2006 Kia Carens petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Kia Carens petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Kia Carens petrol than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Exhaust system2.7× usual
  Kia Carens

  24.7% All 2006 cars

  9.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 2.6% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3× usual
  Kia Carens

  22% All 2006 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12%, against 3.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2006 Kia Carens petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Kia Carens petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  60% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  52% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  50% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  36% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  25% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Driveshafts and joints
  23% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Kia Carens petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2006 Kia Carens petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2006 Kia Carens petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?