1998 Kia Shuma SLX review from Australia and New Zealand

Paint job on car is well below standard. It simply flakes off.

Petrol filter replaced after 4 visits to dealer and then 2 subsequent visits to another. Car would not start on first, second or third key turn for several months whilst this problem was fixed.

Petrol gauge replaced several thousand kilometres later.

Alternator replaced once again after several trips to the dealer.

Fuel hose kept constantly tearing off engine. This then pumped fuel onto the alternator which subsequently was replaced again along with the fuel hose.

Starter motor repaired after car suffered further starting problems.

Brakes sub par. Wear quickly even without excessively hard braking.

Seatbelt bracket came away from mounting in car.

Radio malfunctioned from day 1. Have had it repaired so many times I have lost count.

After all these problems it is hard to mention anything positive. However:

It does have decent acceleration, and corners well at higher speeds.

It is relatively roomy, with good space in the back for adult sized passengers.

I am thoroughly disappointed, as I bought this car as my first new car, hoping for it to be an enjoyable thing. However I spent the first year and a half taking it back and forth to the dealers, who might I just say had less success fixing the car than I did guessing what was wrong. I have had to spend a great deal of further money keeping this car going and have not had enough to buy another. I will do so the minute I can save enough to make a purchase however. I simply could not recommend this car to any one else. After relating this story too many other people I have found that all, but 1 out of 10 conversations in regards to the KIA cars in general have not been positive. This says something loud and clear.