2016 KIA Sportage 2.0L Diesel · LC16 WTP

The defining mechanical picture for this 2016 Kia Sportage is one of consistent roadworthiness across all seven recorded MOT tests, with the most recent pass on 16 March 2026 showing no recorded defects and continuing a clean trend that has held for the majority of its testing life. Out of seven tests, every single one resulted in a pass with no failures on record. However, the advisory history does reveal a recurring theme of tyre wear that a prospective buyer should not dismiss as trivial. Both front tyres were flagged for inner-edge wear in March 2022, both rear tyres were noted as being worn close to the legal limit and on the edge in March 2025, and a nail in an offside front tyre was recorded in March 2024. While none of these advisories caused a failure, the fact that tyre wear has been noted at three separate tests over a three-year span suggests the suspension geometry or wheel alignment may be drifting outside acceptable tolerances, which is worth investigating before committing to purchase. With 91,540 miles accumulated over approximately ten years, this Sportage has averaged around 9,154 miles annually, which sits squarely within typical usage parameters for a vehicle of its age. There are no extended gaps between tests that would suggest prolonged periods off the road, and the mileage progression between annual tests appears steady and consistent. There is nothing in the usage pattern to suggest either neglectful low-mileage corrosion issues or excessively high motorway mileage that might accelerate wear on drivetrain components. The test dates align closely with a normal annual inspection cycle from 2019 onwards, with no missed years, giving a continuous and reliable record to evaluate. For a buyer considering this vehicle, the primary inspection focus should be the suspension and steering geometry given the repeated inner-edge and edge tyre wear advisories. On a test drive, pay particular attention to any pulling to one side under braking or acceleration, uneven steering response, or a vague feeling from the front end that might indicate worn tie rod ends, dropped suspension bushes, or weak coil springs allowing the camber to shift. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns across the full width of the tread rather than just the edges. The 2019 advisory noting limited travel on the handbrake suggests the rear brake mechanism may have been binding or the cables were beginning to seize, so verify that the handbrake holds firmly on an incline and that the rear wheels turn freely when released by hand with the vehicle jacked safely. Beyond the advisory items, a test drive should include a thorough assessment of the major mechanical systems expected to show wear at this mileage. Listen for any knocking from the engine on cold start that might suggest worn hydraulic tappets or chain stretch, and check for excessive smoke from the exhaust on start-up. With over 91,000 miles covered, the dual-mass flywheel if fitted to a manual variant, or the torque converter in an automatic, is approaching a mileage range where failure becomes more common, so listen for rattling from the bellhousing on idle and any shuddering through the drivetrain when pulling away in first gear or reverse. Confirm all electrical systems operate correctly, that the air conditioning cools effectively, and that there are no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. Finally, inspect the underside for any signs of corrosion on subframe mounting points, brake lines, and suspension components, as the MOT history does not show any structural advisories but the condition beneath the vehicle should always be verified independently of the test record.