Used 2003 Kia Spectra for Sale

I got my car for $3,500 after difficulties with my first car, a 1990 Cutlass Ciera SL. The first day I had it, there were issues with the engine, something about a bad coil, but it was covered under the very limited used car warranty from the dealership. Overall, from the very first, there were no major issues AND the car has air conditioning, which is a huge improvement from my last vehicle. It is a quick, sturdy little car with good gas mileage and it seems well built for the cheaper model that it is. I have had the car for almost 4 years now and nothing else has gone wrong with it except one hiccup with a bad spark plug, but there isn't anything wrong with the car. I like how the car performs on long drives; it's comfortable and easy to drive. It's easy on gas and it's nice to look ... (more)

Story

The best memory I have of my car is that one time, when I was at a shopping center getting into my car after shopping, the person next to me was doing the same and I could hear their frustration and pain of experiencing the heat after having the car sit in the sun during their shopping. I opened my car and it was minimally hot because my car is white with a light interior, while theirs was bla... (more)

Pros

The top positives about this car are the great gas mileage, the air conditioning, the good brakes, and the relatively good overall look of the car. For a cheaper model car, it's pleasing to the eye and it's not obviously cheaper than, say, an Optima or something. My favorite feature of the vehicle is probably the air conditioning. I went so long without A/C in Florida that, with this car having air, it's a blessing. Also, I'm surprised that this car still has running A/C despite many other cars in the same price range and used do not. I hear the same from other Spectra owners in my family ... (more)

Cons

The only real negative about this car are the motor mounts. Again, I've talked to other Spectra owners with cars from the around the same year and Googled about vibrations from the motor mounts from other Spectras and the consensus is the same: the motor mounts just don't last. After replacing them, it's only a matter of time before the vibration at idle returns. Then, it's up to you if you want to spend the money to replace them again or just deal with it; I've chosen the latter.

2003 Kia Spectra - Steady commuter and family car.

I bought this car initially for a commuter car. I lived 45 minutes away from work and needed something that was reliable and fuel efficient. Over time I had two kids and while it's tight on space, it provided a safe and reliable way to transport my kids and commute. It's easy to drive and easy to maintain. It's not top of the line in comfort or durability but it's extremely fuel efficient and will get you where you need to go. It handles surprisingly well in bad weather conditions too. I live in an area with major snow fall and it's never gotten stuck or failed to get me down my long winding gravel road. I've also taken it out some really gnarly Forest Service roads and it's never ever failed me, even in crazy road conditions. I have the hatchback version and it's got so much space in ... (more)

Story

I once drove it up the Lolo Motorway in North Central Idaho. It's an incredibly rough patch of back road out in the wilderness. It handled it like a champ and we had a lovely picnic out of the trunk.

Pros

I love how fuel efficient it is. It's a very reliable commuter. Is good for kids.

Cons

Getting parts for it is crazy hard, the A/C is notoriously hit or miss, and it's definitely not the most comfortable car to ride around in for long trips.