2005 NAZA Ria GS from Malaysia - Comments

Miss alignment, car goes left slightly when steering wheel is released.

Slight vibration at a 100 KPH due tire balancing.

I think the car is superb for a family of seven and it costs very low. The passengers have control of their own aircondition and light. the good part is that for RM104K, you get leather seats, electric driver seat, aircraft type pull up tables, sunroof, powered front and rear windows, Airbags, ABS, and the fun of a 2.5liter V6 engine. Downfall however would have to be the fuel consumption, 15 cents to 25 cents per Kilometer!

Poor stability at high speed turning (>60kph), emergency braking.

Naza Ria 2.5 GS/SE : As a rule of thumb, whenever you purchase a new car, bring it to the tyre service center and have alignment and balancing done. From my experience, its most often that new cars are not in 100% perfect condition at time of purchase. I had also purchased a Naza Ria 2.5 SE version and made arrangements with the tyre shop to change the standard tyre that came with the car as well. As I am not impressed with the Silverstone tyres, I got them changed with Dunlop series which offered excellent road holding and so far, is very comfortable when driving. As said, the tyre shop found the alignment was out and got that fixed as well. During my purchase and drive to the workshop, the alignment was out and I could feel the pull towards right. Anyhow, the shop did a good job and the drive thereafter was good indeed. So far, I've clocked 4000 km in my car, purchased towards end of Nov 2005, and all is fine and well. One thing is for sure, this is not a car to use for regular work travel cos the fuel consumption is averagely 4.49km/RM which works out to around 21 cents per km! You can observe good fuel saving around 17 cents per km for long distance driving if your speed is above and within 110 - 120 km/h. Its a good family car to travel and have a very comfortable journey.

We have purchased Naza Ria in 2004 and have a 'common' problem as some owners back in the workshop. At 90,000 km, the engine had to be overhauled due to the presence of water in the engine block.

We have spoken to some owners who has experienced the same problem. The average mileage is below 100,000 km and 2-3 yrs of age.

The cost of overhauling quoted by KIA was around RM8,0000. Imagine to have to overhaul the engine with such a hefty price at the mileage below 100,000 km! Ironically, with the same problem faced by many owners of Nazaria (please check any Kia service center), the management is not doing anything to prevent this from happening over and over again.

We are looking forward to any explanation of what causes the problem and quick fix to the problem. The warranty of 2 yrs or 50000 km certainly doesnot do justive for us, the unfortunate owner of Nazaria.

Any response could be reached at redcreek@streamyx.com.

I write with great confusion to the current state of my Naza Ria, purchase in December 2004. I have already clocked about 50,000 + kilometer and it has stalled twice on the road.

On the first occasion, the temperature gauge shot from 3 quarter to maximum and my car experiencing overheating. I manage to drive home, stopping periodically to cool down the engine. Strange noise were heard from the engine and when I drove the car to my mechanic, he told me that my vehicle needs overhaul as the gasket crack and the oil was leaking into the radiator. He bought the original metal type (suppose to be a better type) from Kia Motors and fixed it on to my car. All was done at a minimal cost. (I appreciate his sincerity and honesty). He tested the car and all was well. I took back the car with joy thinking that it was a, “one off “, situation. Just less than a month after that the overheating happen again. This time the extreme overheating happens while I was driving along Federal Highway. The temperature gauge shot to maximum and the steam starting pelting from the bonnet. I stop the car and call the mechanic. He was good enough to come to collect the car. The respond was quick. He took the car back to his garage. From then the problem persists. Many counter measures were taken; first it was the purging of the radiator then the removing of the thermostat. Nothing works. I could only appreciate my mechanic as he does everything to solve this problem. He charges me less than 5k for the overhauling and since then has not charge me. I appreciate such good and professional service which is rare today. My Naza Ria today is still in the workshop and I can only wait and hope for a solution. I hope Naza Motors can contact me for a solution.

When I first saw the car, I like the design and space availability. Despite the high consumption rate, I bought it from the Shah Alam showroom. I have always spoke well of Naza Ria despite many warnings from friends not to buy the car because of overheating. Today I heard that the warranty has been increased from 1 year to 4 years and cover 100,000 kilometers.

I am sadden by this incident and and wondering what should I do with this Naza Ria. I have been a defender, good spokesman and proud owner of a Naza Ria. Today I am a disappointed man. I felt let down by my Naza Ria and began to wonder; maybe my friends’ critcism of Naza Ria is not base less, but truth. I still love my Naza Ria, but my confidence in Naza is waning and I am persuaded to NOT purchase all Naza cars in future and will stop recommend my friends from buying Naza cars in future.

Sad, but true, such is the tale of my Naza Ria.

I’ve purchased a Naza Ria 2.5 SE in May 2006. Until now (16/10/2006) the mileage is only 5000km but I have faced the same problem twice. Both problems were due to the engine which couldn't start. I contacted the service centre in Alor Star and the respond was good. The mechanics come and check my car and said that the battery got problem. They just change the battery than the car can start back. Due to the manufacturer of the battery is different, after three day the mechanics come and change again the battery with same manufacturer. But today after less than two day the problem happened again. I don’t know the Naza services centre bring me back the problem battery or they change a new one. My question is Naza itself taken a good preventive to solve a lot of comment from customer since they launched for passed few years or not. It looks ridiculous the car that only clocked about 5000km having this kind of problem. Than the mechanic keep on saying the battery got problem. It look that I already bought 2nd hand car. Also my comment to my new car is how come the ‘QC Check Passed’ sticker simply sticks to the car if my Reverse Sensor and my Seat Belt warning light was not function. I feel this is a very disappointed decision in my life by buying this new car.

Thank you to all of you for sharing your comment regarding on Naza Ria. I am actually looking forward to buy a new Naza Ria during this x-mas promotion since the deduction on the normal price is very good. I already put my down payment RM2000.00 for the booking of citra and now converting to Naza Ria SE. Since all my friend and you guys keep telling about how terrible to have this car, I already cancel to purchase this car. As everyone knows, Naza Kia won't give me the deposit due to my faulty. Now I already file it to consumers for action. But if it is really my fault and my money won't be given back, I think its worth it to let my 2000 go instead of buying Naza Ria.

I think they slash down very high discount because the demand for this MPV is getting worst. No wonder in my area (secret) lots of Naza cars were laid in the sun for blind buyers to take them.

After reading all the given feedback and comments, I'm still positive about the Naza Ria. I own 1 merc and 1 bmw, today I've decided to sell my merc and get Naza Ria Se. So lets see what happens next (not mentioning my car models). One things for sure i'll do my test drive and proper maintenance, so wish me luck guys, 91k for a 7 seater mpv, with loads of add ons to me is to difficult to ignore. I've done my fair share of surving the net and almost all car forums has cases of nightmare so i'll take my chances. One more thing I've got many friends who are driving Naza Ria and they all seem so happy going picnic every now and then, so I guess i'll be joining them too...

bye

Thank you for allowing me to vent my frustration here! We have a unit of Naza Ria purchased in year 2005. Having clocked

29,892km we found the coolant level kept dropping thus it was taken to the KIA Jns Automotive Services Sdn Bhd on 26 Dec 2006. It was reveal by the workshop that the Engine is now contaminated with water. The workshop requested for a replacement engine, and till date 24Jan 2007 it never arrive, however we are glad the workshop took the initiative to replace with their own stock.

Having had the engine in place, the next problem was a short circuit to the electrical system and was traced to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) seems one of the chip was burned. The workshop requested and submitted the necessary, but

I was promised by En Nizam of Kia Customer services

that the Technical Dept will come to a decision tomorrow

25 Jan 2007. Why the lengthy period from 15 Jan to 25 Jan (10 days) to conclude? I was told, to replace the Engine it will take a month! This will probably be my first and last Naza vehicle.

I just bought the second hand Naza Ria and having read the comments the problem of this car, I am getting worried and regret of my decision to buy Naza Ria and especially when it comes to overhaul or engine replacement where the cost is very exorbitant. I wonder what effort has Naza or KIa to rectify this problem. The authority has to act to ensure car buyer is not being cheated by NAZA/KIA.

Hi,

I wonder what happens to the guy who sold the merc for new naza ria... u really have the guts to try and to spend.

I've looking for 2nd Nissan Serena ('97 - '99 model) lately since its cheap and good for family of 3 to 4. Naza Ria also included in my survey, but now... it have/must be excluded.

I feel sorry for those buyer who suffer any sort of problems with their Naza Ria. Some people says protons quality are mush better. What your say?

9:12am.

Hi everyone. I bought my Nazaria GS sometime in July 2006.So far I have clocked to 46000km.I have no complaints until 2 months ago... after I replaced my brake pads!80% of the time I pressed the brakes (slight even) I will get this "eiiiitttt"shrill sound which is so irritating that I dread to brake. I have gone to the same authorized Naza svc centre and they replaced the brake pads 3X FOC with 'brake pads Korea'.I even consulted the local mechanic. He too advised me that it is the brake pads problem. I am thinking of replacing all 4 tyres and new brake pads (undecided of type/brand)..will this eliminate the shrill sound? Has anyone been through the same problem... solutions anyone?

My Naza Ria bought in 2003 is now nearing 60,000km. I had checked with Naza workshop and was informed that at 60,000 km service one need to replace the timing belts and spark plugs which come to more than RM3000, out of which RM560 is for 6 spark plugs. This worked out to nearly RM100 per spark plug. By the way I had checked the local spare parts shop and found out the the complete set of timing belts plus bearings etc. cost about RM500 only. Anyone out there can recommend a reliable workshop who can carry out the above at cheaper rates.

I bought my Naza Ria in 2004. It has already clocked 114,000Km since that I only have 1 car. It was an excellent people transporter despite enjoying itself bathing with petrol. Anyway it's a 2 tonne car with a a very little power plant. Should have imported the turbodiesel version instead. So far I have encountered air-cond compressor problem. It broke down after 80,000km. It cost me RM800 outside, but was quoted RM1,500 by KIA SC. Before that at 19,000km the aircond compressor clutch broke down and was replaced by APM. Some stupid motorcyclist broke the Ria's side mirror and just to replace it cost me RM900 at KIA SC. The driver's side power window motor broke down at 80,000km (I'm using Smart Tag for toll since 1st day of purchase) and cost me RM600 outside. I never asked Naza because of it's cut throat price. The Ria encountered overheating at 90,000km with some strange sound coming from the hood, but luckily I stopped before the gauge reached maximum. The AAM mechanic found out the 'T' pipe for the water supply hoses broke. The guy said he encountered many similar problem with their Naza Ria owning members. Luckily it only cost me RM100 complete with coolant replacement at my regular workshop. I asked the quotation for replacement of engine mountings from Naza and the sum was more than RM1K. I changed them outside and cost me RM700 with original ones. I have changed the timing belt (63,000km) at KIA SC in Setapak at a cost of more than RM2K. Now I noticed there is some oil leakage from the flywheel oil seal. I never say that Naza Ria is not a good car, but you ought to be very carefull driving it. Never push it too much. Every car has it's own character and it's up to the future buyer to decide. Naza motors should change their attitude of overcharging Naza Ria owners with ridiculous parts price. The 100,000km warranty should apply to every single Naza Ria assembled by them regardless of their purchased dates provided with regular servicing at authorised service centres. The Kia Service Centres should review their work flow or maybe apply for an ISO9000 to proof that you can do better. It's a challenge. The spare parts department should review their stocks rapidly and not keep back-orders until 8 months like what has happened to my simple 'room light' order. The Setapak branch is always out of stocks. I hope Naza will really focus on its' locally assembled cars so that they can proof that they are better than Proton or Perodua. Thank you.

Hi all.

I am planning to buy a second hand naza ria - the first batch that came straight from Korea. Not sure about the mileage, but I guess it should be in the 100k category already. I will be able to get it at a very good price and the owner (2nd owner) is someone I know.

Honestly I would like to get feedback whether I should buy it or not. If affirmative what are the tell-tale signs I should look out for.

Sincerely, Meor.

I just came back from a second hand car dealer in Ipoh. He showed me a naza ria 2004 model at RM 60K. I am thinking of buying the car. It has travelled 120K and I am still not sure if it is a good buy. Please naza ria owners out there, share your opinions and I really would appretiate some good tips. Thanks.