2023 KIA Sportage 3 Crdi ISG Mhev S-A 1.6L Hybrid electric (clean) · RF72 AAU

The most recent DVSA MOT test conducted on 11 June 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which represents the most favourable possible outcome at the present time. Looking at the recorded MOT history, the only blemish on the file is a single advisory issued at the previous test on 1 December 2025 concerning slight deterioration of the front registration plate. Because the tester judged this unlikely to cause misreading, it carries no immediate safety or mechanical significance, but it does indicate that the plate may require replacement in the near term to maintain full compliance and a tidy presentation. Overall, the maintenance trend for this Sportage appears stable and reassuring, with the advisory having been addressed implicitly through the clean subsequent test, and no underlying wear or structural concerns have yet emerged through the official testing process. The recorded mileage of 35,105 miles over an approximate three-year period equates to an annual accumulation of around 11,700 miles, which sits squarely within the typical usage band for a privately owned family SUV of this age. There are no significant gaps between recorded mileages that would suggest prolonged periods of standing, nor is there any evidence of unusually rapid accumulation that might point to high-stress usage such as frequent towing or motorway commuting. This moderate usage profile is generally favourable for component longevity, particularly for the mild-hybrid electrical system, the dual-clutch or automatic transmission, and the diesel particulate filter, all of which benefit from regular driving to remain in good working order. A typical annual mileage such as this means that major wear items such as brake discs, pads, and tyres should still have useful life remaining, though they should nevertheless be physically inspected rather than assumed sound purely on the basis of MOT results. Given the absence of any recurring defects or advisories in the MOT history, a prospective buyer should now focus on age-and-mileage-related condition checks that the MOT does not necessarily cover. The tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking or perishing, which can occur even on lightly used vehicles due to environmental exposure, and the tread depth should be confirmed against the legal minimum of 1.6mm while also checking for uneven wear patterns that might suggest alignment or suspension issues. Although the brake components passed the MOT brake efficiency test, it is worth inspecting the discs for any lipping or surface corrosion, particularly at the edges where rust build-up can occur from short journeys or periods of standing, and the calipers should be checked for smooth operation without any tendency to bind. The 12-volt battery, which is a common failure point on vehicles fitted with mild-hybrid systems that place additional demands on the electrical architecture, should be tested for state of charge and load capacity, particularly as the vehicle approaches the third year of service when original batteries often begin to weaken. Fluid-based servicing should also be verified independently of the MOT record, as these items fall outside the standard test scope. Diesel engines such as the 1.6 CRDi benefit from regular fuel filter replacement to protect the injectors and DPF, while the engine oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid should all be confirmed as being changed at the manufacturer-recommended intervals, with brake fluid in particular being hygroscopic and requiring replacement on a calendar basis regardless of mileage. The timing or auxiliary belt, if applicable to this engine variant, should be checked against the service schedule, and any history of DPF regeneration cycles or warning light activation should be discussed with the seller. Finally, a careful test drive paying attention to any vibration from the transmission, clunks from the suspension over undulating surfaces, pulling under braking, or hesitation from the mild-hybrid system would help confirm that the mechanical condition aligns with the clean paperwork, ensuring a sound purchase.