2011 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · LS11 EXC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but exhibits a concerning pattern of reactive maintenance rather than proactive preventative care. While it passed its most recent April 2026 test at 128,056 miles, the failure just eight miles prior highlights significant mechanical issues requiring immediate attention. The trend is unstable, as the vehicle has consistently failed with multiple defects related to braking and suspension components across the last three years. This suggests that the previous owner only addressed the minimum faults necessary to secure a passing MOT certificate. At 15 years old with 128,056 recorded miles, the Sportage averages an use of approximately 8,500 miles per year, which is consistent with typical family-car usage. The mileage progression shows steady use, with roughly 11,300 miles covered between April 2024 and April 2025, and another 10,000 miles in the final year. This consistent mileage indicates the vehicle has not sat stationary for long periods, which explains the gradual wear seen on the rubber-bound components and brake hardware noted in the records. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and braking systems. The history shows recurring issues with track rod ends and anti-roll bar ball joints, indicating that the steering and stability components are nearing their end. The braking system is a particular weak point, with reports of binding nearside front calipers, thin pads, and a failing parking brake that reached only 25% efficiency on the offside rear. You should verify that these repairs were actually completed and check for uneven wear on the brake discs, as the tester previously flagged pitted and scored surfaces.