2001 Kia Sephia review from North America
"Good car, good value, poor service available locally!!!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I have had far less trouble with my kia then my escort!!!
The only problem I had with my kia up until yesterday 60,800 miles was a couple light bulbs needed replaced and my cigarette lighter keeps burning out!
You cannot plug a cell phone charger into it.. it blows out the lighter. I had it replaced once, but have decided against it this time as it will just happen again!
General comments?
I needed an oil change and was having a problem with hard shifts (automatic), lights dimming and wipers barely moving on high when using the air conditioning or the windsheild defroster (they work off the same motor) I could turn off the blower and power would return. The dealer said I needed to replace my timing belt it probably jumped time. The service man then came and got me to look at my brakes (original), so they replaced the front brakes and surfaced the rotors, they said it needed fuel injectors cleaned (decarb), and transmission flushed, along with a tuneup plugs, wires, air filter, fuel filter. I agreed as I had not ever had to do anything to this car and figured it was about time.
My bill...$900. and a free rental during the one day service.
My problem was not fixed! Turned on the air drove about 4miles and my car started lunging when it shifted.
I went to have a free test done on the battery and alternator. The battery was bad. They said that it should not have gone that fast! I bought a battery drove my car for 15 miles air on high and problem is gone.
I guess the dealer needs to send his techs to school did not even check my battery!!!
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| KIA's have their ups and downs |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 2001 |
| Year of manufacture | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 11 miles |
| Most recent distance | 60800 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Escort |
| Date of Entry | 6th October, 2005 |