2000 Kia Sephia 1.8L from North America

Summary:

A solid A to B car, but nothing more

Faults:

Timing belt, heads, water pump, catalytic converter, CV joints, alternator, clutch, and A/C compressor.

General Comments:

Great car for basic transportation and nothing more, too many issues when it is taken on long trips. Will never buy another one used.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th November, 2016

15th Dec 2022, 18:09

Faults mentioned sound like wear and tear for the mileage.

2000 Kia Sephia LS 1.4 from North America

Summary:

A fantastic car at a great price!!!

Faults:

The only thing that has started, is it sounds like a hole in the muffler is starting. Just a little rattly.

General Comments:

I LOVED this car!!! I had it for almost 10 years. It has taken me to Florida (I live in MI) and everywhere else I could want to go. Never had any problems with this car at all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th August, 2011

2000 Kia Sephia LS from North America

Summary:

My impression is the vehicle provides a lot of training for DIY mechanics

Faults:

The first major problem that I had with the Sephia was a vibration from the front end. After driving for a couple of days trying to figure it out, I started smelling the brakes. Eventually the vibration stopped, but noticed that the brakes did not work as well. Had to stomp on them from time to time. Found out that the right front caliper had seized and replaced it. Still had problems with the brakes with stopping. Sometimes had to pump them, and other times they were fine. After my wife go into accident by sliding into the car in front in rainy weather, found that the right caliper was not working right. Lubed and cleaned dirt and grime, and the caliper worked fine. Still had soft brakes though.

After couple of years, the clutch stopped working properly. Couldn't get enough pressure to shift gears properly. On the way home from work once, had to drive in 2nd gear and stop at a parking lot. Found that I could hand pump the clutch and recover pressure. Turns out the clutch master cylinder was leaking. Replaced it, and the clutch worked enough to drive.

Still had soft brakes, and they continued to degrade to the point of having to downshift in order to stop on the way into work one day. Turns out the master cylinder was leaking. Replaced it along with the rotors, cleaned the right front caliper, and the brakes now work beautifully.

Still have problems with clutch pressure from time to time. Suspect the clutch slave cylinder.

Engine started running rough again when attempting to accelerate. First time it happened, replaced the ignition wires and the engine ran fine.

The radiator fan stopped working. Apparently a pin is missing which holds the fan blade onto the motor. Requires a new fan.

Most recently on the way home from work, shifting gears became increasingly difficult. Had to pull up on the gear shifter to get it into 2nd and 3rd. Was not able to move the shifter far enough to get into 1st. Turns out the linkage plate underneath the car broke.

Electric locks don't work right anymore (all doors lock or unlock only when manually selecting the door lock instead of by the key).

Left front washer doesn't spray anymore.

Check engine light remains on. According to parts place computer analysis, a fuel sensor is not working properly, which causes the light to stay on.

CD player ate one of my CDs 4 years ago, and hasn't worked since.

The glove box handle broke, so it won't open anymore.

Also had the problem with the dashboard where the sun had caused it to buckle, deform and crack the defroster vents so they aren't aimed properly.

The rearview mirror fell off one day, and haven't found any glue that will hold.

Have power steering system leaks.

General Comments:

The vehicle does get great gas mileage, but there is a lot of maintenance required.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th April, 2011

25th Apr 2011, 03:21

Sounds like a huge waste of time to me. Is getting good gas mileage really worth all that time and money?

I would only put this much effort into a car if it was a classic sports car or something.

My car needs to get me around for work, and if it breaks down it's a huge waste of time and I lose a day of work, have to pay for towing, repairs, and transit home.

I suggest getting a real car, a full size North American one. What you will spend extra on gas will save you money on all the repairs and problems that a disposable Korean plastic heap like this will cause you. Not to mention riding in something solid, safe, reliable and comfortable.

Crown Victoria's, Buicks, even a Dodge is better.

Even a 1990's Honda car is better than a new Kia.

A Kia is made to last 5 years at best, then just get rid of it. Not worth your time. My friend's father bought her a Kia Rio for her birthday, it barely took a summer to turn a $3000 car with low kms into a $100 piece of scrap metal.

I would avoid these cars like the plague, just see the reviews on this site!