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Wagons Kia Spectra/Spectra5 New 2008 Kia Spectra....Owners..So what do you think?
18 messages, Last post on Aug 10, 2009 at 2:06 AM
You are in the Kia Spectra/Spectra5 Forum. Your Host is kcram
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Hey there, Chris! I recently bought a slightly used (13k miles) 2008 Kia Spectra EX. Loaded (power windows, locks, keyless entry). The only thing it lacks is ABS, automatic lights... and a sunroof  I have to tell you I am so impressed with this car... the fit, the ride... it's also a pretty nice looking car. This post is more or less to collaborate your summary. Time will tell as far as longevity but I take care of my cars and don't race them. I do drive a bit aggressively (but not like an idiot). GAS MILEAGE: I have only put about 1,200 miles on it so far but in-town driving with the A/C running: 28 mpg. Last weekend I took a drive from Dallas to Oklahoma City (420 miles round trip). I had 3/4 tank when I left for OKC and filled up before heading back. I got back to Dallas with 1/2 tank and drove most of the week before filling up. Filled up yesterday and the results were 29 mpg combination city/highway. (The trip to and from OKC was 75 - 80 mph with the AC on) ADDITIONAL NOTE: Here in the DFW area we are forced to use E-10 gasoline (10% ethenol), which reduces gas mileage by about 10%. I am also impressed with the smooth highway ride. up to 75 mph it's smooth and silky.. it does start to get a slight vibration at 80mph+ but that's my limit anyway... even around Dallas on these freeways it's nothing to do 80 mph but typically 70 mph +/- is the norm (not counting rush hour... in which case it's 10 mph  ) The biggest complaint actually is the stereo. Next payday I am going to replace the stock CD player with a low-end Pioneer. I am in no ways an audiophile but even at max volume (not distorted believe it or not!) it doesn't come close to what I consider "good listening". I listen to AM talk radio a lot but I do like my AC/DC and Def Leppard... LOUD. The stock stereo/CD doesn't cut it. If the speakers can't cut the new head unit then new speakers are going in. We'll see how it goes. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a decent ride under $14,000. Below is photo of my Kia (btw, I took it in for window tint the day after I bought it) 
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well, if the stereo is your only real complaint, that's a pretty good overall review for your 2008 Kia Spectra EX. I have owned two Kia's, a 1999 Kia Sephia and a 2001 Kia Sportage 4X4. Both were fantastic vehicles, so, I am an active proponent for the Kia automaking brand. Nice picture of your Spectra, too, it looks good in white! BTW, Kia is making a replacement for the Spectra that is called the Forte(in South Korea, anyway). Whether the new model will be called Spectra or Forte here in the U.S., I don't know. I do know the new model is a knockout design. It is designed by Kia's new body design Chief, Peter Schreyer. He is formerly Audi's Chief Body Designer. He designed the Audi TT. Things are looking upwards for Kia Motors of South Korea. Stay tuned!!
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7,000 miles on my new '08 Spectra EX w/manual transmission. Absolutely loving it. Daily driving is 65% city / 35% highway. Averaging 32 mpg, with a high of 35 and a low of 26, well over the EPA 23/30. Great shifter. High-quality interior. Roomy front and back seats. Quite ride. Responsive steering and brakes. Great dealer experience (Courtesy Kia in Moline, IL) at purchase (Allen Rutledge rocks) and subsequently from the service dept. Cross-shopped the '08 Civic, Mazda3, Corolla, Elantra and Cobalt. The Cobalt was a joke. As far as the other 4, I found the Spectra to be more comfortable, more roomy, quieter, had more features, a better warranty, and a better price. My only concern is eventual resale value and the horror stories I've read about Kia not standing behind the too-good-to-be-true warranty. We bought an '07 Sedona EX new and this '08 Spectra EX. Dealer has been fantastic with any warranty issues. |
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I bought a 2008 Kia Spectra in March 2008, and already have over 16,000 miles on it. Multiple commute destinations and drivers make it a 600 mile/week vehicle. I love the car, even though I don't get a chance to drive it much (share with 2 other drivers). Lumbar support is great for long trips, and mileage is exceptional. Mixed driving is consistently 30+ mpg, even with three lead footed drivers, and highway mileage is in the high 30s. Pickup for merging is good, especially if you hold it in gear while accelerating. It's not all that great when fully loaded (slow pickup with 3-4 adults riding). Overall, a cool commuter vehicle with great safety features. (Side curtain airbags, rollover protection and a stiffer bulkhead to protect against rear impact are excellent, and at this price point, I consider them bonuses.)
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Replying to: billddrummer (Nov 26, 2008 11:14 am) Have 27000 miles on it and the only dissappointment I have is the mileage is good but not what I expected(could be the manual transmission and the fact that I have to use E10 here). And the stock Goodyear Eagle LS's are junk imo. Had to be replaced already so I put snowtires on. Will be buying different rims and summer tires for the warmer months. Definitely give this car an A
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Replying to: mityhid (Nov 30, 2008 12:16 pm) I've been checking mine every day, and typically have to add air all around. Take a look at that when you replace yours.
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Replying to: billddrummer (Dec 02, 2008 11:40 am) |
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| I was disappointed with my 2008 Spec5. The service department where I bought it (Kia Country in Charleston SC) was horrible. I took it in to have them repair a seat belt that wouldn't retract and the door on the gas cap that wouldn't open and they said I must have broken them. After three times there for the gas door they told me it was a poor design and just put some oil on it again. They were very abrupt and rude, after I bought a new car from them. The passenger door also wouldn't always close. I also smelt something burning. So, I had lost confidence in the service department to repair anything (not a lot of options on where to get a Kia fixed) and decided to trade it in for a 09 Honda CRV that gets better gas mileage. I tried to save a few thousand with Kia and lost. I think the risk of getting a lemon with a Kia is very high. And with the poor mpg, horrible handling, horrible little wheels, horrible suspension, 4 speed transmission, there was no reason to hang onto it. It had a good engine and if not for the awful service department where I bought I probably would have kept it and really gotten burned when something serous broke. Kia is too much of a risk. I'll never buy one again. | |
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Replying to: ikillbugs (Oct 03, 2008 4:46 pm) Say, what's the level of tint on your rear windows? It looks great btw. I google 2009 Kia Spectra window tint and yours is the first picture to pop up on google images. You mentioned this car is a 2008. Well, it doesn't look an awful different from the last edition of the Spectra--at least from the side. Anyhow, I'm guessing 5% rear? Also, what kind of film did you have them use? Here's mine: 
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Hi Marley, Thanks for the compliment. Just so you know, the Kia Spectra is identical from 2007 - 2009, virtually the same car with a different model year stamped on it. Now the Forte is replacing the Spectra for 2010 (I WANT A FORTE!). Anyway, I think the brand of tint is SolarGard. I had it done at a local shop for about $150. The tint is 35% on the doors and 20% in the back. You should check with your local laws regarding the maximum allowed in your state. If you have a professional shop do the work they will let you know. Good Luck.. and post some pictures when you get it done! |
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