2013 KIA Sportage 2.0L Diesel · PJ13 VPL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend regarding the front steering and suspension components. While the most recent test in May 2026 at 108,969 miles passed, the tester identified play in both the nearside and offside front steering linkage ball joints. This represents a progression from the minor issues noted in 2025, where play in the steering rack inner joints was first flagged, indicating that the steering assembly is reaching the end of its service life and requires comprehensive attention. The mileage pattern is consistent with a 13 year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 8,400 miles per year. The record shows steady usage with roughly 10,000 miles covered between May 2024 and May 2025, and another 9,000 miles covered between May 2025 and May 2026. This regularity suggests the car is used consistently rather than sitting stationary, though the frequency of failures indicates that the owner only addresses mechanical faults after an MOT failure occurs rather than performing proactive preventative maintenance. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and steering geometry. The recurring reports of worn suspension arm bushes and deteriorating ball joint dust covers suggest that the entire front-end assembly may suffer from significant play. Furthermore, the history from 2024 and 2025 shows repeated uneven tyre wear and perished rubber, which points to underlying alignment issues or neglect of basic consumables. The buyer should verify if the steering rack and inner joints have actually been replaced, as these have been a persistent fault point across multiple testing cycles.