2018 KIA SPORTAGE1.6L PETROL

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift from a clean record to reactive component replacement. While the most recent test in May 2025 at 22,582 miles passed, it revealed multiple brake-related defects that were absent in previous years. The tester flagged front and rear brake discs as pitted and scored, alongside thin front brake pads, indicating that the braking system is now reaching the end of its effective service life despite the low overall mileage. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 2,800 miles per year. Between July 2021 and May 2025, the car covered only 5,400 miles, suggesting long periods of inactivity or minimal urban use. This low usage often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components. The 2024 advisory for a perishing offside front tyre at 21,540 miles is a classic symptom of a vehicle that sits stationary for long durations rather than being driven regularly to keep materials supple. A buyer must physically inspect the braking assembly to ensure the discs and pads have actually been replaced following the faults noted in the 2025 test. The report of slight corrosion on the rear brake hose ferrule requires close attention, as oxidisation on hydraulic lines can lead to sudden failure if left untreated. Given the low mileage, the inspection should also focus on dry cracks in the tyres and suspension bushings, as these parts perish through age and oxidation rather than through mechanical wear.