2018 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · OO03 AAT

The vehicle achieved a PASS at its most recent DVSA MOT test on 13 April 2026, with five advisories recorded against it. Although the result represents a roadworthy outcome, the cluster of advisories is notable when viewed alongside the previous year's clean pass. The pattern over the five recorded tests shows an escalation in advisory items: 2022 and 2025 were defect free, 2023 recorded a single tyre edge wear advisory, 2024 introduced advisories relating to front brake condition and rear tyre condition, and 2026 has expanded to include both front and rear brake and tyre concerns. This trajectory suggests an emerging maintenance trend rather than a sudden deterioration, but a prospective buyer should treat the 2026 advisories as indicative of components now approaching the threshold where replacement will be required at the next annual test. The recorded mileage of 39,859 miles over an eight year period equates to an average annual usage of approximately 4,982 miles, which is markedly below the typical mileage for a vehicle of this age and class. Such low usage has two principal mechanical implications. First, prolonged standing periods accelerate calendar-based degradation of components regardless of their wear state, particularly the 12 volt battery, brake discs and calipers, coolant and brake fluid, and tyre rubber through perishing. Second, the relatively modest distance covered means that although major drivetrain wear is likely low, items subject to corrosion and age related deterioration will be more relevant than high mileage wear items. The consistent year on year testing pattern without significant mileage jumps suggests the vehicle has been used regularly if modestly, rather than left standing for extended intervals. The recurring tyre advisories across multiple test cycles are particularly noteworthy and warrant close physical inspection before purchase. Both front tyres were flagged as worn close to the legal limit on the 2026 test, with edge wear noted on the nearside, and the nearside front inner tread was specifically identified. Edge wear patterns typically indicate misalignment of the front axle, worn suspension bushes, or incorrect camber geometry, and a buyer should arrange a four wheel alignment check and a physical examination of the front suspension components for play in the wishbone bushes, drop links, and track rod ends. The rear tyres were previously flagged for perishing and cracking in 2024, which given the vehicle's age and low mileage remains a genuine risk factor. Even where tread depth is acceptable, sidewall perishing from age related rubber degradation can render tyres non compliant and unsafe, and all four tyres should be inspected for hairline cracks in the sidewall and tread grooves regardless of remaining tread depth. The braking system advisories in the 2026 test, combined with those recorded in 2024, indicate that consumable brake components are now at a stage where imminent replacement should be budgeted for. The rear brake pads were identified as wearing thin and both rear discs as worn though not excessively weakened, while the 2024 test noted front disc pitting and scoring with front pads also wearing thin. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for any grinding or scraping noise from the brakes, particularly at low speed, and feel for brake shudder through the steering wheel or brake pedal which would indicate disc run out or thickness variation from corrosion. Given the low annual mileage, the discs are particularly susceptible to corrosion pitting from infrequent use, and binding calipers should be checked by ensuring the vehicle rolls freely when released on a level surface with the handbrake off. Finally, notwithstanding the absence of advisory entries for fluids or battery, the age of the vehicle dictates that brake fluid should be renewed every two years due to its hygroscopic nature, coolant condition should be verified, and the battery tested under load to confirm it remains serviceable. A full service history should also be requested to confirm that time based servicing items have been attended to in line with manufacturer schedules rather than purely mileage intervals.