2023 KIA Sportage 2 ISG 1.6L Petrol · DC23 LHB

The defining mechanical note on this 2023 Kia Sportage is its mixed MOT outcome, which carries more weight than a single clean pass would suggest. On the same date, 26 June 2026, the vehicle was recorded as both passing and failing its MOT. The pass was issued with no advisories, but the failure log on the same day records two Major defects: a front windscreen wiper that does not clear the screen effectively, and an engine MIL either inoperative or indicating a fault. Because these were both classed as Major, the vehicle would not have been issued a valid MOT certificate until both items were remedied and a subsequent pass recorded, so any prospective purchase should satisfy themselves that the wiper blade or mechanism and the underlying engine management issue have been properly rectified rather than simply cleared to enable re-test. A single defect category such as a wiper is often trivial, but an illuminated or non-functional MIL points to a stored powertrain fault code that warrants diagnostic interrogation. Annual mileage on this Sportage is notably low for a three-year-old vehicle. With 14,639 miles recorded against a 2023 registration, the car has covered roughly 4,880 miles per year, well below typical usage. This relatively gentle accumulation reduces wear on clutches, brake friction material, and drivetrain components, but it does mean the vehicle will have spent significant periods sitting, with the usual consequences for 12V battery state of charge, brake disc surface corrosion, and underbody moisture retention. Inspection should therefore concentrate as much on the effects of standing as on the effects of distance. On a physical appraisal, pay particular attention to the items flagged in the failure record. For the wiper, check that both front blades sweep cleanly across the full wiper zone without smearing, smudging, or leaving unwiped arcs at the edges or in the wiper's parked position, and verify that the washer system produces an even jet across the screen. For the MIL concern, confirm that the warning lamp extinguishes promptly during the bulb-check phase on ignition and that the engine runs without hesitation, misfire, rough idle, or hesitation under throttle, as any of these symptoms would suggest the underlying emissions or sensor fault has not been resolved. Given the low mileage, it is also sensible to check the battery's resting voltage and date code, and to look for surface corrosion or pitting on the visible faces of the brake discs, which can produce judder on the first few applications of the pedal after the car has been standing. A road test should be structured to expose the consequences of both light use and the recorded defects. From a cold start, listen for any unexpected diesel-like rattle, timing chain chatter, or auxiliary drive bearing noise, and observe whether the cooling fan cycles correctly. On the move, brake firmly from around 30 mph to confirm a straight, stable stop without vibration through the pedal or steering, and check that the steering remains centred with no pull to either side, which would indicate a binding caliper or uneven brake drag from corroced discs. Finally, inspect the underside and engine bay for any oil misting, coolant staining, or perished rubber that low-mileage cars can develop simply through age rather than use, and ensure that the engine management system has no stored codes before committing to purchase.