2021 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · RF21 FNP

The 2021 Kia Sportage holds a current MOT, having passed its most recent test on 2026-06-09 at 40,268 miles. The maintenance trend is stable but shows a persistent pattern of minor advisories rather than a clean bill of health. The same two issues, worn front brake discs and a central front lower oil leak, have appeared consistently across the last three consecutive annual tests. This indicates the previous owner tolerated these conditions rather than proactively rectifying them. A new nearside rear tyre sidewall advisory has also emerged in the latest test, adding a fresh item to the vehicle's known defects. The mileage progression is linear and unremarkable. The car covered 6,977 miles between the June 2024 and June 2025 tests, then 9,874 miles between June 2025 and June 2026. This slight acceleration in annual usage is well within normal parameters for a family SUV and does not raise any odometer tampering concerns. The record itself is clean, with no gaps in the annual test cycle, suggesting the vehicle has been kept in continuous use rather than sitting idle for extended periods. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front brake assembly. The repeated advisory for worn front brake discs, noted as far back as the June 2024 test at 23,317 miles, suggests the discs have been operating at or near their minimum thickness for a considerable time. Check the condition of the front pads and measure disc thickness and lip wear. The persistent central front lower oil leak, flagged identically in the 2025 and 2026 tests, demands a thorough underside inspection. Trace the source, as a slow leak from a lower engine area could involve the power steering rack, a crankshaft seal, or a transmission component, all of which carry significant repair costs if left unresolved. The latest advisory for a cracking or perishing nearside rear tyre sidewall is a straightforward replacement item but should not be ignored. Sidewall damage compromises structural integrity and poses a genuine risk of a high-speed blowout. Inspect all four tyres for matching tread depth and age, as uneven wear could point to alignment or suspension geometry issues not yet flagged by a tester. Given the recurring advisories, a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is strongly advisable to assess the true condition of the front brakes and the origin of that oil leak before committing to the purchase.