2015 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · LB65 CVC

The mechanical record for this 2015 Kia Sportage presents a picture of solid roadworthiness over the test history, with no advisories or component-specific failures recorded across any of the documented MOT entries. The most recent test outcome on 5 August 2025 was a pass with no defects recorded, confirming the vehicle met the minimum DVSA standards at that examination. However, that same date also shows a failed test entry with no defects recorded, which typically indicates an administrative or retest situation rather than a mechanical defect, suggesting the vehicle was likely presented, failed on a non-recorded technicality or a specific point not captured in the summary, and then passed on the same day. This dual-entry pattern is unusual but not necessarily a concern if the failure was minor or related to test-day conditions. Earlier tests in July 2024 and July 2023 both returned clean passes, and the only other recorded failure from 14 July 2023 also carries no defect details, again pointing toward administrative circumstances rather than genuine mechanical problems. Overall, the trend is stable, with the vehicle consistently meeting roadworthiness criteria. With 96,910 miles accumulated over approximately eleven years, this Sportage has averaged roughly 8,810 miles annually, a figure that aligns closely with typical usage patterns for a family SUV of this age. This moderate annual mileage suggests the vehicle has been used for regular mixed driving rather than being subjected to extreme short-trip urban wear or long continuous motorway running. There are no extended gaps between MOT tests that would indicate the vehicle was laid up for significant periods, and the consecutive annual testing pattern from 2023 onwards suggests the car remained in active service. The mileage progression between tests would need to be verified through the V5C or service records to confirm even accumulation, though the annual rate does not raise immediate red flags about clocking or irregular use. Mechanically, this mileage band places the vehicle in the territory where suspension components, brake wear items, and drivetrain mounts typically begin to show age-related degradation, even if not flagged at MOT. For a prospective buyer, the absence of any recorded advisories means there are no specific components highlighted in the official test history to investigate further, but the mileage and age warrant a focused physical inspection regardless. On a test drive, pay particular attention to the suspension for any knocking or clonking noises from the front MacPherson struts and rear trailing arms, as these are common wear points on Sportages approaching 100,000 miles. Listen for any creaks or rattles from the anti-roll bar bushes and check for uneven tyre wear that might indicate worn suspension geometry components. Braking performance should be assessed for any pulling to one side, pedal vibration under heavy application, or a spongy feel that might suggest worn caliper slides or corroded brake pipes, particularly along the underbody where road salt can accelerate corrosion. Given that the car is now eleven years old with nearly 97,000 miles on the odometer, a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a competent mechanic is strongly advisable even with this clean MOT history. Have the timing chain inspected for any rattle on cold start, as Kia chain-driven engines of this era can develop tensioner wear at higher mileages. Check for any signs of oil leaks from the engine and gearbox seals, and inspect the cooling system for signs of corrosion or weeping hoses. The underside should be examined for any developing rust on the subframe, suspension arms, and brake line clips, as the official test does not always require a full underbody inspection at this age. Finally, verify that the dual-entry MOT results from August 2025 were indeed administrative and not symptomatic of an intermittent issue by requesting the full MOT documentation from the test station, ensuring complete transparency on the vehicle's current roadworthy condition.