Kia Carens Review Covering 2006 To Date

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Quick Summary of the Kia Carens

OVERALL

The used car market has quite a bit of respect for the honest virtues of the Kia Carens. It’s one of the most affordable ways to get hold of a seven-seat MPV and it does the job of cheap family transport very effectively.

CHEAP AND CHIPPER

For families there can be a multitude of expenses that take precedence over a plush family car. Food, clothing, heating, iPods, Sony Playstations, cutting edge Nike trainers, full suspension mountain bikes and so on. Once these essentials have been provided for your brood, there are often scant funds remaining for a vehicle to transport them between their football matches, dance classes, swimming lessons and youth clubs. What is a parent to do? One refreshingly affordable option would be a used Kia Carens.
Used Kia Carens for sale

History of the Carens

Kia first launched the Carens in 2000. It was bland but it did the compact MPV job quite well. The Carens we look at here is the second generation model that was launched in September 2006 to minimal fanfare but continues where its predecessor had left off. The Carens arrived with three trim levels and two engine options. Buyers chose between S, GS and LS trims and then deliberated over 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre CRDi diesel engines. There was also the big question of whether to take your Carens in five or seven-seat guise. The entry-level S cars are five-seaters and the GS could be specified in both guises but the LS models are all seven-seaters.
Used Kia Carens for sale

Kia Carens Road Test

Two engines were offered in the Carens, both of 2.0-litre capacity, one drinking petrol the other quaffing diesel. Kia’s upgraded four-cylinder 2.0 CRDi diesel engine features a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and a particle filter as standard to clean up its act. It generates 138bhp and has a six-speed manual gearbox. The twin-cam four-cylinder 2.0-litre ‘Theta’ petrol engine, with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT), produces 142bhp and is accompanied by a five-speed manual box. Performance is nothing special from either engine, the Carens being a substantial vehicle to haul about. The 2.0-litre unit manages the hit 60mph in 11 seconds before trundling on to a 118mph top speed and the diesel does a similar job while feeling stronger through the middle of the rev range with its superior torque. Economy is measured at 34.9mpg for the petrol and 46.3mpg for the diesel. The automatic gearbox makes only a small dent in the petrol’s economy figure but it knocks the diesel down to 39.8mpg.
Used Kia Carens for sale

Buying a Kia Carens

The Carens, like other Kia products, holds up reasonably well to the ravages of time. No serious faults have been reported but always make the basic checks before parting with any cash for a pre-owned model. 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,
Used Kia Carens for sale

Kia Carens Typical Pricing

The Carens was cheap to buy new and it’s cheap to buy used, although it doesn’t depreciate with the vigour that some might expect. The diesel models were the most popular and these will be around in the mid-range GS trim for around £10,000 on 56 plates or £11,300 on an 07-plate. LS derivatives are around £900 more expensive and an automatic gearbox will add another £700 or so to the asking price. Seven-seat models hold their value better than the five-seaters. Insurance is group 10 across the board.
Used Kia Carens for sale

Kia Carens Parts

(Estimated prices, based on a 2006 2.0 GS) 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 £250, whilst front brake pads weigh in at around £60. An alternator will cost around £150, and for a starter motor you’ll be looking at £130. A replacement headlamp will require £130.
Used Kia Carens for sale

Kia Carens Rated

Performance Performance 3 out of 5

Comfort

Handling

Economy

Styling

Equipment

Build

Depreciation Depreciation 3 out of 5

Insurance

Value

Kia Carens Review2006 To Date