2017 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · AX66 NFT

A clear pattern emerges from the MOT history of this 2017 Kia Sportage: the vehicle has passed every annual test without a single recorded failure or advisory defect in its latest examination on 5 January 2026, yet the earlier records reveal a recurring theme of tyre condition advisories that warrant close attention. Across the 2023 and 2025 tests, both front and rear tyres were flagged for slight damage, cracking, or perishing, with the 2023 examination also noting a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and worn on its edge. The 2024 and 2026 tests recorded no defects at all, suggesting either tyre replacement between tests or a temporary improvement in condition, but the recurrence of cracking advisories points to a vehicle whose rubber components may be subject to environmental ageing rather than purely tread-related wear. Aside from tyres, the only mechanical advisory of note was an offside front brake pad observation in 2023 indicating thinness, though no subsequent brake-related defects have appeared. With 60,195 miles recorded over nine years, this Sportage has accumulated roughly 6,688 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical usage band for a vehicle of its age. There are no extended gaps in the MOT testing record that would suggest prolonged periods off the road, and the annual progression between tests implies steady, consistent use rather than intermittent or erratic driving patterns. This kind of moderate mileage generally means that major drivetrain components, suspension assemblies, and braking systems have experienced a reasonable working life without being subjected to the accelerated wear typical of high-mileage vehicles. Mechanical expectations for a Sportage at this odometer reading should centre on consumable replacement and routine age-related deterioration rather than catastrophic component failure. Given the recurring tyre cracking advisories recorded at both the front and rear axles, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of all four tyres, paying particular attention to the sidewalls and tread shoulders for perishing, hairline cracks, or any bulging that could indicate structural degradation. Because the 2023 test flagged a nearside front tyre as worn close to the legal limit and worn on its edge, a test drive should include assessment of steering pull or vibration through the wheel, which can indicate uneven camber or suspension geometry issues exacerbated by prolonged tyre wear patterns. Any signs of feathering on the inner or outer tread edges would warrant further investigation into the front suspension and alignment settings. The single brake pad advisory in 2023 for the offside front wearing thin suggests that the braking system has been working as expected for the mileage covered, but a buyer should still verify current pad and disc condition directly, as over three years of subsequent motoring will have progressed pad wear considerably. During the test drive, listen for any binding caliper symptoms such as the vehicle pulling to one side under braking, or any pulsation through the brake pedal that could indicate disc warping, particularly given the urban and mixed-use profile implied by the mileage pattern. Additionally, because the 2023 test noted a child seat fitted across all three rear positions preventing full inspection of the adult belts, the rear seatbelt retractors and buckles should be manually checked for smooth operation and secure latching, as these items are not always fully examined during routine MOT tests when child seats obscure access.