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Consumer Test Drive - 1998 Kia Sephia
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| Overall Rating: |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:59:40 |
| Rating |
 16 ( -2 -12.5% ) | | Author | Justin Stevens |
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Description:
Comfort Rating:
Performance Rating:
Quality Rating:
Appearance Rating:
Favorite Feature:
strong engine, slick shifting 5-speed
Least Favorite Feature:
raspy, unrefined engine, even compared to the Neon
Advice to Buyer:
don't buy the bare bones model; spend a little extra and at least get power steering
Detailed Review:
Last year, when my beloved '89 T-Bird Super Coupe died for the last time, I decided it was time to buy a new car with a warranty. I didn't have any particular car in mind, but I didn't want to spend a whole lot of money. On the radio, I had heard about a sale going on at the local Kia dealership, and decided to check it out. I test drove a 1998 Kia Sephia with a 5-speed, and enjoyed every minute of it. Here was a small, 4-door sedan, brand new, that started at $11,000. It had a strong engine, a willing chassis, and was relatively comfortable (though obviously not on the same level as my T-Bird). After test driving a 1997 Dodge Neon and a 1998 Chevy Cavalier, I bought the Kia. The only thing I regret about buying the car is my decision to go cheap; no power windows or locks, no radio(I bought an after-market CD player), not even power steering. I financed $11,400 for 72 months, but I should have bought the LS model with all the little frills for only an extra $1500. Other than that, my '98 has now provided me with over 11,000 miles of reliable driving, with the only mechanical problem being warped front brake rotors at 10,000 miles, which were replaced under warranty. I'm now considering buying a new '99 for my wife.
Also Considered:
1997 Dodge Neon
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
Vehicle Purchased:
1998 Kia Sephia
Reviewer Information:
Location - Bozeman, Montana |
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