CarCostCheck

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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Petrol1493cc15 years old12,394 tests83k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1493cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,228
Per month£186/mo
Per week£43/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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

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?

Rank among 2011 models508th of 595(bottom 15%)
Rank among Kia models404th of 471(bottom 15%)
vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)
vs 2011 models average-5%(77% avg)
vs Kia average-14%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

82,872

Average miles

vs

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

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

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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 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 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 risk

High-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 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 2011 Kia Rio stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Kia Rio(2011)72%£1,398£275Grp 12-25£2,228
Vauxhall Corsa(2012)76%£1,398£200Grp 8-20£2,153-£75
Ford Focus(2013)78%£1,398£275Grp 12-25£2,228same
Nissan Qashqai(2013)72%£1,398£275Grp 12-25£2,228same
Volkswagen Polo(2011)75%£1,175£170Grp 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.

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Related Guides

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