2003 Kia Spectra CBU from Malaysia - Comments

Paint coating peeled off.

Frequent electonic system related problems.

Alignment problem that cannot be resolved.

Very high running cost.

Very expensive when I bought this CBU unit (high capital cost)

I have a bad experience with my 2003 Spectra as well. The dashboard peels of at two places, near the speedometer and near the windscreen. It happened after only 50,000 KM of ownership (almost two years). I guess, the dashboard problem is not only restricted to Spectra, but other KIA models as well. The dashboard of my friends' Sephia and Sportage also peels off at the same above mentioned places. Have you seen the dashboard of any Toyota, Nissan, or even Proton peels off? I don't think so. The dashboard of my father's 20+ years is still intact. And as a matter of fact, it is a Japanese make. car What can KIA do about this? I think they should recall the problematic dashboard (s) and replace a new one without question!

Besides the above, the cost of ownership is also high. The high fuel consumption, expensive spare parts, shorter lifespan of parts compared to Japanese model (e.g: the timing belt that could snap after only 40,000 KM), and many other related problems. Sincerely, to all prospective buyers out there, please reconsider your decision!

In my opinion, buying this car is the biggest mistake I've ever made in my life...

Hard to start every morning..

The transmission is sometimes very "hard"

suspension problems

reverse sensor problems (especially when raining)

this car is enjoyable if it is not faulty :)

I too am driving a Kia Spectra (2005). Just like you, I too have this unresolved wheel/steering alignment problem. No matter how many times I bring it for alignment, the steering wheel just cannot be aligned correctly, and it gets more out of alignment as you drive. Furthermore, the front suspensions makes noise (a loud thud) whenever it goes over a hump... making you feel that the car had just done a high jump or something like that. You have to really slow down to about 5 - 10km/h to avoid hearing that loud thud and 'jump' feel. Apart from that, the dashboard squeaks all over and the external body paint peels off too at the upper door frame area. Lastly, the consumption of this car is really drastic for its engine capacity. And I mean really DRASTIC. Oh yah, there's one more thing, the brakes are equally bad. You really have to put force into the brake pedal to stop this car under normal driving conditions (and this too when there's no oil leakage yet). I was so dissapointed with this. The brake master pump 'kaput' just after 2 years of driving. Overall, I think this is one of the worst cars around. I will definitely never recommend this car to anyone as long as I live. Hai...

Is is worse than a Proton?

I just bought a KIA hatch Spectra. 5 door. 2003-04 85000 km. for RM 21500.