2014 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · MM14 XCU

The most recent MOT, carried out on 27 August 2025, resulted in a Pass with no recorded defects, indicating that at the time of testing the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions standards. The pattern over the last five years shows two Passes (2023, 2024, 2025) interspersed with two administrative Fail entries (2023‑08‑29 and 2025‑08‑26) that also recorded no defects. This suggests a stable maintenance regime rather than a deterioration; the intermittent fails are likely due to paperwork or timing issues rather than mechanical shortcomings. At twelve years old the Sportage has logged 101 835 miles, averaging roughly 8 500 miles per annum. This figure sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope for a family SUV of this age and does not point to excessive wear. There are no obvious mileage gaps in the recorded history, implying the vehicle has been driven fairly consistently rather than being stored for long periods. The moderate annual mileage means that major wear items such as the timing chain, drive‑shaft universal joints and suspension components should be within their expected service life, but they will be approaching the point where proactive inspection is prudent. Given the clean MOT record, the buyer should focus on age‑related inspections. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or uneven wear that could indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes; the tyre tread depth should be no less than 3 mm and the tyre age should be under six years, otherwise perishing rubber can become a safety risk even on relatively low‑mileage tyres. Check the 12‑volt battery for corrosion on the terminals and verify its charge capacity, as a twelve‑year‑old battery is likely nearing the end of its service life and may fail under load. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, particularly if the car has spent extended periods stationary, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding; any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes would warrant a disc resurfacing or replacement. Finally, confirm that all fluid replacement intervals have been observed: engine oil and filter should have been changed roughly every 7‑10 000 miles, while the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil are typically serviced on a calendar basis (every 2‑3 years) regardless of mileage. Look for any signs of fluid leakage around the engine bay, under the vehicle and at the rear suspension mounts, as small drips can develop into larger failures if left unchecked. A thorough visual inspection of the under‑carriage for corrosion, especially on the exhaust system and chassis mounts, will help ensure structural integrity has not been compromised by prolonged exposure to moisture or road salt. If these checks are satisfactory, the Sportage presents a mechanically sound option for a buyer seeking a well‑maintained, moderate‑mileage SUV.