2012 Kia Proceed diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Kia Proceed diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Kia Proceed diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usual
  Kia Proceed

  20.7% All 2012 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Sidelights3.3× usual
  Kia Proceed

  15.4% All 2012 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 14.4%, against 4.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Number plate lights2.2× usual
  Kia Proceed

  14.9% All 2012 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 2% of all 2012 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 2012 Kia Proceed diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Kia Proceed diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  43% 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
  42% 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.

• Brakes
  38% 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.

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

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

• Steering
  10% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Kia Proceed diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2012 Kia Proceed diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2012 Kia Proceed diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2012 Kia Proceed diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?