Owners rated comfort levels, roominess, ride, and road handling among the strong points to the Magentis. In particular, many love the dash layout, instruments and leg-room. Interestingly, the Magentis's powerful air conditioner is frequently praised.
Engine and transmission performance were rated slightly worse. Admittedly, the Magentis is not a model huge on performance-- though many say their Magentis has ultimately proven to be a good all-around driving experience for the price.
Of course, not every owner is ready to spout compliments. Mileage seems 'acceptable' though not excellent, and several owners of the Kia Optima (the U.S. market twin to the Magentis) report engine and transmission problems or failure, particularly with the automatic.
Water pump seizure was a concern reported by several owners that could contribute to problems, so check to see if this component has any past mechanical attention if possible.
The shifter cable on the automatic gearbox seems somewhat prone to disconnecting, too - which could leave the vehicle stuck in park, drive or reverse until a repair was carried out. Though covered by Kia's warranty, problems involving a surprise visit from a tow-truck are always a real pain.
Other issues include potential false illumination of the check engine light, which is repaired by a re-programming of the engine computer. A weak latch mechanism has been known to let the trunk pop open during driving, and you'll want to check for proper operation of the CD player, too. They can occasionally malfunction and gobble up your favorite disc.
Note that given the relatively short lifespan of this model, comprehensive reliability information isn't easy to come by. Shop with caution, ensure you're comfortable with the vehicle's service records, and opt for a vehicle familiar to the dealership, if possible. Have any outstanding maintenance or fluid changes handled preemptively if you're unfamiliar with the car's history, just to be safe.
Note the shift quality of the automatic transmission, and listen for any questionable sounds from the engine with the hood open while it idles. Ask a friend, or the sales rep, to start the car while you stand behind it, noting any sign of blue or grey smoke emitted at startup. If anything other than a little steam escapes, it's best to move to another car.
Ensure the steering turns fully from lock to lock without any lumpiness, grinding or hesitation, and that the ride from the front end is free of any clunking or knocking sounds when travelling over bumps. Any of the above sounds or sensation, on any vehicle, could indicate that suspension work may be required.
Ultimately, it's likely that the Magentis style, value equation and lower resale values will attract many value-minded buyers in the used market. If you're one of them, consider a full checkup by a mechanic and an extended warranty, where possible.
photo:Philippe Champoux, KIA
Engine and transmission performance were rated slightly worse. Admittedly, the Magentis is not a model huge on performance-- though many say their Magentis has ultimately proven to be a good all-around driving experience for the price.
Of course, not every owner is ready to spout compliments. Mileage seems 'acceptable' though not excellent, and several owners of the Kia Optima (the U.S. market twin to the Magentis) report engine and transmission problems or failure, particularly with the automatic.
Water pump seizure was a concern reported by several owners that could contribute to problems, so check to see if this component has any past mechanical attention if possible.
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| 2008 Kia Magentis |
The shifter cable on the automatic gearbox seems somewhat prone to disconnecting, too - which could leave the vehicle stuck in park, drive or reverse until a repair was carried out. Though covered by Kia's warranty, problems involving a surprise visit from a tow-truck are always a real pain.
Other issues include potential false illumination of the check engine light, which is repaired by a re-programming of the engine computer. A weak latch mechanism has been known to let the trunk pop open during driving, and you'll want to check for proper operation of the CD player, too. They can occasionally malfunction and gobble up your favorite disc.
Note that given the relatively short lifespan of this model, comprehensive reliability information isn't easy to come by. Shop with caution, ensure you're comfortable with the vehicle's service records, and opt for a vehicle familiar to the dealership, if possible. Have any outstanding maintenance or fluid changes handled preemptively if you're unfamiliar with the car's history, just to be safe.
Note the shift quality of the automatic transmission, and listen for any questionable sounds from the engine with the hood open while it idles. Ask a friend, or the sales rep, to start the car while you stand behind it, noting any sign of blue or grey smoke emitted at startup. If anything other than a little steam escapes, it's best to move to another car.
Ensure the steering turns fully from lock to lock without any lumpiness, grinding or hesitation, and that the ride from the front end is free of any clunking or knocking sounds when travelling over bumps. Any of the above sounds or sensation, on any vehicle, could indicate that suspension work may be required.
Ultimately, it's likely that the Magentis style, value equation and lower resale values will attract many value-minded buyers in the used market. If you're one of them, consider a full checkup by a mechanic and an extended warranty, where possible.
photo:Philippe Champoux, KIA
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