Kia Carnival 1

The first generation Kia Carnival is the first minivan of the famous Korean brand, which entered the market in 1999. The car was to compete with models such as the Chrysler Voyager and Renault Espace.

Model history

The first generation Kia Carnival is the first minivan of the famous Korean brand, which entered the market in 1999. The car was to compete with models such as the Chrysler Voyager and Renault Espace. In 2001-2002 (depending on the market) the minivan underwent restyling, in which, among other things, the grille, hood, headlights and taillights were changed. Unfortunately, nothing has been done with a low level of security.

The car was assembled at factories in South Korea (Kwangmen), China (Yancheng), Malaysia (Seri Kembangan) and Russia (Kaliningrad). Production of the first generation Carnival was completed in the autumn of 2006.

Engines

Kia Carnival has a poor selection of engines, but this is typical for Korean vans and SUVs. If you don’t want to put yourself at unnecessary expense, then avoid the 2.9-liter TDI versions. The J3 series unit has problems with the circuit driving the oil pump and camshafts. The shafts also often broke. It even went to the engine jamming. Problems arise primarily in the pre-restyling samples collected in 1999-2001. There are also cases of damage to the gasket under the head of the block and even the head itself. Not characterized by durability and two-mass flywheel. It needs to be replaced in 50-70,000 km.

The diesel 2.9 CRDi is an upgraded version of the J3 with Delphi’s Common Rail fuel equipment. It does not pose as serious a problem as its predecessor. However, the engine is not without typical diesel drawbacks. For example, fuel injectors, sensitive to fuel quality, and a turbocharger.

Kia Carnival with gasoline engines does not give cause for complaints. The only problem is fuel consumption. 2.5-liter unit in the city can burn 14-15 l / 100 km. On the highway, the consumption drops to 9-10 liters per 100 km. 3.5-liter engines were used in the American market. Despite the absence of serious problems, we advise you to stay away from such copies due to the accident past of the vast majority of imported cars.

Design features

Technically, Carnival is not much different from typical minivans. The front suspension received Macpherson struts, and the rear - a twisting beam. Regardless of the engine version, all cars have front-wheel drive. There are two gearboxes: 5-speed mechanics and 4-speed automatic. The level of security, unfortunately, makes you want better. According to the results of the crash tests EuroNCAP Korean minivan was able to earn only 2 stars.

Typical malfunctions

The first Carnival in reliability ratings always took the latest positions. The Korean Wen is far from perfect. Before you decide to buy a particular copy, carefully examine its body, engine compartment and chassis elements. These are the places where you can find rust. If you are planning to buy a car for a long time, it is better to spend on additional protection against corrosion. It is easier to prevent than to treat it. Among the boxes, the most reliable ICS. In automatic transmission, gears wear out relatively quickly. Repairs may require more than $500. Do not differ in durability air conditioning system and heater hoses. The latter can crack, serving a little. Be sure to pay attention to the state of the SRUS. Damaged anthers and lubricant leaks suggest replacement may soon be needed. Sometimes the power steering pump fails. The number of calls to services with a faulty steering rack is also growing. Weaknesses in the suspension - racks and sleeves of the stabilizer, Silent blocks. Over time, shock absorbers and springs will need to be replaced. The front wheel bearings wear out quite quickly. What else could break? Generator, starter and thermostat. Carnival owners also complain of souring of the front calipers and parking brake cable, as well as its break. Minor malfunctions? Failure horn, breakage of door handles, problems with the sliding mechanism of side doors. As a rule, it helps to lubricate the roller mechanism or replace worn-out elements.

Engines

• The J3 series unit has problems with the circuit driving the oil pump and camshafts. The shafts also often broke.
• Problems arise primarily in the pre-restyling samples collected in 1999-2001.
• It does not pose as serious a problem as its predecessor.
• Kia Carnival with gasoline engines does not give cause for complaints. The only problem is fuel consumption.
• Despite the absence of serious problems, we advise you to stay away from such copies due to the accident past of the vast majority of imported cars.

Typical malfunctions

• Before you decide to buy a particular copy, carefully examine its body, engine compartment and chassis elements.
• These are the places where you can find rust.
• If you are planning to buy a car for a long time, it is better to spend on additional protection against corrosion. It is easier to prevent than to treat it.
• Repairs may require more than $500.
• Be sure to pay attention to the state of the SRUS.
• Damaged anthers and lubricant leaks suggest replacement may soon be needed.
• Sometimes the power steering pump fails.
• Over time, shock absorbers and springs will need to be replaced.

As the reliability reports compiled by TUV and DEKRA suggest, the Kia Carnival is not only one of the most problematic minivans, but also one of the shortest-lived cars in general. Fortunately, the vast majority of faults do not require large costs of elimination. To reduce the risk of failures, you should choose a gasoline modification, or, in extreme cases, a copy with a CRDi turbodiesel.

Frequent faults are not the only drawback of this model. It should be noted unsatisfactory performance, high fuel consumption of gasoline engines, poor maneuverability (long turning radius), relatively poor equipment, poor quality of materials and low level of safety.

But there are advantages: a reasonable cost, a spacious interior, a good design, relatively comfortable seats and a decent level of comfort. The Korean minivan will be able to meet the basic needs of an unassuming family. After all, you don’t have to drive big crossovers and SUVs.

• The first generation of Kia Carnival is the first minivan of the famous Korean brand, which entered the market in 1999.
• Engines: The J3 series unit has problems with the circuit driving the oil pump and camshafts. The shafts also often broke.
• Technically, Carnival is not much different from typical minivans.
• Typical faults: These are the places where rust can be detected.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.