2018 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · RO68 LPV

The 2018 Kia Sportage’s latest MOT test on 2025-11-24 resulted in a clean pass, marking a positive turnaround from its previous history. While earlier MOTs from 2021 to 2024 were also successful, the vehicle’s 2021 August test stands out as a notable outlier, where it failed due to dangerous offside front tyre wear with a tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm. This failure was subsequently rectified by the time of the 2024 August MOT, which recorded advisories for both offside front and rear tyres worn close to the legal limit, specifically showing uneven wear patterns on the inner edges. The absence of further failures or repeated defects since 2024 suggests a general improvement in roadworthiness, though the tyre wear advisories indicate ongoing attention is required to prevent recurrence of the 2021 issue. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 66,988 miles over approximately eight years represents an average annual usage of around 8,374 miles, which is within the expected range for a car of this age and class. This rate does not suggest excessive wear beyond what would be typical for regular use, but it also does not indicate particularly light or infrequent operation. The mileage distribution does not reveal any significant gaps or periods of prolonged standing that might exacerbate issues such as corrosion or fluid degradation, though the lack of a service history or odometer verification means potential hidden wear or neglect cannot be entirely ruled out. Higher mileage tends to accelerate consumable wear on components like brakes, suspension bushes, and tyres, while lower mileage may leave certain systems, such as seals and bearings, less stressed but potentially more prone to standing-related corrosion. Given the recent MOT history and the vehicle’s mileage, the buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the tyres, particularly focusing on the offside front and rear tyres, which have shown wear patterns that could recur if not addressed. On a test drive, listen for uneven tyre noise or vibrations, which may indicate misalignment or uneven wear progression. The inner edge wear noted in the 2024 MOT advisories suggests possible underinflation, poor alignment, or excessive steering angle use, all of which can accelerate tyre degradation. Inspect the tread depth again, ensuring no further reduction below 3mm, and check for signs of sidewall damage or cracking, which can compromise tyre integrity over time. Additionally, verify that the vehicle’s suspension components, including coil springs, shock absorbers, and suspension bushes, are functioning correctly, as uneven tyre wear can be a symptom of worn or failing suspension elements. Beyond the tyres, the buyer should also examine the brake system for signs of wear or binding, particularly the offside front brakes, which were involved in the 2021 failure. Listen for grinding noises during braking or a spongy pedal feel, which may indicate worn brake pads, warped discs, or a failing brake master cylinder. Check for corrosion or rust on brake discs and calipers, especially if the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods, as standing can lead to standing corrosion that compromises braking performance. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks or excessive noise, which could indicate wear in the catalytic converter or muffler, though emissions testing was not a failure point in the MOT history. Lastly, given the vehicle’s age, consider a visual inspection of the engine bay for signs of oil leaks, fluid degradation, or overheating, as well as a check of the 12V battery and starter motor, which can fail silently over time. If the vehicle has not been serviced according to Kia’s recommended intervals, verify the presence of service book stamps for fluid changes, filter replacements, and other critical maintenance tasks, as these are essential for longevity and safety.