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Official DVLA Record
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2005 KIA Cerato 1.6L Petrol · LA05 DMY

LA05 DMY

2005 KIA Cerato (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Jul 2005. Recorded mileage 122,710 miles. MOT valid until 23 May 2027. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026.

Make & Model
KIA CERATO
Year / Origin
2005 · Stanmore (North London)
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 23 May 2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
Recorded Mileage
122,710 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
PETROL · 1.6L
Reliability Guide
Available on IAGC
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 23 May 2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Oct 2026
Fuel Type
PETROL
Year
2005
Engine
1599cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle's MOT history shows a worsening trend in braking and suspension components. The most recent test on 14 May 2026 resulted in a pass, but this followed a significant failure on 05 May 2026. That failure included multiple major defects: insufficient parking brake efficiency, insufficient brake lever travel, a missing brake pedal anti-slip provision, and perished anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers on both the offside front and nearside front. The recorded mileage of 122,710 miles suggests an average annual usage of approximately 5,843 miles over the vehicle's 21-year lifespan. This represents relatively low mileage for a 2005 model. The MOT records provided cover the period from May 2024 to May 2026, showing consistent annual testing, though the frequency of failures in the last two years indicates emerging mechanical issues. A buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system. The records show recurring issues with parking brake efficiency in both the May 2025 and May 2026 tests. The May 2025 test also flagged corroded front brake pipes on both sides, a condition that was first noted as an advisory in May 2024. The presence of grease or other material on these pipes can mask the extent of the corrosion, so a close examination of the brake lines and connections is necessary to check for structural integrity. Suspension and pedal components also require scrutiny. The May 2026 failure highlighted issues with anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers, which can lead to premature wear of the joints if not addressed. The repeated mention of a missing brake pedal anti-slip provision in both 2025 and 2026 suggests a persistent minor defect. Finally, the advisory regarding a worn offside rear tyre in May 2024 indicates that consumable maintenance has been inconsistent. buying_score: 42 risk_level: High.
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LA05 DMY Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 14/05/2026
  • 122,710 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring brakes items (11 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

Updating live data

LA05 DMY MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 29 Aug 2026, 10:46
MOT Analysis

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 2005 Kia Cerato (LA05 DMY) between May 2024 and May 2026.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 14 May 2026 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: Brakes (11 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Tyres (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 7 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: “Offside Front Headlamp has a product on the light source so that the light output is severely reduced no beam pattern (4”; “Nearside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced NO BEAM PATTERN (4.1.4 (”; “Offside Rear Parking (secondary brake) on a single line braking system has inadequate effort at a wheel (1.3.1 (a) (i))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

LA05 DMY Mileage History

  1. 23/05/2024100,107 mi
  2. 07/05/2025111,119 mi+11,012 mi
  3. 08/05/2025111,127 mi+8 mi
  4. 05/05/2026122,438 mi+11,311 mi
  5. 14/05/2026122,710 mi+272 mi

Average of roughly 11,450 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
75
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Good

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.

Valid MOT
Taxed
Average MOT pass rate (60%)
Older vehicle
Experian Provenance Check

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Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
62/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£1,600
Mileage
At 111,127 miles for a 2005 vehicle, the...

Our Verdict

This 2005 Kia Cerato presents a mixed purchasing case, showing a pattern of initial MOT test failures followed by successful passes in recent years. At 111,127 miles, buyers should carefully verify the vehicle's mechanical condition despite the recent clean pass.

When inspecting this 2005 Kia Cerato, pay close attention to the documentation surrounding its recent MOT tests from May 2025 and May 2024, where initial tests resulted in failures before subsequent same-week passes. Because the specific reasons for these failures are not detailed in the test records, buyers must independently verify what work was undertaken to achieve the pass.

Examine the physical condition of the black bodywork and ensure all electrical systems, steering components, and suspension setups are operating without issue. Requesting a comprehensive physical inspection by an independent mechanic is strongly advised to uncover any underlying mechanical wear not captured by the standard MOT test history.

Equipped with a 1.6-litre petrol engine, this Kia Cerato sits in a moderate insurance group and offers typical fuel economy for a mid-2000s hatchback. Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) will apply based on its 2005 registration date and engine size.

Routine maintenance costs should remain manageable due to the straightforward mechanical design of the Cerato, though older components may require replacement given the 111,127-mile odometer reading. Budgeting for unexpected part replacements is prudent for any vehicle of this age.

Thoroughly inspect the areas that typically trigger MOT test failures on vehicles of this vintage, including the braking system, suspension bushes, exhaust integrity, and tyre condition. Given that the 2025 and 2024 MOT histories show initial failures followed by rapid passes, check all corresponding mechanical parts for signs of recent replacement or temporary fixes.

Additionally, inspect the steering rack, wheel bearings, and structural undersides for corrosion or excessive wear commensurate with a 2005 registration. Verifying fluid levels and checking for oil leaks around the 1.6-litre engine bay is also recommended.

First registered in July 2005, this black 1.6-litre petrol Kia Cerato has covered 111,127 miles. Its MOT history shows consecutive first-time test failures in 2024 and 2025 that were swiftly rectified before passing days later, alongside a straightforward pass in 2023. The mileage is appropriate for a vehicle of this age, but the recurring test failures warrant closer inspection.

No aggregate reliability data is available for the Kia Cerato, making individual inspection and service history review essential.

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