2015 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · WD65 HZX

Recurring issues with braking components and tyre legality define the mechanical profile of this vehicle, which has seen a pattern of failures and advisories related to consumable wear. The most recent test on 15 September 2025 resulted in a pass, but it carried multiple advisories concerning worn front brake discs on both sides and corrosion on the casing of both rear shock absorbers. This follows a period of instability between 2020 and 2024, where the vehicle failed tests due to dangerous tyre tread depths, insufficient parking brake efficiency, and critically thin rear brake pads. While the recent result shows a pass, the trend indicates a consistent requirement for attention to the braking system and suspension damping. The vehicle has covered 104,623 miles over its eleven-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of approximately 9,511 miles. This usage pattern is typical for a vehicle of this age and suggests consistent, moderate road use rather than extreme high-mileage motorway driving or long periods of stationary storage. Mechanically, this level of mileage means that components such as suspension bushes, coil springs, and various drivetrain seals are likely within their expected wear cycles, though the recorded MOT history confirms that specific items like brake discs and shock absorbers are currently approaching the end of their effective service life. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the braking system and suspension during a physical inspection and test drive. The advisories for worn nearside and offside front brake discs, combined with previous failures for thin brake pads and poor parking brake efficiency, necessitate a thorough check for pedal judder or pulsation under braking, which can indicate disc thickness issues or warping. Additionally, the reported corrosion on the rear shock absorber casings should be investigated; listen for any knocking or thudding sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, as this may indicate that the internal damping mechanism is failing or that the mounting points are compromised. Further inspection is required regarding the condition of the tyres and the rear registration plate, both of which have been flagged in recent years. Although the 2024 failure for dangerous tyre tread depth was rectified for the 2025 pass, the offside front tyre was previously noted as being worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge. On a test drive, check for any pulling to one side, which could indicate uneven tyre wear or alignment issues, and verify that all tyres have adequate tread depth across the entire width of the tyre. The deterioration of the rear registration plate, noted in multiple tests, should be addressed to ensure full compliance with visibility requirements.