2016 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · YW16 ETD

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive rather than proactive care. While the car passed its most recent test in October 2025 at 98,475 miles, it failed just 23 miles prior due to an inoperative engine malfunction light. This failure is a significant concern as it suggests an electrical fault was not properly addressed before the retest. The overall trend for mechanical components appears inconsistent, with recurring issues only being rectified after they trigger a test failure. The mileage progression is consistent with a ten-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 9,800 miles per year. The car covered roughly 13,000 miles between October 2023 at 74,354 miles and October 2024, and another 11,200 miles by October 2025. This steady usage pattern suggests the vehicle is driven regularly, which accounts for the gradual wear observed on consumable items like brake pads and tyres documented throughout the service history. A physical inspection must focus on the braking system and underbody due to recurring faults. The October 2024 test identified corrosion on both rear brake pipes and thin front pads, while the rear pads were noted as thin a year prior. A buyer should verify that the corroded pipes have been replaced or treated rather than merely cleaned to prevent future leaks. Additionally, the rear exhaust heat shield was flagged as insecure in both 2023 and 2024, requiring checks to ensure it is securely fastened to prevent noise or damage. The engine management light failure in the October 2025 test remains a priority for investigation. Because the tester flagged the light as inoperative, the underlying sensor or ECU fault may still exist or have been cleared temporarily. The buyer should request a diagnostic scan for any stored fault codes to ensure the engine is operating within parameters. The previous history of worn front tyres in 2024 also indicates a potential alignment issue, which should be checked against the current tread wear patterns.