KIA SPORTAGE (2006)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,245 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,057
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1991cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
66% pass rate, £2057/year to run. 16 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1991cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 20 years old, 66% of KIA SPORTAGEs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,245 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 112,934 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
112,934
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2006 KIA SPORTAGE has 112,934 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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 2022 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2006 sits between the two at 66%.
KIA SPORTAGE by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 92% | 1,082 | 24,731 mi | |
| 2021 | 91% | 31,542 | 24,767 mi | |
| 2020 | 90% | 21,479 | 30,287 mi | |
| 2019 | 89% | 58,319 | 39,545 mi | |
| 2018 | 88% | 60,314 | 48,804 mi | |
| 2017 | 86% | 65,441 | 59,147 mi | |
| 2016 | 85% | 66,048 | 67,665 mi | |
| 2015 | 82% | 37,017 | 74,778 mi | |
| 2014 | 81% | 34,495 | 83,477 mi | |
| 2013 | 76% | 34,980 | 91,808 mi | |
| 2012 | 75% | 24,908 | 99,218 mi | |
| 2011 | 74% | 15,295 | 106,602 mi | |
| 2010 | 73% | 7,894 | 103,955 mi | |
| 2009 | 70% | 4,499 | 103,156 mi | |
| 2008 | 70% | 2,910 | 106,403 mi | |
| 2007 | 65% | 2,676 | 109,553 mi | |
| 2006 | 66% | 2,245 | 112,934 mi | |
| 2005 | 66% | 2,354 | 112,304 mi | |
| 2004 | 97% | 31 | 123,135 mi | |
| 2003 | 74% | 50 | 70,392 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2006 KIA SPORTAGE
The 2006 KIA SPORTAGE is a family car with a 1991cc diesel engine. 2,245 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 91% of 2006 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 112,934 miles at 20 years old, KIA SPORTAGE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2006 KIA SPORTAGE Fuel Costs
The 1991cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 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 2006 KIA SPORTAGE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,057 (£171/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
KIA SPORTAGE Reliability Trend
Newer KIA SPORTAGEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 16 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2006 KIA SPORTAGE
At 20 years old, the KIA SPORTAGE 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2006 KIA SPORTAGE'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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 113k 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 66% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 2006 KIA SPORTAGE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIA SPORTAGE(2006) | 66% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £2057 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2007) | 73% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2007) | 71% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2007) | 72% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£7 |
| AUDI A4(2008) | 78% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
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.
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