If you stay over 2004, you should be ok. There was a mass fubar and motors needed to be replaced. I did alot of research on this because I really wanted a Kia (sans fubar), I got mine with a new motor so only 30,000kms, fully replaced by Kia (alot of people didn't know about the recall and missed out on new motors) and with a FULL warranty.

Mine had a full service history with Kia as well. Kia has since done all they can to fix their reputation, so therefore you get alot of bang for your buck now.

I have to sell mine soon (SO SAD!) because I need to clear some debt and also will need a car with big towing capacity, so I'm back to using the VT...and the fuel bills are crapping me off already!