2012 KIA Sportage 2.0L Diesel · AV62 NUB

The 2012 Kia Sportage presents a stable and reassuring roadworthiness profile. The most recent MOT, conducted on 22 October 2025 at 72,264 miles, passed with zero defects recorded. This clean sheet extends a consistent pattern of defect-free passes across the entire available history, indicating no recurring mechanical or structural faults have been flagged by testers. The maintenance trend is stable and positive, with no advisories or failures suggesting underlying deterioration. The vehicle's mileage accumulation tells a clear story of very light use. Between the October 2023 test at 63,416 miles and the October 2025 test at 72,264 miles, the Sportage covered just 8,848 miles over two full years, averaging 4,424 miles annually. This is significantly below the typical UK average and aligns with the overall low-mileage profile of roughly 5,162 miles per year across its fourteen-year life. The record shows no sudden spikes or suspicious gaps in testing, with annual MOTs completed consistently each October. The two failed tests in 2023 and 2024 both list no defects, suggesting administrative or procedural retests rather than genuine mechanical failures. Despite the clean MOT record, a buyer should still conduct a thorough physical inspection. Low-mileage vehicles can suffer from deterioration caused by long periods of inactivity, including perished suspension bushes, seized brake calipers, and corroded brake discs or exhaust components. The underbody and subframe should be examined for structural corrosion, particularly around mounting points and suspension pickup points, as these areas are prone to rust even on lightly used vehicles. Tyre age and condition deserve attention, as rubber degrades with time regardless of tread depth. A test drive should focus on assessing brake feel, steering precision, and suspension compliance over uneven surfaces. Listen for knocking from the front or rear suspension and check for uneven tyre wear that could indicate alignment or tracking issues. While the MOT history provides strong evidence of consistent upkeep, the absence of advisories does not guarantee the absence of wear, particularly on a vehicle that has now reached fourteen years of age.