My wife and I own a 2000 Sephia (same mechanical components as the Spectra)
and we love it.  130,000km and no breakdowns or major problems aside from
regular maintenance.  My sister also bought a Sephia (2001 automatic) for
her daughter how is also a college student.  Their car has been great to
them as well.

I suggest obviously having the car checked over by a credited auto repair
shop to ensure that it is sound.  The BIGGEST favour you can do for yourself
is record the Vehicle Identification Number (located on the drivers side
front dash board at the bottom) and contact Kia directly. (Either Canada or
the States... assuming that is where you are from of course)  They are more
than willing to help by telling you where and when the car was originally
sold and if it has had any major repairs or problems...  The Spectra is a
great little car, fun to drive, reliable and fuel efficient and it is larger
and less expensive than a Toyota echo or the like.

Here is a link with more info for you on the 2002/2003 Spectra.  It tells
you about its strengths and weaknesses. Hope it helps.  Let us know what you
decided.

Cheers
Mike

http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/02spectra.htm