2014 KIA Sportage 2.0L Diesel · LD14 XET

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 12 September 2025 with no defects recorded. Looking at the broader history, the maintenance trend appears to have stabilised after a period of recurring failures between 2021 and 2024. While the most recent tests are clean, the vehicle has a documented history of issues concerning steering, suspension, and braking systems, indicating that these areas have required significant attention in recent years to maintain roadworthiness. With a recorded mileage of 86,818 miles over approximately twelve years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 7,235 miles per year. This usage rate is considered typical for a vehicle of this age and class. It suggests a balanced duty cycle that avoids the risks associated with excessive long-distance wear or the degradation caused by prolonged periods of standing, meaning the mechanical wear on the drivetrain and engine should be consistent with standard operational expectations. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the front suspension and steering geometry. The history of dangerous track rod end wear and excessively worn ball joints and bushes suggests a vulnerability in the front-end linkage. During a test drive, listen for any knocking or clunking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces or during low-speed manoeuvring. Additionally, the previous record of inner edge tyre wear on the rear axles indicates a potential misalignment or worn trailing arm bushes, so a physical inspection of the current tyre tread profile is essential to ensure no ongoing tracking issues. The braking system requires thorough verification given the previous failures for binding calipers, poor parking brake efficiency, and pitted rear discs. Ensure the handbrake holds firmly on an incline and that there is no palpable shudder or pulling during deceleration. It is advisable to check the service records to confirm that the rear calipers have been overhauled or replaced rather than simply cleaned. Finally, given the vehicle's age, verify that calendar-based maintenance, such as brake fluid flushes and coolant changes, has been performed to prevent internal corrosion of the hydraulic lines and cooling system.