2020 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · MK20 AOF

The vehicle's maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding steering and braking components. While the most recent test on 8 October 2025 at 40,322 miles resulted in a pass, this followed an immediate failure on the same day. The tester flagged an inefficient offside rear parking brake and excessive play in the nearside front track rod end ball joint. Although the track rod end issues appear to have been addressed to reach the pass, the recurring nature of steering component wear suggests a need for closer inspection of the front suspension assembly. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a typical low-to-mid usage pattern for a six-year-old vehicle. The car covered 21,596 miles between March 2023 and October 2025, averaging roughly 8,000 miles per year. This steady progression from 21,596 miles in early 2023 to 40,322 miles in late 2025 indicates regular road use rather than long periods of inactivity. This consistent usage generally helps prevent excessive corrosion on braking surfaces and seals, though it does mean consumable parts like tyres and suspension joints are subject to standard wear. A prospective buyer should focus on the steering and braking systems during a physical inspection. The MOT record highlights repeated issues with track rod ends, specifically noting slight play in October 2024 and both slight and excessive play in October 2025. This pattern suggests the steering geometry and ball joints may require more frequent monitoring or replacement. The parking brake efficiency failure in October 2025 also warrants a check to ensure the rear calipers or shoes are not sticking and that the mechanism operates correctly. Tyre maintenance also appears to be a recurring area of neglect. The October 2024 test at 31,375 miles flagged four tyres for cracking, perishing, or being worn close to the legal limit. Such findings suggest that previous owners may have deferred basic consumable replacements. While these are standard wear items, the frequency of these advisories indicates that the vehicle's upkeep has occasionally been reactive rather than proactive. Check the current tread depth and sidewall condition across all four tyres to ensure they meet current safety standards.