30th Mar 2007, 11:36
I had the same problem with my car not going over 55 and it actually did break down on the highway on me. Turns out it has something to do with the spark coils and plugs and the dealership does not cover these parts under warranty.
10th Apr 2007, 01:09
I think that you are on to why Kia can give those extended warranties, especially if you take into consideration how flimsy these cars are built.
Tune ups are frequent and can be very very very expensive, especially for the major tune ups like the one I had at 60,000 with belt replacement and major checkup on the transmission. With parts not covered by the extended (hah, hah, hah) warranty this little party cost me $2,800. I was informed this was in the +2,000 region, but with a lot of extra work this was the grand total. I've owned several 4x4s before and I've never ever seen invoices like this! It's just insane! I'm NOT very satisfied with the build quality either. A lot of problems that so far has been covered by warranty, but the warranty is expiring now and I'm scared this car going to ruin me.
I bought the Sportage since I felt car ownership was seriously cutting into my budget, but this car has been much more expensive to run than anticipated and I think any other SUV would have been better. It would have been much better to keep my old Explorer running. It would have been cheaper and it was better to drive.
Sportage resale value is next to nothing and trade in is difficult, no dealer wants it. My Nissan dealer downright said he would not be reselling this piece of crap to anyone and recommended selling it to a backyard shop, like the dealers set up at empty lots along the interstate.
My lesson is to STAY AWAY FROM KIA!!!
10th Mar 2008, 07:05
I don't know where all you people are at, but here in N.C. I have dealt with 3 different dealerships and have found all three to be completely honest, upbeat and helpful in the service depts.
I have driven a Kia Sportage since 2000, then traded it for an 02. Kept the service calendar up to date and the only problem I have ever had with either one of them is that they seem to eat front brake pads.
Drove the 00 for 65000 mostly highway miles, then traded up to the fully loaded 02. Now at 76000 on that one and in mixed city highway driving am still happy.
My only concern is that at 76000 I haven't got the timing belt changed. Almost all 4 cylinder engines need this service at 70000 or so, not just Kia, this being because it is a belt not a chain like on some larger cars.
4th Apr 2008, 16:15
Reading from the Kia 2002 maintenance schedule 1 page 7-5 timing belt
Outside Calif. replace at 60,000 miles
Inside Calif. inspect at 60,000 miles and 90,000 miles
Replace at 105,000 miles.
I guess they just want your money for not having to do anything in Calif. Yeah they don't want to honor the warranty here either.
9th Jun 2006, 21:39
Sound like you have a dealer problem. I have a 2002 Sportage and the timing Belt is a 60K change. I did both the 30K and 60K service myself and just kept receipts of for all parts and supplies. Now if you have not done the 30K and 60K serivce as called out in the owners manual, then warranty can be denied later if failure can be traced for lack of owner maintenance.