KIA OPTIMA (2017)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 5,853 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,927
£161/month
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1999cc Hybrid
Solid Option
87% pass rate, £1927/year to run. 5 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 9 years old, 87% of KIA OPTIMAs from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 5,853 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 79,204 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
79,204
Average miles
66,600
Expected for age
The average 2017 KIA OPTIMA has 79,204 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2017 sits between the two at 87%.
KIA OPTIMA by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2017 KIA OPTIMA
The 2017 KIA OPTIMA is a family car with a 1999cc hybrid engine. 5,853 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2017, the average MOT pass rate is 87%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 79,204 miles at 9 years old, KIA OPTIMA owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2017 KIA OPTIMA Fuel Costs
The 1999cc hybrid engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current hybrid prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid, real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2017 KIA OPTIMA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,927 (£161/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
KIA OPTIMA Reliability Trend
Newer KIA OPTIMAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2017 KIA OPTIMA
At 9 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. With 5,853 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2017 KIA OPTIMA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Hybrid Battery Health
Watch outAfter 9 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Medium riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
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 2017 KIA OPTIMA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIA OPTIMA(2017) | 87% | £1327 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1927 |
| MERCEDES C(2017) | 89% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1922-£5 |
| MINI COOPER S(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£345 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2019) | 94% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£155 |
| TOYOTA C-HR(2018) | 90% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£155 |
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.
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MERCEDES C
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