Kia Cerato Problems

We contacted Kia seeking advice and were told: “This was not a known issue. Intermittent issues are the hardest to find but the fact that there is a video will certainly help. Our tech guys think that it sounds like it could be the driver’s door actuator or the lock assembly if it is only occurring on the driver’s door. If all of the doors are unlocking when the door lock switch is activated then it could be a switch assembly.” The people at Kia would like to see your video, and get your contact details along with the car’s VIN. If you could do that they have said they would work with the dealer to resolve the problem.

Tyres are the usual cause of high road noise, it’s usually worse in a hatch than a sedan. If changing tyres didn’t help, you could try using noise insulation material on the inside, on the floor and on the inner guard.

No, there’s nothing built into the Cerato that might assist you in finding your car.

The best times to buy are usually the end of the financial year, or at model run-out times, that's when the specials are on. The CVT and dual-clutch autos are both still unknowns in terms of long-term reliability, but either should be ok over the five years you plan to keep the car. Any of the cars you list, and the list is a long one, would be ok. It really comes down to what you like.

The Mazda3 and Holden Astra are both good alternative choices, but you could also consider a Toyota Corolla or Kia Rio or Cerato.

The tappets are not adjustable, and it’s not normal that they are noisy. It’s hard to know what has happened as a result of it standing for so long. Have a mechanic check the tappets.

The trade-in valuation you are likely to get is between $5500 and $10,500, depending on the model, condition, and odometer reading. There are no rules to say how much more you might get if you were to buy three cars.

It’s an unusual situation, so I would try to negotiate with Kia and appeal to their good will to adjust the warranty for you.

I doubt that it is intentional, particularly as they’ve offered to try and buff it out for you.

The clicking sound could be a sign of a weak battery, which is having difficulty coping with the cold weather. Don’t pump the accelerator; that does nothing on a fuel-injected car. Have the battery tested.