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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 8 of 12

#63 of 107 Trouble by 02_spectra_r

Mar 14, 2002 (9:47 pm)

First the sorento suv will be mated to a standard 3.5liter V-6 barrowed from the hyundai XG350 and the Kia sedona Van. Second i might be leaving the specta to get a 2002 kia optima se I-4cylinder, a 2002 suzuki vitara, or the all new 2002-2003 Suzuki Aerio GS/SX Sedan and wagon. the reason why is because my transimisson slipped again, but this time the drive gear (D) for automatics, Turned into a Neutral gear intsead of a electronically automatically sequentaly shifted transmission. Last time Kia didn't offer me a loner, but this time surprisingly they did. It's a 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 standard V6-4WD (four-wheel-drive). Beleive me for a truck like this with the extend wheel base it gives a smooth infinty car like ride, and does not roll in corners like my sportage. But I Know the sorento will be vastly improved from my 2000 Sportage EX. But back to my spectra, im not knocking it but at 840 miles on a vehicel the tranmission shouldn't slip, and now at 6172miles the transmission should not slip if they re-orderd it strait from kia of korea. If any one has any problems with there kia spectra of any year from introduction 2000 modle year to 2002+, let me know. So ill know its not just my car that could be a lemon. But don't get me wrong i love my spectra, and wish for a little more power with it's sporty V-6 Sound. More to come in the future.

#64 of 107 iluvmysephia1(sorry) by 02_spectra_r

Mar 14, 2002 (10:13 pm)

Im sorry I forgot to report to you iluvmysephia1, about the kia spotage. When I had my Sportage it road very well soaking up bumps and tackleing off-road terrians. The power was adequet with my Automatic 4x2. My modle was the EX-Which was fully equiped except for leather seats, limited slip differentional, towing patching, sunroof, keyless entry remote, fog lights, 16" wheels, recling rear seats, floor mats, rear cargo cover, and good sounding speakers as my spectra. I bought it used, to start out with as a first time buyer and, have been a kia owner ever since, so far ive had 3 kia vehicles with in 4months, and plan to buy a kia optima if the Kia Sorento cost a little too much for my budget, but will get when i get ready to go to college with a good paying job/carre with benifits. Write back if you feel, to talk more about the sportage. Thanks for takeing your time to read my review, God Bless. Kia Darn Good Cars!!!!!!!

#65 of 107 02spectra-no problem about being slow by iluvmysephia1

Mar 14, 2002 (11:03 pm)

to get back to me. I am on my 2nd Kia now-a 2001 Kia Sportage with 5-speed tranny. It's a solid SUV and loves to go off-road. It hops the bumps with ease and begs for more. I have had one small problem thats now fixed. My check engine light came on twice. The dealer put a new gas cap on and that fixed it. I am really impressed with the quiet cabin during cruising in this cute little mini-ute as well. I've only had the Sportage for 6 months and am looking forward to many years of enjoyable driving in it before trade in on something new. I may get a new Sportage but I'd like to run this one 150,000 miles (or more). I'm coming right up on 15,000 miles and will need a service visit for fluid changes on one of the next couple of weekends. Somebody at the factory I work at bought an '02 Spectra sedan(silver). Sure looks good with those 2 semi-circles in each headlight. Looks really sharp. The Optima would be a great choice. I test drove one the day I bought my Sportage and was impressed. It's on my potential "buy list" for sure. Write back with news if you have it. Take care, 02spectra.

#66 of 107 iluvmysephia by caesarslegion

Mar 15, 2002 (9:53 pm)

question...when you service your kia,do you use synthetic oil or just normal oil.im trying to figure out if the kia warranty lets you use it or not.thanks

#67 of 107 2000 Spectra, Long Island to Florida by alfisti1

Mar 15, 2002 (10:24 pm)

Just got back from a nice vacation to Florida in my Spectra. Put on approx. 3,000 miles. No problems at all. Driving south on I-95, did 75-80 mph in the Carolinas, handled confidently, even in rain. Car averaged 29.8 mpg. Driving home northbound, took my time and drove 60-65 mph, and the car got an amazing 36.6 mpg! Never expected that, considering EPA says 29 on the hwy. Only had to change the wiper blades. It now has 29,000 miles and I can tell it needs brake pads. Remember, you folks with 5-speeds, be sure to downshift often to save those brakes. Of course, since the 2000 model year the brakes have reportedly been improved. I hope so because I'm planning on buying another Kia in '03.
 
For the record, I use a full synthetic motor oil. Was using Castrol Syntec, but it was hard to find 5W-30, so now I use Exxon Superflo.

#68 of 107 caesarslegion-I haven't used synthetic oil yet by iluvmysephia1

Mar 16, 2002 (11:20 am)

but many at the Sportage website I go to have switched and recommend doing synthetic oils. I'll be calling to schedule the 15,000 mile appt. for the Sportage soon(maybe today) so I'll let you know what I go with. Evidently the Sportage needs front and rear differential fluids, transfer case oil and manual tranny fluid replaced at 15,000 miles plus it's due for another oil change now. So I'll call and get an appointment to get it all done at once(looking at next Saturday to probably get it in). I'm thinking synthetic is what I'll go with. I've never heard that Kia has had a problem with honoring the warranty with those who switch. Worth calling them about probably. alfist1-'03 might be a good year to buy a new 2003 Kia Spectra hatchback or sedan. I haven't heard reliability feedback much from owners but I would be real sure Kia's straightened out the brake problems that they had with the Sephia model. My Sephia's brakes lasted till 64,000 miles but the rotors were shot by then, too. I didn't have a problem with that but some had their brakes go earlier. I think the way in which they're used has something to do with that, too. Good tip on the downshifting to save brake wear a bit. I try to do that with my '01 Sportage as I have a 5-speed. My point about the '03 Spectra's is that it will be the 2nd model year for the newly-designed Spectra's and any initial flaws should be worked out by '03. I think I'll call the dealer this AM and schedule the fluid change appt. for next Sat.AM. I trust my dealer to do the job right but the closer shop I was thinking of calling, even though ASAE-certified, might miss something because of not being familiar with Kia's Sportage like the dealer would be. I'm real happy with the service dept.'s work at my dealer so far. I'll let you know, caesar.

#69 of 107 iluvmysephia by caesarslegion

Mar 16, 2002 (8:58 pm)

yeah i was asking around about the synthetic oils because i think my next new car will have synthetic in it.and about those spectras,i think the hatch backs are awesome.my girlfriend likes sedans,but i figure i can fit more into a hatch.its cool you have a good dealership to work with.everytime i have my tracer worked on it comes back with more problems.i think i will be looking at those spectras sooner than i though because my tracer has all of a sudden developed an engine knock.when i drive down the street all you can hear is ..knock knock knock.anyways i want a black spectra hatch back with the 5 speed.in my opinion they are sharpest looking little car out there.

#70 of 107 (Cont...) by 02_spectra_r

Mar 17, 2002 (11:28 pm)

Well found out friday that the Type K will not be out until it gets the new tranmission from korea as it should of the first time. I was wondering why my car was just sitting there in the same spot since monday. The first time my tranmission sliped, the service department told me that the tranmission was new, but this time they told me that the general manerger approved, that the car can get a brand new tranmission and not rebuilt. What im trying to say is that they told me that its was new, but was rebuilt, I could tell this when i first got back in the car, and watch my rpm's, they were differnt. And if i would stop, then accelerate the car would chunk into gear not finding the gear. I was thinking of getting the kia optima SE top of the line 4cylinder,(that is a huge 4cylinder which should go in the sportage/spectra aswell) But the general manager said " that if the car does this again we will try to lemon the car off" they would give me my full $15,839.00 back, so that i would not have an upside down trade. The optima was priced at 16,539.00 (with rebate)..
Does any one else have problems with there vheicle like mine let me know so that i don't feel that im the only one with a bad vehicle. I'll miss my spectra gsx. but the optima se is very tempting. I drove my brother's infinitis and optima rides like the I30, but better then the G20. Oh yeah the optima has a very powerful four in my oppion, just which it had 4wheel disc brakes standard, and if i do get this vehicle, im going to tint the windows, add a spoiler, dual chrome exsuslt tips with resenator, and maybe upgrade wheels, or not becasue those wheels look beautiful. But also before i buy i want to know if they are going to restyle or make changes to the 03' model.

#71 of 107 caesarslegion-yeah, the new '02 Spectra I like by iluvmysephia1

Mar 18, 2002 (12:38 am)

more (hatch or sedan) changes as I look at pics of the different cars! They both look beautiful! I like the little semi-circles inside the headlamps on the sedan at my work. It's that silver one and it looks great. The hatch would be oh so cool as well. My Sportage 15,000 checkup is next Sat.AM. It doesn't need all of those fluids changed just checked. It will get a standard LOF and tire rotation. The front discs will get an inspection, too. If tranny fluid is low or dirty it will be replaced, same with transfer case oil and front and rear differential fluid. Driveshaft/U-joint will be lubricated and door hinges oiled, etc. A good once over at the 15,000 mile mark is what it will be! I'm getting it done at the dealer so I'll go out and gander at the new Spectra's and the Optima's, Rio's, etc. Looking forward to it!

Messages Page 8 of 12

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