2016 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · LM65 KXV

The 2016 Kia Sportage currently holds a valid MOT passed on 2026-02-24 at 60,033 miles, though the maintenance trend reveals a recent and significant deterioration in basic upkeep. The day prior, the vehicle failed with critical safety defects, including dangerously worn front brake pads, four tyres with structural tears and exposed ply, and slight play in both front lower suspension ball joints alongside the nearside steering rack inner joint. The subsequent pass at 60,033 miles indicates these consumables and defective tyres were addressed, yet the front brake discs remain worn and the steering rack play persists. This pattern suggests the previous owner allowed the vehicle to degrade severely before rectifying only the immediate failures to secure a pass, rather than maintaining the vehicle proactively. The recurring advisories for worn brake pads across multiple years point to aggressive driving habits or a neglect of routine servicing. Covering 60,033 miles over ten years, the Sportage averages roughly 6,000 miles annually, reflecting light use that typically preserves mechanical components. However, the MOT records show a steady mileage accumulation, moving from 44,913 miles in February 2023 to 50,506 miles in February 2024, and reaching 55,750 miles by February 2025. The low annual distance increases the risk of long periods standing, which can lead to seized components and perishing rubber, as evidenced by the historically perishing rear tyres flagged in February 2023 and the catastrophic structural tyre failures recorded in February 2026. The consistent yearly increments indicate regular, albeit light, use without significant gaps in testing. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the steering and suspension components, given the persistent nearside steering rack inner joint play flagged in February 2026 and the recurring wear in the rear suspension trailing arm bushes noted in February 2023 and February 2024. The tester flagged slight play in both front lower suspension ball joints during the February 2026 failure, so checking these joints for excessive movement is essential. Examine the front brake discs closely, as they were flagged as wearing thin in the most recent test. The repeated structural tyre failures, including tears and exposed cords on both rear wheels in February 2026, raise serious concerns about how the vehicle was stored and maintained. Inspect the sidewalls of the current tyres for cracking and verify the suspension geometry to prevent uneven wear. The minor windscreen chip restricting the driver's view has appeared across multiple tests since February 2025, indicating a long-standing cosmetic issue that could spread under stress.