"Problem - Clutch slips under acceleration (moderate to hard accel.)
Holds
fine for cruising or driving like ol' grandpa.

Dealer: (8,000miles) "That's a WEAR item. Not under warranty. Put in a
new
clutch and start over!" (on the east side of New Orleans, LA)."

I know it's a little post-mortem for this, but I was under the
impression that the clutch disk was covered for 12/12,000 for defects
only. Obviously, slipping within the first 8,000 miles would indicate a
defective clutch to me.

" Non-kia Dealer removes engine (replace your timing belt when
required,
kiddies!)
Mechanic sees that clutch, pressure plate, etc area is totally soaked
in
oil. Engine never consumed any oil (ok maybe a quart, but changed motor
oil
always on schedule).  Seal for manual transaxle is bad. Probably has
been
bad all along.  Watch out for this problem! "

Hence the reason I love my 97 sephia. The 1.8l engine used up to 1997
is non-interference, if you break the timing belt the enine will stall.
No damage to valves, head, or pistons. But having said that, it tells
you right in the manual to change the belt every 60,000 miles unless
you live in california. I think the cali requirement is 100,000 miles.

Chris

Well, duh.  It's a piece of junk gearbox.  Most magazines
note this and recommend the automatic as it works better,
believe it or not, and is covered by the warranty.