2019 KIA Sportage 1.6L Diesel · CF68 DXE

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT test on 29 December 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded, which is a reassuring indicator of its current roadworthy condition. Reviewing the history over the past four test cycles, the trend appears broadly stable and indeed improving. The 2022 and 2023 tests carried advisories relating to brake wear, tyre condition, and a headlight adjustment, whereas the two most recent tests have returned completely clean sheets. This pattern suggests that previously noted wear items were likely attended to during routine maintenance, and that the car has been kept up to standard in terms of items inspected under the MOT regime. With a recorded mileage of 68,603 miles over approximately seven years, this Kia Sportage has covered roughly 9,800 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical usage band for a vehicle of this age. There are no large gaps between MOT tests that would suggest prolonged periods of standing, nor any sudden spikes in recorded mileage indicative of heavy commercial or motorway use. This is a fairly average usage profile, which means wear should be moderate and proportional to distance covered, without the elevated component fatigue one might expect from a high-mileage example. Given the relatively clean recent MOT record and the moderate mileage, your pre-purchase inspection should focus on age and time-related deterioration rather than purely mileage-driven wear. Inspect the tyres carefully for sidewall perishing or cracking caused by age, even if the tread depth appears adequate, as rubber compounds degrade over time regardless of mileage. Check the 12V battery health, as a seven-year-old original unit may be approaching the end of its service life, particularly if the vehicle has been used predominantly for short journeys. Examine the brake discs for surface corrosion around the outer edges, a common finding on cars that have seen periods of standing or light use, and confirm that the calipers are releasing freely without binding. Under the bonnet, verify the condition and age of the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid; brake fluid in particular is hygroscopic and typically requires replacement every two to three years regardless of mileage, so a seven-year-old car may benefit from a fluid refresh even without obvious symptoms. On the road, listen for any clonks or knocks from the suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or top mounts, all common wear items on a Sportage of this age. Pay attention to brake pedal feel and responsiveness, watching for any shudder through the steering wheel under braking that could suggest disc run-out or uneven pad transfer. Listen for any whistling or vibration from the front wheels that could point to a worn wheel bearing, and verify that the steering remains straight and self-centring without excessive play. Given the earlier advisory regarding the offside rear tyre wearing on the edge, it would also be prudent to have the rear wheel alignment checked, as persistent edge wear can indicate misalignment that may recur even after a tyre replacement.