The 2019 Ceed diesel manual is typically fitted with Kia's 1.6 CRDi diesels and a 6-speed manual — they return strong fuel economy on long runs but need regular sustained miles to keep the DPF and EGR happy. Kia offered a long warranty on these cars when new, but at seven years that cover is likely expired or close to expiry, so check paperwork. Also expect a conventional clutch and manual gearbox wear items rather than automatic-service items.

• DPF and EGR condition — ask whether the car has done regular longer motorway runs (DPF clogging is common on diesel cars used only for short trips).
• Clutch wear and gearbox changes — check for slipping, clutch bite point, and smooth selection across all gears.
• Turbocharger play and boost hoses — listen for turbo whine, check for smoke on acceleration and inspect boost pipe connections for leaks.
• Underbody and rear-arch corrosion — look beneath the car, inside wheelarches and around the boot aperture for corrosion or seam rust.
• Rear hatch seals and tailgate struts — ensure no water ingress around the boot and that the struts hold the hatch up reliably.