2011 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · NG60 LMF

The MOT history for this 2011 Kia Sportage presents a mixed but ultimately workable picture, characterised by a series of administrative failed tests that sit alongside clean passes. The two recorded failures, both dated 22 February 2024 and 20 February 2026, carry no defect entries, which strongly suggests they were refusals issued for administrative reasons, most commonly a previous advisory not rectified in time, an expired certificate, or a vehicle presented without the necessary documentation. Both were resolved promptly within days, with the same vehicle returning a few days later in each case to record a clean pass with no advisories or defects. The overall pattern across four tests over the most recent two years shows a vehicle that is technically sound at the point of inspection, with no recorded wear items, corrosion, or component failures flagged by the examiner. With 107,350 miles on a vehicle now fifteen years old, the annual mileage averages out at roughly 7,157 miles per year, which sits comfortably within typical usage for a car of this age. There are no extended gaps in the testing record that would suggest a prolonged period off the road, and the continuous annual testing history indicates the vehicle has been in regular use throughout its life. At this mileage, mechanical wear on major drivetrain and chassis components should be expected, particularly given the front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive layout and the additional strain that comes with a heavier SUV platform. The clean MOT record, however, means the vehicle has not yet triggered any examiner-flagged advisories relating to suspension, brakes, or exhaust components, which is a positive indicator for a car of this vintage and mileage. For a prospective buyer, the absence of advisory history means there is no specific component to target on inspection, but the age and mileage alone dictate a careful physical examination of the areas that commonly affect first-generation Kia Sportage models of this generation. The rear suspension beam, trailing arms, and bushes should be inspected for play or corrosion, as these are known wear points on vehicles approaching or exceeding 100,000 miles. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the rear under load, particularly over uneven surfaces, and pay attention to any wandering or instability at speed which could indicate worn rear axle bushes. The front suspension, including lower control arms, anti-roll bar links, and drop links, should be checked for perished bushes, as any deterioration here will present as vague steering or a knocking on direction changes. Given the mileage, the braking system should be examined closely even though no defects were recorded. On the test drive, test the pedal feel for any sponginess or excessive travel, which could point to worn caliper seals or a master cylinder beginning to fail, and listen for any scraping or grinding under light application that might indicate worn pads or corroled caliper guide pins. The steering rack and power assistance should be evaluated for any juddering, whining on full lock, or fluid leaks around the rack boots. Under the bonnet, look for signs of oil seepage around the engine and gearbox joins, as higher-mileage examples of this engine family commonly exhibit minor gasket and seal weeping. Finally, given the vehicle's age, inspect the underside thoroughly for any surface corrosion on subframes, brake pipes, and fuel lines, even though none has yet been flagged on an MOT, as this is the point at which deterioration typically begins on a well-used example of this model.