1998 Kia Sephia LS 1.8 from North America

Summary:

A decent car for the money

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I bought this 1998 kia sephia and only paid $1500 for it and no problems at all with it.

I added new tires and changed the oil and drove it for a whole year the car paid for it's self in the use that I had with it.

This year I added a K&N cone filter and it runs a lot better you can find these on EBAY for rather cheap. I also put in split fire spark plugs and I'm going to have the timing belt replaced as a precaution and I will service the trans fluid.

Some cars are lemons some cars are good, happens with a lot of makes and models.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd June, 2004

1998 Kia Sephia from North America

Summary:

This car is a death trap.

Faults:

I started having transmission problems the minute I drove it off the lot.

I was told it was that my gas cap was loose.

When the mileage was around 60,000 miles, the overdrive died and the transmission wouldn't shift.

General Comments:

This car is only good for one thing, the junk yard.

The company that made this car doesn't care.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th April, 2004

1998 Kia Sephia LS 1.8L DOHC-16v from North America

Summary:

Standard car (11,000.00)

Faults:

I had the car since new.

The original manufactures battery die at.35, 000 miles.

The front passenger light bulb quite around 87,000 miles.

General Comments:

With proper simple maintenance, replacing oil, air filter, gas filter, tire rotation, brakes and proper liquids inspection and refilling the vehicle has performer beyond what I ever would have expected for a 11,000 dollar car.

The handling is on a normal level. (its only 11,000.00 OK!

My KIA has outdated most of my buddies new and used cars, they are at their second car.

I have taken this car through dirt, muddy and in some places were there is no road, and since I am in Florida I have taken this car in flood conditions were buses and small pickup were been push and towed out off.

I am very happy with this car and if you are good to your car it will return the favor back a hundred times over.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th February, 2004

1998 Kia Sephia 2.0 Auto/od from North America

Summary:

Great fixer upper, even brand new... should have been built by Americans.

Faults:

Exhaust system has blown, then the "transmission" starts slipping. Found out that the speed sensor is fowling.

There is an oil leak which drowns the third spark plug causing it to miss.

The air bag light is constantly on.

The o/d light continually flashes.

And the check engine light hasn't went off since I bought it used.

The electrical system must have been installed by a monkey, when the interior light failed, so did the radio, as well as the cigarette lighter.

General Comments:

Even with the faults and all it's problems it has been a fairly descent vehicle. The problems it has and will have can be "gotten used to".

I suppose that I have adapted quite well to knowing that when one thing is fixed, something else will always tear up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th October, 2003

1998 Kia Sephia Base 1.8 from North America

Summary:

My best friend on road trips, never lets me down!!!

Faults:

My timing belt went out at 106,000 miles, which is general maintenance.

Went out again at 160,000 miles.

Put two sets of brake pads on the front, and have never changed rear.

Put 3 sets of new tires.

My alternator went out at 96,000miles.

General Comments:

Any car will last if you keep up the maintenance. I have had NO major problems with my Kia. I have driven it from NY to Virginia Beach 6 times, NY to Kansas 3 times, NY to Florida 4 times, and finally to Georgia with out ever skipping a beat. I would hop in it tomorrow and go back to NY if I had to.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th August, 2003

1998 Kia Sephia from North America

Summary:

I like it and it reliable for me

Faults:

My starter won't turn over if hot.

General Comments:

I like the car a lot but the only problem I'm having now is keeping my car running even on hot days. The thing is I still get power put it won't start. I have to wait a few minutes before I crank it. I'm afraid to go anywhere far from home.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 28th July, 2003

27th Jun 2004, 10:55

I have the same problem do you know how to fix this??

E-mail me at q_mastr@yahoo.com.