Ask the Car People.SM


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 36 of 47

#347 of 464 Re: [spmrebel] by spectraman

Sep 02, 2005 (9:48 pm)

Replying to: spmrebel (Aug 20, 2005 9:05 am)
2006 Spectra EX Spec Changes (from previous post):
 
Exterior:
Delete fog lights on EX 4-door model
Delete 15-inch factory-installed alloy wheel option on EX 4-door model
(available as dealer installed option)
  
Interior:
Delete sunroof option on EX 4-door model
 
Road and Track just confirmed these changes in their recent issue.
  
I agree with Shawn's statement:
 
"I really think they made a mistake removing the fog lights and moonroof option from the EX version if this is true. And hopefully the dealers will add on the alloys. Anyway, I think this makes the EX very much less competitive with the competition and the Elantra GLS especially with the removal of the moonroof."
 
I would definitely regret not having these options on my Spectra EX, and would not like being forced into buying the more "boy-racer" SX to get them. It's these options that help push the Spectra EX into a more upscale experience.
 
Mechanical:
New 4-speed A/T (except SULEV models in CA, MA, ME, NY, VT)
New-generation transmission is lighter in weight, more durable and provides improved operation
 
This was definitely news to me. R&T didn't mention this one. I'm not surprised, since erratic shifting was the only problem I've seen mentioned on another KIA-centric Spectra message forum. Most of the problems were solved with some reprogramming of the transmission software. I've experienced no transmission problems at all after 13k miles. I'm really hoping that the new transmission was implemented primarily for the weight savings (thus MPG) and NOT the "more durable" adjective above!!!!
 
I know that KIA's probably trying to improve the profitability of the now "standard" Spectra, but the sunroof, alloy wheels, and fog lights should still be be available at least as an extra-cost feature package on the EX.
 
I'm the type of guy that likes those features, but doesn't like his front spoiler being scraped off every time I pull into a parking spot.
 
-SM

#348 of 464 Re: [spectraman] by spmrebel

Sep 05, 2005 (6:15 pm)

Replying to: spectraman (Sep 02, 2005 9:48 pm)
Spectraman,
 
I agree I don't like having to choose a Spectra SX to get the options they dropped for 2006. Though I like the Spectra SX because of the 16" rims and sportier suspension I don't like the lower ground effects package - especially on the sedan.
 
Happy motoring,
 
Shawn

#349 of 464 Hard To Change Oil Filter by spmrebel

Sep 05, 2005 (6:21 pm)

Hi all,
 
I just did the first oil change on my girlfriend's 05 Spectra EX at 2600 miles. I was expecting the job to be as easy on the Spectra as the Elantra. Anyway, everything was similiar except for removing the oil filter. The oil filter is in the exact same location (duh since they use the same engine) as the Elantra but the oil filter is cover by a splash guard that runs under the entire front bumper. I had to remove almost all the screws to be able to get at the oil filter. I wish they had made it similiar to Elantra where they had a small access panel (three bolts) to get to the oil filter. Hopefully they design this in when they do the mild refresh in a few years from now.
 
Happy motoring,
 
Shawn

#350 of 464 Spectra Passenger Air Bag Sensor by martint

Sep 13, 2005 (9:35 am)

I have a 2005 Spectra EX. Is anyone else having a problem with the passenger air bag sensor. I know the Sorrento has this problem. When my wife sits in the passenger seat the Passenger Air Bag Off light usually is on indicating the air bag is not active. The car has been to the dealer a few times where the seat cushion and sensor was replaced and last time a field tech from KIA came out to the dealer to reprogram the sensor computer. Still have the problem. I do like the car
but unless KIA can fix the problem I will be forced to use the lemon law. Would appreciate any feedback.

#351 of 464 new kia owner. by kia_machine

Sep 13, 2005 (3:48 pm)

Hello Group..I want to thank you guys for all the info, that you have brought forth. I went browsing for a new or even a used car and came to a kia dealer and was impressed. I never would of even looked at a foreign car but this time I did..I live in an area, where, if you need work done on a car it better be an american car or ur going to be out of luck getting it repaired or parts for. it..but the 100,000 - 10 years got my attention...I bought this very nice 2005 kia spectra and love it. I havent had any disapointments yet but It's only got 600 miles on it so far. I have noticed something thats got me bothered and was wanting to see if someone could help me....Does this car run hotter than most cause it seems like no time for the indicater moves to the middle of the guage in just a few minutes of running. and stayes there...I was just curious cause I didn't want to find out my guage was broken till it was to late. I see alot of you are happy with it...I also hear a thud type noise in the back when I am taking off from a stop light at times..thanks

#352 of 464 2005 Spectra by blaketendo

Sep 13, 2005 (5:22 pm)

Well, the Kia Spectra has a engine cover that may trap more heat than if there was none, so that may be why it heats up so dang fast. I did notice that too. But hey, it just means the car heats up faster. No more cold rides for my girlfriend. As for the thud? Uh, lol, I don't know, I never noticed a thud before. The only thing I can think of is the spare in the back. I'll have to go for a drive to see.
 
~Blake

#353 of 464 Re: A few thoughts on my new Spectra [paulywog] by blaketendo

Sep 13, 2005 (5:36 pm)

Replying to: paulywog (Aug 30, 2005 6:31 pm)
Hey there. I read your post about the options of the new Spectra, and the MPG results you've attained. I also have a 2005 Spectra SX, and my tach reads 3000 rpm precisely when I'm cruising at 66. I've been trying to find the best speed on the highway so as to save gas in this quickly raising fuel-price world. It is hard to tell, since i drive quite a bit in the city as well. Thank you.
 
~Blake

#354 of 464 Re: new kia owner. [kia_machine] by backy

Sep 13, 2005 (8:46 pm)

Replying to: kia_machine (Sep 13, 2005 3:48 pm)
The temp gauge is in the correct position for this car. My two Elantras, which have the same engine, have the same behavior. I love how fast they warm up in the winter time. By the time I drive a little over a mile to the freeway entrance in the morning, the heat starts to flow!

#355 of 464 My Spectra in regards to the above questions by spectraman

Sep 13, 2005 (9:21 pm)

- My 2004.5 Spectra EX's passenger seat airbag sensor works fine. It disables the airbag when my 11 and 13 year old girls take turns in the front, and it enables (light off) when I or my wife sit in the seat.
 
- My car warms up fast too... it is a treat in the winter as the others were claiming. The interesting thing I've noticed is that the temp reading is *very* consistent. Whether it's below freezing out or 95 degrees, the needle goes up to one notch below the middle and stays there regardless of whether I'm driving on the highway or in stop-and-go traffic in the city.
 
- Hey Blaketendo: Is your car a 5-speed manual? My automatic turns a lot less RPM's than 3000 at 66 mph.
 
- No thuds in my trunk. As mentioned, I'd check the spare tire well for any loose objects. Also make sure that the fold down rear seatbacks are securely latched. If the noise persists, you may have to fold the seatbacks down, and have someone crouch in the rear with their head semi-stuck into the trunk area to see if the source of the noise can be pinpointed better. They may be able to tell if it sounds like a suspension issue, or something loose rolling around in the rear inner fenders, etc. This would best be done in a parking lot somewhere.
 
-SM

#356 of 464 Re: My Spectra in regards to the above questions [spectraman] by blaketendo

Sep 13, 2005 (10:01 pm)

Replying to: spectraman (Sep 13, 2005 9:21 pm)
After I had thought about it, I remembered that my car was not an automatic, and yes it is manual transmission. I still want to know however what the best speed is to get 35+ miles to a gallon.
 
~Blake

Messages Page 36 of 47

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement