Joe, If you have the means, grab a Toyota and revel in the knowledge that
your vehicle will have some value to it at the end of financing.  The KIA
will always depreciate in value at a rapid rate and you would be
disappointed at trade time.

regards,

    Allen

We've owned a 2002 EX model since 12/31/01. I would recommend it to anyone;
it has more standard features for much less money.  There's been no major
mechanical issues whatsoever.  We did have one electrical issue in the
drivers door, but it was repaired over a year ago.

Some complain about the mpg, but I've gotten everything from 15 all city to
26 all highway.  ymmv

I could go on an on, but I think you've already figured it out.

Bob

I've been the happy owner of a '03 LX for a few months, at about 4000
miles right now.

The Sedona is very well equipped right off the lot. A zillion cubby
holes and drink holders. The seats are firm and comfortable.The build
quality is great, no rattles, everything is well constructed, the
controls are very nicely laid out, very logical and easy to use, and
have a solid feel. The doors and windows are tight and open and close
smoothly. It's quiet at highway speed with the AC running and the
windows shut.

It handles well, very smooth and controlable. It negotiates our urban
Philadelphia streets without a glitch, and cruises the highway like a
champ.

The sound system is an unexpected pleasure. The AC and cruise control
work without a problem. It starts instantly everytime, has plenty of
pep and passing power on the highway.

So far, no problems worth mentioning. The warranty is very reassuring.

The downside? It's a Kia, and lots of folks seems to like busting on
Kias. The gas mileage is pretty disappointing, but then the
$4000-$6000 I saved on a compriable  Voyager, Oddessy or Windstar will
buy an awful lot of gas! The storage area behind the back seat is
pretty sparse, so get a luggage rack like I did.

Of course, 4000 miles is nothing, and the real test will come with
time.  But thus far, I have no regrets.

I've owned 3 Chrysler mini-vans in the past, and after owning the Kia,
I can't imagine going back.

Regards!

Dan

I have an '02 EX that we've owned since 10/01.  So far the only problems
we've had are (1) the passenger seat motor died and was replaced and (2) the
passenger visor light just went out yesterday.

I often compare it to my buddy who's got an '02 Honda Oddesy that he bought
in September 2001. They ride about the same, have about the same room inside
and get about the same mileage. His Honda has that dissapearing third row,
which I find rather inconvinent. His gas tank is somewhat smaller than mine
due to the seat. In addiition, I currently have one of the rear seats in the
garage. I like having the two middle seats and one third row seat. It is a
good balance between room and seating.

My only complaints are the road noise, which is apparently a minivan issue,
the paint, which seems to scratch more than my other cars, and the interior
room, which is really small.  I find my friend's Olds Silhouette more roomy
in the front seat area.

As for the depreciation thread, that only makes sense if you are planning on
(a) financing it for a long time and you need to insure the value over your
debt, or (b) turning it in after two or three years. I always keep my cars
until they drop then donate them anyway, so it makes no difference what the
depreication is. I fincanced this Kia with a three year payment at 1.9%.
I'll be done paying it off next year.

I've had one for approximately 5 months and have put over 9000 miles
on it. I've had a lot of ppl joke with me about it, but I paid a
little under 22,000 for a fully loaded EX. You can't touch anything
like that for that amount of money.

So far, we took a 2600 mile trip cross country and this is the first
minivan I was able to actually sleep in. It cruises so good on the
highways that you never know you're doing 80. The gas mileage isn't
that great, but thats basically because the thing weighs so damn much.
I'm not really that concerned, more steel means its safer. Besides, we
do mostly highway driving and the mileage isn't too bad there.

Since we tend to keep cars (the last two cars we bought new we racked
up 140,000 each), the warranty was another deal clincher. In our
previous cars, it seemed everything started crapping out after 40,000
miles. This car came with a 5 year 60,000 bumper-to-bumper, and 10
year 100,000 drivetrain, so I know we won't be spending anything
outside regular maintenance for at least 5 years.

Long term its hard to say. But as long as you take good enough care of
it, it should last a good long while.

I purchased an '02 in June '04.   So far so good.  Although, please be aware
they started making these vans in '02.  Finding parts is difficult (although
the warranty makes it not matter at the moment.)  There is also no history
to fall back on hence no way to compare how reliable the power train is.
Because of the price and the warranty I believe it would be worth the
money/time.