Kia Rio Problems

It’s not likely to be in the next 12 months is the word we’ve been given.

The dipstick is located on the left side at the front of the engine, it’s got a red handle. Simply remove it and check the level shown. The engine should be running when you do the check.

Buying a smaller, new car would give you the certainty of a long warranty and the benefit of capped price servicing. You could consider a Kia Rio, for instance, which would have a 7-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

Most small hatchbacks have similar width footwells, so I would suggest you try the most popular ones, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, Kia Rio etc. to find the one that’s best for you.

It needs investigation, and because it is still under warranty I would urge you take it to a Kia dealer. It could be that the fluid needs to be changed, although it shouldn’t at such low kilometres, so perhaps it’s something to do with the driveline computer.

If you want a cheap and reliable small car go for something like a Hyundai i30, Kia Rio, Toyota Corolla, or Mitsubishi Lancer.

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

It will depend if you have a spare available or not, but in some cases there are cheap alternatives to going to a dealer. You can find out more about the best way to get a replacement here.

Unfortunately you’ve kept the Corolla too long, and have had to spend money to keep it going. Keep that in mind for the next one you buy.

You’re constrained by your $20,000 budget, but I would suggest you look at a Kia Rio, Mazda2, Mitsubishi Lancer, or Suzuki Swift. All should fall within your budget and all will give you a good run. If you were prepared to buy a used car that is one or two years old, you could consider a Toyota Corolla, or a Mazda3.

If it were my daughter I would be looking for safety and reliability as top priorities in a first car. With your budget I would be looking at a 2013/14 Mazda2, a 2014/15 Kia Rio, and a 2014 Toyota Yaris.