2016 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · SL03 TOE

The most recent DVSA examination, conducted on 28 November 2025, resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, indicating that at the point of test the vehicle was considered roadworthy across all inspected categories. Reviewing the broader MOT history, the test outcomes are largely positive, with passes recorded consistently across the recorded years and only one failure in late 2022, which was subsequently re-tested and cleared. The advisory items logged in 2021, 2023, and 2024 are relatively minor in nature, comprising blocked washer jets, child seats obstructing seatbelt inspection, and minor tyre condition observations. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable and consistent rather than indicative of any deterioration or recurring mechanical concern, with the absence of structural, braking, or suspension advisories in recent tests suggesting that core safety components remain in serviceable condition. The vehicle is approximately ten years old with a recorded mileage of 87,405 miles, equating to an annual average of around 8,740 miles per year. This usage profile is broadly typical for a car of its age and suggests regular driving rather than long periods of standing or unusually high mileage accumulation. The mileage progression between tests appears steady and consistent, with no significant jumps that might suggest clock irregularities or heavy motorway use. From a mechanical standpoint, this level of usage is sufficient to keep consumables exercised and seals lubricated, reducing the likelihood of issues associated with prolonged standing such as brake disc corrosion or dried drivetrain components, while not being so high as to imply excessive wear on major items such as the clutch, turbo, or suspension assemblies. The recorded figures therefore suggest a vehicle that has been used in a conventional manner. Given the age of the vehicle, even with the largely clean MOT history, certain age-related items warrant close attention during physical inspection. The 2021 advisory noted front tyres worn to near the legal limit on both sides, which suggests that tyre replacement has been a regular requirement and the prospective buyer should verify the age, condition, and tread depth of all four tyres, including any spare, as ten-year-old rubber can suffer from sidewall perishing and cracking regardless of remaining tread. Brake components should also be examined closely, as the 2022 failure recorded pitted and scored rear brake discs along with fluctuating service brake performance. Although the vehicle subsequently passed, this indicates the discs may have been machined or replaced at the time, and on a test drive the buyer should listen for any grinding, shudder under braking, or pulling to one side, all of which could suggest renewed disc wear or a binding caliper. The handbrake operation should be checked for effectiveness, particularly given the age of the rear braking components. Beyond the items recorded in the MOT history, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants attention to several time-based service items that are not necessarily inspected at MOT but are critical to long-term reliability. The 12-volt battery should be tested for cranking performance, as batteries typically require replacement every five to seven years. Engine oil and filter should be confirmed as recently changed, with verification of service book stamps to ensure that major items such as the timing chain (if applicable), spark plugs, coolant, and brake fluid have been renewed in line with manufacturer schedules; brake fluid in particular absorbs moisture over time and is commonly overlooked. The coolant system should be checked for any signs of leakage or discoloured fluid, which could indicate corrosion within the radiator or heater matrix. Under the bonnet, all visible rubber hoses, drive belts, and electrical connectors should be inspected for perishing. Finally, the underside of the car should be examined on a ramp or with a torch for any fresh oil or fluid leaks, condition of the exhaust system for corrosion or blowing joints, and the suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and coil springs for any signs of cracking, sagging, or wear that could manifest on the road as knocking, creaking, or poor ride quality over uneven surfaces.