2008 Kia Carens petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Kia Carens petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Kia Carens petrol than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Ball joint2.8× usual
  Kia Carens

  17.2% All 2008 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.5%, against 3.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Brake pads2× usual
  Kia Carens

  18% All 2008 cars

  8.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.1× usual
  Kia Carens

  12.9% All 2008 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Suspension arm3.1× usual
  Kia Carens

  9.1% All 2008 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 2008 Kia Carens petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Kia Carens petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  58% 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.

• Brakes
  50% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  39% 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
  38% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  17% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  12% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 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 ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2008 Kia Carens petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2008 Kia Carens petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2008 Kia Carens petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?