2018 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · FL18 RVM

The 2018 Kia Sportage presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a completely clean MOT pass on 18 March 2026 at 44,382 miles with zero defects recorded. This is a significant turnaround from the 2025 test, which flagged multiple advisories including worn and pitted front brake discs, thin front brake pads, a TPMS warning lamp, an oil warning lamp, and perishing rear tyres. The absence of any defects in the most recent test strongly suggests the previous owner addressed these items promptly, indicating attentive upkeep in the last year. The recurring TPMS lamp appearing in both 2022 and 2025 also points to a slow puncture tendency or sensor issue that appears to have now been resolved. The mileage profile tells an interesting story. Covering just 44,382 miles over approximately eight years equates to roughly 5,500 miles per year, well below the UK average. The annual tests show consistent but modest accumulation: 16,805 miles in March 2022, 23,192 in March 2023, 31,652 in March 2024, and 37,628 in March 2025, representing steady increments of around 6,400 to 8,400 miles per year. The jump from March 2025 to March 2026 added 6,754 miles, fitting the established pattern. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden spikes in the odometer record, and the annual MOT cadence has been consistent since 2022, suggesting the vehicle was in regular use rather than sitting idle for extended periods. Despite the clean 2026 result, a buyer should still conduct a thorough in-person inspection focusing on areas with a documented history of concern. The front braking system drew advisories in both 2024 and 2025 for worn, pitted, and scored discs along with thin pads, so checking current disc thickness, pad depth, and caliper function remains prudent. The rear tyres showed cracking and perishing in both 2024 and 2025, which raises questions about rear suspension bush condition and whether the vehicle has spent time on rough surfaces or standing in damp conditions. Given the low mileage, suspension components such as coil springs, shock absorbers, and trailing arm bushes should be inspected for dry rot or deterioration that can occur from age rather than use. The persistent child seat obstruction noted across multiple years also means the rear seat belt mechanisms deserve a direct physical check for smooth retraction and proper locking.