2021 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · DA21 UDJ

The most recent MOT test on 27 April 2026 at 19,580 miles returned a clean pass with zero defects, indicating the vehicle is currently in sound mechanical order. The maintenance trend is clearly improving. Just four days earlier on 23 April 2026, the same mileage produced a failure with a major rear exhaust leak at the back box, a cut to the offside front tyre deep enough to expose ply or cords, perishing across all sidewalls, and a defective offside front wiper blade. The fact that all four items were addressed and cleared within a single working week suggests a responsive owner who rectified faults promptly rather than ignoring them. Across the broader history, the 2025 and 2024 tests at 15,910 and 6,820 miles respectively also passed cleanly, reinforcing a pattern of consistent upkeep once the 2026 rectification is factored in. The mileage profile tells a specific story. Between 1 April 2024 and 26 April 2025, the car covered 9,090 miles in roughly thirteen months, a reasonable rate. Then from 26 April 2025 to 23 April 2026, it added only 3,670 miles over nearly a full year, pointing to a period of notably light use or possible extended standing. The recorded figure of 19,580 miles has not moved between the failed and passed tests four days apart, which is expected in a pre-test repair scenario. Overall, at roughly 3,916 miles per year over five years, this is low annual mileage for a Sportage. Light use can preserve mechanical components but also raises the question of whether seals, rubber bushes, and tyres have aged through time rather than wear. The April 2026 failure flags items worth inspecting in person. A major exhaust gas leak at the back box warrants a close look at the full exhaust system for corrosion, particularly around joints and mounting points, especially given the low mileage and potential for condensation build-up during short trips. The perishing noted across all tyre sidewalls suggests the rubber may be deteriorating from age rather than wear, so check the date codes on each tyre and budget for a full set replacement regardless of remaining tread depth. The offside front wiper blade was defective, a minor consumable, but confirm the corresponding nearside blade and washer system are functioning correctly. With no structural or suspension advisories on record and a clean pass most recently, the mechanical picture is encouraging, but the tyre condition and exhaust integrity deserve hands-on verification before purchase.