KIA CARENS (2011)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 664 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,825
£152/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £1825/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 1598cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 15 years old, 69% of KIA CARENSs from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 664 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 98,764 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
98,764
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2011 KIA CARENS has 98,764 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 83% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 57%. The 2011 sits between the two at 69%.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2011 KIA CARENS
The 2011 KIA CARENS is a small family car with a 1598cc diesel engine. 664 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 94% of 2011 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 98,764 miles at 15 years old, KIA CARENS owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2011 KIA CARENS Fuel Costs
The 1598cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2011 KIA CARENS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,825 (£152/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% 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 2011 KIA CARENS
At 15 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2011 KIA CARENS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 99k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2011 KIA CARENS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIA CARENS(2011) | 69% | £905 | £165 | Grp 12-25 | £1825 |
| FORD FIESTA(2013) | 77% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£335 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2013) | 85% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£380 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013) | 79% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£98 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2009) | 73% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£335 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Kia Models
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