Kia Rio (2011)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 12,394 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,228
£186/month
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Average
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1493cc Petrol
Check Carefully
72% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. 10 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Kia brand average of 86%.
72% of MOT tests on Kia Rios from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 12,394 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 82,872 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
82,872
Average miles
96,200
Expected for age
The average 2011 Kia Rio had 82,872 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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 2011 scores 72%. 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
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About the 2011 Kia Rio
The 2011 Kia Rio is a small family car. Our records list a 1493cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 12,394 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 15% of 2011 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 82,872 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Kia Rio owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2011 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 £1,398 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 2011 Kia Rio?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,228 (£186/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2011 Kia Rio
At 15 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%. With 12,394 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskWith an average of 83k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
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 2011 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(2011) | 72% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2012) | 76% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£75 |
| Ford Focus(2013) | 78% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228same |
| Nissan Qashqai(2013) | 72% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228same |
| Volkswagen Polo(2011) | 75% | £1,175 | £170 | Grp 5-15 | £1,900-£328 |
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 2011 Kia Rio
Is the 2011 Kia Rio reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2011 Kia Rios ended in a pass, from 12,394 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2011 Kia Rio cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,228 a year (£186 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 Kia Rio?
72% of 12,394 MOT tests on the 2011 Kia Rio ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 508th of 595 models first registered in 2011 (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 2011 Kia Rio?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 Kia Rio is 82,872 miles, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Kia Models
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Nissan Qashqai
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