Or as Kia's chief press wrangler, Kim Custer, said, "We changed everything but the name." That's one way to do it.įor the foundation, Kia turned to parent Hyundai and borrowed the robust Elantra platform-underpinning for the upcoming Hyundai Tucson small SUV-to which it bolted a four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts up front, a multilink and strut setup in the rear, and anti-roll bars at each end. To spur that 180-degree reversal, Kia changed, well, the whole dang car. This would have to be one helluva turnaround. In our last economy-sedan comparison test (" Double-Dip Dreamboats," November 2002), it finished in the cellar among nine competitors. Those of us in the press seats shuffled uneasily in our chairs, as if we were watching some pro jock guarantee victory after his team had just dropped 10 straight.Īfter all, the current Spectra is not the greatest of building blocks. But as the Kid would say, "It ain't braggin'. We wondered if Butterfield had been listening to Kid Rock, Mr. I do most of the maintenance myself since this is a simple car, and I will be taking it to mechanics other than the dealer for any future repairs I can't do."We think it'll go head-to-head with today's top small cars," said Peter Butterfield, president and CEO of Kia Motors America, referring to his brand's all-new Spectra compact sedan. However, when I took it in for maintenance that one time, I was not impressed with the staff's knowledge or service. The only problem I have had with this car is the dealer. So long as the cap is secure so that no oxygen can get in and set off the sensor, you will not have this problem. Clicked the cap, and have never had the problem again. I had the light come on once in the first month. The dealer told me when I bought it, there was a tag hanging off the gas cap that said it, and the manual says: Click the cap at least three times when shutting it to avoid the check engine light coming on. The people who have had the problem with the check engine light obviously did not read their owner's manual. I could not ask for more in a $9000 economy car. It gets 35mi/gal, is comfortable, fun to drive, good looking, and reliable. Every time I take it to get inspected at the tire store, they tell me the brakes and tires are still good. I was beginning to think that KIA built their windshields out of Kryptonite. The only maintenance I have had done to it was a tune up and timing belt replacement at 60,000 miles.Īfter having at least 20 rocks hit the windshield over its lifetime, I finally had one chip it. I don't even change the oil as often as I should (I do use synthetic though). I drive this car over 100 miles/day back and forth to work, and will be hitting 100,000 miles soon. One of the few 2004 models sold before they changed the body style, and engine that year. It is a base model manual,1.8L, 4-door sedan. I bought this car brand new for $9000 in 02/2004. That thing broke off right after I bought the car. There are little "wings" that are suppose to swing over and hold smaller diameter cups from moving around. The only problem I have had is with the drink holder.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |