2005 Kia Picanto: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Kia Picanto?

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

• Coil springs2.2× usual
  Kia Picanto

  22.4% All 2005 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 2.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Braking performance2.1× usual
  Kia Picanto

  15.3% 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.

• Front strut mounts and bushes10× usual
  Kia Picanto

  7% All 2005 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.1% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

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

• Track rod ends1.9× usual
  Kia Picanto

  11.1% All 2005 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, 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.

Common 2005 Kia Picanto MOT failures and advisories

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

• 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.

• Brakes
  49% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  39% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% 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.

Known faults on the 2005 Kia Picanto

Parkers says it hasn't heard of any major problems since launch. What Car? says there isn't enough data to rate it, so check the service history and the DVSA recall check.

Source: Parkers: Kia Picanto (2004-2011) running costs and reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Kia Picanto

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

1. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2005 Kia Picanto as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2005 Kia Picanto as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 10× as often on the 2005 Kia Picanto as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?