KIA STINGER (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,547 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,695
£141/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2199cc Diesel
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £1695/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 8 years old, 92% of KIA STINGERs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,547 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 45,460 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
45,460
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 KIA STINGER has 45,460 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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 2017 model has the lowest at 91%. The 2018 sits between the two at 92%.
KIA STINGER by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2018 KIA STINGER
The 2018 KIA STINGER is a family car with a 2199cc diesel engine. 1,547 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 45,460 miles at 8 years old, KIA STINGER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2018 KIA STINGER Fuel Costs
The 2199cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 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 2018 KIA STINGER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,695 (£141/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
KIA STINGER Reliability Trend
The KIA STINGER has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 KIA STINGER
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 KIA STINGER'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.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2018 KIA STINGER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIA STINGER(2018) | 92% | £1245 | £195 | Grp 25-38 | £1695 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2018) | 92% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£213 |
| FORD TRANSIT(2017) | 81% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1632-£63 |
| FORD KUGA(2019) | 91% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£213 |
| KIA SPORTAGE(2016) | 85% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1577-£118 |
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
2016 · 1700cc Diesel
KIA PICANTO
2018 · 998cc Petrol
KIA CEED
2012 · 1591cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2018 · 1968cc Diesel
FORD TRANSIT
2017 · 1995cc Diesel
FORD KUGA
2019 · 1997cc Diesel
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