2003 Kia Sedona LX from North America - Comments

The transmissions slips with no remedy from dealership.

Powersteering pump continously emits noise.

The door panel on the fuse box refuses and refuses to remain in place.

If not for the concerns over the transmission, fuel mileage, and noise I would be quite satisified.

The car uses less technology than American Name Brand cars which can be good or bad depending upon your point of view.

I wouldn't sell my Sedona at a flea market, I'd feel guilty that I took advantage of someone.

Like most people we were attracted to Kia because of the warranty and the purchase price. For the first six months it appeared that we made the right choice, but then the true character of the Kia emerged. Lets face it, you get what you pay for.

You mentioned that you hear sounds coming from your power steering pump. Well, so did I and at approximately 20,000k the dealer installed a new one under warranty. Initially I considered it a random occurence and put it out of my mind.

Hey, I just got a new power steering pump and hoses for free.

Then, short time later, the front wiper motor failed. It to was replaced under warranty. Hmm! This got me thinking, What next?

Well, it wasn't too long after that the exhaust system was replaced, again under warranty, it rusted out in less than two years. Now I'm thinking we bought a lemon.

Lemon is a nice word for this van, it's sub quality and Kia knows it. I don't want to appear to be long winded about this, but there is more, much more.

- rear shock absorbers replaced, leaked since new.

- an engine coolant pipe burst in the middle of a Canadian winter leaving my wife and myself stranded on a major six lane highway for three hours before a tow truck arrived. Tow truck driver said he picks up a lot of broken down Sedonas. It took Kia three days to get the part.

- right front wheel bearing replaced.

- brake rotors replaced twice.

- at 96k service it cost $1,300 to have the timing belt and spark plugs replaced.

- just recently the alternator failed. 2000k out of warranty and the dealer wanted $1,100 to instal a new one. I called Kia Canada and complained. Initially they said I was out of luck and it was too bad for me. I said I was driving a Kia not a Porche, and that there pricing was obnoxious. There are very little after market parts available in Canada and Kia Canada knows it. They reluctantly reduced the price to $550 installed. Still legalized larceny.

- now at 105k the air conditioner works intermittently. could be another $1,600 to fix according to a dealer.

The transmission shutters when shifting into high gear and the engine knocks for upto twenty seconds on cold start up.

The dealers act like a pack of wolfs when it comes to repair pricing and Kia Canada condones it. Not one dealer has similar pricing for parts and service.

Try trading your Sedona, your in for a shock.

Kia should affix warning labels to their vehicles "Caution, This Vehicle Is Not Recommended For Sale In North America"

Better still, Kia should be mandated out of the country.

I bought a bill of goods thinking I made the right choice. Don't make the same mistake I did. Pay a little more and buy a North American built van. Believe me, the Kia Sedona is Junk!

These cars may be a bargain as second hands if you know what you are doing. A 2003 may be had for as little as 6000, even low mileage ones are less than 8000. That's a lot of steel for your money. So I'm considering one. But these cars may be ticking repair bombs and I feel sorry for anybody that has bought these new since the deprecation is murder. Buying a car like this new would be like fooling yourself. The price gap used is much larger than the price gap new, compared to virtually any other brand or model, so the overall economy is worse than bad. But your loss is my gain, and I've always bought second hand cars like this. Why take the price plunge from 23000 to 6000 in less than 4 years? My neighbour is still in shock after trying to trade it in for a Nissan and was offered less than 5000. Even when I offered him 1000 more he was still in rage. Kia owners, keep on dreaming. Your dream will be gone when you trade it in or when it breaks down on you.