2019 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · SW19 FEK

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a worsening trajectory regarding suspension-related wear. The most recent test in February 2026 at 49,191 miles resulted in an initial failure due to poor parking brake efficiency and multiple suspension defects. While it passed upon re-test, the persistence of the offside front track rod end play and worn rear suspension arm bushes as advisories indicates that these components are reaching the end of their functional life and have not been proactively replaced. The mileage pattern is consistent with a seven-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,000 miles per year. The record shows a clean period between March 2022 at 28,387 miles and February 2024 at 42,142 miles, where no defects were noted. However, the frequency of failures increased after 45,000 miles, with faults appearing in both February 2025 and February 2026, suggesting that the vehicle is now beginning to show age in rubber-based components despite the relatively low annual mileage. A buyer should physically inspect the front steering geometry, specifically checking the track rod ends for further play, as this has been a recurring issue for over a year. The rear suspension arm bushes also require close attention for visible tearing or degradation, as the tester flagged them across three separate recent testing cycles. Furthermore, the parking brake failure in early 2026 necessitates a manual check to ensure the mechanism and cables are properly adjusted and that the calipers are not binding or corroded.