CarCostCheck

KIA RIO (2006)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,766 real MOT tests in 2024.

Share:XFacebookWhatsApp

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Total Tests (2024)

1,766

Avg Mileage

94,045 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,690

Is the 2006 KIA RIO 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 18 years old, 69% of KIA RIOs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,766 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 94,045 miles.

How does the 2006 KIA RIO compare?

Rank among all 2006 cars449th out of 575(top 78%)
Rank among all KIA models429th out of 472(top 91%)
vs national average-13% (82% avg)
vs 2006 cars average-4% (73% avg)
vs KIA average-17% (86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2006 KIA RIO has 94,045 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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 2006 sits between the two at 69%.

How much does a 2006 KIA RIO cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Diesel, 1399cc)
£905
🏛️Road Tax
£30
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs

Higher than average due to low pass rate

£700
Total per year£1,690
Per month£141/mo

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

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202295%23324,400 mi
202195%3,31021,750 mi
202091%5,12126,035 mi
201989%7,84132,113 mi
201890%9,26040,153 mi
201788%13,14749,022 mi
201685%14,17852,518 mi
201584%18,61960,725 mi
201478%19,32870,276 mi
201376%17,75677,717 mi
201274%16,46685,239 mi
201172%12,39482,872 mi
201072%11,02587,460 mi
200971%8,76485,404 mi
200868%3,80092,973 mi
200767%2,36393,975 mi
200669%1,76694,045 mi
200569%1,01984,192 mi
200464%62568,036 mi
200365%30072,062 mi
200268%18468,384 mi
200167%4259,195 mi

Checking a specific KIA RIO?

Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

About the 2006 KIA RIO

The 2006 KIA RIO is a small family car with a 1399cc diesel engine. 1,766 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 78% of 2006 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 94,045 miles at 18 years old, KIA RIO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2006 KIA RIO Fuel Costs

The 1399cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 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 2006 KIA RIO?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,690 (£141/month), broken down as £905 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 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 2006 KIA RIO

At 18 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 2006 KIA RIO

If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines: