How much does a 2012 KIA CARENS cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), including £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 KIA CARENS?

The 2012 KIA CARENS has a 71% MOT pass rate based on 188 tests in 2026. This ranks 632 out of 685 cars from 2012.

Which year KIA CARENS is most reliable?

The 2018 KIA CARENS has the highest MOT pass rate at 83%. The least reliable year is 2005 at 57%.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 KIA CARENS?

The average mileage for a 2012 KIA CARENS is 91,805 miles, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

KIA CARENS (2012)

Q: Is the 2012 KIA CARENS reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of KIA CARENSs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 188 tests. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 188 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,625

£135/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£165

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1582cc Diesel

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £1625/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Diesel1582cc14 years old188 tests92k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1582cc)

~55 mpg

£905

Road Tax

Based on 1582cc

£165

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,625

Per month£135/mo

Per week£31/wk

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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.

At 14 years old, 71% of KIA CARENSs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 188 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 91,805 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 cars632th of 685(top 92%)

Rank among KIA models415th of 472(top 88%)

vs national average-11%(82% avg)

vs 2012 cars average-7%(78% avg)

vs KIA average-15%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

91,805

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 KIA CARENS has 91,805 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-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 2012 sits between the two at 71%.

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

£1,490/year

77%

+6%

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,445/year

87%

+16%

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£1,727/year

79%

+8%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2014 · 1199cc Diesel

£1,340/year

80%

+9%

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About the 2012 KIA CARENS

The 2012 KIA CARENS is a small family car with a 1582cc diesel engine. 188 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 92% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 91,805 miles at 14 years old, KIA CARENS owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 KIA CARENS Fuel Costs

The 1582cc 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 2012 KIA CARENS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

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 2012 KIA CARENS

At 14 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 2012 KIA CARENS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 92k 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.

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 2012 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(2012)	71%	£905	£165	Grp 12-25	£1625
FORD FIESTA(2013)	77%	£905	£30	Grp 8-20	£1490-£135
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2014)	87%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1445-£180
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013)	79%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727+£102
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2014)	80%	£905	£30	Grp 5-15	£1340-£285

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.