KIA CARENS Estate 2006‑2011

Apart from a quirky handbrake and some turbo charger niggles which were swiftly sorted out by excellent dealer, this car is comfortable, quiet and practical and thoroughly reliable. Have had several Kias and this is the best one yet. Loads of space in boot with seats down, and 30 seconds to put the rear seats up and they are actually reasonably comfortable with proper footroom unlike my last car (Shogun). With towbar for Caravan and boat and plenty of space for kids its wearing well and still looks good and drives well after 50k miles. A slightlly dour cabin is alleviated by well defined and functional instruments although the highly sensitive heating and air-conditioning controls could be better placed as they are sometimes operated by mistake when changing gear. I have driven 250 miles without a stop and felt no fatigue or backache at all unlike with some other cars I have owned. Overall an excellent car which I would reccommend without hesitation. Smooth acceleration and 44 mpg and I would certainly buy another - Kia have got it right with this car.

After my partner and kids decided a 7 seater car appealed, all plans to buy a Mondeo or Passat vanished. I was going to buy a Zafira to replace my ageing and outgrown but excellent Vauxhall Astra, however this was not to happen either. The Zafiras I was finding at my budget were getting on for 4 years old with quite a few miles on clock, I'd also experienced some surprisingly negative feedback from mechanics. -With both parents driving Kias, I started to take this car more seriously. Perhaps a week or 2 later a decent one popped up not far away. Less than a day later I'd signed up to buy this 2 litre diesel 7 seater beast at just 2 and half years old with a mere 14k miles.

Running costs have been good to date. Fuel economy is an ok 42 ish mpg though requires some effort to achieve this. Was hoping to be nearer 50 mpg but this seems now unrealistic as the car is quite heavy. I have had 1 minor issue regarding a driver door catch which was fixed under warranty. The brakes on my car are a bit squeally but other than that well behaved.

My reasons for buying this car were practicality based. 7 seater versatility, tips to the tip. You can haul caravans up to 1500 kg effortlessy. You can do just about anything with this car, but its economical enough to just drive to work or the shops!

The Carens drives well enough for most people I'd imagine though it took me a little while to get used. I seem to be comfortable most of the time. The ride is a little harsh on poorer roads though the pay off is fantastic grip through the bends. The handling is not in the same league as sporty hatchbacks and sports saloons, but this is to be expected! -There is a fair bit of lean on abrupt corners. Lots of cup holders/cubbie holes/storage etc. The plastics are a bit cheap but as long as they are not scratched and damaged prematurely they look ok. My seats are a light colour so do need some cleaning/shampooing. Equipment is less than most cars though fine for me. CD player, electric windows all round, air con and ABS with EBD.

. If you put practicality and ability before badge snobbery, you are not mega wealthy but still want something decent with the bestt warranty around then I would not hesitate to recommend a used Carens.

I bought this car at just over 2 years old with 12,000 miles on the clock. I was going to buy a slighly older model but was swayed by the remainder of the 5 year warranty (now 7 years). I went for the top of the range not because I needed 7 seats but because I wanted the luxury spec. The car has done everything I have asked of it over the last 25,000 miles including towing a caravan. The automatic is superb when towing, especially when manoeuvring, the towing capacity is reduced for the auto but so long as you take this into account it is not an issue. It does cost more in fuel and road tax than the manual but for me the difference is well worthwhile. I drive carefully and average about 35mpg which for a bulky 2 litre 140bhp vehicle is not that bad. I find that it is comfortable on long journeys and handling is very capable for this type of vehicle (it's not a sports car). Reliability has been very good with no breakdowns and only a few fairly minor issues, washer stopped working, loss of engine power, broken catch on the centre armrest/box and an electrical issue on the towbar. All of these issues were rectified under warranty with no quibbles. My local Kia dealer (Ken Jervis, Stoke on Trent) have been superb. The standard tyres did not seem to last long but I replaced them and the new set seem to be lasting much better. I will definitely buy another Kia and it will probably be a top of the range Sedona next time.

Very thirsty on fuel, less than 30 mpg. It is comfortable and has been reliable. However it has no computer so no aids such as fuel consumption information/temperature or all the other information most modern cars provide today.

Does all I want it too without being spectacular to look at. A great tow car. Ideal if you don't mind the shape. I bought it because of the speck not what it looked like.

a really a good alround car a very good driver great boot space for all your shopping etc a few cubby holes to keep items out of sight six speed gear box really good on the whole a lot lot better than the scenic that i had before

I have only had my Carens 2 months and I love it! It ticks all the boxes for the family requirements.

The ride is smooth and the economy is ok for the type and size of vehicle. With just 6 pulls, the car can be transformed from a 7 seater to a van!

The only down side for me is the handling, far to soft when cornering on country lanes.

Would I recommend the Carens, deffinetly YES!

i love my carens,because it is mcdonalds friendly,there is ample spaces and holders for my coke and the dash board is big enough to put me big mac on without steaming up the window,with the two back seats down i can get both dogs in easily,the grandchildren have no problems in fitting in and i love the safety aspect with the air bags and curtains for protection if i should ever be unfortunate to have an accident the drive is smooth and comfortable even on long trips to scotland the multi positioning of the drivers seat height is ideal for me,fuel economy i find is very ecconomical being mostly i do town work,the only thing that i dont like is if someone in the back seat opens there window i get a banging sound in the ears but then if i open mine a crack it counteracts it dont know if it is just my ears or what causes it ,but its fitted with a tow bar also and its very easy to tow my trailer when i take them all on camping adventures all in all it is ideal for what i do and need and so smooth to drive i just love him,mine is called petal .

All i can say it will be the first car i will be upgrading to a newer car of the same type. I am tall and fit comfortably in this car, it adjust down for my shorter partner. In driving (sensibly) i have had it at the best 62 mpg and worst in town 35mpg which i think for the size of car was not bad. it averages about 45mpg. It has very practical designs for the size, and not too expensive. I like the automatic fold in mirrors which you can do at the touch of a button, comes in handy in driving tight roads. The Sensible dash design that convenient pockets, draws and even the cup-holders in sensible places. Cruise control is a nice feature and is easy to use. With the Full all round air-bags it feels and drives safe.

The carens was bought due to being a spacious and comfortable seven seater vehicle in a price range more affordable than similar cars from other manufacturers. Since purchasing it has been ideal for all uses asked of it, from transporting the family and grandchildren to the disposal of unwanted items to the local council tip. I haven't experienced any mechanical problems and the car has been 100% reliable to date. I have found it a pleasure to drive and regret having to sell it. I would personally recommend it to anyone requiring a spacious and comfortable family car.