2012 KIA Sorento 2.2L Diesel · YH62 YFS

The 2012 Kia Sorrento currently holds a valid MOT issued on 20 May 2026 at 107,005 miles, but the maintenance trend leading up to it is mixed. The car failed its initial test that same day due to both rear shock absorbers showing negligible or reduced damping effect, alongside worn front tyres. A retest passed later that day, suggesting the rear dampers and front tyres were replaced or rectified promptly. This indicates a reactive rather than preventative maintenance pattern. The front suspension arm bushes have been flagged as worn in every test since March 2023, yet the advisory has never progressed to a failure, pointing to a slowly deteriorating but not yet critical condition. The mileage progression is steady and typical for a 14-year-old vehicle. Between March 2023 and April 2025, the car covered roughly 5,519 miles over two years, then added 5,020 miles in the eleven months leading to the May 2026 test. This equates to approximately 7,600 miles per year overall, consistent with regular daily use rather than long periods of inactivity. The MOT record itself is clean and continuous, with no gaps in testing history, which supports the presence of a verifiable paper trail. A buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension bushes, which have worn gradually over at least three consecutive tests. While they have not yet caused excessive movement, continued degradation will eventually affect steering precision and tyre wear. The rear shock absorbers were only just replaced or repaired in May 2026, so their damping performance should be tested over uneven surfaces to confirm the fix is holding. The front tyres worn to 3mm at the most recent test suggest the previous owner ran them to the legal limit before replacement, a habit that often extends to other consumables. Inspect the underside for corrosion, particularly around the rear subframe and suspension mounting points, as the age and mileage make this a common vulnerability on the Sorrento. Check the condition of the new rear dampers for oil misting and listen for knocking over speed bumps. The front tyres should be examined for uneven wear, which could indicate the worn bushes are already disturbing alignment. Overall, the car appears mechanically sound for its age, but the recurring suspension advisories and reactive repair style suggest a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.