2002 Kia Carnival LS 2.5Ltr petrol

Summary:

A great budget wagon for a family budget.

Faults:

The only mechanical problem to date was a slipping clutch at 30,000 kl, which was replaced without charge or argument by dealer, Eagers KIA of Brisbane.

At 2 tonne empty, the Carnival is a big, heavy car and suffers as a result. The small V6 has to be coaxed up steep hills with the gear shift when heavily loaded and a little more braking distance allowed. It is however, more than adequate for it's usual roll as "Mum's Taxi".

Intending buyers who would prefer a little more grunt, should investigate the cost/benefit of fitting an aftermarket turbo from new. The bargain purchase price would make this an affordable improvement.

General Comments:

What the Carnival lacks in Luxury, it makes up for in comfort, even for rear passengers. Sore backs were not an issue on a recent 5,000 kl driving holiday.

There is space to burn, in an interior designed for touring with children. The rear seating even removes completely, converting it into a van.

My wife has no problem maneuvering it and loves the high seating position.

My expectations were not high for a vehicle priced so much below it's competitors, but I have been pleasantly surprised.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th January, 2005

3rd Aug 2005, 01:36

Just off the phone with Eagers Kia. They have ordered a new engine and it is to be replaced free of charge.

Given that this common problem has reportedly been addressed in later models, I would still consider a Carnival again. Why? Because most new cars have problems which can take time to become evident and remedy. How a manufacturer stands by it's warranty is important and I have nothing, but praise for the way they have looked after the couple of problems we've had.

6th Feb 2008, 21:22

I appreciate your honesty and it has helped me decide on whether to purchase a Kia Carnival or not. Not! Thanks Jay Bird.

2002 Kia Carnival LS

Summary:

An extremely unreliable car

Faults:

Engine problems. Was replaced at 30000 kms according to previous owner, but new one still did not perform - problems with flywheel and head gasket.

Engine.

General Comments:

We replaced it with a Toyota Tarago after a month as we were traumatised by the experience... The Tarago is much more expensive, but 100% reliable so we now have peace of mind.

They say the problems with Kia Carnivals only exist in the older models ie. perhaps from 2003 onwards they have been rectified. Nevertheless, we will never buy a Kia or similar make car ever again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th September, 2004

2002 Kia Carnival LS 2.6

Summary:

Buyer beware

Faults:

Oil pump replaced 3 times,radio and aerial 2 times, rust to seat belt buckle, fumes from coolant in interior after stopping, still the saga continues with no results.

General Comments:

KIA Australia needs to be taken to court, they blame the selling dealer and repairer, it's a design fault, I'm waiting for the head gasket to blow as I have been advised by other owners as its common for them to do.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th June, 2003

27th Apr 2005, 10:01

The local Authority should do something about it instead of allowing car manufacturer making us a victim.

I had enough problem bad experience with KIA.

The meaning of KIA in Chinese language is AFRAID. I am afraid of KIA car. They are rubbish and so unrealible.

7th Jun 2005, 18:05

Our 2002 carnival just blew its head gasket at 43k kia nz replaced engine in 1 week which was good. had problems with steering too.

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2002 Kia Carnival LS 2.5 V6 petrol

Summary:

My best car yet

Faults:

It's nearly a month old - no complaints.

General Comments:

Gripes:

1. It's a bit on the large side so parking is not as easy as a smaller car. The high seating position helps a bit.

2. The manual shift gearbox is not that smooth on 1st. It's stiff to change and takes getting used to. Problem disappears after a few weeks.

3. There is not much low end torque from the engine below 2,000rpm. Just rev the engine more for a faster take off.

Plusses:

1. It has loads of space - can carry 7 adults in comfort.

2. Air-con works really well even in the Australian summer.

3. Rides very well. As long as you don't drive it like a sports car, it drives like a dream.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th February, 2002

13th Nov 2003, 05:04

My Carnival has done 42K kms now. 2 major problems, but were fixed promptly under warranty, kudos to Kia Australia.

1. Head gasket problem. Didn't know I had a problem, but after a regular service, they told me that the engine needed replacing. Booked in for a warranty replacement 2 weeks later. New engine has already done 23K kms - hasn't missed a beat, it actually sounds better that the old one.

2. Front Windscreen cracked. Took a few weeks to get it replaced also under warranty.

Even with these problems, I'm still very happy with the car after 42,000 kms.

22nd Nov 2004, 22:01

Your new engine is probably a recycled engine that has done on average about 35,000kms. Good luck.

25th Oct 2005, 22:29

Done 85,000km now - no problems with engine. Still recommend a Carnival.

6th Mar 2008, 16:41

I wrote the original review, in hindsight, I find all my comments have gone full circle. I would never buy another Kia again after my experience.

The Carnival was OK for the first 3 years. It started going downhill after that. Various rattles all thru the body started driving me nuts. Engine started to get noisy. Clutch started to give way (manual transmission). Traded in for a Toyota - hope I have better luck. Didn't get much for the trade in either. sigh.

The lesson I learnt here is this - don't listen to the guys who review their cars after 1 month or so. The best reviews will come from someone who has used their cars for at least 4-5 years.

My brother and I bought cars in 2002. After 5 years, my Carnival was falling apart and his Toyota Camry was almost as good as the day he bought it. He recently traded in his car for a new Camry and I traded in my Carnival for a Toyota Aurion.