[Mummy Duck]

Now our family has gotten bigger we really need to change our cars so we can stop taking 2 cars if we all want to go out. We have 2 x teens, a 2yo and a baby that need to fit.

What do you think of the Kia Carnival in general?

I wont be able to buy new so need to get second hand. I remember some years had a problem. What years are good and what should I avoid?

What is it like on fuel?

TIA.

This post has been edited by Mummy Duck: 21/08/2012, 07:56 AM

[babycat]

Can only answer one of your questions, from all the research I've done it looks like anything after 2006 is ok. We're looking at a Kia Grand Carnival as we need four anchor points and space in the boot.

Will be stalking this thread for other answers.

[MrsLexiK]

Hi OP I just asked my mechanic DH, and he would stay away from them all.

[baby*girl]

I have a newish grand carnival. We have only had the car for 12 months but it has been wonderful. No mechanical issues and the space is great.

I would really recommend them. The entire engine was different pre 2006 and they had lots of issues. 2006 onwards, no issues.

[Georgie01]

Post 13 in this thread explains the engine changes and the years they occurred. The current engine has been used in other cars for years without significant problems (there will always be the occasional problems but this engine has proven over time to be reliable). We've had ours (a Grand Carnival) since 2008, it came with a 5 year warranty but all we've had to have fixed are the automatic doors (took them a couple of hours to get the motors working again).

This post has been edited by Georgie01: 21/08/2012, 09:51 AM

[~Karla~]

I have a 2006 model. I have not had an issue with it at all and I've had it for 5 years now.

Compared to a lot of the other similar priced vehicles we looked at it had a better turning circle and is much nicer to drive than most other people movers, and is more fuel efficient than most of the 7-8 seater 4WD's - in the price range we were looking in at least.

It's been a great car but I am hoping to convince DH that we need to upgrade to a ford territory or something soon.

[MrsLexiK]

Can I just say it is not just the engine issues as to why my DH won't recommond them but they are all (including those made after 2006) a PITA to fix.

[Iliketophaff]

We had a captiva and mil has a carnavale. She likes hers because it is easier for her to get into

[frozie]

Can I just say it is not just the engine issues as to why my DH won't recommond them but they are all (including those made after 2006) a PITA to fix.

But the OP won't be fixing it herself so that really is a non issue as that is what mechanics are paid to do

We had a 2009 Grand Carnival bought new and never had a problem with it. I have only just changed it over to a Kia Sportage as we didn't need all the room anymore. The only issue I have with them is that they only have lap belts in the centre seats.

[~Karla~]

Can I just say it is not just the engine issues as to why my DH won't recommond them but they are all (including those made after 2006) a PITA to fix.

That just means that in the worst case scenario, the labour fee might be slightly higher if something went wrong. But in 5 years, I haven't had any dramas with mine so I'm glad I didn't let that put me off.