2013 KIA Carens 1.7L Diesel · ND13 VWN

The 2013 Kia Carens presents a mixed mechanical picture. The most recent MOT, passed on 9 October 2025 at 101,511 miles, shows the vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend is one of gradual deterioration rather than steady upkeep. The car failed its prior test just two days earlier on 7 October 2025 at the same recorded mileage, revealing multiple serious defects that required rectification. This pattern, combined with recurring advisories across several years, suggests a vehicle that has been repaired reactively rather than maintained proactively. The mileage accumulation of roughly 7,809 miles per year over thirteen years is entirely typical for this model and age bracket. The record shows a notable jump of approximately 6,261 miles between July 2024 and October 2025, following a period of more modest use between 2023 and 2024 where only around 6,261 miles were covered in the full year prior. The 2023 test at 90,691 miles recorded zero defects, which stands in stark contrast to the growing list of faults appearing from 2024 onward. This suggests the vehicle may have been lightly used or even stood for periods before 2023, then subjected to heavier use that exposed underlying wear. The suspension system is the most persistent area of concern. The nearside front track rod end ball joint has shown slight play in both the October 2025 pass and the October 2025 fail, indicating this is a live wear item that has not been replaced despite being flagged. The offside front lower suspension arm ball joint was excessively worn in October 2025 and had shown slight play as far back as July 2024, while a fractured nearside front coil spring was identified in the July 2024 failure. Both rear sub-frame pins or bushes have been flagged as worn in consecutive tests across 2024 and 2025, suggesting progressive deterioration in the rear suspension mounting points. The braking system also warrants close inspection. Rear brake discs were seriously weakened and pads were below minimum thickness at the October 2025 failure, while front brake discs have been consistently noted as worn, pitted, or scored across multiple tests. The offside rear parking brake was inoperative and overall parking brake efficiency fell below requirements in October 2025, and the offside rear service brake was flagged as excessively binding in July 2024. A buyer should have the rear sub-frame mounting points, front suspension ball joints, and the full braking system inspected in person before purchase, paying particular attention to any corrosion around the sub-frame and rear suspension mounting areas given the recurring nature of those advisories.