thanx for the info. IM pretty sire that the 30K tune up can be upped to 100K
if one changes to platinum plugs as I did on my 1st gen Saturn. The more I
read on KIAs the more I like 'em!

marx404

A friendly "warning" to all KIA owners and potential owners out
there....

DO not follow the above advice regarding timing belts.

Nearly all of the engines in KIAs use a timing belt - true.  But many
of the engines are 'interference' designs.  That means if the belt
breaks, the pistons can and WILL slam up into the open valves and
render the engine destroyed.

This is not a feature unique to KIAs.  Many manufactuers have used, or
are still actively using this design of a motor.

Therefore, replacement of the timing belt BEFORE it breaks is extremely
important!

Also..... check your owner's manual.  KIA has the timing belt marked as
a 'REQUIRED' maintenance item at 60k miles for 'Severe Service' areas.
Guess what?  Nearly ALL 50 U.S. states are 'Severe Service' areas.

I have seen on the Internet people lamenting about KIA not honoring the
100K/10 year Drivetrain Warranty after their timing belt has broken at
63k miles, and their engine is trashed.  That's KIA's legal right under
the warranty agreement, and they appear to have no problem exercising
it.

I had my dealership quote the preventative repair to me, and it was
about $550 U.S.  Yeah... that's expensive, but you know what's MORE
expensive?   Replacing your entire engine to the tune of several
thousand $$$$.    The old rule of thumb of replacing the water pump
when replacing the timing belt is another good idea.  The expensive
tear down to get to it is already done when the timing belt's changed,
so it's something to think about.  I was told that the cost of the pump
is another $230.  Again, that's a little expensive, but a tear down to
get to it is even more so.   If nothing else, plan on changing the pump
at 110-120k at the next timing belt change for sure!

ALSO.... don't neglect your automatic transmission fluid changes every
30k miles.... another "Severe Service" state requirement.   If you
*don't* change it every 30k miles (or slightly less for good measure),
there's a good chance that KIA will negate the warranty for any
transmission troubles you encounter up to the 100k warranty limit.

every 3k-4.5k miles, and KIA's warranty should hold up pretty well for
you.

So far my 2004.5 Spectra's been treating me stellar, so I plan on doing
this preventative maintenance to KEEP it that way!  Or if nothing else,
to close the loopholes KIA's used on some of its customers who neglect
to read their owners manual.

-GG