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Kia Spectra Sedan - READ ONLY

464 messages,  Last post on Oct 17, 2006 at 5:51 AM

You are in the Kia Spectra/Spectra5 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Kia Spectra, Sedan

Messages Page 32 of 47

#306 of 464 engine races by mikzke

Aug 02, 2005 (10:17 am)

My 2003 Kia Spectra's check engine light has come on several times. The dealer says that the code pointed to a throttle problem. They allegedly fixed it, but I was at a stop in traffic with my foot on the brake. The engine suddenly raced to over 3,000 rpm. I nearly hit the vehicle in front of me. Does anyone know of any problems like this. The dealer says they can't diagnose a problem if it is intermittent.

#307 of 464 Is this true? by jamerswerbs

Aug 02, 2005 (8:27 pm)

Hey, I was wondering if anyone knew if this was true.
I heard that Kia wasn't coming out with a 2006 spectra and that the 2005 spectras are the last kind of that model? is this true. I am looking at buying a Spectra EX and I want to know if this is true or not. Let me know. Thanks
Jamie

#308 of 464 Re: engine races [mikzke] by jamerswerbs

Aug 02, 2005 (8:30 pm)

Replying to: mikzke (Aug 02, 2005 10:17 am)
I don't have a spectra.. but when my mystique did that.. my car guy said it was my spark plugs and wires were bad. Once he changed those it was fine. Hope this helps:)

#309 of 464 Re: Is this true? [jamerswerbs] by backy

Aug 03, 2005 (5:46 am)

Replying to: jamerswerbs (Aug 02, 2005 8:27 pm)
Where did you hear that? That seems preposterous, given that the Spectra is one of Kia's bread-and-butter cars and the current model is quite new.

#310 of 464 Re: Is this true? [backy] by jamerswerbs

Aug 03, 2005 (8:00 pm)

Replying to: backy (Aug 03, 2005 5:46 am)
Thanks for your help.
My friend heard I was buying a Spectra and was doing some research and apparently came across something that said that they weren't making SPectras anymore since they are upgrading the Rio's. IF you happen to come across any info let me know. Thanks a million for your help!

#311 of 464 Front dash plate by jjj4

Aug 05, 2005 (9:29 am)

I`m trying to up grade the sound system in my 02 Spectra 4-door.
I have taken out the two screws at the top of the instrument cluster bezel ( those
are the only screws I can see) but the trim panel will not come off.
Are there more screws that I`m not seeing or do I need some type of special
tool ? Thanks. jjj4

#312 of 464 Re: Is this true? [jamerswerbs] by doohickie

Aug 05, 2005 (12:19 pm)

Replying to: jamerswerbs (Aug 02, 2005 8:27 pm)
When I was at the Kia dealership this week, the sales guy said the current model year for the Spectra will run through November, at which point the 06 Spectras will start. He said they would be identical except for very minor changes to the 05s. There is a new Rio coming out, but it is more like a Toyota Echo/Scion xA micro econobox; the Spectra is significantly bigger than that. I don't think they step on each other's toes any more than the current models of Spectra and Rio do (which ain't much).
 
So I redrove the Spectra5. I didn't like it much the first time. It was better than I remembered and I will definitely consider it when I buy at the end of Aug/beginning of Sept. I like the ride and interior (especially leather) on the Elantra better, but the Kia's outside styling and the little storage areas in the hatch area are better than the Elantra. The Elantra's outside is extremely dated and needs to be freshened (which is slated for about a year from now from what I hear). The Kia's 16 inch wheels provide a harsher ride than the Hyundai's 15s. At my advanced age (42), I prefer smooth to sporty.

#313 of 464 After visiting the Kia America website today by iluvmysephia1

Aug 06, 2005 (9:18 am)

I came across some cool new information.
 
This news item was on the Kia America website in May of '05 and I missed it. Might be really nice-the cool extras of the Spectra5 in a beautiful Spectra sedan.
 
From Kia America CEO Peter Butterfield:
“We’re ecstatic that Kelley Blue Book has named the 2005 Spectra5 to its exclusive list of ‘cool’ cars under $18,000,” said Kia Motors America president and CEO Peter M. Butterfield. “This reaffirms our belief that Spectra5 delivers style, performance, safety features and value to our customers."
 
Here's the new and interesting part for me, the new Kia Spectra SX sedan. Check it out! "And to make sporty driving fun for sedan lovers, we’ve just introduced the new Spectra SX, which has all the special features of the “5” added to the sedan, including sport-tuned suspension, interior tweaks and body kit,” added Butterfield.
 
Reading about the Spectra5 today I couldn't believe all of the undercarriage updates the Spectra5 has for a rig that costs just over $15,000! Incredible value, and that is what enamors me to the Kia brand. A front strut tower, even! Sport-tuned suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars. I can't wait to see a Kia Spectra SX sedan with the body kit on and all. More fun research for me! Kia just continues to improve and continues to offer great value to customers, including the wonderful Long-Haul Warranty, which Kia execs have vowed to continue through the 2008 model year. I bet they keep it beyond that even.

#314 of 464 Re: After visiting the Kia America website today [iluvmysephia1] by backy

Aug 06, 2005 (7:12 pm)

Replying to: iluvmysephia1 (Aug 06, 2005 9:18 am)
Motor Trend did a comparo on small hot sedans in July; one of them was the Spectra SX. They said some nice things about it, but it did not win the comparo. The Mazda3s did.

#315 of 464 Re: After visiting the Kia America website today [iluvmysephia1] by doohickie

Aug 06, 2005 (7:13 pm)

Replying to: iluvmysephia1 (Aug 06, 2005 9:18 am)
Cool. I read in a review (automotive.com? or maybe here?) where in a long term test, they had to repair the front spoiler because it was low enough that they tore it up on a curb. I looked at a Spec5 on the lot, and it appears that you can simply unscrew the bottom part of the front spoiller and remove it without messing too much with the looks of the car.
 
I did the unthinkable, though: I took the car that the Spec5 resembles, the Mazda3 wagon, out for a test drive. Gawd, what a car! The four-cylinder engine pulls like a V6, the suspension gives better feel (like it was on rails) than the Spec5 but is infinitely smoother; the stereo kicks butt and even gets louder with rpms. I fell in love with the car. Unfortunately, I would have to pay probably 20% more the Mazda3, and I don't know if I can swing that right now. Also, this will likely be the car I send my younger son to college with, and I'm not so sure I wanna give him Zoom Zoom! right off the bat.
 
The Spec5 is a poser next to the Mazda3 wagon. But for the price, it very well be the best you can get.

Messages Page 32 of 47

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