Kia Carens Review (2000 to 2006)

Quick Summary

The Carens is a good deal better than it deserves to be at the prices charged. It'll never offer anything remotely slick or stylish, but that's what you're not paying for. We knew you'd see sense.

Overall:

Models Covered:(5 dr MPV 1.8, 2.0 petrol, 2.0 CRDi diesel [SX, GSX, GS, SE, LX, LE])

HONEY, I SHRUNK THE BIDS…

Your family is burgeoning, you've got expenses sprouting from everywhere and the last thing you want is to fork out major amounts of money for a new mini-MPV. By the same token, you don't especially relish buying something ancient that could leave you stranded by the roadside. What do you do? Tracking down a used Kia Carens would be one option. Outrageous value for money is always a good leveller.
Used Kia Carens for sale

History of the Carens

The Carens first went on sale in July 2000 and it would probably be fair to say that it has been slightly overshadowed by the runaway success of its larger sibling, the Sedona, a model that offers the internal dimensions of a Boeing assembly hangar. The Carens is more manageably sized but still fairly spacious and is available with one engine, a 1.8-litre 108bhp unit, but in two separate trim levels, SX or GSX. The 2.0-litre CRDi diesel engine was introduced later and from the start of 2005, that impressive engine was the only one offered in the Carens until a 2.0-litre CVVT petrol unit arrives later that year. Around the same period the trim level range was revised to GS, LX and LE. A new Kia Carens emerged in 2006 to replace this model.
Used Kia Carens for sale

Kia Carens Road Test

On the road, the Carens' 1.8-litre petrol engine (the only powerplant currently on offer) should prove willing enough, developing a useful 128bhp and plenty of pulling power, driving the front wheels via a light but rather vague-feeling five-speed gearbox. That means rest to sixty in 11.3 seconds on the way to 115mph. Expect to average around 25mpg around town and around 30mpg in normal use, figures that will fall significantly should you opt for the 4-speed automatic. The 2.0-litre CRDi common-rail diesel engine offered in later models is a preferable option if you can afford one. Its 112bhp is less than the output of the 1.8-litre petrol unit but the 40mpg fuel consumption and punchy power delivery are major plus points.
Used Kia Carens for sale

Buying a Kia Carens

The interior of the Carens is tougher than you may expect given its lowly price but it's well worth checking for rips, stains and other damage to upholstery and minor trim parts. Inspect for parking knocks and make sure that tyre wear looks normal, as the Carens can have its tracking quite easily knocked out of kilter by savage bumping over kerbs. Kias bear up pretty well reliability-wise, but do check for its service history and contact a few franchised dealers to try to find the best bargain available.
Used Kia Carens for sale

Kia Carens Typical Pricing

The MPV customer is not renowned for a rapid turnover of vehicles, so your best bet is to contact a Kia franchised dealer and see what's in the network. 2000 W-registered cars are very rare indeed, and dealers will advise you to buy one if the price seems right. To give an estimate of valuations, a 2000 X-plate 1.8 SX retails at around £4,200 or £4,500 for a Y-plate example. Insurance groups start at 8 for the SX whilst a GSX is rated at Group 9.
Used Kia Carens for sale

Kia Carens Parts

(Estimated prices, based on a 2000 1.8 GSX) Kia spares prices have gained an enviable reputation for good value, and replacement parts for the Carens are no exception. A clutch assembly is around £220, whilst front brake pads weigh in at around £40. An alternator will cost around £130, and for a starter motor you'll be looking at £115. A replacement headlamp will require £110.
Used Kia Carens for sale