2020 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · AM57 DOG

The most recent MOT on 2 February 2026 was a pass, albeit with an advisory concerning the off‑side front suspension arm pin or bush. Over the last two years the vehicle has shown a mixed picture: a failure in January 2025 for serious rear‑brake wear and parking‑brake inefficiency, a clean pass in January 2025, a failure in January 2026 for front tyre tread and the same suspension advisory, and finally a pass in February 2026. The pattern suggests that when defects have been identified the owner has generally remedied them in time for the next test, but recurring wear on the front suspension and tyre tread indicates that some components are approaching the end of their service life and will need attention soon. At 37 583 miles the Sportage averages roughly 6 300 miles per year, which is well below the UK average of around 10‑12 000 miles. The low annual mileage points to relatively light use, possibly with periods of extended storage. Light use reduces cumulative wear on engine, transmission and drivetrain, but it does not eliminate age‑related deterioration such as rubber hardening, corrosion of brake components and battery capacity loss. There are no obvious mileage gaps in the MOT record, so the odometer reading is likely to be genuine. A prospective buyer should give particular focus to the front suspension arm bush on the off‑side. Listen for clunking or knocking over bumps and feel for any looseness when applying steering input at low speed; excessive play may indicate the bush is close to failure and will need replacement. The front tyres were flagged as dangerously low in January 2026, so verify that the current tread depth is above the 1.6 mm legal minimum and inspect the sidewalls for cracking, bulges or age‑related perishing, especially if the tyres have not been replaced since the last MOT. Examine the rear braking system for any residual wear – check that the parking brake holds the vehicle firmly on a gradient, feel for pulsation or shudder when applying the service brakes, and look for uneven disc surface or excessive pad wear that could re‑appear if the previous repair was only a temporary fix. Given the vehicle’s six‑year age, also inspect items that deteriorate with time rather than mileage. Examine the battery terminals for corrosion and have the 12 V battery load‑tested, as prolonged standing can reduce capacity. Check all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and note the dates of the last service; fluids typically require change every 24‑30 months regardless of use. Look for rust on wheel arches, undercarriage and suspension components, and ensure the exhaust system is free of cracks or excessive rust that could affect emissions. A thorough visual inspection combined with a careful test‑drive for any unusual noises, vibrations or handling quirks will give a clear picture of whether the Sportage is mechanically sound or if further remedial work will be required shortly after purchase.