2004 Kia Cerato: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Kia Cerato?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Kia Cerato than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Headlights2.2× usual
  Kia Cerato

  28.2% All 2004 cars

  13.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 4.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Brake pads2.6× usual
  Kia Cerato

  19.3% All 2004 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 1.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.4× usual
  Kia Cerato

  13.5% All 2004 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 1.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.5× usual
  Kia Cerato

  15.1% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 2.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2004 Kia Cerato MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Kia Cerato MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  64% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  52% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  51% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  37% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Rust and bodywork
  16% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Kia Cerato

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2004 Kia Cerato as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2004 Kia Cerato as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2004 Kia Cerato as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?