Faults:

Nothing gone wrong at all since I have owned it. I have had the timing belt changed, even though it was not worn out that badly. The only slight annoyance, the hub caps have lost their sheen, so I will try and give them a really good cleanse this spring.

General Comments:

This car is great to drive, has wicked acceleration, and it's smooth to the touch. The interior is extremely comfy, very stylish and remains in fine condition, even for being just under 10 years old. The color is very unique, cream colored, and that gets people's attention.

The car maybe a little difficult to get into if a person was very tall, as it is low to the ground, but that is not a problem for me.

As the car had very low kilometers when I purchased it from a used car dealer in Duncan, BC, Canada, I hope to continue to enjoy this vehicle for many years. Wonder why Kia stopped producing it?

Faults:

Absolutely nothing.

General Comments:

Great value for the money. Peppy 4 cylinder engine. The V6 isn't worth it in my opinion, plus this 4 cylinder has a timing chain rather than a timing belt, so long term maintenance should be less expensive & more reliable.

Great fuel economy for such a large car thanks to the 5 speed AUTOMATIC gearbox.

Comfortable ride, but the suspension is a bit on the soft side.

Throttle tip-in a bit too touchy for my taste, but you get used to it.

Very nice 4 wheel disc brakes.

Roomy trunk.

Advantageous warranty.

The center console armrest could be an inch higher, would make for a better driving position. The seat belts would need a clip to hold the buckle tight against the B-pillar when not in use, they tend to knock & make noise on a bumpy road... but I live in Quebec, most anywhere else it shouldn't be an issue.

Faults:

Defective driver's seat heater when initially purchased. Dealer replaced under warranty, but took more than 6 months to obtain the part.

Premature wear of brake pads (approx 30K KMs) and scoring of front rotors. Replacement not covered under warranty. Kia parts much more expensive than generic replacements.

General Comments:

Let's begin with a little perspective...

Kia's target audience for this car is the mid-sized sedan shopper. And for thousands less than its direct competition, (Accord, Camry, Altima or Mazda6, etc.) the Kia Magentis appeals to buyers' wallets. Indeed, most reviews I've read about the Magentis make reference to it as a value vehicle, a car to be considered by the bargain hunters and to be overlooked by more affluent buyers.

How ironic then that the most favourable looks and comments on my Magentis have come from owners of luxury cars like Lexus, BMW and Mercedes! Dressed in dark green with abundant chrome trim and butterscotch leather interior, my EX-V6 seems to catch the attention of drivers who spent tens of thousands of dollars MORE for their cars than I did. There is a subtlety about the Magentis' styling that is lacking in its immediate competition.

This is no sporty-looking vehicle; it has the sophisticated lines of a classic European sedan (Jaguar leaps to mind) and a well-appointed cabin to match. Comfort and functionality replace trendy and flashy in the Magentis. The heated front seats are a welcome luxury and the controls are simple, elegant and convenient. This cabin is anything but commonplace.

Looks alone can be deceiving. The 2.7L V6, while not a powerhouse, is responsive, quiet and confident. Handling is that of a small sedan: tending toward comfortable and controlled, rather than harsh or aggressive. More interactive drivers will enjoy the Steptronic shifter, but the 4 speed transmission is both smooth and dependable when set to automatic. While this is no sports car, the Magentis is nimble in curves and corners and very happy on the highway.

This is an above-average auto at any price; factor in the reasonable price, the exceptional warranty, and the appreciative nods from passengers and it's much more than I'd "bargained" for.