KIA CERATO (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 186 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
61%
Total Tests (2024)
186
Avg Mileage
92,106 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,027
Is the 2004 KIA CERATO reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 21 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 20 years old, 61% of KIA CERATOs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 186 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 92,106 miles.
How does the 2004 KIA CERATO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 KIA CERATO has 92,106 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a KIA CERATO?
The most reliable year is the 2005 model with a 66% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2004 sits between the two at 61%.
How much does a 2004 KIA CERATO cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
KIA CERATO by Year
Checking a specific KIA CERATO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 KIA CERATO
The 2004 KIA CERATO is a small family car with a 1599cc petrol engine. 186 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 97% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 92,106 miles at 20 years old, KIA CERATO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 KIA CERATO Fuel Costs
The 1599cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2004 KIA CERATO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,027 (£169/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 61% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
KIA CERATO Reliability Trend
The KIA CERATO has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 KIA CERATO
At 20 years old, the KIA CERATO is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2005 model has the highest pass rate at 66%.
Alternatives to the 2004 KIA CERATO
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2006) 73% pass rate (+12%) from 56,257 tests
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (+10%) from 45,707 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2006) 80% pass rate (+19%) from 40,353 tests
- HONDA JAZZ (2006) 71% pass rate (+10%) from 35,054 tests