KIA CERATO (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 610 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,057
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
2000cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
66% pass rate, £2057/year to run. 16 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 2000cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 21 years old, 66% of KIA CERATOs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 610 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 87,519 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
87,519
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 KIA CERATO has 87,519 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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KIA CERATO by Year
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About the 2005 KIA CERATO
The 2005 KIA CERATO is a family car with a 2000cc diesel engine. 610 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 89% of 2005 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 87,519 miles at 21 years old, KIA CERATO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2005 KIA CERATO Fuel Costs
The 2000cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2005 KIA CERATO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,057 (£171/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% 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 2005 KIA CERATO
At 21 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2005 KIA CERATO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 88k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 66% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 2005 KIA CERATO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIA CERATO(2005) | 66% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £2057 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2007) | 73% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2007) | 71% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2007) | 72% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£7 |
| AUDI A3(2007) | 75% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595-£462 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Kia Models
Explore other Kia cars or similar models in the same category.
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KIA PICANTO
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2012 · 1591cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2007 · 1896cc Diesel
VAUXHALL ASTRA
2007 · 1686cc Diesel
HONDA CIVIC
2007 · 2204cc Diesel
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