2021 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · RO71 NHK

The most recent MOT, carried out on 6 October 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. The only advisory noted in the previous test on 19 September 2024 concerned the near‑side and off‑side rear tyres being close to the legal tread limit and showing edge wear. Apart from that, the MOT history is clean, suggesting a generally stable maintenance pattern with no progressive failures evident to date. At five years old the Sportage has logged 52,310 miles, which works out to just over 10,000 miles per annum. This figure sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope for a family SUV and does not point to any periods of excessive short‑trip abuse or prolonged idling that could accelerate component wear. There are no obvious mileage gaps in the recorded history, so the wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components should be commensurate with the mileage rather than being driven by unusually high annual kilometres. The rear tyre advisory warrants particular attention. Edge‑wear often signals incorrect camber settings, mis‑alignment, or uneven tyre pressures, and it can reduce grip and increase the risk of a puncture. A prospective buyer should inspect both rear tyres for tread depth across the width, looking for a minimum of 1.6 mm and checking for any cupping, cracking or sidewall perishing, especially given the vehicle’s age. During a test drive, listen for a hollow or thumping noise from the rear axle, feel for any vibration through the steering wheel or seat, and note whether the vehicle pulls to one side when the steering wheel is centred. If the tyres are close to the legal limit, budgeting for a set of new tyres and a subsequent wheel‑alignment is prudent, as alignment will also protect the front suspension and steering geometry. Beyond the tyres, the vehicle’s five‑year age means that time‑related degradation should be examined. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for age‑related cracking (the DOT code will reveal the manufacturing date), and verify that the 12 V battery is still within its service life, looking for signs of sulfation or a low cranking voltage. Check the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the pads have sufficient material; any shudder or pulsation under braking could indicate disc wear or uneven pad deposition. Examine the suspension bushings, especially the lower control arm and rear trailing arm bushes, for any looseness or cracked rubber, and verify that the shock absorbers are free of oil leakage. Finally, confirm that the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed at the recommended intervals, as fluid degradation can occur even on low‑mileage vehicles that have spent time standing. A thorough visual inspection combined with a careful test drive will reveal whether the Sportage remains mechanically sound or if imminent maintenance is required.