2022 KIA Sportage 2 ISG 1.6L Petrol · LL22 XAB

The latest DVSA MOT test, conducted on 2 April 2026, resulted in a PASS classification with no failures or items requiring attention prior to legal road use. Two advisory notices were issued, both relating to child seats fitted to the rear outboard positions restricting full inspection of the adult seatbelts. These advisories carry no mechanical or structural significance and are entirely circumstantial to the previous keeper's use of the vehicle. With only the two advisories from 2026 and a completely clean pass in April 2025, the overall maintenance trajectory appears stable. The absence of any advisories concerning brake condition, tyre wear, suspension components, emissions, or structural corrosion in either test suggests the vehicle has been maintained to a satisfactory standard, and there is no historical evidence of developing mechanical concerns. With 45,218 miles recorded over approximately four years, this Kia Sportage has averaged around 11,300 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical usage band for a vehicle of its age and class. The mileage progression is steady and consistent with regular mixed driving conditions, neither indicating heavy commercial use nor prolonged periods of standing. This pattern is mechanically favourable, as it suggests the engine, transmission, and associated drivetrain components have been worked regularly without excessive wear, while remaining low enough in annual mileage to avoid accelerated degradation of high-stress components such as the clutch, turbocharger, or dual-clutch elements if so equipped. Although the MOT history is commendably clean, a vehicle approaching four years of age with this mileage profile warrants a number of age-related physical checks beyond statutory test parameters. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for signs of perishing or cracking caused by UV exposure and ozone degradation, as rubber compounds deteriorate with calendar age regardless of tread depth; even tyres with ample tread can suffer catastrophic sidewall failure if micro-cracks are visible. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as original equipment units on cars of this vintage frequently begin to lose capacity, particularly if the vehicle has seen periods of short-journey use. Brake discs, being ferrous, may exhibit surface corrosion from standing, so the caliper sliding pins should be checked for free movement and the handbrake mechanism confirmed to fully release, as a binding caliper will rapidly consume pad material and cause uneven wear. All fluid conditions warrant attention given the time elapsed since manufacture; engine coolant, brake fluid (which is hygroscopic and should be renewed on a two-year cycle), and automatic transmission fluid if applicable should be inspected for correct level, condition, and age, with records sought to confirm adherence to manufacturer service intervals. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to the suspension system, listening for any clonks or rattles over speed bumps and uneven surfaces that might indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, top mounts, or coil springs, as these components carry advisory risk on vehicles entering middle age. The steering should be checked for straight-line stability and any pulling to one side, which can indicate geometry misalignment or uneven tyre wear. Braking should be assessed for pedal firmness and any shudder or vibration through the pedal, which would suggest disc warping likely caused by repeated hot cycling followed by standing. The engine should be observed from cold start for excessive smoke or excessive idle vibration, and once at operating temperature, any hesitation, misfire, or unusual engine management warning should be noted. Finally, verifying a complete and stamped service history is essential, as the lack of recorded advisories should be matched by evidence of timely oil and filter changes at manufacturer-recommended intervals to ensure long-term durability of the powertrain.