Kia Futureshite.

[Timewaster]

Read in this weeks Autocar (other weekly car mags are available) about a guy who bought his missus a 2007 Kia Ceed 1.6 petrol 18000 miles with the remainder of the 7 year warranty still to run.

Not a very shitey story so far....

 

New price £13,320

 

Price at 18 months old... £5999 with 5 years or 82000 manufacturers warranty.

 

These cars look ok in a toyotaish kinda way, get a reasonable write up in the magazines.

 

So in a couple of years time, what do we think? £1500 with 3 years warranty?

Bargain!

[retrogeezer]

I actually quite like those and would consider buying one when they are a 5 years old for sure.

[gtd2000]

I bought my mum a Kia Picanto to replace her very trusty Jap import Mazda 121 back in November.Having driven the Picanto several times now I'm actually very impressed by it indeed - it has far exce'eded (pun intended) my expectations.What absolutely impresses me is the standard 4 wheel brake disks - when I get back in my "bag-o'shite" Proton it's like I've got no brakes at all I'd be up for a Kia based on the experience with my Mums Picanto and a longer term lease with the new Sportage (2.7L V6) back in Oregon during 2006

[andrew e]

I bought a Sedona new off Kia and had she short wheelbased it I'd still have it now

[Jason A]

Rather like the C'eed myself , haven't driven one but to look at they're pretty ok. And a decent 2nd hand purchase by the looks of things.

[ashmicro]

On a related note, I bought my mum a Hyundai Getz 1.4 CDX to replace her shockingly rusty 3 year old Ford Ka. The Getz reminds me a bit of what I'd imagine a baby Alfa Romeo would look like.Soz for the hijack.

[matt2cv]

I bought a Kia Picanto a couple of months ago for my daily commute (40 mile round trip). Wanted something to do a job reliably, economically and that I wouldn't be precious about.Very pleased so far. Would recommend. As good as anything similar, at much lower price.

[M'coli]

Oddly enough, I'm rather taken by both the Picanto and the Getz, probably because they're what a small car is meant to be - small.

[Milford Cubicle]

I'm sure it won't be long until Hyundai and Kia catch up and make bloated amorphously styled cars like everyone else.

[Parky]

I ran a Picanto for 2 years and it was without a doubt one of the best cars I have ever owned. Reliable, good on fuel and loads of equipment. The only things that would have improved it were slightly better interior plastic and a 1300 engine. I would definitely recommend one to anyone. And its so true they are a proper small car, it rather reminded me of my old 1980 Renault 5 to drive, except without the terminal rust, and leaking fluids....I'd still have it if the kids hadnt grown up and I needed more space. I nearly replaced it with a Ce'ed and in many ways wished I had, thats a great car for the money. Definite 5 year old bargain for sure.

[gtd2000]

I ran a Picanto for 2 years and it was without a doubt one of the best cars I have ever owned. Reliable, good on fuel and loads of equipment. The only things that would have improved it were slightly better interior plastic and a 1300 engine. I would definitely recommend one to anyone. And its so true they are a proper small car, it rather reminded me of my old 1980 Renault 5 to drive, except without the terminal rust, and leaking fluids....I'd still have it if the kids hadnt grown up and I needed more space. I nearly replaced it with a Ce'ed and in many ways wished I had, thats a great car for the money. Definite 5 year old bargain for sure.

Thing is with the space management of these modern "small" cars you wouldn't really think you were sitting in such a small car - very "tardis-like" given the exterior dimensions.When my mum first got in the car after driving the Mazda 121 "Bubble" for 10 years she exclaimed:

It's like a bus inside!!!

[dollywobbler]

I bought a Kia Picanto a couple of months ago for my daily commute (40 mile round trip). Wanted something to do a job reliably, economically and that I wouldn't be precious about.Very pleased so far. Would recommend. As good as anything similar, at much lower price.

Pah! Just use the 2CV! My commute is 50 miles and I regularly use the Deuche. Oh, hold on. Just remembered that the bonnet hinge panel is horribly rusted, the rear sweeps need doing, all the wheels need derusting, as do the bumpers and headlamp bar. Then there's the sills that it's just had...Oh arse. Where can I find me a Kia?!

[wuvvum]

Oddly enough, I'm rather taken by both the Picanto and the Getz, probably because they're what a small car is meant to be - small.

Never driven a Picanto, but I've heard good things. The Getz, on the other hand, is absolutely vile. I hired one when I was in Oz in the summer and spent the entire week wishing I was back behind the wheel of my clapped-out old Saab - and that wasn't because I like shite, it was purely because the Saab was a better car in every conceivable way, even at 19 years and 160,000 miles old. The Getz was gutless, noisy, the seats were uncomfortable, the interior plastics - although well enough screwed together - were dreadful, the steering had no feel, the brakes were mushy and the whole thing felt tinny - the doors closed with more of a clang than a thump. It was a nice-enough looking little car, in my eyes anyway, but objectionable in pretty much every other way. I can't imagine even someone who doesn't give a toss about cars being impressed with the Getz - but apparently some people are, as the fugging things are everywhere...

[garycox]

Has anyone had any experience of the small Proton? Was considering one for the mother as she's decided she wants a new car. I think they look pretty smart but I don't know anybody who's driven one...

[gtd2000]

Has anyone had any experience of the small Proton? Was considering one for the mother as she's decided she wants a new car. I think they look pretty smart but I don't know anybody who's driven one...

Uses a Renault Clio engine from what I understand, have a look over here and ask any questions:http://www.protonownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php