kia carnival - any opinions

[Pandora]

We need to get a car to replace the one that was written off. So far there is little in our price range, but I did find a coupld of 2000/2001 model kia carnivals, with low 100000kms on them that included a 3 year dealer warranty.

Does anyone have one or has driven one?
Im particularly interested in what the fuel economy is like.

DH would want to take out the back row of seats, however I didnt think you could put a capsule or child restrain on a seat that can be reclined? Or is that not the case?

[Doing my best]

My parents have one and I put my DD in the middle row of seats, I just don't recline the seat. Unless they have the car full (i.e all the grandkids at once), they take the back row out.

They only bought theirs new last year and have had a few computer issues, but as it was still under warranty hasn't cost them anything. I don't mind driving it, but it does feel huge to start off with, but drives real smooth.. Sorry, not sure on the fuel consumption though.

[ausgirl]

Kia = trouble - don't do it.

[Tinks]

Originally Posted by ausgirl

Kia = trouble - don't do it.

I have heard that too and always see them on ebay with blown head gaskets etc

But also I have friends with Carnivals who love them and hven't had any trouble. Maybe ask what the 3 year dealer warranty covers. Lots of them aren't worth the paper they're written on.

[Tanya]

I have just bought a 2006 Grand Carnival.... I am LOVING IT!!

I have heard the 2000-2001 models are not very good, but newer models have had good reviews in the passed few years.

[alioops]

Originally Posted by rayray

I didnt think you could put a capsule or child restrain on a seat that can be reclined? Or is that not the case?

You can. On my car the inbuilt anchor points are on the second row of seats, which do recline. I had to get 3 more points installed for the 3rd row though so we can shuffle seats when we need to, and because we need at least 1 child in the 3rd row.

[Yowie]

Originally Posted by ausgirl

Kia = trouble - don't do it.

[Lulu]

The troubles were mainly with the older models. I'd look at anything past 2003/4 to get past those issues.

I have an 02, but it came with a new motor (woo low klms) and full service history.

On the whole I LOVE mine and the fuel economy is great! About half what I was paying in the VT commodore.

Do go over the dealer warranty and see what you are really getting, its true alot of warranties are total crud, but if it's OK go for it!

Also check if it's had its Major Service - that's an exxy one.

[Pandora]

i only want to for 6 months til I go back to work, then we will be trading in whatever we buy to get a mazda 6 wagon. Being on maternity leave with no pay, no one wants to lend me money surprisingly lol

[bon]

I would avoid getting a Kia from that period - they are notorious for having engine problems, even after fairly low kms - and they have a very poor resale/trade in value, because of the known issues with them. I would be going over the dealer warranty with a fine tooth comb too - if it doesn't cover you for engine failure or blown head gaskets don't get the car. We have a 3 year dealer warranty with our Honda Odyssey and it is basically worthless - doesn't cover us if the engine dies for any reason, amongst other things, and it is contingent on us only getting the car serviced at the dealer - if we miss any services or go elsewhere, the warranty is automatically voided.

[Pretty Butterfly]

Dont touch it babe....
I would only get one after 2005-4.....

And if you want to trade it later, you will lose HEAPS on it.... trade in value is shiate...they are cheap for a reason...

I had a 2001, loved it, then the head gasket went, and wasn't covered under warrenty as it is a known fault. They would give me one, if I shipped it over from Korea....

[kevandroz]

Do not buy a Kia. We had a late 2005. Clutch went at 25,000 k's, $1300. 2 Months after factory warranty head gasket went, at 45,000 k's. Very expensive!!!! Supposedly sorted on the later models. I called Kia and its out of warranty, my problem not theirs. Buy an older Japanese people mover.

[Ahurani]

Dont buy a Kia!!!!!! My dad worked mechanically on them they are crud!!!!

[jasp]

oooohhhh... we bought a 2005 Kia Carnival in March and so far I looove it!

Feeling a bit nervous after reading all those replies though let's hope it's all good....

I do agree, check your warranty carefully...but that goes for pretty much anything second hand kwim?

Fuel is ok, no worse than the 4cyl Mazda I was driving. And I got used to the size very quickly, not hard to park or anything, the only thing is it's a bit wider than I was used to. Good turning circle, I have to U-turn a lot & no probs there either. Fits all the kids nicely and I think it has better boot room than some of the other people movers. I also like that it has doors on both sides not just one, will be handy for us with a bub. Our has anchor points behind both middle seats & two of the back ones...bub will be going in the middle.... What else? That's about it I think.

Basically it fit our budget and so far, so good...

[shaza12345]

i wouldnt touch them, they are good why you have the warrenty but as soon as the warrenty runs out so does the car, also if you only getting it for 6 months you want get your money back on the car Kia dont keep there value at all, we have a kia rio which we bought brand new in late 2007 and the price has droped $6000 in a year and a half, i know not the same car but have heard bad things friend had one and had nothing but troubles with it.