2018 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · LE18 AEX

The 2018 KIA Sportage’s most recent MOT, conducted on 14 August 2025 at 46,532 miles, passed without any recorded defects or advisories. This suggests the vehicle currently meets the minimum roadworthiness standards for brakes, suspension, emissions, and structural integrity. However, the pattern of two consecutive failures—both in July of 2025 and 2024—without any defects logged raises immediate questions. The absence of specific fault codes implies either a technical error in the testing process or that the vehicle narrowly avoided failing on critical components, such as brake binding, excessive wear, or emissions thresholds. Buyers should verify whether the failures were procedural or if the vehicle was repaired between tests, as the lack of details makes it impossible to assess whether underlying issues were addressed. The recorded mileage of 46,532 miles over eight years—roughly 5,816 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, particularly given that Kia Sportages typically accumulate closer to 8,000–10,000 miles per year under normal usage. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests (5,367 miles in 13 months) and the subsequent 2024–2025 interval (5,715 miles in 13 months) suggests the vehicle may have been stored for extended periods rather than driven regularly. This could indicate neglect of fluid changes, tyre pressure monitoring, or minor servicing, which are critical for preventing accelerated wear. The two consecutive MOT failures without defects also imply the vehicle may have been driven briefly between tests, potentially masking deeper issues until they reached the failure threshold. Given the lack of specific fault details in the failures, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the braking system, particularly the rear calipers and discs, as binding brakes are a common cause of MOT failures without explicit codes. The suspension components—including coil springs, bushes, and shock absorbers—should be examined for uneven wear or corrosion, especially if the vehicle has been stationary for prolonged periods. Tyres, though not flagged in the MOT, warrant scrutiny given the repeated failures; tread depth and lateral wear patterns could reveal past neglect. Finally, the exhaust system and emissions controls should be checked for leaks or corrosion, as these are frequently overlooked but can lead to sudden MOT failures. The absence of advisories in the most recent pass does not guarantee these areas are sound, so a thorough mechanical assessment is essential.