I have been checking out these two models, the 2003 Rio and similar age Almera look to offer value for money. I know both are 'grey porrige' and not a drivers car but if they last five to ten years then it's good for me. They are probably rubbish to drive compared to a Focus, or even the old shape Astra?
Does anyone have recent experience of these models - I have heard the 1.5 Almera can be a bit noisy but has good equipment. Some tales of broken timing chains needing a £1k fix which seems to cancel out the obvious advantage over a timing belt design. Also they might be prone to brake calipers seizing, especially the rear ones (rear discs?).
I remember some earlier Kias were based on Mazda engines but elsewhere it is mentioned that the Magentis uses Mitsubishi mechanics - either is good news.
Overall they seem good value and simple enough to maintain long term rather than risk a diesel and complicated breakdowns.
Ta.
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Surely if a timing chain breaks it will have given ample warning, and the chances are the engine has been neglected, run short of oil or made to run on very filthy oil....
I saw a new looking red diesel Golf in Kensington today that was making an utterly horrendous noise. Won't go many more miles that one without a bit of attention. Don't know wether it was water or steering pump or the engine itself, but sounded like all three...
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Id take the Kia myself, just get a good spec model.
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There were loads of old model Almeras sitting about for a long time a couple of years ago - were selling for £6k ish "new"
I would try and check the cars manufacture date against it's registration date - it could have been sitting on an airfield for a year or so...
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Kio or Almera? Like being asked to choose between a broccoli or brussel sprout sandwich! Think I'd choose the broccoli though (Almera).
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I have a 52 plate Almera 1.5 S 5 door. Bought due to its strong reliability and low price. At 3 years old I picked it up from a main dealer with 30k on the clock for £4995. It was ex-Motability. They also had one with 8k on the clock for £5295. The dealer said that Motability is a good source of low mileage well maintained cars.Came with a years warranty and RAC. Get the newer shape one and you'll get AC as standard.
It's not exciting but it's also not slow. It handles reasonably well and is cheap to insure and tax. Highly recommended.
Kia's are the same as Hyundai's underneath. Getting very reliable now.
Ultimately depends on your own needs and whether you are in any way badge conscious. Nissan may hold its money for longer and might be cheaper to repair.
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One thing which always springs to my mind at this time of year when someone mentions an Almera, is that it had the fastest, hottest heater in a group test performed by Autoexpress some years ago. It was the older 1.4, but I'm sure it hasn't changed much.
Just wish my Focus tddi was quicker to heat!
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Good range and prices of pattern replacement parts for the Almera - so a cheaper car to maintain in the very long run.
Change oil twice as often as the 9000 mile service interval and the timing chain will not give problems. Dirty oil kills timing chains and 9000/1year is too long IMHO.
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