A Harrowing experience
A harrowing experience that i hope not to happen ever again
Based on my experience, I would advise caution when purchasing a vehicle from this dealer.
On the drive home after purchase, I immediately noticed a crunching noise when selecting 6th gear. I returned the vehicle and, rather than rejecting it at that stage, agreed to allow a repair to be carried out. I was subsequently informed that the dealer had no prior knowledge of the issue and that it amounted to a sudden mechanical failure occurring the first time 6th gear was selected by me.
The vehicle later developed a gearbox oil leak and began disengaging from gear while driving. I returned it again and was informed that a significant hole had been found in the bell housing. I was told the issue had been repaired; however, I was not provided with service records, invoices, or documentation confirming exactly what work had been carried out.
During the subsequent dispute, I was informed that the damage to the bell housing could only have been caused by misuse or deliberate interference after the vehicle left the dealership. I strongly disagreed with this explanation and was not provided with evidence that satisfied me that these were the only possible causes.
Following the repair, the gearbox continued to leak oil and eventually progressed to disengaging from multiple gears. Despite the similarities to the earlier issues, I was informed that these were entirely separate faults. The vehicle is now off the road and is the subject of an ongoing rejection dispute which may take several months to resolve.
The gearbox was not the only issue I experienced. The steering exhibited a tendency to twitch around the centre position and wander, particularly at motorway speeds. Initially, I was advised that this behaviour was normal and related to the lane assist system. Despite repeated assurances that no fault existed, various repairs were subsequently carried out, including wheel alignment, brake disc replacement and work to steering-related components. Who carries out these repairs on a flawless car.
It was only after inspection by a Kia service centre that tightness within steering rack components was identified and remedial work carried out. Prior to this, I had repeatedly suggested that there may be an issue within the steering or power steering system. Even after Kia's intervention, the position remained that no fault had existed.
As I had still not been provided with detailed records of the work undertaken, I later contacted Kia directly in an effort to understand what repairs had been carried out. During that process, I was informed that the dealership had advised Kia not to undertake any further work on the vehicle. In order to obtain the relevant documentation, I was required to provide proof of ownership and sign a disclaimer before being provided with the job card detailing the work completed.
At one stage, I was informed that an independent assessor would inspect the vehicle and that I would be able to attend. I was later advised that an appointment had already been arranged and that the vehicle would simply be collected. As I was no longer being offered the opportunity to attend, I declined.
Ultimately, after considerable time, inconvenience and expense, the steering concerns were resolved following the various repairs carried out, including replacement of the front tyres.
This review reflects my personal experience. Others may have had different experiences, but unfortunately mine involved repeated faults, multiple repair attempts, difficulties obtaining clarity regarding repairs that had been carried out, significant inconvenience, stress and an ongoing dispute that remains unresolved at the time of writing. The car was advertised as in excellent condition but the gearbox will need removed for a 3rd time in under 10 months. Other issues that became apparent early in ownership loud droning sound at the start of every gear shift and Auto stop-start never worked. Id say the previous owner was made aware of most of this. If you're good at arguing give these guys a bell. You may end up with a car as advertised.
