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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 8 of 48

#63 of 464 This is about to drop off into archivedom... by csandste

Feb 15, 2002 (10:58 pm)

so I thought I'd post. Even though I think this car is past its prime and will be Cavalier-old by its next platform (shared with Elantra) in 2006-- I think there've been fairly strong advances in quality control since 1998. I can't believe however, that Kia can't put together a tighter throwing transmission. My old Festiva was no where near that sloppy. Then again I haven't driven a new Spectra sedan, only a Sephia. Minor trim changes as far as I know.

#64 of 464 Updates on my the 98 sephia by mvaldivi

Feb 27, 2002 (9:31 pm)

Brakes and rotors: First set lasted 12k miles. Second set (kia original, but custom slotted), is still in excellent condition (I have 54k miles on my sephia). Important, you must adjust the rear drum brakes every 20k miles.
Spark Plugs: I had just replaced them, and mileage-average improved from 28mpg to 33mpg.
Tires: The Yokohamas H4 are nice runners, but tight cornering is so-so.
Engine: Best part of this car. It sounds and responds like a Swiss watch (castrol full-syntec oil is a must).
Dislikes: Uncomfortable driver seat, poor soundproofing, and lack of power locks (last two, I plan to modify this coming summer).

#65 of 464 not that bad by 2003corolla1

Feb 28, 2002 (8:09 am)

It's a shame that so many people feel these are such bad cars--considering many people who feel this way have never riven one. It's a shame about the experience lonesomeduv had, hopefully the new Accord will not have any problems. I bought a Sephia in 1995 and kept it until about 10 days ago. It never left me stranded or failed to start--except one time when the battery was dead. That problem was resolved very quickly. Just take basic care of them and they will take care of you. Will they ever be mistaken for a Mercedes? Of course not, but they do the job fine for what you pay for them.

#66 of 464 kias owners. by caesarslegion

Mar 03, 2002 (9:59 pm)

in your opinions would you kia owners say that the spectra and rio are just as good or better than american cars such as escort/cavalier/neon?thanks.

#67 of 464 well by claywaterfill

Mar 04, 2002 (9:58 am)

As the owner of a Sephia from August 1995 until two weeks ago, I would say mine was as good. But, I took care of mine. Many people consider them to be disposable cars and treat them as such. Of course those will fall apart.

#68 of 464 well by caesarslegion

Mar 04, 2002 (7:56 pm)

ok,did you buy another kia?and would you buy another one?

#69 of 464 I did not by claywaterfill

Mar 05, 2002 (7:39 am)

I didn't buy another Kia--but that was not Kia's fault. I have moved since buying the one in 1995; and, the closest Kia dealer to me now is about a 25 minute drive from me--and in the opposite direction from work. So, had the need for warranty work come up, I would have had to pracically take a day off just to get it to them--plus the pick up if it could not be fixed right away. I am not saying I thought the Kia would have needed warranty work. I am saying I would not buy any car where this is true. For some reason there is not a Chevy dealer within about the same distance. So, while the Malibu was on the "consideration" list, it came nowhere near the final list as the closest dealer was too far away from me. I bought a Saturn SL2. My Saturn dealer is about 2 miles from me and they were great to get along with. This is my second Saturn--and if this one holds up like my first one, I know I made a good decision.
 
Another one? Absolutely would consider it. If I move again or if a Kia dealer opens closer to me, I would have no hesitation to check them out. Personally, I like the Optima. The Optima LX is advertised from $13,999 here. For the price of a Civic LX or Corolla CE--or a Saturn SL2--you can get a mid size sedan with a 149 hp dohc engine, 4 wheel independent suspension, side airbags, air, all the power goodies and more. I will check them out in a few years when the time comes. Go ahead and look at them! Good luck to you.

#70 of 464 ok thanks. by caesarslegion

Mar 05, 2002 (10:06 pm)

my car list has the rio or spectra on it.im not sure which i want yet.one side of me wants the spectra,the other thrifty side of me wants the rio.i guess it might come down to prices.im now starting to see more and more of them on the road.i always get buyers remorse for a lttle while when i buy a new car,so i hope its not a negative experience like my last new car buy.sometimes dealers can make the process long and hellish.

#71 of 464 by kirstie_h HOST

Mar 06, 2002 (7:21 am)

A major midwestern newspaper is interested in speaking with folks who have anecdotes and opinions on rear wheel drive vs. front wheel drive in winter driving conditions.
We're also looking for people who recently switched one way or the other and what they like/dislike about what they're driving now.
If you are interested in participating, please provide your city/state of residence and your daytime phone number to jfallonedmunds.com no later than March 20, 2002.
Thanks as always,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

#72 of 464 fast by warzonectx2

Mar 10, 2002 (11:16 pm)

how fast can the Kia Spectra go. can it get up to 120!. is the Kia Spectra have a quite ride. please tell me.i em looking for a cheap car. i em working at Carl's Jr. and i em makeing 6.75 a h. so is the Kia Spectra a good for me.and for the money! and can i get abs on the Kia Spectra. ok now you can email me at warzonectxyahoo.com or post it. ty all

Messages Page 8 of 48

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