2002 Kia Sedona LX review from North America

Here is a list of most of the items that have been replaced during 116,000k of ownership.

Power Steering Pump - warranty

Hydraulic Hoses - warranty

Coolant Pipes -warranty

Wiper Motor - warranty

Rear Shocks - warranty

Wheel bearing - warranty

Door locks - warranty

Alternator- initial cost of $1,100

Interior trim pieces - warranty

Tree sets of brake rotors - warranty

Front seat belt - warranty

Rear sear hold down hooks - recall

Exhaust system - warranty

10 Head light bulbs @ $20 a piece.

Driver seat back collapsed - cost $120.

I may appear to a bit of a cynic towards Kia but believe me, I do have just cause. My 2002 Sedona is proving to the worst automotive purchase I've ever made.

Kia manufactures low end vehicles for the north american market. I knew this when I purchased my Sedona, but I was willing to take the gamble. At the time, I wasn't prepared to pay more for a Honda or Toyota or for that matter, a domestic brand. In hind sight I wish I had.

This is one of the poorest built vehicles you could buy. What initially attracted me to the Sedona was the warranty which by the way, came in really handy. By the way, you'll get to know all the dealerships staff on a first name basis. The price plus the warranty were irresistible, so I bought one thinking I made a great buy.

I've owned the van for about four years and there's another year to go before it's paid for. Just recently, at 2,000k over warranty, the alternator failed. Kia and the dealer wanted over $1,100 to replace it. And yes, there is little in the way of after-market parts available for Kia's here in Canada. For your info, the alternator for my wife's Audi was two thirds the cost. It failed at 280,000k.

Just yesterday, while I was driving on a busy street, the drivers seat back collapsed. No, I didn't get into an accident, but if my wife or daughter were driving, the results may have been different. Upon initial investigation, I found a bolt and weld nut laying loose on the floor under the seat assembly. I called Kia Canada to advise them of this potential safety hazard, but the customer service adviser didn't seem all that concerned, but thanked me for calling anyway.

So, I took my Sedona to the Honda dealer here in town to talk trade. The salesperson quite politely told me that they really didn't want my Sedona and I would probably be better of if I sold it myself. I guess that means I'm stuck with it until it's paid for unless somebody wants to buy it as a family hauler. Gee, I wouldn't do that, my conscience would bother me. Better I sell it as road trash. I'll let you know what the scrap value is.

Before you buy stop to investigate what the actual cost of ownership will be. The initial purchase price plus the cost of repairs coupled with worthless trade in value make the Sedona an expensive vehicle to own. And another thing, the Sedona's a gas hog, it's reminds me of a drunk who's on a binge.

Most other Sedona owners would probably agree with my sentiments, but I can understand them being reluctant to speak out. At this point I don't care. I only hope I can dump it before something else breaks. It's not worth anything now and definitely not worth repairing. If you know this before you buy one then you've only got yourself to blame when it breaks.

I'd be happy to hear what other owners have to say, good or bad.