Kia Ceed SW (2007 - 2012) 1.6 CRDi LS (113bhp) 5d (2008/58) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Jury's still out - if much more goes wrong with it, it'll be 'mug'.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

One neighbour has since bought a similar one, but with the revised styling. Family quite impressed with it at first, but as list of repairs etc. grows, the shine is very much wearing off.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No - far too many creaks, groans, pops, cracks and rattles on the interior - reminds me of a 1980s Austin Rover, at the height of their quality issues.

What are you likely to buy next?

The way fuel prices and road tax are heading, there probably won't bne another car. Certainly I won't be getting into debt to finance one again.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£10,500

When did you buy the car?

November 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Reasonable - went in with a budget in mind and salesman was happy to knock almost £500 off the screen price. Car had less than 8k on the clock.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Looks, practicality, on-paper running costs and, of course, the appeal of having more warranty on a 2-year old car than on most new ones.

What was the dealer like?

Helpful in finding solutions to problems, while managing to avoid pushiness or 'hard sell' tactics. No complaints.

What's it like to drive?

Relaxed on the road, excellent responsiveness (when it's not having its wee stutters). Handles well.

What's it like to park?

A non-question - parking ability is determined by the driver, not the car.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Air-con condenser packed up - new Knocking-noise from front suspension started around 9k miles - loose mount. All repaired under warranty, but suspension issue recurring 17k mls. Slight hesitation under acceleration - stock answer appears to be "nothing's showing up on diagnostics, and we can't replicate it." So I must be imagining it. Not. Fuel consumption now struggling to reach 45mpg - used to get 48 - 50. Worst of all are the innumerable creaks rattles and pops from the interior, which have been appearing from about 10k miles. Cannot now drive the car without the radio on at high volume. Last car I had with such shoddy build-quality was nearly 20 years ago and had an Austin Rover badge. Conveniently, Kia's wonderful warranty specifically excludes creaks and rattles.

What's most practical about your car?

Excellent use of space, good sized boot and flat-folding seats. Shifted a large single bed in it in one go. Very comfortable seating.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Cruise Control.