Used Kia Magentis Saloon 2003 - 2006 review

A cheap, roomy family car, but nowhere near as talented as the best cars in the class

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(2003 - 06)

Kia Magentis Saloon (03 - 06)

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What's the used Kia Magentis like?

Ownership cost

Our recommendations

Reliability

Stuart Milne

Updated: 1 January 2006

How we test cars

What's the used Kia Magentis like?

This version of the Magentis is better looking than the model it replaced in 2003, but its design remains bland, conservative and dated. However, there's much to interest a family on a tight budget.

For a start, there's stacks of space in the cabin, and the boot is big enough to hold a growing family's luggage. And, if you need any more space, the rear bench splits and folds, too.

Overview

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A cheap, roomy family car, but nowhere near as talented as the best cars in the class

Pros

Space, price
comfort
reliability

Cons

Bland looks and a so-so drive
Rare, too

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Kia Magentis 2.0 CRDi TR 4dr

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£1,245

Kia Magentis 2.5 V6 SE 4dr

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£1,290

Kia Magentis 2.0 LS 4dr

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£1,495

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However, it's short on driving pleasure. All three engines are fine on a steady cruise, but noisy when you work them. The ride - adequate on smooth surfaces - deteriorates as soon as the road surface does, and the car feels wallowy through a series of corners. There's also too much wind noise at speed.

While the cabin has plenty of kit, the design lacks any flair, and you don't get the same feeling of quality that you do with European rivals. Still, it's all planned out logically and easy to use.

Tips & Advice

How to test drive a car

There’s no substitute for a test drive in a new car. Take it on a variety of roads and surfaces to ensure it measures up.

Will the car fit your needs?

As part of the test drive, fill the car with regularly-carried luggage, and make sure the family can get comfy before you buy

Ownership cost

How much does cost to run a Kia Magentis?

The Magentis is all about cheap family motoring and the easy life, which, to many motorists, will be more important than its off-the-pace drive or lack of design flair.

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New cars - and nearly new examples - depreciate very heavily so enjoy a bargain, but be careful not to get stung when you sell it.

Routine service costs are reasonable - typically dearer than for a Ford Mondeo but cheaper than for a Hyundai Sonata. Should anything go wrong once the car is out of its three-year unlimited mileage warranty, repair costs should be no worse than average, according to Warranty Direct.

Fuel costs should also be easy to stomach - 35mpg for the 2.0 petrol, 30mpg for the 2.7 V6 and high-40s for the 2.0 turbodiesel. Insurance is group 13 for all models apart from the 2.7, which falls into group 15.

Tips & Advice

Never miss a motoring date

Remembering to arrange insurance, book a service or buy breakdown cover can be a pain. Fortunately, My What Car? is here to help

Our recommendations

Which used Kia Magentis should I buy?

There are two petrol engines - a 2.0 and 2.7 - and a 2.0 turbodiesel. The latter throws a decent enough punch, but only over a narrow range of revs, and isn't worth the extra it costs over the 2.0 petrol model.

The 142bhp 2.0-litre petrol needs to be revved hard to give its best, but it's reasonable enough, and the best choice for those on a tight budget. The 2.7-litre V6 doles out an easy, smoother 185bhp but you'll pay for the privilege.

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All models are stuffed with kit: six airbags, anti-whiplash head restraints, an alarm and immobiliser, alloy wheels, air-con, four electric windows and a CD player. So basic GS trim will do for most.

SE (later badged LS) adds leather trim and larger alloys, while 2.7 models also have auto transmission and cruise control.

Tips & Advice

Avoid ULEZ and clean-air zone fines

If you regularly drive into a clean air zone, you’ll want to ensure your next car is compliant to avoid costly fines

How reliable is the Kia Magentis ?

WC Reliability 2026 NEW_1 (1).jpg

Kia Magentis Saloon (03 - 06)

Kia Magentis

Read reliability

Used cars available now

In partnership with

AutoTrader logo

Kia Magentis 2.0 CRDi TR 4dr

Kia Magentis

2.0 CRDi TR 4dr

£1,245

Kia Magentis 2.5 V6 SE 4dr

Kia Magentis

2.5 V6 SE 4dr

£1,290

Kia Magentis 2.0 LS 4dr

Kia Magentis

2.0 LS 4dr

£1,495

See all available cars

About the writer

Stuart Milne, digital editor

Name: Stuart Milne

Title: Digital editor

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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.