Kia Carens (2000 - 2006) 2.0 CRDi LX 5d (2003/03) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I have a family to transport, that I lead an active outdoors lifestyle which means I undertake long journeys most weekends with the boot loaded with gear either for camping or a days hiking. That I am more concerned with value for money than brand image.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

I haven't had any negative comments, those passengers who have had a ride in the car seem generally impressed with it to a point. It's an anonymous car but to be honest i quite like that, no ones going to nick it from a car park - but neither am I ashamed of it, it looks ok and being black with chrome trim its fairly smart.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes I would because practical family transport doesn't come much cheaper than this. Sometimes I crave more refinement but its not so bad that I cant live with it and it performs admirably in all other respects.

What are you likely to buy next?

Likely another MPV or 4x4. I need lots of boot space and a big back seat plus I like the high up driving position. I certainly would look at the newer shape Carens or possibly the Kia Sportage/Sorento.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,200

When did you buy the car?

October 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

The car was very very cheap. £1200 with 6 months MOT and Tax left on it and the price included a service and £50 worth of diesel. Low mileage for the year having covered just 72k documented miles and had service history.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It was local, it had the space I needed and it was dirt cheap.

What was the dealer like?

Local dealer with a good reputation. Deals in cars at the cheaper end of the market but was open and honest about the car and all the paperwork was in order including HPI check etc.

What's it like to drive?

In a word: boring. It drives as you would expect a cheap MPV to, it rolls a bit in corners and it won't win any drag races but its fast enough to be usable and the handling is fine for what it is. Its comfortable and the visibility is great. Refinement isnt the best, wind and road noise can be intrusive but its not dreadful and this is why they are cheap.

What's it like to park?

A doddle, far easier than the LR Freelander I had previously and much easier than other MPV's I test like the Picasso. I liked the fact that the Kia felt more car like.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing has actually failed, had a new exhaust fitted as the old one (probably the original) was on its way out and a counter balance weight on the gearbox had worked its way loose causing a rattle at low speed. This was fixed by my local garage in a matter of seconds and they didn't even charge me. I had the slightly squeaky fanbelt replaced at the same time as the exhaust. I had the cambelt and waterpump changed as a precaution and also had a few paint scabs on the rear arches rectified before it had chance to rot. Both of these jobs were my choice though and did not strictly speaking "need" doing. Even with all these jobs my expenditure on the car in total is still only just over £2k which is very low for a car with low mileage and in good nick.

What's most practical about your car?

Has lots of space and a good high up driving position with good visibility.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The heated front windscreen and mirrors work very well, especially in this extended winter we have been having. The hidden storage tray under the false floor in the boot is extremely handy for transporting more delicate items.