given the age of the car. The mileage is sufficient that consumable items such as brake discs, pads, suspension bushes, and the timing chain or drive belts, depending on engine variant, will have been exercised regularly and are likely to be at or approaching replacement thresholds. A prospective buyer should treat the 2025 advisories as an immediate priority list and budget for rectification. The front brake imbalance advisory typically indicates uneven pad wear, a sticking caliper, or a hydraulic issue, and during a test drive any pulling to one side under firm braking, a soft or spongy pedal, or vibration through the pedal should be taken seriously. The corroded offside front brake pipe should be physically inspected for surface rust versus through-wall corrosion, as brake lines are safety-critical and replacement can be costly if the deterioration has reached the underlying steel. The nearside rear shock absorber oil misting warrants a visual check for any heavier weeping down the body of the unit and a road test over uneven surfaces listening for poor damping, while the worn trailing arm bushes, having now appeared twice in three years, should be inspected for play by rocking the wheel and listening for clonking over speed humps and rough tarmac. Beyond the recorded advisories, an eleven-year-old Sorento with average mileage warrants a thorough age-related inspection regardless of the clean earlier MOT records. Tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking and perishing caused by UV exposure, which can occur even on tread that appears serviceable, and the production date mouldings on the sidewalls should be checked to ensure they are not more than five or six years old. The 12V battery should be load tested, as units of this age frequently hold insufficient charge particularly in vehicles with keyless entry and complex infotainment systems. Brake caliper slide pins and rear caliper mechanisms should be checked for free movement, given the recurring rear disc and pad advisories over several years. Fluid condition should not be overlooked: brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and should be renewed on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, while the engine coolant, automatic transmission fluid if applicable, and power steering fluid should be inspected for colour and odour. Finally, a careful underbody examination for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points, subframe areas, and the rear trailing arm locations flagged in the advisories, is essential before purchase.