Faults:

Air conditioner was shot after a year, and cost $1,000 to replace.

Didn't run smoothly at first, but after new spark plugs the engine was fine. Needed new engine wiring then too.

Radio-tape player died after about two years, so I carry a portable with me.

Front window defogger also quit, but in Florida I don't need it anyway.

Belts needed replacement, but actually did have a normal lifespan.

General Comments:

Considering its $2,000 price in 2005, it's been pretty durable.

Engine's original and still purrs, even at 80 mph.

No trans problems of any kind.

Styling is a bit boxy, but the clean lines help the looks.

Seats feel comfy and are still in great shape.

Front and back room OK if you're average height and not a fat pig.

30 mpg on highway, sometimes more!

Pickup and handling surprisingly good for a cheap car.

Father-in-law recently said, "You got your money's worth."

Faults:

Door handles broke during the winter months.

Replaced alternator and starter around 110,000 miles.

Rear brakes after I put 40,000 miles on it.

About 300 dollars of front end work at 115,000 miles.

General Comments:

This 2000 Kia Sephia has been great overall, it's cost me very little money to keep me on the road. I didn't have to put a dime into it until it hit 110,000 miles. Still nothing too major.

The only thing I don't like about it is that it's not that good of a car during the winter as far as traction and doors freezing in really cold weather.

Faults:

Door seals coming off (both sides front and back) every time I open the doors.

Battery went dead after like 70.000 miles.

87.000 miles, power steering high pressure hose started leaking (cost me like 400 USD to fix it).

Dashboard plastics start peeling off (I can see the brown sponges under the dashboard).

General Comments:

Overall the car was good.

I will buy another KIA, because of the fuel economy and no major breakdowns.

The only thing I fixed was the power steering hose (parts cost like hell).

When I sold the car at 95.000 miles, everything was original" (engine, tranny, starter, etc etc). Just a new battery and new power steering hose..

Driving a 5 speed was fun with that car (just no power if you going up the hill) but very jumpy car.. Takes off like a little asian car.

A/C was good (Living in Florida and Las Vegas). I drove the car from Florida to Nevada, and it never seemed like it was having any problems (just the front seat was little uncomfortable)

Faults:

Although my car has been running until currently (102k), I wouldn't recommend a 2000 Kia Sephia.

When buying it, the tires were beyond bald (and weren't the original tires, but were put on by Kia, had 18.5k miles on it).

I have had similar problems to what were mentioned about water in the headlights, and the condensation that's left behind afterwards. Also had to rig up something with the rear lights, because I thought it was just a bulb that needed to be replaced, and here it was the wiring; this was around 50k miles.

I have had to replace normal things like an alternator and battery around 50-60k.

The check engine light came on shortly after I bought the car. I was told it was with the fuel area. I replaced the fuel filter cause that went bad, all belts replaced too.

The car will now not turn over in the cold, have had this problem other winters, but this is the first winter it won't turn over at all.

I have had problems with shifting and having to put the car into neutral to start (it's an automatic). I was told it was a cord and had that replaced, didn't cure the problem. When I first purchased the car, I had problems with the car shifting itself into the next gear (automatic); it would kinda almost stall at 20 miles an hour, and then lurch when it seems it would stall out, as if it were a standard.

I had the rotors replaced after a year of having the car, because the brake pads just "fell off." Ironic how things just "happen" in this car! Also have had issues with the brakes and locking up.

Also, if you're looking for a car with any get up and go, it got up and went long ago~!

I DEFINITELY DON'T RECOMMEND A KIA. Cheap, but not in it for longevity, unless you have lots of time and money (in the long run) to invest.

General Comments:

Lights.

Wiring.

Rotors.

Brakes.

Starter.

I'm sure other than the above mentioned paragraph there is more, but after so much happening, I guess I just learned to expect it!