1999 Kia Sephia LS review from North America

I thought my car was great for the money, until I had to start pumping more money into it.

At 10K miles, I received a recall notice for a faulty fuel line.

At 20K miles, the front brake pads were replaced.

At 23K miles, the battery and alternator was replaced. (The alternator was considered defective).

(Shortly after, new set of tires needed)

At 31K miles, 1 spark plug wire set needed replacing. Cylinder 3 misfire.

At 40K miles, I had to replace the front brake pads again. Now the car shudders when you apply the brakes. (Rotor war-page)

At 53K miles, AC went. The return had a leak in it.

At 60K miles, replace brakes again.

At 65K miles, remaining spark plug wire set was replaced. Brake fluid low, needed to be refilled. (Brake light started coming on)

At 69K miles, battery needed replacing again.

At 70K miles, brake light came on again, fluid was low, needed to be refilled.

Currently (71K miles), loud rattle type noise is heard under the car. My husband at first thought it was the transmission as the rattling noise only happened under load (when gas pedal was applied). Our other mechanically inclined friends state that it could be the CV joints. We're checking it out soon.

Other problems: Mis-coloration of driver side door panel, since day I bought car (I thought it was a mirror reflection from the light...) Dashboard disfigurement (it's totally gone now - vents broken, edge around vent is bubbled). Rear passenger door seals keep coming off. Black vinyl area on back doors became oxidated not too long after I purchased car. Front head lights mis-colored. Light bulbs burn out regularly. Rear seat release buttons (for access to trunk) cracked completely. Area around key hole on doors and handles scratched. The list goes on, and on... and on...

I would obviously suggest to everyone to do homework before purchasing a vehicle. Do not buy because it's cool, or cheap, etc... Buy it because it's what you need. Make sure it's a good manufacturer.

This car was what I needed at the time and a great price. However, if I knew then what I know now... I would have gotten a different vehicle. I almost considered another Kia at one point in time. Never again.