2016 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · LP65 STX

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a trend of reactive rather than proactive repairs. While it passed the latest test in March 2026 at 96,434 miles, the record shows persistent issues with the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint and corrosion on both rear coil springs. These specific faults were flagged as advisories across 2025 and 2026 tests, indicating that components are only addressed when they approach failure thresholds rather than during scheduled maintenance. At 96,434 miles over ten years, the Sportage reflects an average usage of approximately 9,600 miles per year, which is consistent with typical UK road use. The mileage accumulation appears steady, with roughly 9,000 miles covered between March 2024 and March 2025, and another 8,900 miles covered between March 2025 and March 2026. This consistent usage suggests the vehicle has not suffered from long periods of stationary storage which often accelerates the degradation of rubber components. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension system, specifically the nearside front ball joint, which has shown play for at least two years. The recurring corrosion on the rear coil springs is a structural concern that should be monitored for deep pitting, as rust can eventually lead to snapped springs. Furthermore, the history of failures in 2024 and 2025 regarding the parking brake efficiency and adjustment suggests the braking mechanism may have been neglected. Verify that the parking brake is now fully operational and that the calipers are not binding. The previous reports of perished tyres and uneven wear in 2024 indicate a past period of poor tyre management that necessitates a check of the current tread depth and sidewall integrity.