2000 Kia Sephia LX from North America - Comments

I bought a 2000 Kia Sephia in 2001 with 9000 miles on it. The car has been sitting in my drive way for 2 years.

I fixed the transmission and fuel injection, then the car would not start, so they charged the battery, then replaced the battery, then got it started and it broke down again, leaving the dealership they fixed it again, and a week later it was dead.

The worst car ever. Makes you more bitter when you are paying car payments and have had to become a one family car.

Don't ever buy a KIA. I bought a brand new 2 miles on the odometer 2006 KIA Rio for my wife. Let me tell you that their warranty is a crock. I have had to buy 2 sets of tires. The air bag light came on so we took it to the dealer, it turned out that the seat belt switch was bad. They ordered the part and 2 weeks later replaced it. 2 weeks after that the light came on again. 1.5 years after purchase the battery was bad. I called the dealership and they said they would replace it for a pro rated price but I had to pay the 39.99 charge to test it. I went to auto zone before hand and had the car tested for free. All together Kia wanted almost 100.00 to replace the warrentied battery. I bought a better battery at auto zone for half of what kia wanted and it has a 3 year warranty. Don't trust Kia. KIA = KILLED IN ACTION or KEEP IN ASIA

We have a 99 Kia Sephia, it is the worst car I have ever owned. We have spent thousands of dollars in repairs. Most parts had to be purchased through the dealer.

We have replaced the battery 3 times in the last 2 years.

We have replaced the fuel filter, it won't shift properly, the dash has never opened, the air will not work past the second notch, the OD light has been on for several months.

Every time I go to the dealership to pick up another part, they know me by name, I have had to buy so many, and every time I pick up the part, the guy in the parts department, always tells me he promises that they make the cars better than they used to, and asks if I want to trade it in for a new one. I told him if I could afford a new one, I would not purchase a KIA.

Great Cheap Car - I own a 2000 KIA Sephia 5-speed manual transmission. I bought it used about a year ago and it has served me well. Yes, the dash is curled up in two places. Yes, the glove box doesn't shut perfectly tight. Yes, it starts kinda weird. Yes, the check engine light is on.

But, who cares???

The car just goes and goes and goes. And after all (let's call the black kettle black shall we?) -- IT IS A CHEAP CAR. Considering everything, it gets me from point A to point B pretty well. Looks like crap, yes... but never had a problem one. If you want great looks and good performance, go buy a freakin' expensive car you whiners!!!

My 2 cents,

Rod in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

I have a 2000 KIA Sephia; not a bad car, but I'm after having my problems.

1. It fogs up very easy inside and not that easy to get rid of.

Hand brake doesn't work because of the retaining clip on the backing plate.

2. Lost all lights for awhile (except for daytime running lights) including dash lights; turns out to be DRL module, which if taken apart can be resoldered easily.

3. Bad grounding for lights and radio.

4. Doors seem to seize in the cold.

5. Replaced driver side door latch; door would not close (at least I could get it opened).

6. Would not start on cold mornings, but it turned out the old (new) battery I had wasn't strong enough (cranking in cold).

7. Problems with lag in shifting (automatic) (haven't figured that one out yet).

For a cheap car it hasn't been that bad yet (knock on wood), but I guess wait for it.