2015 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · LN65 YRV

The 2015 Kia Sportage presents a stable and broadly improving mechanical picture at its most recent MOT. The current certificate, issued on 13 October 2025 at 88,175 miles, is clean with zero defects recorded. That outcome is significant because it follows a failure on the same day, where the tester flagged an inoperative nearside parking brake, excessively binding service brakes on both rear axles, and insufficient parking brake efficiency. The immediate retest passed, indicating the binding calipers or seized parking brake cables were rectified promptly. This pattern suggests a reactive but effective repair, moving the vehicle from a serious braking deficiency back to full compliance within hours. The mileage accumulation of roughly 8,000 miles per year sits squarely within typical use for an eleven-year-old SUV, and the record shows no suspicious gaps or sudden spikes. Annual tests have been completed consistently each autumn since at least 2022, with only 2,025 miles added between the September 2024 and October 2025 tests, pointing to lighter recent use. The 2023 test recorded an oil leak advisory at 79,658 miles, noted as not excessive at the time, while the 2022 test flagged slight play in the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint at 69,672 miles. Both advisories appear to have been addressed or not worsened, given the clean 2025 pass, though neither was explicitly rechecked in the record. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear braking system and front suspension. The dual rear brake binding and parking brake failure in October 2025 raise the possibility of corroded caliper slides, a sticking handbrake mechanism, or deteriorated rear brake lines, all common on aging SUVs. Have a technician measure rear caliper slide resistance and check the parking brake lever travel and cable condition. The 2022 anti-roll bar linkage advisory warrants a check for play in both front drop links and the rear anti-roll bar bushes, as worn suspension components can cause unpredictable handling at motorway speeds. Inspect the engine and gearbox for fresh oil leaks around the rocker cover and transmission flanges, given the 2023 advisory. Finally, examine the underside for corrosion on the subframes, brake lines, and exhaust mounting points, as these structural areas deteriorate silently and are not always visible in the MOT photographs.