2022 KIA Sportage 3 ISG 1.6L Petrol · LC72 VFS

The most recent DVSA test on 20 October 2025 returned a pass with no defects recorded, which is the outcome a prospective buyer would wish to see for the active test certificate. The single entry immediately preceding it on the same date shows a failure on an Offside Front wiper not clearing the windscreen effectively, a presentation of repair and subsequent pass. This is a minor driver visibility issue rather than any structural or mechanical concern, and there is no suggestion of any underlying fault or recurring defect across the recorded test history. The overall maintenance trend therefore appears stable, with the vehicle clearly being kept in a roadworthy condition and any issues addressed promptly at the point of test. With a recorded mileage of 20,124 miles over approximately four years, the vehicle is running at around 5,000 miles per year, which is notably below the national average and indicative of either short commuter journeys, light weekend use, or extended periods of standing. Low annual mileage of this nature is not inherently a concern, but it does carry specific mechanical considerations. Short journeys prevent the engine, oil, and exhaust system from reaching full operating temperature, allowing moisture and fuel to accumulate in the lubricant, which can degrade oil quality over time even within service intervals. Equally, prolonged standing can encourage corrosion on brake discs, leading to surface rust, brake binding, and uneven pad wear, as well as allowing tyres to develop flat spots or sidewall perishing from age rather than wear. Given the low usage profile, a prospective buyer should carry out a physical inspection with attention to age-related degradation rather than purely mileage-based wear. Inspect the tyres carefully for sidewall cracking, perishing, or distortion, as rubber compounds deteriorate with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and check the date code on the sidewall to confirm they are not approaching the end of their service life. Examine the brake discs for signs of heavy surface corrosion or pitting, particularly around the outer edges, and listen for any binding or scraping noises from the calipers during a test drive. Verify the condition of the 12V battery, as a vehicle that stands for long periods often suffers from chronic undercharging, which can lead to sulphation and premature failure; a battery health check with a diagnostic tool is strongly advisable. Also confirm the service book stamps, paying particular attention to whether brake fluid, coolant, and cabin filter have been replaced on a time basis, as these items degrade with age irrespective of mileage and a KIA of this age would normally expect a brake fluid change at least once during this period. On a road test, listen for any clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes or top mount bearings, components that can deteriorate even on low-mileage examples. Check that the engine starts promptly from cold without excessive smoke, as turbocharged petrol engines such as those fitted to the Sportage benefit from regular sustained use to prevent carbon build-up around the inlet valves. Confirm the operation of the dual-clutch or automatic transmission, ensuring changes are smooth and free from shunt or hesitation, and that there are no warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster. Finally, request a current diagnostic scan for any stored fault codes, as intermittent electronic issues on low-use vehicles are not always captured within the MOT test but could influence reliability going forward.