2000 Kia Sephia base from North America - Comments

2002

The first thing that broke on my KIA was the latch on the glove box ; this was shortly followed by the cup holder in the center console.

I replaced the front brakes, and due to the check engine light, plugs and coil wires at approx. 60k miles.

2003

I replaced the alternator at approx. 75k miles followed the next week by the battery.

2004

I replaced the front brakes and rotors at approx. 100k.

2005

Car was parked for 4 months due to being hit in passenger rear quarter panel.

Door seals on rt side and trunk start leaking.

2006

Replaced timing belt, water pump, and cam seal at approx 110k miles.

Car was once again hit on rt side from front fender to rear quarter panel. The driver door and rear bumper also were damaged in accident.

"Car totaled"

2007

Replaced thermostat, gasket upper and lower, and seal on heater feeder line.

Vehicle has approx 163k miles on it now and is running fine. I am looking for 200k + miles before I put her down.

I bought this car as a commuter car to travel back and forth to work. I put 200 miles a day on this vehicle. I have been very pleased with its performance and affordability. This car is neither sporty or luxurious, but has been reliable and cost effective. I have performed all the preventive maintenance as scheduled.

Me again.

I finally had to put her in the bone yard.

210132 total miles.

The car just became too much to keep on the road after about around 200k miles. I regret all the money I put into her after about 190k miles.

I am very pleased with its overall life span, but it literally fell apart after 200k miles. I was spending more keeping it running in the end than a car payment and the availability of parts are very slim now.

I believe this car performed well, but the end was inevitable.

This was helpful to read. I can't help but feel like the majority of these comments are biased. People who have reliable and dependable cars seldom go on a rant about it online, but people who have had awful experiences want to go shout it to the world. I live a modest, cautious life, and I think the KIA has been the perfect car for me. Things go wrong with cars.

It depends on the care of the car and the individual vehicle, there are cars that tend to suck but they happen in every make and within every model. Toyota Corolla, one of the most praised cars of all time, has still produced a vehicle or two that did not meet the same greatness.