2014 KIA Sportage 2.0L Diesel · YN64 YEC

This 2014 Kia Sportage holds a current MOT that expires on 19 August 2026, having passed its most recent test on 20 August 2025 at 89,363 miles. The maintenance trend presents a mixed picture. The 2023 test revealed a cluster of front-end defects including worn and pitted front brake discs, thin nearside front brake pads, and a binding nearside front caliper, yet the 2024 test at 83,737 miles recorded zero defects, indicating those braking issues were addressed. However, the 2025 test exposed a more concerning failure: both front track rod end split pins were missing, a critical steering locking device deficiency that would compromise steering geometry integrity. The car passed later that same day on retest, but the fact that such a fundamental safety item was flagged and then rectified on the same visit raises questions about whether the underlying cause, such as prior suspension work left unfinished, was fully resolved. Two advisories for worn front tyres on the 2025 pass further suggest consumable upkeep is being left to the legal minimum. The mileage accumulation of roughly 7,447 miles per year over twelve years sits squarely within typical annual use for a vehicle of this age. The record shows steady progression from 73,735 miles in September 2022 to 89,363 miles by August 2025, with no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps that would indicate odometer tampering or prolonged periods of disuse. The 5,628-mile increase between the 2024 and 2025 tests aligns with normal driving patterns. The MOT history itself is consistent, with annual tests filed on or around the same late-summer window each year, suggesting the previous owner maintained a regular testing cycle. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front steering and suspension components. The missing track rod end split pins flagged in August 2025 point to recent work on the steering rack or track rod ends that may have been rushed or improperly secured. Check for uneven inner tyre wear, play in the steering, and inspect the track rod end boots for damage or grease leakage. The 2023 advisory for a binding nearside front caliper and worn front brake discs warrants a close look at the front brake caliper slide pins and piston for corrosion, as well as measuring disc thickness and run-out. Examine the underside for corrosion on subframes, suspension mounting points, and brake pipe unions, particularly given the vehicle's age. The repeated appearance of worn front tyres at the 2025 test also suggests possible tracking misalignment or worn suspension bushes that are allowing excessive camber wear, so have the four-wheel alignment checked before committing to a purchase.