2007 KIA RIO 1.5L Diesel · GJ07 AEG
2007 KIA RIO (1.5L, diesel). First registered 03 Mar 2007. Recorded mileage 130,615 miles. MOT expired on 27 Mar 2026.
- Make & Model
- KIA RIO
- Year / Origin
- 2007 · Maidstone
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 27 Mar 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 130,615 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Archived Record
Registration no longer recorded by DVLA. This usually means the vehicle is now using a private plate.
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
GJ07 AEG Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 05/03/2025
- 130,615 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring windscreen items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
GJ07 AEG MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2007 Kia Rio (GJ07 AEG) between March 2023 and March 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 05 March 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Windscreen (4 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Headlamp levelling device inoperative (4.1.5 (a))”; “Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Brake disc significantly and obviously worn (1.1.14 (a) (i))”.
GJ07 AEG Mileage History
- 28/03/2023116,778 mi
- 28/03/2023116,778 mi
- 11/03/2024125,211 mi+8,433 mi
- 25/03/2024125,220 mi+9 mi
- 05/03/2025130,615 mi+5,395 mi
Average of roughly 7,135 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Kia Rio (JB)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution; the vehicle has a history of frequent major and dangerous MOT failures, especially concerning brake and suspension components, and exceeds typical mileage for its age. This makes it a high‑risk purchase that should only be considered with a thorough inspection and significant price negotiation.
Start by reviewing the full service history to confirm that any previous brake, suspension, or lighting repairs were carried out promptly and documented. Arrange a professional mechanical inspection that focuses on the condition of the front brake discs and pads, the integrity of the suspension ball joints and track‑rod ends, and the operation of the headlamp levelling device, as these were highlighted as major failures in recent MOTs. Check that the recent 2025 MOT addressed the earlier dangerous issues and that tyre tread depth and condition are satisfactory.
Negotiate a substantial discount to cover the likely cost of replacing worn brakes, suspension components, and any other remedial work identified during inspection. Ask for evidence of recent tyre replacement, coolant and oil leak repairs, and verify that the registration plate lamp and wiper blades are fully functional. A comprehensive service book and proof of regular maintenance will strengthen your case.
Finally, inspect the bodywork for rust, especially around the wheel arches and undercarriage, and ensure the vehicle has been stored in a dry environment to minimise corrosion. Test all lights, including the upper stop lamp, and confirm that the registration plate illumination works correctly before finalising the purchase.
As a 1.5‑litre diesel, the Rio typically delivers around 55‑60 mpg on a combined cycle, which translates to an annual fuel expense of roughly £600‑£700 assuming 12,000 miles of driving. The VED band for this engine is Band C, costing about £30 per year, while insurance is likely in Group 13‑15, adding approximately £400‑£500 annually. Typical maintenance for a diesel of this age includes periodic cambelt, filter, and brake service; budgeting £150‑£200 per year for routine upkeep and potential unexpected repairs such as suspension or brake component replacement brings the estimated total annual running cost to £900‑£1,200.
Begin by examining the front brake system closely; the MOT records show repeated dangerous wear of brake pads (less than 1.5 mm) and significantly worn or pitted discs, so inspect the current pad thickness, disc condition, and ensure the handbrake operates correctly. Next, assess the suspension: the history lists excessive wear of the off‑side front suspension arm ball joint, upper stop‑lamp failure, and track‑rod end play, so check for play in the ball joints, bushings, and suspension arms, and verify that the headlamp levelling device functions. Finally, review the lighting and registration plate systems: the MOTs note inoperative registration plate lamps and defective wiper blades, so test all exterior lights, including the upper stop lamp, and inspect the condition of the wiper blades and registration plate illumination.
The 2007 Kia Rio diesel has accumulated 130,615 miles, well above the average for its age, and its recent MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring major and dangerous faults, particularly with the front brakes, suspension components, and lighting systems. While earlier tests showed reliable performance, the 2023 and 2024 inspections recorded multiple failures that required immediate attention. The vehicle’s condition is therefore questionable despite a clean 2025 MOT, making it a high‑risk purchase.
No aggregate reliability data exists for the Kia Rio, but the model generally enjoys a solid reputation for durability; however, this specific vehicle shows frequent brake, suspension, and lighting failures that are common weak points for the model.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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KIA RIO Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2007 model year cars.
- Clutch and release-bearing wearModerate
Plenty of JB Rios lead a hard urban life and need clutch work earlier than expected, especially if they have been used as cheap learner or delivery cars.
- Front lower-arm bush and drop-link wearModerate
UK roads chew through lower-arm bushes and anti-roll-bar links, leaving the Rio with an obvious front-end knock and vague tracking well before anything major fails.
- Rear brake and brake-pipe corrosionModerate
Low-value JB cars are often run on a shoestring, so rear drums or calipers and the associated brake pipes can corrode badly enough to turn an MOT into a proper bill.
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