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[Seth C]

I know what you're thinking, but the car isn't for me. My mom saw it, a 2002 Kia Rio, and she thought it was "cute." I know they don't have a "cool" reputation, but is it because of the name, the fact that it's Korean, or are they really not dependable? I mean, the thing is priced at $4295 for crying out loud, and it only has 34,000 miles on it. I don't want my mom driving a clunker, but for that price it certainly seems like a good deal. So, any experience?

Keep in mind that mom currently drives a 1987 Camry with over 212k miles.

 

[thom]

I think the major draw to Kia's are the 10 year warranties available through Kia dealerships. Although Kias I believe aren't known for perennial reliability a friend of mine owns a '01 Sephia that he swears by.

If I had to give you a recommendation it would be that your Mom pay a little more to buy
a new Kia with the 10 year warranty.

 

[bjork]

I know a guy who has a Kia Sephia. He was going down the freeway and the belt somehow busted off of his from right tire, and it whipped into the front fender, bumper, and hood, hitting it with enough force to dent the fender and bumper, and mush the hood in enough so that it wouldn't close right.

That was sometime in 2000. To this day he drives with the same oil and same fluid in the radiator, because he won't open the hood (it's apparently a bitch to close)... so that says something about the hardiness of the Kia's motor, anyway.

 

[demon]

Kias are pieces of feces on wheels. Quite literally, I believe.

 

[miyuru]

If I had to give you a recommendation it would be that your Mom pay a little more to buy a new Kia with the 10 year warranty.

Well if you buy that used one, it'll come with whatever factory waranty is still remaining on it, so whatever.

 

[Seth C]

Well if you buy that used one, it'll come with whatever factory waranty is still remaining on it, so whatever.

Exactly. It still has 3 years/30,000 miles of bumpter to bumper coverage, even. When it comes to cars my mom is not one to spend money. Like I said, she's still driving an 87 Camry with 212k miles on it, and she bought that ones used. She doesn't really believe in spending more than $4000 on a car. Don't ask.

So, can anyone recommend a BETTER deal for $4000?