2000 Kia Carnival LS from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

So far nothing has gone wrong or broken down.

This car compared to other cars in its class is affordable and reliable.

General Comments.

1. The steering column seems to rattle a little when you drive.

2. Suspension is very hard and therefore you will feel every bump and crack whilst driving.

3. Engine seems a little noisy whilst driving.

4. The paint work on these cars are not that good. Paint work chips easily.

5. Terrible turning circle. You will definitely be disapointed when performing a U turn.

6. The gear shift feels a little clunky requiring you to put effort to put into gear.

7. The heating and cooling is terrific, very powerful and efficient.

8. Interior trim is nice, very comfortable, I especially like the hand rest.

9. The sound system is adequate.

10. I like the features this car comes with; CD and cup holders as well as plastic molding at back of passenger seats that fold to make a table.

11. This car is very roomy, good family car.

12. Fuel economy is good, I get around 600 Kms on a full tank. I always use shell optimax as I do feel the difference in engine response. The car runs smooth with optimax.

Overall.

Don't let my bad points deter you from buying this car. I heard many stories about these models. It's all nonsense. All cars have problems. I deal with each car on a one to one basis, just because a few people had issues with the KIA Carnival, doesn't mean the entire production is bad. The money you pay for this car is almost half for other well known car brands. This car was all I could afford. This car is exactly what it was designed to do; carry passengers. I would buy from KIA again.

Obviously this is one of the few people who didn't get a KIA Carnival lemon. The truth of the matter is that a majority of early model Carnivals had major problems. I have met quite a few Carnival owners and have not met one who didn't have a major problem. I have had my engine removed three times in the last 1.5 years. Firstly for the engine problem (leaking oil), which is a widespread problem in early models, and secondly for multiple flex plates failures.

I have had numerous other problems:

Idling problems, acceleration problems, front brake problems, engine mount problems, power window problems, vacuum hose splitting, interior panels warping and sunglass holder breaking, rear sliding doors scrapping on the back glass windows, headrest retaining clips failing, spark plug leads failing, vibration problems back through the accelerator pedal. The automatic transmission also has a habit of holding on to gears when you remove your foot off the accelerator pedal. On one occasion I totally removed my foot off the accelerator pedal and the car kept accelerating for a distance of about 200 yards before the transmission changed up a gear. It shouldn't happen.

The latest problem is the engine pre-tensioner (correct name??). I'm still waiting for the dealership to receive the part from KIA. As usual, there appears to be no parts in the country.

The only good thing about the Carnival is that KIA have accepted responsibility and corrected all faults to date. At least the ones they can reproduce in the workshop.

Would I buy another KIA, not likely. Hopefully they have improved things in the latest model. I hear a new engine is being installed in the new model coming out early next year.

The car is a disgrace for investment with a depreciation of 30% each year..

What will you do if you cannot sell the car anymore?

Sometimes comfort is not the answer, but reliability counts!

Respond to original poster:

Beware of your engine as it's now had reach up to 65000km... without any warning, your engine will blown up anytime, anywhere just like the others KIA Carnival.. just like my Carnival.. I should call it "KIA Cannibal" because it's eat the heart of the car..