Used 2001 Kia Sephia Consumer Reviews
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2001 kia sephia 225000 and still running tough
i have a 2001 kia sephia ive been the only owner it has been by far the best car ive ever bought i have done routine oil changes and tune ups on it and ive done the timeing and water pump every 60000 on it and she just keeps running like a champ and i get 30 mpgs out of it and im am very happy with it..
Pleasant surprise
I had very few expectations of this car, but it has really grown on me. It is excellent in every way. Reliable, fun to drive, very zippy (except when driving over 80 mph. It gets a little scary at that point, but what do you want for the money?). I would definitely buy a Kia again. But, this car has over 85000K miles on it and shows no signs of stopping, so I will keep it until the wheels fall off!
No Problems Yet!
For an economy car -- paid $10,600 brand new (standard w/ AC), this has been a faithful car. Four years and 60,000 miles later, I have no complaints, although the older I get, the more uncomfortable the sparse interior gets. One great plus -- we live in a bad neighborhood, and our car is tough to break into. We see marks where people have attempted it, but so far no one has gotten into it (it took the tech 1/2 hour to do it once when I locked my keys into my car!). This car has taken us clear across the US (coast to coast) at least 3 times, and this summer, we took it all the way to LABRADOR, Canada (from Chicago) with 2 kids and camping gear. We've definitely gotten our money's worth out of it!
My Kia
I knew that I was not buying a luxury car, so I didn't expect it to be comfortable. But I did expect that for 20,000 (with interest) my 2001 Kia Sephia would be reliable. My car has failed on me 10 times in the past two years, all ten times the problem being my battery...dead, no matter the weather or how long my car was sitting. My dash lights also go out on occasion which really sucks because it's usually nice to know how fast you are going. My Kia stinks.
Dependable, excellent mpg, amazing value
I have nothing to say but good things about my KIA Sephia 2001. Got the car at 42 000 miles for $3,100 and sold it at 134 000 miles. I owned it for 8 years and during this time there was manor repairs/maintenance - alternator, break pump, rotors, breaks, spark, plugs, ext. However the car is dependable and just kept going without major issues. Very economical on gas. It was basic, manual transmission, locks and windows, but that never bother me. Overall, best value for the $, would recommended for anyone who values dependable and economical over convince.
Keep in Perspective
I bought this car used for $800 with over 200k miles on the odometer, a wreck in the near past and work to be done in the near future. I knew it wasn't a great car, but I needed a carI was broke. Well over a year later, this little thing is coming up on 250k miles and until today I had no major work done on it. I replaced an alternator belt a couple months ago and that was it. The bill today was $660a price I would normally never consider on a car I bought for $800. But this car just takes a beating and keeps on going! I'm awful about maintaining my vehicles and I hate to spend money on them, and yet this little car has never faltered. As long as you know it's not a BMW, you'll be happy!
Good alternative to a scooter
This is a good little commuter car. It is perfect for tooling around town in, but gets rather noisy/buzzy when at higher speeds. The ride is okay at slower speeds, but gets the small car choppy ride on the highway. It is a commuter/errand runner and no more. Have only had a few minor electrical problems (fuse box, starter, and alt) in the 48k miles I've owned it, but nothing major. Follow Kia's recommended maintenance carefully if you want the warranty, and change the auto transmission fluid sooner than what Kia recommends, as I had a hard shift problem that a fluid change fixed (15k before recommended change). It fits both tall and short drivers well.
Okay Car for Price
I purchased this car 4 years ago at 38000 now it has 114k. Have to replace spark plugs & wires often, door freezes in cold weather. Also replaced battery, brakes, belts, both front axles. I have alot of common issues as others on the reviews. Its a cheap car & you get what you pay for. I got it manual & it seems like automatic's are having engine trouble, currently my signals do not work. So I am waiting for the next thing not to work. But despite the car issues its an okay car to have but i will not buy another one.
Great car for the money
I bought this car brand new. I have not had the first problem with it. Paid $10,060. I had timing belt and all drive belts replaced at 70,000 miles. Car had never been in the shop before that.
2001 Kia Sephia- A good car & good price
I'm a satisfied Kia customer. My car brand new with taxes & fees was about $12000. If you're deciding between a cheap new car and one that costs just as much used then buying new is well worth it. My first 3 cars were used, that meant in addition to having a car payment there was also the repair bill every month. Sure newer cars have a larger insurance cost but with no down time, meaning you don't have to constantly wonder if your car is going to make it to work or school every day. There a dozen or so 'cheap' cars out there. The Hyundai Accent was another one I considered, but stay away from Dodge/Plymouth Neons. My Kia is dependable.
A Great Alternative to Civics
I purchased my KIA Sephia in April of 2002, with 9,000 Miles on the odometer. Since then I have added over 1500 more, and never had as much fun doing so. Very fast, for a 4-cylinder (I outrun my friends souped up Cavalier) and that's bone stock. Look out Civic boys...here I come! Very dependable. Great warranty.
Good Car - Great Value
I have to admit I was a bit skeptical when I saw the price. I got my 2001 Sephia for $9250.00. That included tax, title and license. I wanted a car to go back and forth to work with that would not break the bank. I paid cash and have never been happier. No problems whatsoever with mine. I truly belive that Kia and Hyundai are now positioned in the same manner that the Japanese were in the late 70's and early 80's. Quality cars for a great price equals loyal owners and repeat buyers. I highly recommend this model.
great car
When I first got this kia in about 2007, I didn't expect much from it. I wanted a reliable car but had no idea just how reliable this kia would be. I have given it regular oil changes , replaced the headlights.. I think i did the timing a few years back. It is great on gas and has been wonderful on long road trips. It currently has 207,000 miles on it and I think a rear break needs to be replaced. and a power window on the passenger side doesn't always roll down, but it is really a great car!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Can't beat it
Purchased the car used in a pinch. The car had 40,000 miles on it and now has 180,000 miles on it. Only paid $3000 for it when it was 2 years old and said that I would drive it till it dropped. Still going!! Right after it was purchased, the car was driven for 40,000 miles without an oil change... still no problems. You can't beat the price, the gas mileage or the insurance, although parts are sometimes hard to find. Nothing but general maintenance since purchased. I now have a new truck, but will probably buy another Sephia after this one dies to have another 35 mpg road car.
best value out there
best bang for the buck. I got my car for $ 6995...can't be beat on price..change the oil every 4k and you will have reliable transportation for 100K. Put the money you save in the bank and watch the $ grow....
Practical and reliable
I purchased this vehicle because of its warranty after being talked-down-to by several used car dealers. It gets over 32 mpg, has lots of pick up and speed. The lumbar support helps my bad back where my former car, a Sable, left me uncofortable after a couple of hours. It has never needed a repair, and fills every need I currently have, including heavy mountain driving and coping with high gas prices. The only two down-sides I can think of are: the body seems to dent easily and it loses some power when the AC is on. Overall, it's a great vehicle for the price and practical as well as comfortable and nicely designed.
What a great car!
This car was great for me. Peppy, comfortable, and very reliable. I changed the oil, kept an eye on the fluids and never had a problem with the engine/tranny. Dealership had to change the heat shield, and that was the only thing that "went wrong" with the car...that's something you have to look foward to on most cars anyway. There was a comment about www.streetkiaz.com/streetkiaz3.html and yes, that site perfects owning a kia. I would recommend anyone looking to tune one of these, go there! Awesome people! This is a great car for the money and I love it!
Pick of the Litter
A steal for 11k new. My little red Kia wouldn't quit. I wasn't faithful in changing the oil after 18k miles, but the engine didn't seem to notice. Dealership mistakenly put in ATF instead of 5w-30 on that change, and ran for 9000 miles on it before I changed it myself and found out. The engine was stronger than ever. I don't know or understand how, but it was dyno'd after that at 240hp, and was getting 35ish mpg. She was unbeatable. But I couldn't keep up the payments, and she was repo'd in 2004. Never had a problem with her. Willing to bet that little car would have outlasted me if I still had her. I miss my car.
I like it.
I bought this car for 500 dollars and thought it would just be my A to B car, but it has actually taken me further! Very reliable, A/C and heat works, but it does make the driving slow down when turned on. Not sure why but it isn't that big of a deal. Overall good car. Only thing needed changed was spark plugs.
Love my Kia!
I bought my Sephia a year and a half ago and love driving it. It definitely is a reliable car that is fun to drive, with excellent MPG. This was the first car I bought as a junior in high school. The one thing I am not such a big fan of for the Sephia is the headlights. They are very opaque, and more like shaded glass than clear. The lights work fine, but the lights could be brighter. Overall, I would definitely recommend the Sephia to anyone!
My 1st Car!!!!!!
Great choice I made.
- Performance
- Comfort
- Reliability
Good used car
Only owned for 3 months but very impressed so far - bought for only $2300 with 130K and have put on 10K without a problem and seems like it'll go on for many more miles. I've already made my $ on it considering we mostly drive trucks that are difficult to park and get about 12mpg. Agile and peppy engine, decent fuel mileage (getting in the mid 20's) in stop and go traffic.
Nightmare on Kia Street
This has to be the worst vehicle ever created. My transmission was replaced at 15,000 miles. The brakes squeak all the time. The rotors were ruined quickly. I've had it towed an average of 3 times per year. All 3 KIA dealerships could not fix recurring problems. There was a popping noise on the driver's side that no one could diagnose. The tires had to be replaced within 20,000 miles. The car metal is so weak that it looked like someone beat the side of it with a bat (door dings). Everyone says it has a good warranty, but it won't cover all the problems you face. Plus, you won't get a free rental car when you car is constantly in the shop. It was totaled by a few minutes of hail.
Solid Economy Car
This car delivers on fuel efficiency! It is a basic car with a great warranty. I have had a few problems with the car but when I take it to the dealership they fix it with no questions asked. It is a great first time car or for those who need basic reliable transportation.
Worst car ever
I got this car brand new for around $11k. I have had to replace the starter twice in the 10 yrs I've had it. It also KILLS brakes. I've had to have the rear brakes completely redone twice. The front brakes always squeek. The EBrake needs constant adjusting and interferes with the function of the rear brakes. The door handle drive side busted off after I tried to get out when it was freezing outside. The door won't shut when it's freezing out even after running the defrost for 20 mins. It's extremely thin body allows a ton of air and road noise, especially on the freeway.. it is really scary driving at high speeds. It doesn't handle very well and constantly needs alignment.
Great Value
My father purchased the vehicle new, then gave it me Jan. of '05. He's never had any major problems with it and neither have I. In fact, with 157k miles on it, the original clutch holds strong, and the vehicle runs like a champ. For some strange reason, the windows will ALWAYS be foggy / dewy in the mornings even when other cars aren't. It has seen 3 rather expensive starters. There is no aftermarket (generic) for most parts so expect to go to the dealer for everything. The sheetmetal is thin and easily dented but that gives it the performance. Mazda Protege engine, Getrag designed tranny, not a bad setup. Don't buy a new Kia unless you plan to drive it forever, they are worthless for resale.
Looks can be deceiving.
For the first 10 months I had no problems. But, since February my car has been in the shop 13 times. I have had the exhaust replaced 2x, the computer replaced once, 2 new injectors, and 2 electrical shorts. I can trade it in on something else because the resale value is horrible.
Do not buy this car
Engine and transmission so far reliable. Brakes, electrical, air conditioning, body, interior, are bottom of the barrel cheaply built. HORRIBLE in the snow. I have been driving many years in winter conditions and this is hands down the most dangerous car I have ever driven in the snow. Brake and electrical problems have been since day 1, numerous trips to shop. Worst car I have ever owned, wish I could have my 13 year old nissan sentra back!
this car sucks
Ive had problems with the car starting at 40,000 it would'nt run right, kept loseing power, like when your learning to drive a 5 speed the car jerks.every two weeks it was in the shop they fix it but it kept breaking,they said the codes kept blowing out.But kia motors stood behind it everytime iam still trying to fix it, tge paint is starting to peel off by the trunk of the car.
2001 Kia Sephia
10 Year Warranty-what else can you expect? A quite, inexpensive little car that has "good" gas mileage and an low cost of ownership.
Just got it
I just got my kia a few days ago, and i just love it its a cute little car and im falling more in love with it everyday. I about to dress it up with some tint and u aint gone be able to tell me nothing!!!! lol
Great Car!
I bought my 5 speed Sephia brand new in '01 and have never had a problem. I think this is a great investment. I do regret to say I am thinking of trading my car in after a few years (and 2 children) but good news is it's for another Kia! Very Dependable Car!!!
So far so good
I bought my Kia on Valentine's Day of 2008. It will be paid off in Feb of Next year (2011). When I bought it it had 30,000 miles on it and the dealer said I would thank him in a year after buying this car. So far I have had to replace the battery like 3 times (no big deal), the belts because the AC belt broke so I just replaced them all. I have put in new spark plugs and they say that I need to re-gasket the tranny and engine. So I just have to watch the oil levels and I will get the tranmission reconditioned as soon as I can afford it. I also need to replace the timing belt so far from what I have read about the car. It gets great mileage, it has been very reliable, and the sound system rocks
Steak on a hamburger budget...
I had a $50,000 BMW 330 Convertible which got repossesed when I went belly- up in the stock market. After scratching together $2500 over 3 months, I went and bought a 1999 Sephia LS with 84,000 miles on it. I had it for 3 years and spent a total of $300 on service and minor repairs. After 130,000 miles, the timing belt finally went and since I was already back on my feet, I sold it AS IS for $500. Sure it is not a Lexus, but for the money one pays, it is damn well worth it. And people should remember to judge accordingly. I now own a car dealership, and do not hesitate to sell this car or to recommend it to the cost-conscious.
A good deal!
I bought a new 01 Sephia. An LS 5 speed version. White in color. I have no problems except the leatherette covering the shifter stick brokes by it self. The ride is good. It's a fair transportation vehicule. Mine is dealer maintened and yearly rustproof.
I love my car
I bought my Sephia new and have had it almost two years and I love it. I haven't had any problems with it. I will never buy a used car again.
2001 Kia Sephia
I love this car. I originally bought a 1998 m type sephia and it was crap, always in the shop. But because I couldn't afford anything else, I decided to give Kia a second try. I bought an 01 Sephia LS with 10 miles and still drive it today with over 93K miles! This car has never let me stranded and always starts in the morning. I plan to keep this car forever! I'm really happy to drive it everday!
Happy
I bought my Kia as a college student and was very happy all 7 years I owned the car. Though I am not in the market for another compact car I would and have recommended my Kia to my friends and family.
Simple but excellent
Turn on the ac, it slows, but that is usually to weak drivebelts. Easy to fix, even for a DIY mechanic. A simple design, but fragile interior and exterior. That in turn means its also easier to fix. Parts are a bit expensive, but what isn't, right? Love the idea that it sounds like the day I got it, the opening of the throttle after so many thousand of miles. Its great, performance is alright, but the fuel economy is amazing. From PHX to LV, three times, without a single compliant, in one week. Great car! Considering the Kia Koupe in the near future...
First Car
This was my first car given to me by my mother.She bought a Ford and handed me the Kia. So I had nothing to compare it to. I would have to say it was and still is a good car. It's never broken down, or had any major problems. Only regular maintenance. My only complaint is that when i have the heat or a/c on the car's acceleration is greatly slowed. This may be due to its age but at times it can be annoying.
My second worst car
I bought the car new for $11000. The first thing that went wrong was the passenger side air scoop liner fell out on the road somewhere, Then the radio quit working. The warranty is practically useless unless you follow directions explicitly. Replaced the engine with a used one at 63,000. O2 sensors replaced three times, throttle body sensor went bad,ignition coils replaced twice. Shifter skirt fell down. Rear brakes hang up. Check engine light comes on unexpectedly, then goes out. Have spent $4300 in repairs in the past three years. Gas mileage 25 mpg winter, 31 summer, doesn't compare with my old 91 Mercury Tracer of 36 mpg. Conclusion: I will not buy another Kia.
I Love It!
I have owned quite a few different cars. I bought my KIA from a used car dealership the 1st of February. It only had 86,000 miles on it. I love this car. I have not had any problems with it. It has some minor hail damage but all in all, it looks and runs great. I am a mother of three teenage children so a lot of horse power in a vehicle is not necessary for me. My children and I both love this car.
Okay for short-term
We bought this car new in 2001, mainly for the price, fuel economy and warranty. Handled pretty well, a bit underpowered but the manual tranny helped. Interior very cheap. Seats bent easily, vents broke easily, cupholder was awful, shifter skirt broke easily. Entire brake system minus master cylinder replaced three times. A/C system blew a hose. Doors froze constantly in winter. Recently lost power, found that both catalytic converters (yes there are 2!) had gone out and were blocking exhaust after the car heated up. This of course fried the spark plugs, wires, and coil packs. Dealer wanted $2100 just to fix this issue, used it to buy another car instead (not a Kia.)
2001 Kia Sephia - It's been a headache..
I would love to give the reader a thumbs up for this car. But I can't. Had to replace: tranny at 100k mi. $1000, serp belt (always squeaky!), spark plugs; wires, alternator $260, both headlights, all manner of front end work probably amounting to $1200. Sheet metal is easy to dent and scratch. Have to slam trunk to get it to latch. Parking brake needs replaced. Drivers-side strut&spring needs replaced. Wheel bearing going bad quick-like. Doors FREEZE open in winter (Michigan). This is so annoying. You cant even imagine until you experience having to use a bungee. Driver door lock stuck in lock position. Had to take off door panel to fix. Other than all this, it is a fabulous car.
Not too bad for a cheap car
Purchased my kia new in 2001 as a commuter car. Kia just turned over 51000 miles after I had traveled from St. Louis to Woodbridge, VA (30 miles S of D.C.) in 16 hours and only used 2 tanks of gas on a 800+ mile trip (son was impressed). Have also gone to tx, ar and ms with no problem and minimum gas besides regular maintenance, a right front strut assembly, tires and brakes, my only problem is crossed wires which make my windshield wipers come on when I turn on the a. C. (happened after jack leg body work) still not bad for a cheap small 4 cyl. Runs good but is starting to show age. Engine heat shield rattles constantly.
rhonda hill
i was pleased with my kia and would like to purchase another i have had no troubles with it since my purchase in 1999.
no squares allowed
very dependable, the only problem that I have with this car is ac comes on for windshield defroster and the oval trunk shapes make the roomy trunk space difficult to use. The seats fold down, but the trunk to backseat oval shape is rediculous
It's a decent car for now
Have over 28,000 miles now. It hasn't given me problems yet. Did have a burning smell when we took a trip over 300 miles. What I don't like is the excelleration. Trying to get on the interstate using an uphill entrance ramp I need to stand on the gas to merge into traffic without looking like an 80 year old driving. I plan for my next car (not a Kia) to be another car with more oomph
GOOD CAR, DECENT PRICE
WE'VE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. WE TAKE IT BACK TO DEALER EVERY 3,000 MILES FOR UPKEEP, AND WE HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO COMPLAINTS. IT'S COMFORTABLE AND RELIABLE.
Crap-ola
In the almost one year that I had this car I've replaced 2 transmissions and had many scratches buffed out. THis is the worst car I've ever bought and the dealership I bought it at wasn't any better. Stay away from kia