KIA RIO (2013)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 17,756 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,480
£123/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 5-15
1120cc Diesel
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £1480/year to run. 6 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 1120cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 13 years old, 76% of KIA RIOs from 2013 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 17,756 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 77,717 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
77,717
Average miles
96,200
Expected for age
The average 2013 KIA RIO has 77,717 miles on the clock, 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?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2013 sits between the two at 76%.
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 2013 KIA RIO
The 2013 KIA RIO is a city car with a 1120cc diesel engine. 17,756 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 79% of 2013 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 77,717 miles at 13 years old, KIA RIO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2013 KIA RIO Fuel Costs
The modest 1120cc diesel engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. 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 2013 KIA RIO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,480 (£123/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2013 KIA RIO
At 13 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 17,756 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2013 KIA RIO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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.
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 2013 KIA RIO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIA RIO(2013) | 76% | £905 | £20 | Grp 5-15 | £1480 |
| FORD FIESTA(2013) | 77% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490+£10 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2014) | 87% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£35 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2012) | 78% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490+£10 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2014) | 80% | £905 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1340-£140 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Kia Models
Explore other Kia cars or similar models in the same category.
KIA SPORTAGE
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KIA PICANTO
2018 · 998cc Petrol
KIA CEED
2012 · 1591cc Diesel
FORD FIESTA
2013 · 1399cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2014 · 1598cc Diesel
VAUXHALL ASTRA
2012 · 1248cc Diesel
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