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Photo: Rudolf Stricker, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Used Kia Magentis I: reliability, problems and review

Family car · 2001–2005 · Petrol

✓ 4 sources cited · updated on 21 October 2026

Buy with care
Reliability
not rated
Price
Unknown

No fault publicly documented so far, so reliability is not rated. This is no guarantee: have the car checked all the more carefully before buying.

0 known faults

This guide has not been translated yet: it is shown in its original French version.

Photo: Rudolf Stricker, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo 1 of 3

Kia Magentis I, front three-quarter view

Photo: Rudolf Stricker, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Verdict

Buy with care

Berline familiale essence (2.0 de 136 ch ou 2.5 V6 de 170 ch) au coffre de 479 litres selon Motoreu et Caroom. Aucune panne précise n'est documentée publiquement et aucune cote de prix n'est exploitable : les retours publiés manquent, la fiabilité n'est donc pas notée. Carwise indique seulement que l'entretien compte plus que la génération.

Reliability
not rated
Euro NCAP
Rating not found

Which version to choose

Versions to favour: 2.0 136.

  • 2.0 136

    ✓ Recommended

    Petrol · Automatic · 136 hp · Crit'Air 3

    Quatre-cylindres de 1 997 cm³, 136 ch et 180 Nm, boîte automatique selon la fiche Motoreu.

  • 2.5 V6 170

    Petrol · Automatic · 170 hp · Crit'Air 3

    V6 de 170 ch, boîte automatique, consommation mixte de 10,9 L/100 km (fiche L'argus).

Market prices

Price unknown: not enough online listings for a reliable estimate. Compare several listings before negotiating.

Importing this model

Prices abroad

Not enough listings collected yet in Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy or the United Kingdom for this model.

You are importing the car to:

Import penalty (malus) in France

  • The CO₂ malus follows the scale of the year the vehicle was first registered, in France or abroad (WLTP or NEDC scale depending on its registration certificate).
  • For an imported used car, it is reduced by a flat-rate discount based on its age in months (scheme in force since 1 March 2025). The weight malus also applies on first registration in France.
  • Production ended in 2005: a car first registered before 1 January 2015 has no malus.

Source: BOFiP (French tax doctrine), CO₂ and weight malus · CO2 malus and weight malus: imported used car in France

Check an imported car's history

HistoVec only covers the vehicle's life in France. For a car coming from abroad, a VIN-based report helps spot inconsistent mileage or a reported accident.

Check the car's history: 20% off → (new tab)Partner link

Known faults

No fault publicly documented so far, so reliability is not rated. This is no guarantee: have the car checked all the more carefully before buying.

Manufacturer recalls

See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Kia Magentis”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.

Inspection checklist

Things to check

  • Exiger le carnet d'entretien : Carwise souligne que l'entretien pèse plus que la génération.
  • Contrôler la boîte automatique : passages de rapports, à-coups, historique de vidange.
  • Vérifier la distribution et la date de son dernier remplacement.
  • Contrôler la corrosion et l'état des trains roulants.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Quel est l'historique d'entretien, notamment boîte automatique et distribution ?
  • Combien de propriétaires et quel kilométrage réel ?
  • Y a-t-il eu des réparations importantes récentes ?

Test-drive tip: read the fault codes

A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.

See OBD2 scanners on Amazon → (new tab)Partner link

Electric or hybrid equivalent

No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost

Alternatives

Photo: Rudolf Stricker, CC BY-SA 3.0

Opel Vectra

C · 2002–2008

Good choice, check first
Price
€2,000 – €4,000
Reliability
4.5/5
Fuel types
Petrol, Diesel

Photo: LSDSL, CC BY-SA 2.0 de

Ford Mondeo

III · 2007–2014

Buy with care
Price
€2,300 – €4,945
Reliability
3/5
Fuel types
Petrol, Diesel

Photo: Rudolf Stricker, CC BY-SA 3.0

Renault Laguna

II · 2001–2007

Extra caution
Price
€2,000 – €3,500
Reliability
2/5
Fuel types
Petrol, Diesel

Photo: Rudolf Stricker, Attribution

Toyota Avensis

I · 1997–2003

Good choice, check first
Reliability
4.5/5
Fuel types
Petrol, Diesel

Before you buy: check and equip

Check the history

Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of parts for the Kia Magentis I (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.

Insure the car

Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.

Frequently asked questions

Quel est le coffre de la Kia Magentis I ?

479 litres pour la 2.0, selon Motoreu et Caroom. La fiche L'argus de la 2.5 V6 en annonce 386.

La Kia Magentis I est-elle fiable ?

Aucune panne documentée publiquement n'a été trouvée : la fiabilité n'est pas notée faute de retours publiés.

Found a listing?

Soon, we will analyse your Kia Magentis listing: price, mileage, watch points.

Get notified at launch