2015 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · LL15 KJJ

Front‑axle wear is the most notable recurring theme in the MOT history, with advisories on the front brake disc in 2024 and repeated warnings about front tyre tread limits in 2022 and 2024, yet the vehicle has consistently returned a pass, most recently on 7 May 2026. The lone failure in 2021 concerned headlamp aim, which was rectified before the next test, and no structural or emissions defects have been recorded. At 77 746 mi the 2015 Sportage averages roughly 7 000 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal UK usage patterns for a vehicle of this age. The MOT schedule shows no prolonged gaps; tests have been carried out annually or semi‑annually, suggesting the odometer reading is up‑to‑date. This moderate annual accumulation implies that consumables such as suspension bushes, drive‑shaft universal joints and engine bearings are unlikely to have been subjected to extreme stress, but the cumulative wear on brake discs and tyre rubber will be proportionate to the mileage and should be inspected closely. Prospective buyers should measure the front brake disc thickness on both sides and compare it with the manufacturer’s minimum specification; any variation greater than 1 mm may indicate uneven wear or warped rotors, which can manifest as a pulsating pedal or squealing under braking. A tactile inspection of the front tyre surfaces for cupping, feathering or uneven tread loss, coupled with a road‑test for vibration at speeds above 50 mph, will reveal whether the advised tyre wear has progressed to a point where replacement is imminent. Listening for any grinding or scraping noises when applying the brakes, and feeling for a soft or spongy pedal, will further confirm the condition of the pads and discs. The headlamp aim failure recorded in 2021 suggests the alignment of the low‑beam units may have been out of tolerance; a simple visual check of the beam pattern on a wall should verify that both lamps now project a symmetrical, correctly positioned spot. While no other lighting defects have been noted, it is prudent to confirm that all external lamps illuminate fully and that the lenses are free of cracks or moisture ingress, as these can affect visibility and future MOT compliance.