2016 KIA Sportage 2.0L Diesel · YG16 MTH

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a clear downward shift toward reactive rather than proactive care. While the car achieved clean records in 2022 and 2023, the most recent test in April 2026 at 104,390 miles revealed multiple mechanical and wear defects. The transition from zero defects to a list of suspension and braking issues indicates that the current owner is only addressing components once they reach a failure threshold rather than performing scheduled preventative maintenance. The mileage pattern is consistent with a ten-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 10,400 miles per annum. However, a significant spike in usage is noted between January 2024 and April 2025, where the vehicle covered over 11,500 miles in just fifteen months. This period of higher use correlates with the appearance of tyre-related issues and mechanical wear in the subsequent tests. The overall mileage is typical for the age, but the accumulation puts standard pressure on rubber components and braking hardware which is now evident in the latest MOT results. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front-end suspension and braking system. The April 2026 test flagged a deteriorated offside front anti-roll bar linkage and slight play in the offside track rod end, both of which affect steering precision and vehicle stability. Furthermore, the front brake discs are pitted and scored with thin pads, while the long handbrake travel suggests either stretched cables or worn rear drum shoes requiring attention. Tyre condition is a recurring failure point for this vehicle, with three consecutive years flagging tyres worn to the legal limit or showing perishing. The 2026 report specifically noted edge wear on both front tyres, suggesting a potential alignment issue or shock absorber failure. Any prospective buyer should verify that the reported faults from the April 2026 test have been fully rectified, as the history shows a pattern of neglecting these items until the MOT tester flags them.