KIA CARENS (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,019 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,957
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1591cc Petrol
Check Carefully
79% pass rate, £1957/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1591cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 10 years old, 79% of KIA CARENSs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,019 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 70,759 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
70,759
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 KIA CARENS has 70,759 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-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 2016 sits between the two at 79%.
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 2016 KIA CARENS
The 2016 KIA CARENS is a small family car with a 1591cc petrol engine. 3,019 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 89% of 2016 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 70,759 miles at 10 years old, KIA CARENS owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 KIA CARENS Fuel Costs
The 1591cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 KIA CARENS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% 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 2016 KIA CARENS
At 10 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 2016 KIA CARENS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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.
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 2016 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(2016) | 79% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1957 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
| FORD FOCUS(2014) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£280 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£407 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2015) | 82% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390-£567 |
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
Explore other Kia cars or similar models in the same category.
KIA SPORTAGE
2016 · 1700cc Diesel
KIA PICANTO
2018 · 998cc Petrol
KIA CEED
2012 · 1591cc Diesel
VAUXHALL CORSA
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2014 · 1596cc Petrol
NISSAN QASHQAI
2017 · 1200cc Petrol
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