2018 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · SL52 DAY

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a trend of developing suspension wear and deferred maintenance. While the most recent test in September 2025 at 52,729 miles passed, it flagged both front tyres as being worn to the legal limit and showing uneven wear. This suggests a lack of immediate attention to consumables or potential alignment issues. The failure in August 2024 due to a defective seat belt and worn rear axle bushes shows that mechanical defects were only addressed after failing a test rather than proactively. At 52,729 miles over eight years, the Sportage has averaged approximately 6,600 miles per year, which is consistent with low-to-average usage. The data shows a significant gap in mileage between March 2023 at 36,351 miles and March 2024 at 44,264 miles, where nearly 8,000 miles were covered in a year. This pattern suggests periods of lower use which can sometimes lead to the degradation of rubber components and fluid seals. A buyer must focus their physical inspection on the rear suspension geometry. The record shows a recurring issue with the rear axle swivel pins and bushes, which were noted as an advisory in March 2024 and led to a failure in August 2024. Although these were repaired for the subsequent test, the buyer should check for play in the suspension arm pins or further bushing degradation. The uneven wear on the front tyres noted in the latest report also necessitates a professional wheel alignment check to prevent premature replacement of the next set of tyres.