Kia Magentis V6 2.5 SE Auto

I was fortunate enough to acquire one of the last Kia Magentis - one year old in 2004, with 9k on the clock. I paid £10k to a dealer (yes, massive first year depreciation) who failed to advise me that the driver's door glass had been smashed by a radio thief and then replaced. A year on I was still finding glass in the car! The vehicle was not only roomy but also very well equipped with front airbags; electric windows, air con, central locking, traction and cruise controls and seats covered with leather of higher quality than in most BMW's.

A relatively light car and so acceleration was quite brisk. I would estimate the BHP at around 165. Petrol consumption averaged around 30 over one year and 17,000 miles (95 octane unleaded). Kia were unable to correct the headlight design fault which results in 25% of dipped and main beam light heading skywards, which is easily proved in misty conditions. Also, the rear suspension is non-adjustable which is annoying when there are rear passengers as the suspension regularly 'bottoms out' on country roads. Nevertheless, despite its intrinsic faults I was delighted with this vehicle which never missed a beat. Those 17,000 miles only cost me £3,000. in depreciation plus a cheap set of replacement alloy wheels. A damn good office 'runaround' or family car for those with a young family. I was sorry to see this car go.