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Kia Spectra GS, GSX (hatchbacks) - READ ONLY

107 messages,  Last post on Jul 20, 2003 at 2:08 PM

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What is this discussion about? Kia Spectra, Kia, Hatchback, Sedan

 

Messages Page 6 of 12

#42 of 107 2002 Kia Spectra Jr. Type K by 02_spectra_r

Jan 01, 2002 (5:08 am)

I just got my 2nd kia spectra gsx hatchback, back, i'm loving it. i plan to fix it up as soon as i get enough money, but take my driving a lot more serious to realize the limits of the spectra, but it does remind me of my 2000 sportage that i trade in for the 2002 spectra gsx, it was the top of the line ex, but for 2003 i plan to get the new Kia sportage EXL with the
V-6, the works.........Oh yah by the way my second one dosen't have abs either, i looked all over but for the first few production run of the new spectra redisign, but abs could be special orded, and i didn't have time to order it because of my insuran, and kia's special promotions, got it late november.....But had one problem the second week before i got out for the holidays, my transmission started slipping, and man was i mad! It stayed in the shop for a week and few days, and i didn't even get a Loner, like Hyundai, and Daewoo, but im not nokin that, as long as i can keep it out of the shop, But im waiting on the dealer to get back with me to tell me about how/why it slipped up. And if it was like that from the manufacture or bug, im trading it again and im trying to go back with another kia sportage EX with leather abs, 4x4. but plan to also hold out until the new one....but any way i do miss my first Spectra GSX, becase i didn't have so many probs. with it, and a few minor probs i didn't mention like the rear hatch dosen't open when its cold, the back lit beige lights are hard to see at night i wish they were blue/purpple/or red, like a true sports car, and for today my right front hub cap cover is loose, and spins when i accel and deccel. but i do give the 2002 kia spectra its props, it does got excelent breaks, which on dry surfaces slow the car down fast like abs wihtout lock of a single whel, and its easy to manage the pumping action because you can feel the wheel or wheels, which slip all because of kia's merge with lotus to tune the suspension and other componets, mixed with the new lotus elise........That is all for now be sure to reply for more up dates as ill be your betta tester for the new and improve 2002 kia spectra gsx, oh ya the radio/cd has execellent bass, and tune/surround sound like.
 
Thanks for reading and keeping me updated in the know.....koren_car_performanceyahoo.com

#43 of 107 oh yah 2002 kia spectra type K by 02_spectra_r

Jan 01, 2002 (5:22 am)

I WAS TOLD BY KIA HEADQUARTERS THAT THEY MAKE THERE CARS AT AFORDABLE PRICES BUT CAN COMPETE AGAINST MANUFACTURES LIKE: BMW, MERCEDES, ACURA, LEXUS, SAAB, AUDI, CADDILAC, MAZDA MILLENIA, ETC. TAKE THE SEDONA, OPTIMA, SPORTAGE, SPECTRA, RIO/RIO CINCO, FOR INSTANCE YOU GET STANDARD FEATURES THAT YOU WOULDN'T FIND ON MORE EXSPENSIVE IMPORT, AND LESS EXPENSIVE DOMESTICS..AND THE, ENGINES PROVIDE DECCENT IF NOT EXCELLENT ACCELERATION, AND IF NOT ACCELERATION FOR YOU LIKE FOR ME THE 4-CYLINDER (I-4) WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING ON, (WHICH DOES DE-POWER THE CARS PERFORMANCE) BUT CAN EASILY FIXED WITH A NON-VOIDABLE AFTERMARKET PERFORMANCE UPGRADE. OR AT LEAST SOMETHING THAT CAN BE ADDED AND TAKEN OFF. BUT DON'T FOR GET SOME DEALERS ARE NICE ENOUGH TO OFFER TO ADD A SUPPER/TURBO CHARGER, TO YOU KIA, IF APPICABLE, AND THEY WILL MAKE SURE IT DOSEN'T VOID THE WARRANTY....

#46 of 107 Hi 02_spectra_r - Congratulations on your new 2002 Kia Spectra! by revka

Jan 01, 2002 (9:45 am)

And thanks for sharing all the details. We look forward to your updates. Btw, if you have a chance, please stop by our Kia Owners Club and introduce yourself in our Meet The Members discussion. Happy Motoring!
 
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks / Station Wagons / Women's Auto Center Boards

#47 of 107 Hello 02 spectra r! I enjoyed your new by iluvmysephia1

Jan 03, 2002 (11:24 pm)

Spectra review! I went to the owner's club and took a look at the 2002 Spectra hatchback in concept. Looks good to me! I have a 2001 Kia Sportage 4x4 that I love! I traded my '99 Sephia in for it in September. I just passed 8,000 miles in my Sporty and the only problem is at the 5,000 mile mark my check engine light stuck on. Took it to my dealer and they found a tiny emissions leak in the engine. They replaced a few "caps" somewhere in there and took off the gas cap and made sure it clicked enough times. I'm familiar with the gas caps in Kia's-that you have to tighten them until it clicks a few times so that wasn't my problem. It was this tiny leak they found and patched up. The fix + a car wash took them about 50 minutes and I was out on the road again. 02 spectra r-did you dig the ride and handling in your Sportage? I'm impressed by the ease of steering(speed-sensitive power steering), ease of parking, decent acceleration, good handling and quiet cabin during higher accelerations. My Sportage is a 5-speed in Pepper Red. It didn't come with a radio so I had a Kenwood AM/FM cassette stereo put in that is great. 6-speaker sound if you include the tweeters on the top dash corners(pretty slick-they do add a nice high pitch treble mix in there!). Post back with Spectra updates! Kia rocks!

#48 of 107 02_kia_specrtraR Back by 02_spectra_r

Jan 07, 2002 (5:17 pm)

I miss my kia sportage ex, but do pland to get my new kia sportage top of the line with V-6 and 4x4 in fall of 2002 as a 2003 model, at the same time the launch of the all new hyundai tiburon V-6 coupe i will get some pics soon for my site but i have to e-mail u my site, if that is alright......... my e-mail address is koren_car_perforanceyahoo.com by the way im glad you like my ideas because im trying to become a car designer enginer, or to spice up bland or not that exciting cars, i can do any car in a picture to get idease.........

#49 of 107 TURBO FOR SPECTRA? by alfisti1

Jan 27, 2002 (10:37 pm)

02 spectra r, you mentioned that a performance upgrade was available for the Spectra? I would love it since I sometimes have trouble passing on the highway. It definitely could use a "jolt". What companies offer this, and what's the ballpark price for a turbo kit? Any information would be appreciated, thanks.

#50 of 107 hmm by mp5freak

Jan 28, 2002 (1:15 pm)

Since I don't own a Sephia (or Spectra or whatever they call it now) I won't say much about the car. I'm sure its a perfect car for someone who just needs some basic transportation for minimal cost. I totally accept that argument - but don't try to compare the car to a BMW or talk about its great acceleration. The car isn't supposed to compete with a BMW, and its doesn't sell due to its 0-60 mph pace...
 
As for Consumer Reports. Geez - the magazine isn't perfect, but now you're saying it's corrupt? What magazine would you suggest people read for info (other than Edmunds online of course).... Car & Driver? Road & Track? I doubt either of those mags would touch the Spectra. And just FYI, where do those mags get the cars that they test? They're loaned out by the manufacturer - who makes sure they don't get a lemon. Where does Consumer Reports get their cars? They buy them straight from a dealer without revealing that they're from CR. Now if you're saying that's not the case, you're talking about a major conspiracy theory here... CR prides themselves on unbias (or maybe very low bias) testing. To say that they violate the very foundation on which the magazine exists is a pretty big accusation that needs some type of proof to back that up. Now I'm not saying that I always agree with their findings (the boring Civic is the top ranked economy car? come on...) but I don't doubt their intent.
 
Finally, I have to ask about the desire for performance parts. Why spend $500 - $1500 on something that MIGHT improve your HP by 5% when you could have bought an Elantra GT or Protege5 (which have a lot more HP in their stock form) for only a little more? Not only would you get more HP, but you would get a generally more reliable car with more features and IMO better styling?
 
I don't mean to trash the Spectra. I think its a decent car for the price that has its market segment. I just get baffled when people claim that certain cars are something they aren't. I hear some people claim that their Protege5 (what I own) beat a Corvette off a stoplight and other stupid stuff like that. Get real.

#51 of 107 What is with these Mazda Sticker Boys who swoop by iluvmysephia1

Jan 28, 2002 (9:27 pm)

in and expect us to instantly respect their views on how Mazda's Protege is built with such great materials with so much better acceleration, blah-blah-blah-blah-blah-blah, ad naseum on and on. Fact is Kia's Spectra has Mazda's Protege beat on looks and parts-wise there's such a little difference it's not worth them swooping in and tooting their horns with this "HUGE INTELLECTUAL ANNOUNCEMENT THAT MAZDA IS ROYALTY OR SOMETHING REALLY DUMB LIKE THAT. Kia is on the right track. Watch their sales soar along with Hyundai.

Messages Page 6 of 12

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