Owner Review: This has greatly exceeded my expectations - My 2005 Kia Picanto

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Basic information

My car is a 2005 Kia Picanto. A year ago, I bought this car for Rp 43 million in 2019. Fuel consumption is around 14 km / l (possibly higher).

Car selection process

1. I like FWD because I know that cars driven by FWD are more agile, efficient and easy to maintain, not to mention that this is a manual. My car is used for my family, and also for me to go to work.

2. I viewed the Suzuki Karimun Estilo, but the price is still above RP50 million. And then Vios, but the friends who own it told me that the price of this car is still not much different from Estilo. I also pay attention to Daihatsu Xenia, but the price is still as high as Estilo, so I chose Picanto. It turns out that Picanto is very convenient and powerful, with an affordable price of 43 million IDR.

3. After many drives and comparison with LCGC-class cars, I found differences related to comfort and quietness. The Picanto is stable even up to 130 km/h.  

User experience

Unfortunately, there must be a problem with age, and this car made in 2005 had a problem involving the exhaust. As a result of the repair, the rear side was also perforated due to corrosion. It turns out that the characteristics of Picanto clutches are really difficult because they do not have a hydraulic system.

Pros&Cons

Pros

It is economical and practical, powerful, and equipped with a four-cylinder engine that can ensure minimal vibration. Compared with cars of the same price, it has perfect functions. Sometimes I even think whether it is better than Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris. I think the difference between the two cars is only the characteristics of the Picanto engine, which is a bit rough.

As for the maintenance cost, as long as you can handle it by yourself, you can still afford it. If you need a major one, please rest assured that the maintenance can still be carried out. Oh, yes, before buying this car, my suggestion is to enter the group that gathers car users and pays tribute to it on the Facebook group so that the car can enter the recommended workshop when there is a problem.

For spares, it is abundant in online stores, and the price is affordable. There are even some Japanese car parts that can be used in this car, one of which is the hydraulic trunk door, which can be used by Avanza Veloz.

Cons

The tire is not standard, and the distance between the lower body and the tire is very close. In addition, the distance between the lower body and the ground is also very short. As a result, the car often scrapes when passing through damaged roads, especially potholes. Then I think the clutch is hard, and it is strongly recommended to use the clutch damping assist device, and the last one will encounter difficulties when shifting from first gear to reverse gear and is often lost/inaccessible, so I moved forward a bit.

Ratings

• Total Score: 4.83

• Performance: 5

• Quality & Features: 5

• Space: 5

• Ride Comfort: 5

• Fuel Economy: 4

• Price & Cost: 4

Summary

I am a user of the Kia Picanto assembled in 2005 and a member of the Picanto Comunity Bekasi family. I am very happy and surprised because this car has exceeded expectations. How could I not know that a car worth RP43 million already has many powerful features, such as power windows, such as power mirrors,  central locking , rear wiper and defogger, alternating current with adjustable heating and cooling, and Kenwood sound system. Compared with the two-row LCGC class car, the cabin is quiet and spacious.

As far as the purchase price is concerned, this car is very suitable for those who want a cheap car, but with rich features and high comfort. Please note that buying a used car is very risky for the engine and other parts. If you are buying an original car, please try to bring a mechanic who really understands the characteristics of the car.

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