2003 Kia Magentis SX 2.5

Summary:

For the money you just can't beat it

Faults:

No Faults so far.

General Comments:

A few things about this car you should know about this cheap reliable car. Purchase price less than 3 years ago £16.000,just acquired car for £4.600 now that's a bargain.

A few good and bad points to note.

Luxury leather Interior good quality finished with a rather nice wood trim.

Bomb proof v6 engine and gearbox so no problems with Reliability.

Full of gadgets to keep you happy like cruise control, traction control, remote boot release, remote central locking, full electric sunroof, too many to list.

Now for the bad bits.

Road noise from the tyres is far too much, giving the cabin a horrible droning noise.

Water drips in to the boot space when lid is opened after it has rained.

Door mirrors do not give clear indication of distance when reversing.

Increase in road tax to £190.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th May, 2006

2005 Kia Magentis LE 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Nice to look at not good petrol wise

General Comments:

Purchased car especially to tow a caravan. Find that it does not know what gear it wants to be in. Very slow to get to optimum revs. Towing a caravan is not possible as it will only do 9.9 miles to a gallon. Driving in town gives about 20 on a good day. Please has anyone any more information on the cars performance when towing.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th November, 2005

11th Apr 2006, 07:04

Well for one thing, A car or any car is not meant to be towing a vehicle that is bigger and heavy then the one towing. If you would to tow, you should buy a truck.

24th Apr 2006, 23:57

Yeah, the Magentis may be able to tow a certain amount of weight, or so it says, but remember, it's a car and it's not geared to tow things all the time. My dad made the same mistake with his Mitsubishi Galant and wanted to tow his boat with it. When he drove 72 miles and emptied the gas tank, I laughed.

And as for the 20 MPG, that is average for the Magentis.

16th May 2006, 08:52

A few weeks ago, I bought a Magentis LE auto from the BCC Group - a company I would strongly recommend to anyone for a great deal.

Anyway, I am over the moon about the car; it has like most cars got its limitations, but for the sheer luxury of the vehicle, I cannot praise it high enough.

As a car priced so competitively, I don't see many that come anywhere close by comparison.

Kia has improved nearly every aspect of their range, and the Magentis has benefited from them all. Yes, the Magentis uses a bit more petrol, but it's a small price to pay if you like the luxury of executive driving.

For sensible drivers - ignore the comments about lurching at speed into corners; speed kills, this is a real driver's car, not a racing car.

Top marks Kia for making the Magentis the great vehicle that it is.

2004 Kia Magentis SE 2.5

Summary:

Very good value for money

Faults:

Trim came off near gear shift, but dealer put this right within one minute.

General Comments:

The car is incredible value for money, excellent spec. good performance and mpg. The ride is also very comfortable. I first purchased a Magentis LX in Sept. 2002 and I was so pleased with it a gave this one to my partner in December 2004 and bought myself another one (SX) with a higher spec. The SX could do with having heated front seats as leather can be very cold on a winters morning. Neither cars have never let me down and the local dealer in Northampton is first class.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th March, 2005

3rd Nov 2005, 04:33

A brilliant car I must add.

Though it doesn't seem to be the way in the united states with it.

2002 Kia Magentis SE 2.5 V6

Summary:

A real car that's a proper car shape with excellent performance and room for five

General Comments:

I have owned my KIA MAGENTIS (A.K.A KIA OPTIMA) since new in September 2002. It is without doubt the best car I have ever owned. It is certainly very fast and also quite economical for its engine size - average mpg around town is 23/25 mpg, which is excellent for a 2.5 V6

I opted for the gray leather trim - looks and feels great, and adds to the overall comfort and general feel good factor of owning a car, which looks a lot more expensive than it actually is.

Also, in England it is a very rare car, so everywhere I go people ask "that's a nice car, what make is it" and they often do not believe me when I tell them how much it cost.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th September, 2003

14th Apr 2004, 17:56

I agree. It's a brilliant car for the money. High rent for low money. These 2.5 Litre V6 engines are sweet. Same as used in the Coupes. If Kia (under Hyundai ownership) can make a car like this, then why is the Sonata on which the Magentis is based on, an inferior cousin? I've owned 2 Sonatas, and both have suffered paint, trim, and electrical problems. Yet the Magentis is better built. Has superior paint and trim finish, and is esthetically more pleasing to the eye. Seems I made the wrong choice. Next time it will be a Magentis.

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