Used Kia Picanto Hatchback 2011-2017 reliability

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.

The engines in the Picanto are well proven, with no recurring reliability concerns. The fact they are chain-driven also means there are no concerns over timing belts.

Some owners of the mechanically identical Hyundai i10 have however experienced clutch judder, so check this on a test drive, as well as making sure the bite point isn’t right at the top of the pedal’s travel and that second gear in particular engages easily.

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.