2018 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · LC68 AUL

The KIA Sportage’s most recent MOT test on 2025-12-01 at 27,466 miles passed without defects, following a single failure just six days earlier at 27,398 miles. This abrupt retest suggests either a minor oversight in scheduling or a last-minute correction of a non-critical issue that didn’t reappear. The preceding tests from 2024, 2023, and 2022 all passed cleanly, indicating a stable maintenance record with no recurring faults over the past four years. The absence of advisories or repeated failures on the same components implies the vehicle has been kept in good condition, though the lack of defects doesn’t preclude wear that isn’t MOT-critical. The recorded mileage of 27,466 miles over eight years—roughly 3,433 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, suggesting either infrequent use or prolonged periods of storage. The gaps between tests are consistent, with roughly 11 months between each MOT, and no evidence of rapid mileage accumulation that might indicate aggressive driving or deferred maintenance. The most notable pattern is the near-identical mileage at the 2025 failure and pass, which could imply a temporary hold or a minor procedural issue rather than mechanical neglect. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of suspension components, particularly the rear bushes and coil springs, as these are common wear items on KIA Sportage models that often exceed their expected lifespan without visible MOT failures. The brakes, while not flagged in tests, should be checked for uneven wear or binding calipers, especially if the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods. Tyres, though not mentioned in the record, may require scrutiny for uneven tread or embedded debris from storage. Finally, a visual inspection for corrosion—particularly around the wheel arches, sills, and underbody—is essential, as low mileage doesn’t preclude rust progression in wet conditions.