2000 Kia Carnival LS 1.9 from Philippines

Summary:

Very poor and not worth it

Faults:

At 33,000 kilometers My timing chain broke.

2x replaced rotor discs.

Replaced brake pads every 5,000 kilometers.

Brakes rattles when braking.

Airbag light indicator goes on.

Steering oil pump always replaced.

General Comments:

Kia Carnival might be a good quality and comfortable car.

However the car should always be maintained for possible break outs in the parts and engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd July, 2003

1st May 2004, 21:24

I don't believe on what you have commented. Because we have the same model, I am very much contented with my Kia Carnival LS. Of course you have to regularly maintain your car. Any brand, even German brand, if you don't properly use it and don't regularly maintain it, it will definitely goes out of the way. My piece of advice is to use your car with proper care and regular maintenance like you take care of your self.

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2000 Kia Carnival LS V6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Affordable, comfortable and stylish

Faults:

So far nothing has gone wrong or broken down.

General Comments:

This car compared to other cars in its class is affordable and reliable.

General Comments.

1. The steering column seems to rattle a little when you drive.

2. Suspension is very hard and therefore you will feel every bump and crack whilst driving.

3. Engine seems a little noisy whilst driving.

4. The paint work on these cars are not that good. Paint work chips easily.

5. Terrible turning circle. You will definitely be disapointed when performing a U turn.

6. The gear shift feels a little clunky requiring you to put effort to put into gear.

7. The heating and cooling is terrific, very powerful and efficient.

8. Interior trim is nice, very comfortable, I especially like the hand rest.

9. The sound system is adequate.

10. I like the features this car comes with; CD and cup holders as well as plastic molding at back of passenger seats that fold to make a table.

11. This car is very roomy, good family car.

12. Fuel economy is good, I get around 600 Kms on a full tank. I always use shell optimax as I do feel the difference in engine response. The car runs smooth with optimax.

Overall.

Don't let my bad points deter you from buying this car. I heard many stories about these models. It's all nonsense. All cars have problems. I deal with each car on a one to one basis, just because a few people had issues with the KIA Carnival, doesn't mean the entire production is bad. The money you pay for this car is almost half for other well known car brands. This car was all I could afford. This car is exactly what it was designed to do; carry passengers. I would buy from KIA again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th June, 2003

16th Nov 2004, 04:26

Obviously this is one of the few people who didn't get a KIA Carnival lemon. The truth of the matter is that a majority of early model Carnivals had major problems. I have met quite a few Carnival owners and have not met one who didn't have a major problem. I have had my engine removed three times in the last 1.5 years. Firstly for the engine problem (leaking oil), which is a widespread problem in early models, and secondly for multiple flex plates failures.

I have had numerous other problems:

Idling problems, acceleration problems, front brake problems, engine mount problems, power window problems, vacuum hose splitting, interior panels warping and sunglass holder breaking, rear sliding doors scrapping on the back glass windows, headrest retaining clips failing, spark plug leads failing, vibration problems back through the accelerator pedal. The automatic transmission also has a habit of holding on to gears when you remove your foot off the accelerator pedal. On one occasion I totally removed my foot off the accelerator pedal and the car kept accelerating for a distance of about 200 yards before the transmission changed up a gear. It shouldn't happen.

The latest problem is the engine pre-tensioner (correct name??). I'm still waiting for the dealership to receive the part from KIA. As usual, there appears to be no parts in the country.

The only good thing about the Carnival is that KIA have accepted responsibility and corrected all faults to date. At least the ones they can reproduce in the workshop.

Would I buy another KIA, not likely. Hopefully they have improved things in the latest model. I hear a new engine is being installed in the new model coming out early next year.

5th Feb 2006, 22:33

The car is a disgrace for investment with a depreciation of 30% each year..

What will you do if you cannot sell the car anymore?

Sometimes comfort is not the answer, but reliability counts!

28th Aug 2008, 03:22

Respond to original poster:

Beware of your engine as it's now had reach up to 65000km... without any warning, your engine will blown up anytime, anywhere just like the others KIA Carnival.. just like my Carnival.. I should call it "KIA Cannibal" because it's eat the heart of the car..