2011 KIA Sorento 2.2L Diesel · VP61 DJP

The 2011 KIA Sorento’s most recent MOT test on 2025-10-27 at 105,059 miles confirms it remains roadworthy, though the record reveals a concerning pattern of corrosion-related issues persisting over multiple tests. While no major structural failures have occurred, the repeated advisories on rear subframe corrosion and the emergence of blue smoke during acceleration in the latest test suggest deferred maintenance rather than a sudden mechanical failure. The 2024 and 2023 tests also flagged rear suspension components—particularly coil springs and arms—as corroded but not yet critically weakened, indicating a gradual degradation trend. The 2022 failure, despite being rectified, underscores a history of neglect in areas like battery security and lighting, which are minor but indicative of broader upkeep lapses. The vehicle’s mileage progression of roughly 7,000 miles annually aligns with typical usage for its age, with no abrupt spikes or prolonged inactivity between tests. The most significant gap is between the 2023 and 2024 tests, where mileage increased by 10,340 miles over a year, suggesting consistent driving rather than extended storage. However, the absence of pre-MOT maintenance records means there’s no way to verify whether the corrosion advisories were addressed between tests or if the blue smoke in 2025 was a one-off issue or part of an ongoing engine-related concern. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the rear subframe and suspension components, particularly the coil springs and arms, which have been flagged for corrosion in every test since 2022. The blue smoke in the latest test warrants further investigation into potential oil leaks or combustion inefficiencies, while the 2022 battery and lighting issues should prompt a check of electrical connections and security. Given the repeated advisories, evidence of rust penetration—such as weakened suspension mounts or subframe cracks—would be a critical red flag, as would any signs of oil leaks contributing to the smoke. The front lights’ brightness in 2022 also suggests potential misalignment or faulty bulbs, which should be tested in person.