2014 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · YY63 YFA

The most recent MOT, conducted on 10 March 2026 at 125,843 miles, resulted in a pass, but the record reveals a maintenance trend that is best described as borderline rather than reassuring. The vehicle failed the previous day's test, and the pass was achieved only after addressing several critical faults, including a fractured offside front coil spring and excessively worn suspension components. The persistence of advisories across both the pass and fail entries paints a picture of a vehicle that has been managed to a minimum legal standard rather than proactively maintained. The rear sub-frame and suspension components remain flagged as corroded, and both rear coil springs are consistently noted as corroded, indicating a long-standing exposure issue that has not been rectified. At 12 years old with 125,843 miles, the Sportage has covered an average of roughly 10,487 miles per year, which sits squarely within typical annual usage for its age. The mileage progression is steady and unremarkable, suggesting regular use rather than long periods of dormancy. The MOT history itself is reasonably consistent, with annual tests recorded each March from 2024 through 2026. There are no alarming gaps in testing, though the jump from 112,944 miles in March 2024 to 118,976 miles in March 2025 and then to 125,843 miles by March 2026 confirms the vehicle has been driven consistently year on year. A buyer should approach this vehicle with a clear focus on the front and rear suspension. The fractured offside front coil spring identified in the March 2026 failure was clearly replaced to achieve the pass, but both rear coil springs remain flagged as corroded. This corrosion warrants close physical inspection, as rear spring failure can occur without warning. The offside front inner track rod play and worn front brake discs and pads appearing in the latest advisories suggest the front end has seen sustained wear. The rear sub-frame corrosion advisory has persisted across multiple tests and, while not deemed serious by the tester, any structural corrosion on a 12-year-old vehicle demands underbody examination to assess whether it is surface-level or progressing into structural compromise. The front oil leak and low oil level noted in the most recent test should also be investigated, as chronic oil loss can lead to accelerated engine wear if left unmonitored. The March 2025 failure for a binding nearside rear brake and a bulging front tyre indicates that safety-critical faults have been allowed to develop between tests. This pattern suggests reactive rather than preventive maintenance. A thorough test drive, including assessment of brake drag, steering tracking, and suspension compliance over uneven surfaces, is strongly advised before any purchase commitment.