1996 Kia Sephia problems
The Kia Sephia is a compact car that was manufactured by the South Korean automaker Kia Motors from September 1992 to 2003.
The first generation Sephia was badged Kia Mentor in some markets, and as the Timor S515/S516 in Indonesia. This convention continued on with the second generation version, which was also badged Kia Shuma and Kia Spectra.
First generation (1992)
The first-generation Kia Sephia is the first car that was actually designed by Kia with their own chassis. Engines available were the B-series engines, with the 1.5-liter rated at 59 kilowatts (79 hp), the 1.6-liter 78-kilowatt (105 hp), and the 1.8-liter BP engine at 91-kilowatt (122 hp) from 1994. The car was presented in September 1992 to replace the aging Capital, which was rapidly losing market share. The Sephia proved quite successful, selling over 100,000 in its first full year in the home market (1993). A total of 472,920 Sephias were sold over the life of the original Sephia.
In the United States, sales began in late 1993 for the 1994 model year. This was the first Kia to be exported to the US. An update came in the 1995 model year when grille and tail lights were restyled and all US-market Sephias except California-market RS/LS models got upgraded to the new 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder BP engine as used in the Mazda Familia (BG). Kia licensed the engine design from Mazda, but manufactured it themselves.
It was launched in Europe in the spring of 1994 as the Kia Sephia in some markets and in others, including the United Kingdom, as the Kia Mentor. It was similar in size to best-selling European small family cars like the Ford Escort, but was priced similarly to smaller cars like the Ford Fiesta. Its key rivals in Europe were budget-priced Eastern European and Far Eastern imported products including the Daewoo Nexia, Hyundai Accent, Proton Persona and Skoda Felicia. In Brazil, the car went on the market in March 1994. It was only offered with the 1.5-liter twin cam engine with 112 PS (82 kW) and was considered a competitor to the domestically built Chevrolet Omega and Volkswagen Santana. To make a car suitable for the Brazilian market, Kia went through the trouble of studying Brazilian road surfacing and importing 1,000 litres (260 US gal) of Brazilian gasoline to properly program the engine management.
Kia presented a conceptual convertible version of the first generation Sephia, which was named "Kia Sephia Cabrio" at some auto shows.
Social links
Common 1996 Kia Sephia problems
The Kia Sephia, produced from 1993 to 2003, has been known to have various problems over the years, with the 2000 model year being the worst, according to owner complaints. Here are some of the most common problems with the Kia Sephia, particularly the 1996 model:
- Dashboard Lifted Badly: This issue is most prevalent in the 2000 Kia Sephia, with 3 complaints filed. The dashboard can lift or detach from its original position, causing inconvenience and potential safety hazards.
- Transmission Issues: The Kia Sephia 1996 has reported issues with the transmission not going into gear, only revving. This problem can be caused by various factors, such as wear and tear or lack of maintenance. It can lead to difficulties in changing gears, which can be dangerous while driving.
- Fuel Pump Failure: The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel from the gas tank to the engine. Fuel pump failures can lead to stalling, difficulty starting, or poor performance. Several Kia Sephia owners have reported issues with the fuel pump, particularly in the 1996 and 2000 models.
- Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils: Spark plugs and ignition coils are essential for the proper functioning of the engine. Faulty spark plugs or ignition coils can cause the engine to misfire, stall, or have trouble starting. Kia Sephia owners have reported issues with spark plugs and ignition coils, particularly in the 1996, 1997, and 2000 models.
- Sensors and Wiring: Various sensors and wiring issues have been reported in the Kia Sephia. These problems can lead to issues such as the check engine light coming on, stalling, or difficulty starting the car. Sensors and wiring issues have been reported across different model years, including the 1996, 1997, and 2000 models.
- Airbags and Seat Belts: Airbags and seat belts are crucial safety features in any vehicle. In the Kia Sephia, there have been complaints about airbags catching fire on deployment and issues with seat belts not functioning properly. These problems have been reported in various model years, including the 2001 model.
- Starting Issues: Some Kia Sephia owners have reported difficulties starting their vehicles. These issues can be caused by various factors, such as faulty ignition switches, wiring problems, or starter motor failures.
In conclusion, the Kia Sephia has had several common problems reported by owners, particularly in the 1996 and 2000 model years. These issues range from dashboard lift to transmission problems and various electrical and engine-related concerns. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help mitigate these issues and ensure the vehicle's longevity and safety.
What kind of engine is in the Kia Sephia?
The Kia Sephia I 1.6i has a Inline 4, Petrol engine with 1598 cm3 / 97.5 cu-in capacity.
How many Kia Sephia were made?
628,168
In South Korea, the Sephia label was retired in 2000 and replaced by the Spectra. The Sephia production totals were 628,168.
How much horsepower does a 1997 Kia Sephia have?
122 @ 6000 RPM
Performance
| Horsepower | 122 @ 6000 RPM |
|---|---|
| Torque | 117 @ 4000 rpm |
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter |
Which country made Kia motor?
South Korea
In its 'home' country of South Korea, Kia operates three major vehicle assembly plants – the Hwasung, Sohari and Kwangju facilities – plus a world-class research and development centre employing 8,000 technicians at Namyang and a dedicated environmental R&D centre.
1996 Kia Sephia car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Sephia problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Kia Sephia vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Kia Sephia
The NHTSA has received 161 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Kia Sephia. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Kia Sephia vehicles.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-01
- VIN: KNAFA1253T5
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ON DECEMBER 1, 2003 THE DASHBOARD LIFTED UP IN THE FRONT WHEN TURNING ON THE DEFROSTER . IT DID NOT DEFOG THE WINDOW, IT WILL WORK SOMEWHAT BUT NOT LIKE IT SHOULD. CAN SEE THE INSIDE DASHBOARD WHERE WIRING AND FOAM WAS. IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE SINCE DECEMBER 2003. CONSUMER HAD TRIED TO PUSH THE DASHBOARD DOWN WITH HER HANDS, BUT THE DASHBOARD WILL NOT MOVE. CONSUMER HAS NOT HAD A DEALER LOOK AT VEHICLE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-04
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I PURCHASED A 1996 KIA SEPHIA AND HAVE THE SAME PROBLAM AS ALOT OF OTHER OWNERS. THE DASHBOARD IS LIFTING AND PEELING AWAY FROM THE FRAME.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-03
- VIN: 11GYEE63594
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS BRAKING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER NOTICED WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-10
- VIN: KNAFA1254T5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: IT IS UNBELIEVEABLE THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE DASHBOARDS FOR KIA VEHICLES. I OWN A KIA SEPHIA AND IT SEEMS LIKE THE DASHBOARD CRACKS AND PEELS OFF. I HAVE SEEN OTHER MODELS AND IT FACES THE SAME PROBLEMS. MATTER OF FACT I VISITED KIA DEALERSHIPS AND THERE IS NO WARRANTY ON THIS ITEMS. THE DEALERSHIPS ALSO MENTIONED THAT THEY HAVE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THAT SAME ISSUE. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THERE MUST BE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUES. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-13
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DASHBOARD IS SEPARATING FROM THE FRAME OF THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER HAS EXAMINED THE VEHICLE ON FOUR OCCASIONS, AND WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNAFA1253T5
- Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DASHBOARD IS RISING AND THE DEFROSTER DOESN'T WORK, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER. *AK *MR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-12
- VIN: KNAFA1259T5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHEN VEHICLE HAS BEEN STARTED ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND REMAIN ILLUMINATED. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC FAILED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-08
- VIN: 1FACP52U1LA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT BODY MOUNTS SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING FUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. RELATED RECALL 98V323000, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNAFA1256V5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT DASHBOARD IS PEELING OFF FROM THE CAR'S FOUNDATION.*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNAFA1256T5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DASH BOARD BUCKLED TO THE POINT WHERE THE CONSUMER HAD TO CUT OFF PORTIONS OF IT. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED IT MAY AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE AIR BAG. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-01
- VIN: KNAFA1259T5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE I BAUGHT THE CAR. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO HAVE IT FIXED BUT THE LIGHT STILL COMES ON. MY CAR WILL NOT PASS CALIFORNIA SMOG WITH THE LIGHT ON WHICH MEANS THAT I CANNOT RENEW MY REGISTRATION THE NEXT TIME THE DMV REQUIRES A SMOG CHECK.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-12
- VIN: KNAFA1259T5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: DASHBOARD HAS CURLED UP IN FRONT (AGAINST WINDSHIELD). BECAUSE OF THIS THE DEFROSTER WILL NOT DEFROST THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. AS A RESULT I AM UNABLE TO SEE ADEQUATELY TO DRIVE ANYTIME MY WINDSHIELD IS FOGGY. THIS MAY ALSO CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT BUT I'M NOT SURE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-31
- VIN: KNAFA1256T5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD NEAR THE WINDSHIELD VENTS HAS PEELED AWAY OVER THE LAST YEAR OR SO FROM THE DASH FRAME. RIGHT NOW IT IS STANDING AROUND 3" FROM THE FRAME AND I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO TRANSGRESS INTO MY LINE OF SIGHT. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE DEFROST/DEFOGGER ON THE CAR DOES NOT WORK WELL ANYMORE SINCE THE PEELING HAS OCCURRED. THE DASH IS ALSO LIFTING AWAY FROM THE FRAME JUST ABOVE AND TO THE RIGHT OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. MY CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH DUAL FRONT AIR BAGS AND I BELIEVE THAT THIS WARPING OF THE DASH MAY IN SOME WAY EITHER CAUSE A PREMATURE RELEASE OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OR PREVENT THE RELEASE OF THE BAG WHEN IT MAY BE NEEDED. I HAVE NOTED THIS SAME PHENOMENON ON OTHER KIA SEPHIAS IN THE CITY WHERE I LIVE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-30
- VIN: KNAFA1257T5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE WHOLE DASH BOARD CAME OFF. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS. TS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-07
- VIN: KNAFA1255T5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING GOING 30MPH THE VEHICLE WAS IN A HEAD ON ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATES THE SEAT BELT NEVER LOCKED AND BOTH AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. TS
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-08
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL NOT LOCK PROPERLY CAUSING THE CONSUMER NOT TO HAVE A SEAT BELT ON WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-14
- VIN: KNAFA1257T5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE FIRST WIRING HARNESS THAT WAS ORDERED FOR THIS CAR ON 10/29/02 WAS DEFECTIVE. THEY ORDERED A SECOND ONE. I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR THEY SAY WAS READY AND EVERYTHING IS WORKING. BEFORE I DROVE OFF THE LOT I NOTICED MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT ON. HOWEVER ALL OF THE DOORS WERE CLOSED INCLUDING THE TRUNK. SO TOMORROW I AM TAKING MORE TIME OFF FROM WORK SO THEY CAN INSTALL A THIRD WIRING HARNESS. I HAVE TAKEN OFF 2 DAYS 3 HOURS SO FAR. THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP IS ABOUT 45 MILES AWAY. I ONLY HAVE THAT ONE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOWED OVER THERE THE LAST TIME BECAUSE THE GEAR SHIFT WOULD NOT MOVE. WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE SEEN TONIGHT ON THIS WEB SITE YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD CALL A RECALL. I WILL NOT REST UNTIL SOMEONE TAKES RESPONSIBLITY FOR THE CAR THAT HAS BEEN IN AND OUT THE SHOP EVERY SINCE I HAD IT. DT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-28
- VIN: KNAFA1257T5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS IS THE THIRD WIRING HARNESS THEY ARE ORDERING. DT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-11
- VIN: KNAFA1211S5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS ARE UNTREADING WITHOUT BEING USED EXCESSIVELY.*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
- VIN: KNAFA1252T5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE SEAMS THAT JOIN THE BODY IN THE REAR HAVE SEPARATED, THIS CAUSED A LEAK IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. SEPARATION IS SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH TO CAUSE FREE FLOWING WATER TO BE SEEN ENTERING THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT. SOME OF THE SEPARATION OF THE SEAM IS NOT VISIBLE DUE TO BEING LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE REAR BUMPER.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
- VIN: KNAFA1252T5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: DASHBOARD WAS WARPING. DASHBOARD BEGAN DISCOLORING A YEAR 1/2 AGO, AND CURRENTLY WAS FALLING APART. DEALER ADVISED THAT IT WAS SIMPLY WEAR AND TEAR. CONSUMER FEELS THAT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG MAY DEPLOY. *AK *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-03
- VIN: KNAFA1250T5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ONLY 9 MONTH OLD BREAK, ROTORS HAS BECOME TOO THIN, NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNAFA1250T5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE DASHBOARD ON MY KIA IS FOLDING AND BUCKLING PREVENTING THE DEFROST SYSTEM TO BLOW CORRECTLY. THUS, MAKE IT A HAZARDOUS CONDITION WHEN IT IS RAINING AND THE WINDSHIELD FOGS UP. THE BLOWER CANNOT REACH THE WINDSHIELD DUE TO THE BUCKLING OF THE DASH.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-28
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING IN DARK IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE DUE TO HEADLIGHTS LAMPS, WHERE COVER IS TURNING YELLOW, AND ISN'T ILUMINATING LIKE BEFORE.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-06
- VIN: KNAFA1259T5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED EVERY 8000 MILES. *AK
1996 Kia Sephia recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1996 Kia Sephia.
- Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
- Remedy: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 20, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Negative 1996 Kia Sephia car reviews
Positive 1996 Kia Sephia car reviews
-
The car has been incredibly reliable with only a few minor issues. The fuel cell or computerized fuel system required repair, as did the hydraulic clutch, and the timing belt will need attention soon. Overall, it has been a great car that has only required basic maintenance and clutch hydraulics.
-
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share that I purchased the car new and have taken great care of it. The only major repair I've had to do was to replace a worn cv boot. As you know, if you take care of your car, it will take care of you! I still enjoy driving it as much as the first day.
-
Great auto for a great price!
-
I haven't had too many problems with the Kia Saphia other than the engine light tends to go on if you accelerate too fast with it... But you know what? I have beaten a Ford Mustang with it, Acura Integras, Honda Accords, and Honda Civics. Now if you don't think that's all that great, well, the car is all stock. If you buy one of these, I'm sure you will be pleased!
-
Well, at first I had some problems, but I decided that I wanted to street race in this car. So, I rebuilt my motor with some performance parts, and it has worked out great! I put aluminium pistons with aluminium rings, and the block was cut by 20, plus some more modifications. Right now, it did about a 15.1 on the 1/4, so it's pretty good.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Kia Sephia problems:
Q&A: Kia Sephia 1997 Engine Issues - DTC P1500, Idle Control ...
May 4, 2009 ... Any ideas on which sensor it may be, if it is a sensor. Is this a common problem with Kia's?
What's Wrong with the Kia Sephia?
Dec 31, 2018 ... Worst Issues · dashboard lifted badly in the 2000 Sephia. 3 complaints · check engine light is on in the 2001 Sephia. 2 complaints · stalls while ...
1996 Kia Sephia Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Get 1996 Kia Sephia repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Kia mechanics near you.
Idle Air Control Valve, 97 sephia | Kia Forum
Mar 23, 2008 ... You're right, Idle Speed Control - ISC (IAC) problems are fairly common. Take a look at the in web sit in my sig and you'll find a lot more ...
Kia Sephia Problems and Complaints - 2 Issues
Top Kia Sephia Problems · Kia Issues New Alternator to Replace Weak One. 27 people have reported this. 7 · No Crank or No Start Due to Cracked Flex Plate. 12 ...
Other years of Kia Sephia
Are you having problems with your 1996 Kia Sephia?
Emmanuel Hahn 2024-08-26
Although I have owned several cars, this one is the worst. I have a strong dislike for it.
Soledad Kunze 2024-07-06
I purchased this car back in 1996 and it has only accumulated 65k miles since then. The engine is fantastic and provides a great deal of speed, as evidenced by the Civic EX drivers who struggle to keep up with me. While there are some areas for improvement, such as rattling, squeaking, and vibrating, overall it has been a reliable vehicle. The ride can be a bit rough, even on smooth pavement, and the seats are not the most comfortable. Additionally, the air conditioning could be colder. Despite these minor issues, I have held onto the car as I have not found a buyer who is interested in taking it off my hands.
Chad Huel 2024-06-25
Hi there! I noticed that you own two Kia Sephias, a '95 and a '96, and it's great to hear that you've had no major mechanical problems with either of them. I understand that finding parts for these cars can be a bit of a challenge, but it's good to know that with some effort, they can be found. It's unfortunate that the air conditioning went out on your '95, but it sounds like the car is still running well. Thanks for sharing your experience with these cars!
Pietro Hayes 2024-06-20
As of this date, the car has 34k miles on it. It has accumulated quite a few pieces of paper from the dealerships that serviced it for one problem or another. I'm hoping to find someone who would be interested in buying it.
Tod Dach 2024-06-10
I took a chance when my '83 Accord broke down in late '96 and purchased a Sephia LS. It has been a dependable, trouble-free, and sporty mode of transportation ever since, with the exception of a 'Check Engine' light at 6,000 miles. Even with over 160,000 miles on the clock, it still performs just as well as it did when it was new. The paint still looks great, and the styling is still modern. I believe I got a lot of value for my money, considering I paid only $12K.