KIA RIO (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 14,178 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1248cc Petrol
Solid Option
85% pass rate, £1737/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1248cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 85% of KIA RIOs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 14,178 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 52,518 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
52,518
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 KIA RIO has 52,518 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-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?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2016 sits between the two at 85%.
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 2016 KIA RIO
The 2016 KIA RIO is a small family car with a 1248cc petrol engine. 14,178 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 52,518 miles at 10 years old, KIA RIO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2016 KIA RIO Fuel Costs
The 1248cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 KIA RIO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% 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 2016 KIA RIO
At 10 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 14,178 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 KIA RIO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 2016 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(2016) | 85% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1737 |
| FORD FIESTA(2015) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£347 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| FORD FOCUS(2014) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£60 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£187 |
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
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FORD FOCUS
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