Kia Optima (2011)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 51 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1685cc Diesel

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Diesel1685cc15 years old51 tests106k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1685cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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.

Reliability Verdict

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Kia brand average of 86%.

76% of MOT tests on Kia Optimas from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 51 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 105,766 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 models410th of 595(bottom half)

Rank among Kia models379th of 471(bottom 20%)

vs average of all models-6%(82% avg)

vs 2011 models average-1%(77% avg)

vs Kia average-10%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

105,766

Average miles

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2011 Kia Optima had 105,766 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2011 scores 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Kia Optima by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	91%	241	57,554 mi
2019	89%	3,111	60,554 mi
2018	88%	4,827	70,738 mi
2017	87%	5,853	79,204 mi
2016	87%	2,187	78,458 mi
2015	84%	1,258	81,466 mi
2014	78%	1,178	91,247 mi
2013	80%	618	99,105 mi
2012	74%	1,452	100,410 mi
2011	76%	51	105,766 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2013 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

77%

+1%

Volkswagen Golf

2013 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

85%

+9%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

+3%

Vauxhall Corsa

2009 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

73%

-3%

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About the 2011 Kia Optima

The 2011 Kia Optima is a family car. Our records list a 1685cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 51 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 105,766 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Kia Optima owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2011 Kia Optima Fuel Costs

The 1685cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2011 Kia Optima?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Kia Optima Reliability Trend

Newer Kia Optimas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2011 Kia Optima

At 15 years old, the Kia Optima 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. Note: with only 51 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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

Watch out

With an average of 106k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 2011 Kia Optima 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 Optima(2011)	76%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Ford Fiesta(2013)	77%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£283
Volkswagen Golf(2013)	85%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£433
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Vauxhall Corsa(2009)	73%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£283

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 2011 Kia Optima

Is the 2011 Kia Optima reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 2011 Kia Optimas ended in a pass, from 51 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2011 Kia Optima cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 Kia Optima?

76% of 51 MOT tests on the 2011 Kia Optima ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 410th of 595 models first registered in 2011 (bottom half).

Which year Kia Optima has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Kia Optima has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 2012 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2011 Kia Optima?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 Kia Optima is 105,766 miles, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.