2021 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · MP14 SEL

The 2021 KIA Sportage’s most recent MOT test on 2025-05-28 confirms full roadworthiness at 8,964 miles, with no defects or advisories recorded. This represents a stable maintenance pattern over the past two years, as both the 2024 and 2025 tests passed without failings. The absence of recurring advisories or defects suggests the vehicle has been kept in sound mechanical condition, though the lack of any recorded issues also means there is no historical data to confirm the condition of high-wear components like suspension bushes, coil springs, or brake calipers. The final test date of May 2025 means the current MOT expires in approximately 14 months, which is standard for a vehicle of this age. The recorded mileage of 8,964 miles over five years equates to an average of around 1,793 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this type. This suggests either very light usage or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests—where the mileage remained static at 6,156 miles for an entire year—further implies the vehicle may have been stored or driven infrequently during that period. Such low mileage can mitigate some wear concerns, particularly for components like brake pads or timing belts, but it also raises questions about fluid changes, suspension preload, and potential corrosion from prolonged standing. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of suspension components, particularly the rear suspension bushes and coil springs, as these are common failure points in KIA Sportage models and often go unchecked until they fail. The brakes, though not flagged in the MOT, should be scrutinised for uneven wear or binding calipers, especially if the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods. Tyre condition is another critical area—despite no MOT failures, the low mileage does not guarantee tread depth has been maintained, and uneven wear could indicate alignment or suspension issues. Finally, a thorough inspection of the underbody for corrosion, particularly around the sills and wheel arches, is advisable, as standing vehicles are prone to rust development even at low mileages.