2005 Kia Cerato petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Kia Cerato petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Kia Cerato petrol than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Rigid brake pipes2.2× usual
  Kia Cerato

  33.1% All 2005 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.6× usual
  Kia Cerato

  14.3% All 2005 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 2.6% of all 2005 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.7× usual
  Kia Cerato

  11.5% All 2005 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.5% of all 2005 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.

• Number plates2× usual
  Kia Cerato

  13% All 2005 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 2005 Kia Cerato petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Kia Cerato petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  58% 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
  51% 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
  42% 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
  33% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  13% 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 an engine warning light.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Kia Cerato petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2005 Kia Cerato petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2005 Kia Cerato petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2005 Kia Cerato petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?