2018 KIA Picanto 1.0L Petrol · RO18 UNK
2018 KIA Picanto (1.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Apr 2018. Recorded mileage 71,667 miles. MOT expired on 01 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027.
- Make & Model
- KIA PICANTO
- Year / Origin
- 2018 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 01 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 71,667 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.
RO18 UNK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/10/2025
- 71,667 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RO18 UNK 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 (RO18 UNK) between May 2023 and October 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 03 October 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: Lighting (6 issues), Brakes (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 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 Brake hose connection leaking on a hydraulic braking system (1.1.12 (c) (ii))”; “Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))”.
RO18 UNK Mileage History
- 31/05/202361,621 mi
- 29/05/202465,524 mi+3,903 mi
- 10/06/202465,552 mi+28 mi
- 01/10/202571,665 mi+6,113 mi
- 03/10/202571,667 mi+2 mi
Average of roughly 4,287 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
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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 caution. While this Picanto
Prioritise a mechanical inspection of the steering and suspension. The October 2025 MOT noted 'slight play' in both steering rack inner joints, which is a point for negotiation or a required repair. Ensure that the brake hose leak and anti-roll bar linkage issues identified in the 2025 failure were rectified with quality parts rather than temporary fixes.
Given the mileage is well above the average for this model, request a detailed service history. Check for evidence of regular oil changes and timing belt/chain maintenance if applicable, as the higher-than-average usage puts more stress on the 998cc engine components.
The 998cc petrol engine is designed for efficiency, typically falling into a low road tax bracket and a low insurance group, making it an economical choice for urban commuting. Maintenance costs for the Picanto are generally modest, though this specific vehicle's history of suspension and brake wear suggests a higher-than-average spend on wear-and-tear items.
Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine servicing, are likely to be in the region of £900-£1,200, depending on annual mileage and driver profile.
Focus your inspection on the steering and suspension. The MOT history shows a failure for suspension arm ball joints in 2024 and an anti-roll bar linkage failure in 2025; check for any current knocks or vibrations during a test drive. Specifically, check the steering rack for the 'play' mentioned in the October 2025 advisory.
Inspect the braking system thoroughly. The vehicle failed in 2025 due to a brake hose connection leak and insufficient brake efficiency. Check the brake fluid levels and look for any dampness around the hoses. Finally, examine the nearside rear outer seatbelt for the fraying noted in the most recent MOT record.
This white 2018 Kia Picanto has recorded 71,667 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average of 4,778 miles per year. The MOT history shows failures in both 2024 and 2025, specifically involving suspension arm ball joints, brake hose leaks, and anti-roll bar linkages. While it passed its most recent test in October 2025, it did so with advisories regarding the steering rack and seatbelts.
The Kia Picanto has an average MOT pass rate of 80.3%, with common failure points typically being tyres, headlamps, and anti-roll bars.
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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