Used buyer's guide: Kia Carens
Kia has recently launched a new version of its practical MPV, making the old MkII model look even better value
How much?
You can buy an early (56-plate) Carens from just £3,500, but it will have covered around 100,000 miles. For that money, it’ll be a diesel (most high-mileage models are), although prices vary significantly. If you shop around, for much the same outlay you can get a newer, low-mileage Carens, yet this will probably have a petrol engine.
Very few second-generation models are worth more than £10,000. Even a 2009 59-plate 2.0 CRDi GS only costs around £7,000. There’s no price difference between five and seven-seat versions, but the latter tend to be easier to sell. If you want an automatic, they carry a £300-£500 premium over an equivalent manual car.
Running costs
| Model | Insurance group | Fuel economy | CO2 emissions | Annual road tax |
| 1.6 | 18-19 | 38mpg | 174g/km | £200 |
| 2.0 | 22 | 33mpg | 193g/km | £260 |
| 2.0 auto | 22 | 33mpg | 200g/km | £260 |
| 1.6 CRDi | 18-19 | 49mpg | 146g/km | £140 |
| 2.0 CRDi | 22-23 | 46mpg | 159g/km | £175 |
| 2.0 CRDi auto | 22-23 | 39mpg | 191g/km | £260 |
Whatever their age and engine type, all versions of the Carens need a service every 10,000 miles or 12 months. For petrol models, maintenance costs vary between £220 and £385 (the latter for the fourth service), while diesel services will set you back between £160 and £270.
All engines have a timing chain, apart from the 2.0-litre CRDi diesel – its cambelt needs to be replaced every 10 years or 100,000 miles. Expect to pay around £650 for this and the full service due at the same time. Fresh brake fluid and an air-con regas are required every other year, at around £67 and £60 respectively.
