2005 KIA Picanto 1.1L Petrol · ML05 MZU
2005 KIA Picanto (1.1L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2005. Recorded mileage 112,890 miles. MOT expired on 25 May 2026. Taxed until 01 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- KIA PICANTO
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 25 May 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 May 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 112,890 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.1L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
ML05 MZU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 21/05/2025
- 112,890 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (10 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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ML05 MZU Mileage History
- 16/05/202396,836 mi
- 23/05/2024102,105 mi+5,269 mi
- 23/05/2024102,105 mi
- 20/05/2025112,884 mi+10,779 mi
- 21/05/2025112,890 mi+6 mi
Average of roughly 7,968 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
ML05 MZU 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 2005 Kia Picanto (ML05 MZU) between May 2023 and May 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 21 May 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: Tyres (10 issues), Suspension (8 issues), Lighting (7 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 29 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 aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))”; “Nearside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt ”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise significant caution before purc
If you proceed with a purchase, you must negotiate the price downwards to account for the visible pattern of maintenance issues. Prioritise checking the service history to see if the oil leaks noted in 2023 and 2025 have been addressed by a mechanic or merely monitored.
Specifically, ask for evidence that the coil spring corrosion, exhaust flexi damage, and CV boot issues identified in the 2025 MOT have been fully rectified with new parts rather than temporary fixes. Given the history of tyre-related failures (exposed cords and worn edges), check the current tread depth and alignment of all four tyres immediately.
As a 1.1L petrol engine, the Picanto is generally positioned in a lower insurance group and tax band, making it an economical choice for city driving. Fuel economy should be reasonable for a vehicle of this age and size.
However, maintenance costs may be higher than expected due to the recurring nature of suspension and exhaust issues. Expect to budget for more frequent replacements of consumables like tyres, brake components, and suspension parts. Estimated annual running costs are likely to be moderate, but unpredictable if mechanical issues persist.
You should pay close attention to the underside of the vehicle. The MOT history shows a recurring theme of corroded coil springs (both nearside and offside rear) and a corroded offside rear brake pipe. This indicates a susceptibility to rust that needs physical inspection.
Inspect the drive shafts and CV boots carefully, as the 2025 record noted a severely deteriorated offside front boot. Additionally, check for any signs of oil weeping from the engine, as 'not excessive' oil leaks were flagged in both 2023 and 2025. Finally, verify that the headlamp aim and lenses are clear and correctly aligned, following the failures noted in the 2025 test.
This 2005 blue Kia Picanto has covered 112,890 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average of 4,764 miles per year. While the 1.1L petrol engine is a standard small-capacity unit, the MOT records indicate a series of failures related to suspension, tyres, and exhaust components. The most recent history shows a failed test in May 2025 followed by a pass, but the sheer number of defects recorded suggests significant wear.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 80.2% MOT pass rate, with common failures involving tyres, exhausts, and brake discs.
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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