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Jim Wild - 20 Feb 2005 13:42 GMT

I am ashamed to admit that I bought a really ugly green 2001 Rio with
39K for $3000 from a co-worker that was desperate to get rid of it.
Because he bought a Mustang and has a company truck. When he heard my
Celica had died, he jumped in with the offer. I admit, I was in a pickle
as far as transportation needs. I accepted his offer. Upon doing a
little research on the 2001 Rio, I started to worry about the reviews.
Now after more research I find myself less of a complete idiot for
buying this thing. I actually like the handling and comfort for a small
car. The reviews pertaining to new car test drives are positive for
something in this very inexpensive class. I'm satisfied with getting
from point A to point B with my transportation. However I would like
some impute on what problems I will see in the future with this solidly
built but unreliable thing. Does anyone know of it's break down
schedule? What goes first? What do I need to pay particular attention
to? Besides to obvious oil and basic stuff.

So far, I kind of like it. I've been a passenger in other inexpensive
cars before. The Rio seems a lot better than those Geo Metros and
similar cheap cars.

I plan on owning this car for a few years. Possibly trading it in after
90k. What repairs can I expect to make within that time? Clutch, timing
belt, head?

If anyone has owned one for a few years or has the knowledge of the
break down schedule, clue me in for preventative sake.

Bottom line,,, I will change the oil and do all necessary basic
maintenance to help this vehicle along. But what surprises can I expect?

Any impute would be appreciated.

jr_wild@webtv.net

Thank you, Jim

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Mike Frandson - 22 Feb 2005 01:17 GMT

> I am ashamed to admit that I bought a really ugly green 2001 Rio with
> 39K for $3000 from a co-worker that was desperate to get rid of it.
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
>
> Thank you, Jim

I have a really ugly green 2001 Rio that I bought in desparation. It
recently passed 115,000 miles. Here's been my experience: at 500 miles the
air bag warning light came on; fixed by dealer at no cost. At around 50K,
the A pillar molding broke loose (there is only one snap connector holding
it) exposing the metal. It is unsightly and a little epoxy would fix it
however I'm too lazy to fix such a minor thing. At 60K it needed a tune up.
At 90K it needed an alternator; at around the same time the heat shield
loosened a little and now rattles at idle or low rpm; at 110K I replaced
transmission grease and lubed the chassis; at 114K I replaced a headlight;
at 115K the front brake pads finally got thin enough to replace; minor rotor
wear and the rear brake seals were replaced as a preventative measure. The
A/C freon needs recharged, I guess. It stopped blowing cold last summer;
will have to wait and see.

The car still has the original clutch and related; exhaust and related;
timing belt and related; battery; etc. The car uses NO oil (none; 3.5 qts
in, 3.5 out at 5K intervals). I use the cheapest oil and filter I can find;
the last time I checked, I got 41.9 mpg. It is hard to argue with me over
the value of this car because I can see 200K or better with minimal care.

Good luck with yours; we own two Kia's and will probably buy a new Sportage
when the price gets reasonable.

Mike, St Louis, MO USA

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murban - 22 Feb 2005 01:31 GMT

Do your regular maintenance, don't abuse the car and you will be fine. 2000
Sephia 160,000km's not 1 "major" repair not one "break down"... oil changes
every 5,000km, timing belt changed at 120,000km 2 sets of front brakes
(pads rotors).

We will buy another kia.

Cheers.

> > I am ashamed to admit that I bought a really ugly green 2001 Rio with
> > 39K for $3000 from a co-worker that was desperate to get rid of it.
[quoted text clipped - 56 lines]
>
> Mike, St Louis, MO USA

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Jim Wild - 26 Feb 2005 06:11 GMT

Well, that went better than expected. Mike, if after 116k, you had those
4 problems only,,, that is outstanding. A headlight went out after 114k?
I'd be flabber-gasted if a headlight on an inexpensive car lasted more
than 60k.

I like this car so far and hope it lasts a few years before I trade it
in. But if maintinance is low, I might stretch it out a bit. I don't
need a status symbol for a vehicle anyway. And given the green color of
this car, it's a good thing. Although I did see Brittany Spears chasing
after me last Wednesday. In her dreams. For I have, a willow green Kia.

I must say, the only thing that I don't like about the kia's ride is the
bounciness over rough spots in the road. I wonder if this is a strut
issue. Could better struts be installed to replace the factory ones? If
in fact that is the soarce of the instability. I am a very safe,
defensive driver that does not find that kind of instability a good
feature. If you get caught in the rare situation (a few times a year)
where you have to evade an object, the rubber must meet the road.
Besides all that, I do like the percise steering and the breaks seem
fine, as I tested them on an empty road at 50mph. I stopped quickly. I
say, so far so good with the Rio.

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Jeff C - 25 Mar 2005 21:08 GMT

Owner of a 2000 Kia Sephia with 80k. One brake light bulb, 4 new tires
and one windshield wiper blade set. Thats it! No bumps, grinds,
gurgles! It just works! Again, proper maintenance, 5k mile oil changes
and it just goes! Gonna try replacing the rear drum brake pads this
weekend. We'll see it it's a DYI car.
We'll buy another KIA also.

Jeff in Lisbon Maine

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vaestanfors - 06 Jun 2005 10:35 GMT

> I am ashamed to admit that I bought a really ugly green 2001
> Rio with
[quoted text clipped - 52 lines]
>
> Thank you, Jim

Dont worry mate just run it on 98 octane and service it every 6000
miles. my kia is 6 years old and only had a new set of brake pads and
cam belt changed besides the oil filter and oil. It still has the
original head light bulbs and battery after 128000 km on the
clock...plugs were changed at 60000 km and still have the correct gap.
nothing else has been touched. I’ve had volvos, hondas toyotas mazdas
vw golf and kia has pretty much beaten all these makes on reliability
issues. you rio should give you good service like my mentor which has
similar mechanics...yours is newer.. but what ever you do DONT PUT
CHEAP GRADE PETROL IN THE TANK and CHANGE THE OIL AND FILTER EVERY
10000 KM. hope this cheers you up a little.

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