2012 KIA SPORTAGE 2 CRDI1.7L Diesel

The current MOT status of this Kia Sportage is technically expired, as the last successful test occurred on 18 January 2023. While the vehicle passed that inspection with no recorded defects, the lack of a valid certificate for over eighteen months indicates a significant gap in official oversight. The maintenance trend appears stable regarding mechanical condition, though the rapid succession of two failures followed by a pass in early 2023 suggests the vehicle may have required minor remedial work to meet standards before being cleared for the road. The vehicle has covered 88,297 miles over its fourteen-year lifespan, averaging approximately 6,300 miles per annum. This usage pattern is consistent with typical domestic operation and does not suggest excessive strain on the drivetrain. However, the mileage accumulation shows a notable deceleration between the 2021 and 2023 tests, where the car covered only 16,000 miles over a two-year period. This extended interval without an MOT test requires careful verification of the vehicle's storage conditions and any potential degradation caused by prolonged inactivity. Prospective buyers should focus their inspection on the condition of the braking system and suspension components, as these are common failure points for a vehicle of this age and mileage. Although the 2023 pass was clean, the subsequent period of inactivity warrants a thorough check for seized brake calipers, perished rubber bushes, and any signs of corrosion on the underside or structural members. Verify that the engine starts cleanly from cold and remains free of excessive smoke, as the diesel particulate filter and fuel injectors on this CRDI engine can suffer if the vehicle has been subjected to short, infrequent journeys during its recent idle period.