In mid-October I discovered my poor old Toyota was facing some repair dollars that I didn't want to spend. I drive at least 40 K per year (mostly "highway") and need a vehicle that will "get me there".

My choices were a Kia Sephia (98) with 4500 miles or an auto that was a few years older with ten times the mileage. I opted for the Sephia.

The car impressed my with it's nice handling. It’s even got some "spunk": especially in the 50 MPH to 70 MPH range-crucial on country roads. It looks like all the other cars of its ilk (people don't laugh until they are close enough to read the name-plate.)

My first problem was an inability to fill the gas tank. The pump's automatic shutoff kept activating. With my 36K, factory' warranty I visited the dealer (not where it was purchased).

They explained that the gas tank contained a sensor that will shut off the fuel flow if the car is upside down. Mine was faulty and was reacting to gas from the pump. “We'll replace your tank,” said the dealer.

As I sat in the waiting room, the mechanic suggested that the front-to-rear wiring contained a connector that was vulnerable to moisture. "Want me to replace the wiring?" "Sure"

Next he asked if the brakes had a tendency to "pulse" when depressed. I frankly didn't know. Mechanic now said, "Might be a future problem. I'll replace the front disk assembly".

A while later I wandered into the bay. The exhaust system was lying on the floor. Mechanic's comment: "Muffler looked like it might separate. I'm replacing it".
A leak was fixed, the cigarette lighter replaced and the car was washed.
Price $0.00

Can any Mercedes owner match this warranty service? (Although no new(ish) car should need this effort. I personally am very impressed.

This is aMay 2000 update. I've put about 14,000 miles on the Kia. Still fairly happy. Gas mileage has ranged from the mid thirties in bad weather to the low forties in recent weeks. Note: We've rented automatic transmission Kias. Performance and gas mileage (in the 20's) were nothing to boast about. Get standard! No more problems on this one save a little moisture buildup in the drivers door: noticeable when the windows are "rolled up/down" after rain. Will have the dealer rectify soon before the rust devils appear.

A comment on Kia's radio (and all the others). With nineteen tiny buttons: some you push, once, twice, thrice, others hold down for 5 seconds etc., car radios really are a safety issue. Can't do much without taking your eyes off of the road.

Now an August 2000 update.
The Sephia now has 24,000 miles: closing in on the end of the warranty. It’s still a fairly fun car to drive but the front tires are totally gone (steel belt visible on one!). The dealer explained that the “factory” tires are not of high quality. No warranty: spent $100.

I had been hearing a weird humming noise from the engine compartment. Kia replaced the power steering pump and all associated links. There was a recall on the wipers and fuel pump (plus one more item I can’t decode). Those were replaced.

The mechanic noted a leak in the rear struts and resealed them.

As above, these things should not happen but the dealer service is superb.

I’ll keep you posted.