2005 Kia RIO petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Wheel bearings3.3× usual
  Kia RIO

  11.9% All 2005 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Track rod ends2.2× usual
  Kia RIO

  12.9% All 2005 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

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

• Braking performance1.8× usual
  Kia RIO

  13.1% All 2005 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Seat belts2.8× usual
  Kia RIO

  4.2% All 2005 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock and retract smoothly.

• Brakes pulling to one side2.4× usual
  Kia RIO

  4.1% All 2005 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.2% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2005 Kia RIO petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• 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
  44% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  41% 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.

• Tyres
  38% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% 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 RIO 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 wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2005 Kia RIO petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2005 Kia RIO petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2005 Kia RIO petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?