2018 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · LD68 SSK

The most recent DVSA examination on 13 November 2025 resulted in a PASS, with two advisories raised concerning nearside and offside front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and exhibiting edge wear. Looking at the broader trajectory, the vehicle has achieved consecutive passes on every recorded test since at least 2021, and the advisory pattern is largely consistent rather than escalating. Tyre edge wear was previously flagged on the front pair in November 2022, and a cut to an offside rear tyre was noted in November 2024 alongside minor registration plate deterioration. There is no indication of any structural, braking, or suspension advisory escalating into a failure, which suggests the vehicle has been maintained to a satisfactory standard, though the recurrence of front axle tyre wear does point to an ongoing alignment or suspension geometry characteristic worth investigating prior to purchase. With an odometer reading of 36,382 miles against an eight-year build date, the vehicle has averaged approximately 4,548 miles per year, which is substantially below the typical mileage expectation for a 2018 model. Such low annual use generally means reduced wear on the engine internals, clutch, transmission, and friction braking surfaces, but it also raises the probability of component degradation linked to standing rather than active service. Long periods of inactivity can contribute to brake disc surface corrosion and seized or binding caliper slides, dry rot or perishing of tyres from age irrespective of tread depth, electrolyte degradation within the 12V battery, oxidation of exposed metal surfaces, and the natural loss of additive effectiveness in brake fluid, coolant, and differential or transmission oils purely through calendar ageing rather than use. On a physical inspection, particular attention should be paid to the front axle geometry, as the recurring advisory pattern of nearside and offside front tyre edge wear suggests that the camber or tracking may be outside tolerance, or that worn suspension components such as wishbone bushes, drop links, or anti-roll bar mountings could be contributing to uneven scrub. On the road, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for any steering vagueness, pulling to one side, or vibration through the wheel that would confirm the need for geometry correction or suspension component renewal. Given that the original front tyres were nearing the legal limit at the most recent test, a prospective buyer should confirm whether replacement has been carried out and inspect all four tyres for both adequate tread depth and any sidewall perishing, cracking, or bulges consistent with age-related rubber degradation, paying close regard to the rear pair where a previous cut was recorded. Beyond the chassis, the low usage profile warrants a closer look at items that deteriorate with time rather than mileage. The 12V battery should be load tested, as batteries that sit in a partially charged condition for prolonged periods commonly fail without warning and can leave a buyer stranded shortly after purchase. Brake discs, although unlikely to be thin at this mileage, frequently develop a lip of corrosion or may bind in the caliper guide pins if the vehicle has been left standing, so each corner should be rotated by hand with the wheel removed and the pistons checked for free movement. Fluid condition is another area where service history is critical; the brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid if fitted should be inspected for colour and odour, and the service book or digital record should be verified to confirm recent changes regardless of low odometer readings. Finally, the intermittent appearance of a TPMS warning light in 2021 should be confirmed resolved, and a thorough road test conducted to verify full functionality of all electronic systems, lighting, and emissions compliance.