KIA RIO (2002)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 184 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
184
Avg Mileage
68,384 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,027
Is the 2002 KIA RIO reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 22 years old, 68% of KIA RIOs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 184 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 68,384 miles.
How does the 2002 KIA RIO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2002 KIA RIO has 68,384 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a KIA RIO?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2002 sits between the two at 68%.
How much does a 2002 KIA RIO 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 RIO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 95% | 233 | 24,400 mi |
| 2021 | 95% | 3,310 | 21,750 mi |
| 2020 | 91% | 5,121 | 26,035 mi |
| 2019 | 89% | 7,841 | 32,113 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 9,260 | 40,153 mi |
| 2017 | 88% | 13,147 | 49,022 mi |
| 2016 | 85% | 14,178 | 52,518 mi |
| 2015 | 84% | 18,619 | 60,725 mi |
| 2014 | 78% | 19,328 | 70,276 mi |
| 2013 | 76% | 17,756 | 77,717 mi |
| 2012 | 74% | 16,466 | 85,239 mi |
| 2011 | 72% | 12,394 | 82,872 mi |
| 2010 | 72% | 11,025 | 87,460 mi |
| 2009 | 71% | 8,764 | 85,404 mi |
| 2008 | 68% | 3,800 | 92,973 mi |
| 2007 | 67% | 2,363 | 93,975 mi |
| 2006 | 69% | 1,766 | 94,045 mi |
| 2005 | 69% | 1,019 | 84,192 mi |
| 2004 | 64% | 625 | 68,036 mi |
| 2003 | 65% | 300 | 72,062 mi |
| 2002 | 68% | 184 | 68,384 mi |
| 2001 | 67% | 42 | 59,195 mi |
Checking a specific KIA RIO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2002 KIA RIO
The 2002 KIA RIO is a small family car with a 1493cc petrol engine. 184 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 81% of 2002 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 68,384 miles at 22 years old, KIA RIO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2002 KIA RIO Fuel Costs
The 1493cc 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 2002 KIA RIO?
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 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
KIA RIO Reliability Trend
Newer KIA RIOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 17 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 KIA RIO
At 22 years old, the KIA RIO 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.
Alternatives to the 2002 KIA RIO
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2004) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 36,444 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2004) 69% pass rate (+1%) from 29,927 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 29,898 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2004) 67% pass rate (-1%) from 26,290 tests