Used Kia Picanto Hatchback 2011-2017 reliability review

The Kia Picanto is a tempting choice for those who want a city car that's cheap to run and unlikely to go wrong

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What should I look for in a used Kia Picanto?

If you are buying a Kia Picanto that’s being advertised with the balance of the manufacturer warranty, make sure it has been serviced in accordance with Kia’s guidelines. If any of the previous owners have failed to do so, the warranty could be invalid.

With that taken care of, check the car for scrapes and scratches that can result from lots of city-centre driving, because even if these don’t stop you buying the car, they can be used as bargaining points. In particular, look carefully at the tyres for signs of kerb damage, which could compromise their safety.

The condition of the interior should reflect the car’s mileage, and you should try the various equipment to make sure everything works. If you identify any faults with, for example, options such as the air conditioning, Bluetooth, touchscreen infotainment system or reversing camera, you should ask to have them addressed prior to purchase.

Is a used Kia Picanto reliable?

It makes sense that a car manufacturer can only get away with offering a warranty as long as Kia’s if it has faith its cars won’t ever go wrong. The Picanto proves this point by being an extremely reliable little car, and Kia itself received a good rating in the What Car? Reliability Index.

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Used Kia Picanto Hatchback 11-17

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Kia Picanto 1.0 DPi 2 Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Kia Picanto

1.0 DPi 2 Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£509

Kia Picanto 1.0 1 5dr

Kia Picanto

1.0 1 5dr

£695

Kia Picanto 1.1 Strike 5dr

Kia Picanto

1.1 Strike 5dr

£750

Kia Picanto 1.1 Domino 5dr

Kia Picanto

1.1 Domino 5dr

£790

Kia Picanto 1.1 3 5dr

Kia Picanto

1.1 3 5dr

£990

Kia Picanto 1.0 S 5dr

Kia Picanto

1.0 S 5dr

£995

Kia PICANTO 1.1 Zapp! 5dr

Kia PICANTO

1.1 Zapp! 5dr

£995

Kia Picanto 1.1 Chill 5dr

Kia Picanto

1.1 Chill 5dr

£999

Kia Picanto 1.1 LX 5dr

Kia Picanto

1.1 LX 5dr

£1,095

About the writer

Stuart Milne, digital editor

Name: Stuart Milne

Title: Digital editor

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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.

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