The Kia Picanto is an affordable city car that is widely available on the used market, but not every example is equally reliable. With used cars in this class, you often see wear caused by intensive city use, while specific weak points such as injectors, crankshaft and clutch require extra attention in certain model years. Know what to look out for and you will find a reliable Picanto for a sharp price.
Why the Picanto is popular as a used purchase
The Kia Picanto attracts buyers with a limited budget. Prices start at around €2,500 for older examples from the second generation. For a car from the third generation you will pay at least €6,000. The wide choice on the market gives you plenty of opportunity to compare. At the moment there are more than 1,948 used cars available in the Netherlands. This large supply makes it easier to find a well-maintained example.
Do note that the Kia Picanto has car problems linked to intensive use in urban traffic. Many examples have high mileages because owners use the car daily for short trips. As a result, the clutch, injectors and air conditioning systems wear out more quickly.
‘ A well-maintained engine can easily last well over 150,000 kilometres. ’
Checkpoints for city-use wear
City cars have a harder life than many people think. Changing gear, braking and accelerating put strain on specific components. That is why you should check these points carefully on the Picanto.
Clutch and gearbox
The clutch is a very common point of concern on used Picantos. In particular, cars with many urban kilometres show early wear. During the test drive, check whether the clutch bites smoothly and progressively. Watch out for slipping when pulling away or jerky gearchanges. Ask the seller when the clutch was last replaced. Fitting a new clutch will quickly cost several hundred euros, so factor this into your purchase price.
For automatics, check that gearchanges are smooth. Pay attention to jolts or hesitation. Automatic transmissions cost around €2,000 extra on new models, which makes used automatics more expensive than manual versions. If you are unsure about the condition of the gearbox, have a mechanic take a look with you.
Injectors and engine performance
Injectors can fail on older Picantos. This mainly occurs on cars that have done many short journeys. Rough idling, sluggish starting or loss of power are common symptoms. The engine can also be difficult to start.
During the test drive, check whether the engine starts smoothly and whether any strange noises can be heard when accelerating. Most used examples have the 1.0 DPi petrol engine with 68 bhp. This engine is economical and suitable for city use, but it does require regular servicing. Check the service history. Also ask when the last major service was carried out. A well-maintained engine can easily last well over 150,000 kilometres.
Air conditioning and climate control system
Air conditioning problems are common with used city cars. The system is often neglected because repairs are expensive. Test whether the air con blows cold air and whether any strange smells are noticeable. If the air con does not work properly, this may indicate a leak or a defective compressor. Repair costs can quickly run into several hundred euros.
Technical points of attention specific to the Picanto
In addition to general wear from city use, the Picanto has a number of model-specific weak spots. These problems occur more often in certain model years, so they require extra careful inspection.
Crankshaft and engine problems
On some examples, crankshaft-related problems are reported. This can manifest itself in engine noises, vibrations or reduced performance. During the test drive, let the engine warm up thoroughly. Listen for unusual noises. Start the car several times when cold and when warm. That way you can spot any starting issues.
Broken wiring and electrical faults
Broken wiring is a less well-known but important checkpoint. Especially on older examples, cables can be damaged due to wear or incorrect installation. Check that all electrical functions work. Test the windows, central locking, lights and dashboard instruments. Warning lights on the dashboard can indicate broken wiring. Loose connections can also be the cause.
Best model years and generations for used-car buyers
The Picanto has several generations, each with its own characteristics. The second generation ran from 2011 to 2016 and is now the cheapest to buy. Prices start at around €2,500, but these examples often already have high mileages. Pay extra attention to the condition and maintenance of these older cars.
The third generation started in 2017 and is more modern, with better equipment and safety. For these examples you will pay from €6,000. Models from 2020 to 2023 cost between €8,000 and €22,000. The price depends on trim level and mileage. This price range is modern and affordable. In addition, these cars offer good value for money.
Recent models from 2024 and 2025 cost at least €21,000. That is close to the new price of €21,995, which makes the choice for a brand-new example with full warranty more attractive.
‘ This trim level has fewer options but is mechanically identical to the more expensive versions. ’
Trim levels and their price differences
The Picanto is available in various trim levels that differ significantly in price. The DynamicLine is the basic version and the cheapest on the used market. This trim level has fewer options but is mechanically identical to the more expensive versions.
The DynamicPlusLine offers more comfort and additional equipment. The GT-Line is the top version, with sporty details and full equipment. These versions often cost €25,000 or more. This also applies to used examples. Carefully compare whether the extra options are worth the price difference for your usage.
Common mistakes when buying a used Picanto
Buyers often forget the small but costly details. Checking the MOT expiry date seems obvious, but many buyers close the deal without verifying it. An expired MOT means immediate extra costs and potentially unexpected repairs.
Another common mistake is skipping a test drive. Especially with city cars with high mileages you can tell a lot about the condition of the car while driving it. Test the clutch thoroughly by accelerating in different gears. Check whether the gearbox shifts smoothly and whether there are any strange noises when braking.
The service history is often taken too lightly. Always ask for the service book or invoices for work carried out. A well-maintained Picanto with 120,000 kilometres is reliable. A poorly maintained example with 80,000 kilometres often is not.
Negotiation tips and extra benefits
Some dealers currently offer part-exchange bonuses. The benefit is between €1,000 and €1,500. Negotiate on this, even if you are not trading in a car. Sometimes this bonus can also be given as a discount.
The mileage is a strong negotiating factor. Compare similar examples. Then point out the price differences to the seller. Cars with a fuel tank capacity of 35 litres are cheap to run, but mention any defects you find during the inspection to push the price down.
Check whether any warranty is still remaining. Kia offers warranty of up to 10 years on certain models. Even a remaining warranty of a few months gives you peace of mind and is worth money when negotiating.
‘ This only costs a few tens of euros but can save you hundreds of euros in repairs. ’
Smart buying strategy summarised
Choose an example from the third generation if your budget allows. These cars have fewer teething troubles and are better equipped. If your budget is very tight, choose a well-maintained second-generation example with a complete service history.
Always carry out a thorough inspection or have an independent mechanic look over the car with you. This only costs a few tens of euros but can save you hundreds of euros in repair bills. Pay specific attention to the clutch, injectors, air con, crankshaft and electrical systems.
Compare several examples before you decide. With almost 2,000 used cars on the market you have plenty of choice. Do not rush and take your time to find the right example.
The Carnews website offers much more information about used cars, buying tips and common problems with different car brands. Discover more useful articles and become a smarter car buyer.
Frequently asked questions
Check that the engine idles smoothly, does not make any ticking or rattling noises and does not emit smoke (blue or white) from the exhaust. Look for oil leaks around the rocker cover, the sump and the crankshaft seals. Test the manual or automatic gearbox for smooth gearchanges without jolts, a slipping clutch feel or unusual noises. Take a test drive at motorway speed to listen for unusual droning or vibration noises from the engine, gearbox or driveshafts.
The third-generation Kia Picanto (from 2017) is generally regarded as more reliable and more modern than older generations, partly thanks to improved technology and build quality. Well-maintained examples from the second generation (2011–2016), especially with the 1.2 CVVT engine, can also cover many more kilometres. Problems or higher costs are relatively more common on cars with poor or incomplete maintenance, regardless of generation. Always check for a complete service history and have a pre-purchase inspection carried out.
During the test drive, pay attention to a direct and precise steering feel: how quickly does the steering respond around the straight-ahead position, how much feedback does it give about grip and road surface, and does it feel natural at higher speeds? Assess the suspension for the balance between comfort and control: body movements in corners, over speed bumps and imperfections, and how stable the car remains at high speed and in sudden evasive manoeuvres. Test the brakes for initial bite, ease of modulation and braking force during a firm emergency stop, preferably several times in a row to feel any fading. Also pay attention to straight-line stability under heavy braking and any vibrations or pulling to one side.
Inspect the sills thoroughly, the wheel arches (in particular the edges of the wings) and the bottom edges of the doors, because moisture and dirt often remain there. Pay extra attention to the mounting points of the subframes, the suspension and the strut towers, where stone chippings and spray from the road can cause rust. Check the boot floor and the body seams around the tailgate, as leaks here often lead to hidden rust. Also look at the exhaust and heat shields, as they can corrode quickly due to temperature changes and spray from the road.
There are no major, model-wide recalls known that label the Kia Picanto as a very risky used model. However, it is important to check for each individual vehicle whether all service campaigns and smaller recalls have been carried out, for example via the franchised dealer using the registration and chassis number. Explicitly ask the seller for documentation of recalls and services. If in doubt, have a pre-purchase inspection carried out so that any missed recall work or defects come to light.