2008 Kia Carens: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Ball joint2.5× usual
  Kia Carens

  15.7% All 2008 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.2%, 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.2× usual
  Kia Carens

  13.3% All 2008 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, 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.

• Brake pads1.9× usual
  Kia Carens

  17.3% All 2008 cars

  8.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.7× usual
  Kia Carens

  18.1% All 2008 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 2.3% 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.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2008 Kia Carens MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Kia Carens 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
  48% 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.

• Tyres
  40% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  37% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  16% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Kia Carens

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 2.5× as often on the 2008 Kia Carens as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2008 Kia Carens as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2008 Kia Carens as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?