KIA CARENS (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 97 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
63%
Total Tests (2024)
97
Avg Mileage
71,057 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 2003 KIA CARENS reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 19 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 21 years old, 63% of KIA CARENSs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 97 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 71,057 miles.
How does the 2003 KIA CARENS compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 KIA CARENS has 71,057 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a KIA CARENS?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 83% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 57%. The 2003 sits between the two at 63%.
How much does a 2003 KIA CARENS cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
KIA CARENS by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 83% | 139 | 51,500 mi |
| 2018 | 83% | 2,703 | 52,577 mi |
| 2017 | 82% | 3,168 | 61,814 mi |
| 2016 | 79% | 3,019 | 70,759 mi |
| 2015 | 79% | 3,585 | 80,429 mi |
| 2014 | 78% | 3,824 | 87,028 mi |
| 2013 | 77% | 2,513 | 94,445 mi |
| 2012 | 71% | 188 | 91,805 mi |
| 2011 | 69% | 664 | 98,764 mi |
| 2010 | 73% | 601 | 99,736 mi |
| 2009 | 69% | 2,077 | 100,124 mi |
| 2008 | 68% | 1,934 | 102,459 mi |
| 2007 | 66% | 855 | 106,122 mi |
| 2006 | 62% | 554 | 95,903 mi |
| 2005 | 57% | 275 | 89,214 mi |
| 2004 | 66% | 195 | 79,548 mi |
| 2003 | 63% | 97 | 71,057 mi |
Checking a specific KIA CARENS?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 KIA CARENS
The 2003 KIA CARENS is a family car with a 1794cc petrol engine. 97 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 94% of 2003 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 71,057 miles at 21 years old, KIA CARENS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2003 KIA CARENS Fuel Costs
The 1794cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 KIA CARENS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 63% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
KIA CARENS Reliability Trend
Newer KIA CARENSs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 KIA CARENS
At 21 years old, the KIA CARENS is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 83%. Note: with only 97 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2003 KIA CARENS
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (+8%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (+8%) from 41,794 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (+8%) from 29,898 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2005) 73% pass rate (+10%) from 29,754 tests