2012 KIA Sportage 2.0L Diesel · YR12 OFX

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status, passing its most recent inspection in July 2025 at 165,333 miles with no recorded defects. The maintenance trend appears to be improving following a period of apparent neglect in early 2022. While the 2025 test was clean, the history of recurring advisories suggests that the previous owner only addressed identified faults rather than following a proactive preventative schedule. At 165,333 miles over 14 years, the Sportage reflects a typical annual usage of approximately 11,800 miles. The mileage data shows consistent usage patterns, most notably the 19,000 miles covered between July 2022 and February 2024, and another 16,000 miles between February 2024 and July 2025. This steady accumulation suggests regular road use which often helps prevent the dry-related issues associated with long periods of standing stationary. A buyer must prioritise a physical inspection of the suspension system, as the February 2024 test flagged corroded rear suspension components. Although these were not classified as seriously weakened at the time, corrosion on vehicles of this age tends to progress toward structural failure. The buyer should also examine the brake discs and calipers, as the 2022 failure due to pitted discs and fluctuating service brakes indicates a history of uneven wear or potentially sticking components. The MOT record also highlights a pattern of ignoring basic consumable maintenance, evidenced by the 2022 failure for illegal tyre tread depths and the subsequent 2024 advisory for a nearside front tyre worn on the edge. This often points to poor alignment settings or delayed replacement of routine parts. Given the high mileage, a thorough check of the chassis for further structural rust and an assessment of the suspension bushings is essential to ensure the noted corrosion has not deteriorated since the last test.