Kia Rio (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,800 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,353

£196/month

MOT Pass Rate

68%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£200

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1400cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

68% pass rate, £2,353/year to run. 14 points below average.

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Petrol1400cc18 years old3,800 tests93k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1400cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,353

Per month£196/mo

Per week£45/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

68% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Kia brand average of 86%.

68% of MOT tests on Kia Rios from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 3,800 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 92,973 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models485th of 566(bottom 15%)

Rank among Kia models434th of 471(bottom 9%)

vs average of all models-14%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average-5%(73% avg)

vs Kia average-18%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

92,973

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Kia Rio had 92,973 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2008 scores 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2008 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

72%

+4%

Ford Focus

2009 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

74%

+6%

Vauxhall Corsa

2010 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

74%

+6%

Nissan Qashqai

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,428/year

67%

-1%

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About the 2008 Kia Rio

The 2008 Kia Rio is a small family car. Our records list a 1400cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,800 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 15% of 2008 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 92,973 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Kia Rio owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2008 Kia Rio Fuel Costs

The 1400cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2008 Kia Rio?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,353 (£196/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 17 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2008 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%.

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.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 93k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 2008 Kia Rio 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 Rio(2008)	68%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,353
Ford Fiesta(2008)	72%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£200
Ford Focus(2009)	74%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£125
Vauxhall Corsa(2010)	74%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£200
Nissan Qashqai(2010)	67%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£75

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 2008 Kia Rio

Is the 2008 Kia Rio reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 68% of MOT tests on 2008 Kia Rios ended in a pass, from 3,800 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 Kia Rio cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,353 a year (£196 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Kia Rio?

68% of 3,800 MOT tests on the 2008 Kia Rio ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 485th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (bottom 15%).

Which year Kia Rio has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Kia Rio has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 2004 the lowest at 64%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2008 Kia Rio?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Kia Rio is 92,973 miles, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.