2018 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · VA68 AAK

A consistently clean MOT record, interrupted only by advisory‑level wear items, indicates that the 2018 Kia Sportage has remained structurally sound and free of serious defects to date. The latest test on 16 December 2025 passed without any recorded faults, confirming that no new failures have emerged since the previous advisory notes were logged. With 71,061 mi recorded over eight years, the average annual accumulation is roughly 8,900 mi, which sits comfortably within the typical usage range for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history shows an annual test each December, so there are no unexplained mileage gaps that might conceal periods of prolonged storage or unrecorded high‑speed travel. This moderate mileage profile suggests that major wear items such as the engine, transmission and suspension components are likely to be within normal limits, though consumables will naturally be approaching the end of their service lives. The tyre advisories from the 2024 test – near‑side front, off‑side front and off‑side rear all flagged as worn close to the legal limit – should be investigated immediately. Verify the tread depth across the width of each tyre, looking for any side‑wall damage, cupping or uneven wear that could hint at alignment or suspension issues. A test‑drive should include a quiet, straight‑line run to detect vibration or pulling, which would signal the need for wheel alignment or possible suspension bush wear before fitting new tyres. The brake‑pad advisory recorded in the 2023 test, noting thin wear on both rear pads, warrants prompt attention. Listen for any squeal or grinding on deceleration, and feel for an increase in pedal travel or a spongy sensation under braking, which would confirm that the pads are near the end of their serviceable life. Planning a replacement of the rear pads – and a visual inspection of the discs for scoring or excessive wear – will preserve consistent stopping performance and avoid an unexpected failure before the next MOT.