KIA PICANTO (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 3,217 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
3,217
Avg Mileage
77,908 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,740
Is the 2004 KIA PICANTO reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 20 years old, 69% of KIA PICANTOs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 3,217 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 77,908 miles.
How does the 2004 KIA PICANTO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 KIA PICANTO has 77,908 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 PICANTO?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2004 sits between the two at 69%.
How much does a 2004 KIA PICANTO 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 PICANTO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 94% | 581 | 18,487 mi |
| 2021 | 93% | 16,056 | 17,202 mi |
| 2020 | 92% | 14,782 | 20,924 mi |
| 2019 | 90% | 25,927 | 25,468 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 26,080 | 31,324 mi |
| 2017 | 87% | 21,490 | 36,325 mi |
| 2016 | 84% | 20,561 | 40,782 mi |
| 2015 | 82% | 22,305 | 46,768 mi |
| 2014 | 81% | 24,343 | 52,546 mi |
| 2013 | 77% | 21,893 | 58,821 mi |
| 2012 | 75% | 23,459 | 64,866 mi |
| 2011 | 73% | 18,886 | 66,885 mi |
| 2010 | 72% | 23,578 | 67,207 mi |
| 2009 | 71% | 23,148 | 67,485 mi |
| 2008 | 69% | 6,046 | 74,547 mi |
| 2007 | 68% | 5,061 | 72,737 mi |
| 2006 | 66% | 7,605 | 73,767 mi |
| 2005 | 66% | 6,562 | 76,655 mi |
| 2004 | 69% | 3,217 | 77,908 mi |
Checking a specific KIA PICANTO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 KIA PICANTO
The 2004 KIA PICANTO is a city car with a 999cc petrol engine. 3,217 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 77,908 miles at 20 years old, KIA PICANTO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 KIA PICANTO Fuel Costs
The modest 999cc 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 £955 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 PICANTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,740 (£145/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
KIA PICANTO Reliability Trend
Newer KIA PICANTOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 17 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 KIA PICANTO
At 20 years old, the KIA PICANTO 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Alternatives to the 2004 KIA PICANTO
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- HONDA JAZZ (2006) 71% pass rate (+2%) from 35,054 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2006) 68% pass rate (-1%) from 34,523 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (2006) 74% pass rate (+5%) from 30,922 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (+2%) from 29,898 tests