KIA SPORTAGE (2009)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,499 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,197
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1998cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 17 years old, 70% of KIA SPORTAGEs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,499 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,156 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
103,156
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2009 KIA SPORTAGE has 103,156 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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 2009 sits between the two at 70%.
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 2009 KIA SPORTAGE
The 2009 KIA SPORTAGE is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 4,499 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 82% of 2009 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 103,156 miles at 17 years old, KIA SPORTAGE owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2009 KIA SPORTAGE Fuel Costs
The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2009 KIA SPORTAGE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2009 KIA SPORTAGE
At 17 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 2009 KIA SPORTAGE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 17 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
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 103k 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 2009 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(2009) | 70% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| FORD FOCUS(2011) | 75% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2011) | 69% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217+£20 |
| MINI MINI(2010) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£520 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2007) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£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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