Kia Carens (2011)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 664 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,144

£179/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £2,144/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Diesel1598cc15 years old664 tests99k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1598cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,144

Per month£179/mo

Per week£41/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Kia brand average of 86%.

69% of MOT tests on Kia Carenss from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 664 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 98,764 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 models561st of 595(bottom 6%)

Rank among Kia models430th of 471(bottom 9%)

vs average of all models-13%(82% avg)

vs 2011 models average-8%(77% avg)

vs Kia average-17%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

98,764

Average miles

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2011 Kia Carens had 98,764 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 83%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 57%. The 2011 scores 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Ford Fiesta

2013 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

77%

+8%

Volkswagen Golf

2013 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

85%

+16%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

+10%

Vauxhall Corsa

2009 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

73%

+4%

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About the 2011 Kia Carens

The 2011 Kia Carens is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 664 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 6% of 2011 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 98,764 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 £2,144 (£179/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

With 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 risk

High-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 out

With 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 risk

Always 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Kia Carens(2011)	69%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£2,144
Ford Fiesta(2013)	77%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£200
Volkswagen Golf(2013)	85%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£350
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£83
Vauxhall Corsa(2009)	73%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2011 Kia Carens

Is the 2011 Kia Carens reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 2011 Kia Carenss ended in a pass, from 664 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2011 Kia Carens cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,144 a year (£179 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 Kia Carens?

69% of 664 MOT tests on the 2011 Kia Carens ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 561st of 595 models first registered in 2011 (bottom 6%).

Which year Kia Carens has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 Kia Carens has the highest MOT pass rate at 83% and the 2005 the lowest at 57%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2011 Kia Carens?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 Kia Carens is 98,764 miles, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.