Kia Ceed (2018)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 17,466 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,780
£148/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 1-8
998cc Petrol
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £1,780/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
88% of MOT tests on Kia Ceeds from 2018 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 6 years old. That's based on 17,466 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 52,574 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
52,574
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2018 Kia Ceed had 52,574 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2018 scores 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Kia Ceed by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 98% | 48 | 21,656 mi | |
| 2022 | 92% | 506 | 37,134 mi | |
| 2021 | 90% | 3,482 | 27,730 mi | |
| 2020 | 89% | 3,198 | 33,988 mi | |
| 2019 | 88% | 12,981 | 45,586 mi | |
| 2018 | 88% | 17,466 | 52,574 mi | |
| 2017 | 85% | 14,953 | 61,416 mi | |
| 2016 | 84% | 16,329 | 69,144 mi | |
| 2015 | 82% | 19,157 | 75,249 mi | |
| 2014 | 78% | 19,745 | 82,286 mi | |
| 2013 | 75% | 20,387 | 93,476 mi | |
| 2012 | 72% | 22,061 | 99,894 mi | |
| 2011 | 71% | 13,247 | 103,130 mi | |
| 2010 | 70% | 15,316 | 102,853 mi | |
| 2009 | 70% | 12,978 | 101,223 mi | |
| 2008 | 69% | 8,732 | 107,723 mi | |
| 2007 | 68% | 4,664 | 110,191 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2018 Kia Ceed
The 2018 Kia Ceed is a city car. Our records list a 998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 17,466 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 52,574 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Kia Ceed owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 Kia Ceed Fuel Costs
The modest 998cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2018 Kia Ceed?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,780 (£148/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Kia Ceed Reliability Trend
Newer Kia Ceeds pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 15 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2018 Kia Ceed
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 90%. With 17,466 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2018 Kia Ceed stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Ceed(2018) | 88% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 1-8 | £1,780 |
| Ford Fiesta(2016) | 81% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,600-£180 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2016) | 81% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,003+£223 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2017) | 86% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 5-15 | £1,780same |
| Vauxhall Astra(2016) | 85% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,600-£180 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2018 Kia Ceed
Is the 2018 Kia Ceed reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 2018 Kia Ceeds ended in a pass, from 17,466 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2018 Kia Ceed cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,780 a year (£148 a month): £1,175 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 Kia Ceed?
88% of 17,466 MOT tests on the 2018 Kia Ceed ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 402nd of 607 models first registered in 2018 (bottom half).
Which year Kia Ceed has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Kia Ceed has the highest MOT pass rate at 90% and the 2007 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2018 Kia Ceed?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2018 Kia Ceed is 52,574 miles, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Kia Models
Explore other Kia cars or similar models in the same category.
Kia Sportage
2016 · 1700cc Diesel
Kia Picanto
2018 · 998cc Petrol
Kia Niro
2020 · 1580cc Hybrid
Ford Fiesta
2016 · 998cc Petrol
Vauxhall Corsa
2016 · 1398cc Petrol
Nissan Qashqai
2017 · 1200cc Petrol
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