Faults:

Axles worn out at 133000 km.

Breaks squeaking at 132000 km.

Thermostat stuck close at 134670 km, engine seized.

General Comments:

I paid $400 for this car as a cheap means of transportation during my stay in Korea. Great car until the engine seized. The air-conditioner blew very cold air and the heater worked wonderfully in the Korean winter. Very comfortable for its price, very cheap to operate and maintain. I drove all over the peninsula on this car, it always made it. Unfortunately it will cost more to repair the car than to buy another one, so this one is history for me. I will miss its good days.

Faults:

Not a lot. Clutch, brake pads and exhaust (pretty run of the mill stuff), apart from that it's been a sound car. A wee darling in some respects, but if you want to drive a stallion, don't buy a Kia.

General Comments:

For a 1.3 engine, it does not have a lot of oomph and feels more like a 1.0, but getting around town is not a problem. If I were to take it on the open road, I would feel like I was driving a dodgem on a rollercoaster, but this is a fairly typical comment from drivers of most small cars.

My husband claims that he got it up to 95, but there must have been a wind behind him on a downward gradient or else he was talking crap!

Faults:

Apart from when I left the light on in Luton Airport car park, it only ever refused to start once, in the biggest downpour I ever saw. The AA man came along and thumped the solenoid with a crowbar and said it would have worked again after it had warmed up. My Dad has kept it meticulous, replacing bits like brake pads and alternator belt.

General Comments:

I was soooo lucky to get this car. No rust anywhere, and still capable of dashing from one end of the country to the other without complaint. No frills, but no trouble either. Very economical, very reliable. Very green, but hey. And I like the white wall tyres. For two of us, it's perfect - I can get three grown ups in the back and their luggage in the boot. If you want a cheap starter car, you can't go far wrong with the Kia Pride.