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Used Kia Spectra Overview And How To Buy At The Best Price
The key to the success of the Kia Spectra is that it looks, feels and drives like a more expensive vehicle than the compact economy car it actually is. As Edmunds.com says in their review, "the Spectra represents a solid value, and anyone shopping for a budget compact car would be wise to consider it".
The Spectra sedan was redesigned midway through the 2004 model year (its second generation) and was produced through 2009 when it was replaced by the Forte. This second generation added more power, new styling and additional safety features.
A used Kia Spectra from this period can be found in three models: LX, EX and SX. And the Spectra5 hatchback, introduced for 2008, is available in a single SX trim.
The Spectra was based on the Elantra platform from its parent Hyundai. Powering the Spectra is a 138 horsepower 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine. It's matched with a five-speed manual transmission, while a four-speed automatic was optional.
Both the LX and more upscale EX sedans were equipped with standard front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS was an optional feature on the EX. Both models also came with a tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat, and a CD sound system.
The more popular EX model sports fairly high-quality materials and amenities like air-conditioning, a six-speaker CD stereo, full power accessories and keyless entry as standard features. The newer SX model comes with an upgraded interior and exterior trim, a firmer suspension tuning and bigger wheels for that "sportier" look and feel.
Overall, this economical car impresses with a nice list of standard equipment, a user-friendly cabin, above-average build and materials quality, a smooth ride, able handling and an outstanding 5-year/60,000 mile Factory Warranty.
The first-generation Kia Spectra made its debut for the 2000 model year and was produced through 2004 when a changeover occurred midyear. Initially, it was a four-door hatchback powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 124-horsepower. In 2002, the Kia Sephia sedan was dropped and became the Kia Spectra sedan.
A used Spectra hatchback from this era can be found in two trim: GS and GSX. The base GS is quite sparsely equipped with such features as a CD player and a height- and lumbar-adjustable driver seat (standard air conditioning was added in 2004). The Spectra GSX has air conditioning, power doorlocks, power windows, a tilt steering wheel and some sportier exterior design elements. Some can also be found with optional features such as antilock brakes (ABS), a CD changer and cruise control.
The sedan can be found in base and LS models, which essentially resemble the hatchback's GS and GSX models in terms of features.
Overall, we think the Spectra makes a solid choice as an older used car purchase when one can be found still with reasonable mileage. And we can suggest a number of ways to help you save when purchasing one.
How To Get The Best Price
There are actually several different ways to buy a used Spectra at the lowest price, and even at wholesale. You can click on the links to each of the following methods to get the specific instructions.
First of all, here's a Lowest Price Used Car Buying Guide that details a super effective method, one that often beats down prices even to wholesale levels. And somewhat related to this, here's another excellent method that identifies Price-Distressed Cars Right On Dealer Lots. These are vehicles they are so desperate to unload they would welcome your wholesale offer.
In addition, you can also try the Public Car Auctions in your own geographic area. While there can be a lot of junk vehicles at these auctions, there are often absolute gems sprinkled in as well. This article reviews what to expect at open-to-the-public car auctions and how to locate them in your own area.
Also ... for those of you who might be interested in a brand new car, if the price was crazy good, here's info on exactly How To Get The Best Price On A New Car, Truck Or SUV. This works just phenomenally well.
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