2003 Kia Carnival SL 6 cylinder
Summary:
Comfortable
Faults:
The driver's side window is temperamental.
The air conditioner needs re-gassing.
The carpet balls. With four children, the non-carpeted Kia would have been better.
Head light bulbs are difficult to replace yourself, but not impossible.
It is not fuel efficient.
General Comments:
Other than the issues mentioned above, we have experienced no issues with our Kia.
The car drives well.
Being able to walk down the centre isle to the children is a bonus.
It has done well pulling a horse float with one horse loaded.
The seats are roomy and comfortable.
The only real downfall is that the car is a bit heavy on its fuel usage.
The air con is powerful, which is useful considering the back windows don't open fully.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th April, 2014
12th Sep 2012, 00:20
Bought a 2002 Kia Carnival from new.
Engine replaced at 40,000Kms - Kia gave me a new engine outside the warranty period, but the labour cost me >$2000.
Engine problems again at 88000kms - head gasket fault causing severe overheating - this time just <$5000. Have been advised by my mechanic that this will happen again because of faulty engine design. Also tells me there are 3 cambelts. 2 of 6 spark plugs are at the back of the engine, and can only be replaced when the engine is removed.
Basically, stay away from the older models.