2018 KIA Picanto 1.0L Petrol · MA68 AKG
2018 KIA Picanto (1.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2018. Recorded mileage 42,265 miles. MOT valid until 08 May 2027. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- KIA PICANTO
- Year / Origin
- 2018 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 08 May 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 42,265 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
MA68 AKG Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 04/05/2026
- 42,265 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MA68 AKG 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 2018 Kia Picanto (MA68 AKG) between December 2022 and May 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 04 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (6 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 8 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 Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”; “Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”.
MA68 AKG Mileage History
- 30/12/202230,671 mi
- 07/05/202432,896 mi+2,225 mi
- 10/05/202432,896 mi
- 23/04/202534,179 mi+1,283 mi
- 04/05/202642,265 mi+8,086 mi
Average of roughly 3,469 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 Picanto (Gen 3 / JA)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
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.
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
This 2018 Kia Picanto with the 1.0-litre
The Picanto is one of the most affordable cars to run on UK roads, but the MOT history on this particular car shows a pattern of tyre-related issues that any buyer should take seriously. The May 2024 failure was caused by both front tyres being below the 1.6mm tread limit and a brake fluid warning lamp being illuminated, so check that these items have been properly addressed and not just patched up for the test. The 2025 test picked up cracking on both rear tyres, suggesting the car may have been standing for periods or that tyres are being left on too long — budget for a fresh set of four tyres shortly after purchase.
The 2026 advisory items (rear seatbelt webbing and a pitted front brake disc) are not failures but are worth investigating. The seatbelt issue could indicate wear from heavy use or a child seat being fitted regularly, while the scored brake disc suggests the pads may need changing imminently along with the disc. There is no service history information in the MOT records, so ask the seller for evidence of regular oil and filter changes — Kia recommends services every 12 months or 10,000 miles for the 1.0 petrol. Negotiation points include the imminent brake disc, the tyre replacement, and the lack of recorded main dealer servicing.
The 1.0-litre petrol Picanto is one of the most economical non-hybrid small cars on sale, with real-world fuel economy typically in the high-50s to low-60s mpg for town driving. Road tax is free for this model thanks to its low CO2 output, and insurance sits in group 5 or lower depending on specification, making it one of the cheapest cars to insure. Servicing is inexpensive through Kia's fixed-price scheme or any independent garage, with a typical interim service around £120 and a full service around £200.
Based on the mileage profile and likely usage pattern, estimated annual running costs including fuel, tax, insurance, servicing and tyre replacement fall into the £800-£1,200 bracket. The MOT history suggests tyres may need changing more frequently than average, so factor in an additional £150-£200 for tyres every two to three years. Brake work on the 2026 advisory could add £200-£300 if the disc needs replacement alongside pads.
Begin any inspection by closely examining all four tyres for tread depth, age (check the DOT date code on the sidewall) and any uneven wear patterns. The MOT history shows front tyres have been an issue twice (2022 advisory on inner edges, 2024 failure on tread depth) and rear tyres showed cracking in 2025, so uneven or edge wear here would confirm suspension or geometry issues that need rectification. Inspect the front brake discs visually for lipping and scoring — the 2026 advisory specifically noted pitting on the offside front inner disc, which is a common Picanto issue as the car ages.
Check that the rear seatbelt webbing on the nearside is not frayed beyond a minor surface issue, as MOT advisories can sometimes mask more significant damage. Test the brake fluid warning lamp by turning the ignition on without starting the engine — it should illuminate briefly then go out; if it stays on, the 2024 failure cause may not have been properly resolved. Lift the bonnet and look for oil leaks around the cam cover and check the coolant level, as the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine can suffer from minor oil seepage with age. Finally, verify the condition of the front wipers and washer system, as the 2022 test noted both washer performance and a splitting wiper blade.
This MA68AKG Picanto is a 1.0-litre petrol, five-door city car first registered in September 2018, finished in white. Five MOT tests are recorded between December 2022 and May 2026, with four passes and one fail. The annual mileage averages around 5,300 miles, broadly in line with the model average of 4,764 miles. Against a model pass rate of 80.2%, this individual vehicle has an 80% pass rate across its recorded tests.
The Kia Picanto has an aggregate MOT pass rate of 80.2% across over 200,000 analysed vehicles, with the top three failure reasons being tyres, exhaust systems and brake discs — all of which appear in this individual car's history. Overall the model is considered reliable for a city car, though consumable items like tyres and brakes tend to require attention as the vehicle ages beyond five years.
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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