Kia Amanti 2006 and earlier

mcconh

I have a Canadian Market Amanti. How do you lock in the trip computer to metric or US. I set the Temp for Fahrenheit and it resets to Centigrade on a restart. Or is this normal in Canada? Is there a way to get MPG readings instead of litres/100km?

I love the car so far.

topgear

Bill, thanks for your Amanti update. I saw two more today and I think you're right that many are rentals and probably could care less if they see another one next to them. (Heck, they're probably on vacation and enjoying the Floridian :shades: views!) Still it's nice to see them.

I hope that all you unhappy Amanti owner's get your Amanti's repaired soon, so you too can enjoy yours as much as I do mine. Good luck and please keep us posted!

mcconh, Welcome! I guess you may have to contact a local dealer in Canada to investigate your metric/US trip odometer questions. I don't have a good answer for you.

Thanks! -Pete

magmax

Hi, I bought a 2005 Amanti in North Vancouver just a week before last Christmas and it's going in for its first free for life oil change later today, with 5300 km on the clock. The huge owner's manual is something you'll definitely want to look at for specific instructions and even then you'll probably come across situations that aren't covered. For the trip computer, there are two buttons set flat on the centre part of the dash stack, one on each side of the clock adjust. The one nearest the driver changes the trip computer functions and the one on the right, marked Reset, will change readings from metric to English measures in certain scales. So, if you're seeing the temperature on the centre screen and push the Reset button you will see it in the other scale. Now I don't know if it's also possible to change the l/100km reading to mpg but if I remember correctly I tried it and it didn't convert. I've never seen it happen on my car anyway. I suspect that with the Canadian legal requirement for metric gauges, the system's set to default to metric on a restart. I've never noticed, I guess because I'm trying after all these years to get a feeling for the metric measures (so far with limited success....I really have no connection to temperature in Celsius, for example while I know exactly what it means to have a 20 below temperature in Fahrenheit.).

Where did you get your Amanti and what colour did you get. Mine's white and like you I love everything about it except one thing: the driver's seat and I just don't get along and I'm experiencing major sciatic pain in my right leg after even a short drive. I figure the culprit is the raised bolster along the side of the seat and I'm definitely going to try to have it removed or see about putting a low foam cushion in the centre of the seat to bring it all up to the height of the bolster. I've tried every possible combination of seat settings and nothing works out for me. If I can't get this resolved I may just have to trade the Amanti in on Hyunday's upcoming 350 successor, called the Assesa or something, which will have a newer generation engine with lots more power, most of the luxury and comfort of the Amanti, and, one hopes, seats that won't kill me. But since I love my Amanti, I'm going to try everything to get the seat problem resolved for me. Has anyone else experienced this particular problem in their Amanti?

MagMax

iluvmysephia1

try an upholsterer in the Vancouver area. They might be able to modify your seat to match your body and what's going on with it. Even an upholsterer who works with RV's and cars and SUV's could probably help you.

mcconh

I bought my vehicle in Cambridge Ontario. It is black on black. A bit more work to keep clean but it sure looks great. 400k so far. No free for life oil changes here!
Like you I cannot handle the Celsius for Temperature and I am pushing the button all the time for the Fahrenheit reading on every start. The manual is not very clear when it comes to re setting or changing the trip computer. So far I have not found a way to get miles or mpg on anything.

The seat is a little on the hard side but I do not have any problem with side pressure on the leg. The Hyundai 350 will not be out until 2007 I think.
The car is a beauty and may be a long term keeper for me.

mcconh

jbm

MagMax-

I don't know enough about your situation, and this is a total shot in the dark but it wouldn't hurt if I posted this. Do you drive with a wallet in your back pocket. Many people do this and don't realize that doing it is not good for your spine (which would slightly curve, which could then pinch a nerve, hence your pain). Just a thought, good luck...
-jbm

jbm

Amanti owners-

I am curious to know about your experience with interior noise level of the Amanti. When you're on the highway, for instance. How do you compare the noise level (wind, road, tire noise, "drone" ) to other cars you've owned/driven?

Thanks,
jbm

magmax

I never thought of the RV connection. It's a great idea that I'll follow up on. The dealer gave me a contact at a local upholsterer whom I'll be calling tomorrow. I also tried an Obus cushion tonight but will be bringing that one back to the store. It made things worse for the leg instead of better.

MagMax

magmax

You're absolutely right, as I learned by painful experience many years ago so now I use a billfold and carry it in an inside jacket pocket. No this is just a problem that I'm susceptible to and have had to deal with in previous cars too, but none have had the seriousness of the Amanti. I'm determined to fix it though and will keep you all posted on developments.

Max

magmax

Hi JBM, One of the things that attracted me to the Amanti in the first place was its silence. Mine manages to ride over all sorts of broken pavement without any noise making its way into the interior. At highway speeds I notice very little wind noise and almost no road noise at all. I do notice, however, that while driving at speed in heavy rain, both side mirrors tend to get a lot of backspray on the glass. They probably should have extended the housing slightly so I suspect that most of the wind noise that is audible (low though it is) is probably caused by those mirrors.

Interestingly, I decided last weekend to check my tire pressures and discovered that they were all three at 35 pounds, 5 over the recommendation. I lowered them to 30, noticed an immediate improvement in the around town ride and couldn't tell the difference on the highway. After some reservations that I've read regarding the Hankook tires, so far my experience with them has been very positive. I guess we'll have to wait to see how well they wear but they're definitely quiet.

MagMax

topgear

I have Khumo tires and I noticed some of you have Hankook tires. I wonder how big of a difference (if any) this makes.
I think the Amanti probably has the quietest ride of any car I've ever owned so far. I would think though, that a good old American Lincoln/Cadillac type car would be quiet, too, if not quieter.

-Pete

billh6

JBM: I've driven big Mercurys, Infiniti and Lexus, and once the dealer suggested I take it home for the weekend I was blown away by the steering and how quiet it is. As soon as I closed the driver's door it was unbelievably quiet inside. The ride? Never experienced such a nice ride. Years ago I had a Peugeot 505 which I thought was the nicest ride until I purchased my Amanti.
Bill

nhsjr

I had been casually shopping for a luxury type car for a few months. I test drove the new Avalon and the Amanti. To me the Amanti seamed to be just as good. I checked pricing in several major markets, and, was surprised to find a new 04 (no program, demo, etc.) for $17988. at a Kia dealer in Knoxville TN, wile traveling to DC with my wife for our 10th wedding anniversary. I purchased it on that monday and picked it up on our way back home friday. (we live in central LA.). I drove it the 670+ flawless mi home. The car is wonderfully smooth and comfortable. I test drove 3 other Amantis b4 the one I picked, I also test drove several at other dealers in other parts of the country. I can report that they are not all created equal, and their is a rather large disparity in the prices I was quoted as well. Shop carefully if you want one. I will report on the performance of the car from time to time. I drive a Tractor Trailer irregular rt so answers to your questions will sometimes take weeks.

legendman

"I've driven big Mercurys, Infiniti and Lexus, and once the dealer suggested I take it home for the weekend I was blown away by the steering and how quiet it is. As soon as I closed the driver's door it was unbelievably quiet inside. The ride? Never experienced such a nice ride. Years ago I had a Peugeot 505 which I thought was the nicest ride until I purchased my Amanti. "

I just purchased a Lexus (RX330) and have come to regret it. It's not quiet at all -- in fact it is down right noisy. The Kia Amanti, in contrast, is as quiet as a bank vault and as refined as a Rolls. You might say it's a baby Rolls. One heck of a lot of car for the money!

jbm

Hello again, thanks everyone for your experience re: noise level inside the Amanti.

I sat in the new Avalon last Saturday at a toyota dealership. Although I sensed a little more room (front driver and passenger seat) than the Amanti, I thought there was too much hard plastic in the new avalon interior, and the doors and trunk did not shut with the same satisfying 'thud' I sensed in the amanti. The amanti interior surfaces were nicer to the touch; even the Avalon's power window buttons felt cheap when compared to the Amanti. The amanti back seat seemed larger than the Avalon. Of course the avalon is much more powerful (280 horses vs. Amanti's 200) and with some more driver-centric safety technology. One more thing, the buttons for the climate control/stereo etc. in the Avalon are NOT intuitive and look very complicated to me (this has echoed professional reviewers' opinions, and I'm 34 years old and very much a computer geek). I prefer the more intuitive controls of the Amanti. Just my .02,

jbm

jbaril

cobalt blue w/grey leather package; includes 6-CD Infinity system; no homelink; no traction control/stability; no moonroof

MSRP 27,410 (plus dealer add-ons of pinstripes, clear bra and paint sealant, supposedly retailing for 798, for a revised MSRP of 28,208) 169 miles.

I paid 19,506 for the whole shootin' match. Plus taxes and the inevitable 389.95 dealer fee.

I have purchased many cars (several VWs, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes, Ford trucks) and I have to say in all honesty this was the best purchasing experience of my life, thanks to Shortline Kia in Aurora, CO.

They have 2 '04s left, by the way, black/black and carbon grey/grey -- same exact MSRP . . . highly recommend them. Happy to provide name of specific salesman and manager with whom I dealt.

Nice car, so far. My build date is 7/04; hope I have skirted the dreaded suspension problems somehow.

wigan4

Strangely, I have to believe that with the new Avalon building up steam, and the Azera coming out next year, there may be even better deals a year from now.

You folks really are stealing some great cars!

billh6

We have 4 Kia dealers in the Orlando metro area. I noticed for couple of weeks now that the largest dealer keeps advertising new 2004 Amantis while they advertise 2005's in the other models in the newspaper. I thought they weren't selling here, so I called them pretending I was calling for a friend who is interested in one. They told me they sold all their 2005's, except for one, and that they scooped up remaining 2004's for dealers around the country, supposedly selling them for this great deal of $17,998, loaded with sunroof and leather (no ESP, which I have). It says over $8000 discount, but in the small print is says with $2000 down. So for $2000 down you get it (maybe) for $17,998. I wonder how they can advertise that way. They aren't selling them for that, they are selling them for almost 20k. They think we are so stupid. :mad:
Bill

centerfield44

After reading all the messages, I thought it was time to post my own message. I work on the docks where they deliver Kia's off the ships and so I see every model, color, window sticker, etc. Thought the Amanti looked pretty impressive, and talking to the people that process them, agreed that the quality has improved in Kia's brand enough to buy one. Bought a 04 in late Feb for what seems to be the best the dealers will let them go for (19,975) including rebate. Two weeks latter my wife wiped the front end out in a collision (nobody hurt) but put the car in the shop six weeks. Most of that time waiting for parts. Car is back and running great. Just hit 1K and enjoying more every day.

wigan4

I just want to make it absolutely clear so that there's no confusion: I hate all of you!

I'm dying to go buy an Amanti, but in my situation right now I just can't. I'm retiring from the AF in less than a year and I'm focusing everything on trying to get a follow-on job over in Europe, and it just doesn't make sense for me to buy an Amanti with that great warranty then take it to Europe where it's not supported and too big lots of the time. Also, I have a fairly new BMW 3 that obviously I'll be taking back, and they'll only ship one, so I'd have to pay to get a second car over there and back.

And as much as I'd like to have one, I don't think it's the sort of car you want to buy one year and sell two years later, I still think you'll take big hit.

So I'm afraid I'm going to miss this nice little buying option because right now you're getting a great car at a great price because it's still unknown and Kia still has the name problem. I suspect that's all going to go away in a year or two and you all will be looking like geniuses.

So, I hate you all!

billh6

I am still laughing from your "I hate you" comments. I was overseas in the AF years ago, so totally understand. But do believe they are in Europe. Maybe I'm incorrect. I know in our local newspaper one day they were even showing how things are trying to get somewhat back to normal in Iraq and it showed an Iraqi woman peering into a showroom of what they called luxurious vehicles and lo and behold it was an Amanti.

To the other gentleman, I'm sure glad to hear no one got hurt in your accident.

wigan4

I think it's called the Opirus over there, but I don't know if the American warranty would be supported or not--I'm assuming not because the Germans don't do that sort of thing.

When I bought my BMW over there it had a one year warranty!

tommy555

Hi folks,

I took my 2004 Amanti (4800 mi on it) into the dealer today to have the front struts and bushing replaced on both sides. I had brought it in about a month ago and the service/parts director order the parts. When I got there today the service/parts director showed me a new TSB from KIA indicating that a better (and more long lasting) set of struts and bushings is now available. He suggested I wait until these new parts from KIA come in after he orders them. He said the first replacements for the struts and bushings were found by KIA to not hold up very well.

I agreed to wait for the "better" struts and bushings to come in. He also said he would have the wheels re-aligned also at that time since this is the full and best way to go.

Tom
Central New Jersey

tommy555

Hi again,

While at my KIA/Jeep/Subaru dealer today for the strut & bushing replacement that never happened, I strolled the dealer's lot while waiting for a 3,000 mi. servicing. I noticed since my last visit about a month ago that there are now 2005 Amantis on the dealer's lot where there where no 2005s a month ago. They must have 8-10 2005's and just 2 2004s.

Tom
Central New Jersey

billh6

Tom: I got a call from my dealer that the bushings were in, as they've been on back order. I called the service department back and asked if that was struts and bushings or just bushings. She said just bushings. I told her that other Amanti owners in this forum have said their dealership were replacing both. She says, let me check with my boss. I need to get him out of a meeting. She finally comes back to the phone and says no struts, just bushings per the TBS. I told her that supposedly there is a new TBS out that indicates another set is better and that your dealership decided to wait on 'em, plus do a re-alignment. She asked me to fax that to her (your comments #753) which I did. I told her I want to cancel my 8:00 am appt for this Wed. morning unless I hear back from her boss about the situation. He never called back. I never went for appt either. I'm not in a rush to have it done, as my noise is only occasionally, if that, and not very noticable. I never would have noticed it but for reading this forum. I guess if I do not hear back from them in a couple of weeks I'll contact them again. I mean, they are as nice as can be, but it's like why would one service dept. do something different than another on the same vehicle. I guess that happens all over the world (no matter what vehicle it is). They do seem to have more Amantis in stock and sell more than the other 3 dealerships here combined. They push the product. Bill

tommy555

Bill: The dealership's parts/service director even showed by the notice from KIA with a picture of the parts next to the written notice. I must say that the director is a long time friend of mine and I have relied highly on his advice and assistance with all the cars I have bought from this dealership since 1992. He has never steered me wrong.

Tom
Central New Jersey

stockchaser

I believe it was post #716 where I mentioned my clunk wasn't fixed with the "new" bushings. I called my dealer today based on your post, Tom, in hopes that Kia was still working to fix this annoying problem. My dealer says there is no new TSB. I then called Kia on their 800# and they were no help either. I'll wait for a few weeks (before calling again) while hoping there truly IS a real fix and watch this board for input from good people like you. I hope your dealer is right and mine is wrong. By the way, (I really love my Amanti) I just spent a whole week in Las Vegas, and heads turned as people saw my car---yes, even in Vegas! But the funny thing is, after a week there, I never saw ONE Amanti! I was fortunate, though, to get a very nice look at a new Mercedes Montach, which the driver boasted had a V12, 600hp, and a tag of $400,000.00! It was actually even nicer than my Amanti! No foolin'!

topgear

Hi!
Do you mean the Maybach by Mercedes? That IS nicer than an Amanti. That's nicer than ANY other car. It is a very impressive and massive car. I want one.
Hope you get fixed soon!
-Pete

stockchaser

Oops, yes, I meant "Maybach".........absolutely unbelievable!

dlb14frost

I haven't posted in some time. My Amanti has been performing great however I am quite disappointed with the Hankook Optimo tires. 15,500 miles and they are about shot. Anybody have any experience with a treadware warranty ?

billh6

I know that you can position the side mirrors to lower when you put in reverse and not lower when you set the control in the center. For some reason when I get in the car the mirrors are not positioned right for me (I think someone changed them) and so I will position them; then next time I get in I have to position them again. They do not stay where I set them. Is there a memory that I am missing? I looked in the manual and found nothing.
Bill - Orlando

topgear

Hi Bill!
I had my right mirror replaced about a year ago (under warranty) because it used to aim all over the place. Now it's fine. I would recommend letting your dealer take a look to see what's up. The first time I complained about it, I was told it was functioning properly. But my second complaint got it finally fixed. (Thank goodness for these wonderful warranties!!)
-Pete

amantigold

Hey Guys
This is the extent of my discontent with my amazing new Amanti. Does anyone know where I can get slim-line travel mugs that will fit side by side in the tiny cup holders? That and the non-autolocking doors are the only flaws of any kind I can find. Look out Toyota here we come!

Amantigold

lokisince89

It sounds like the memory for your seat adjustment and mirrors got changed.
The amanti will remember the programed seat and mirror position and will reset them when the car is unlocked with the keyfob.

You should have received 2 fobs, which can be set to either of the seat memories.
I remember reading about it in the manual, but don't have it in front of me.

dlb14frost

Well I contacted the dealer about the premature wearing out of my tires at 15,500. They in turn contacted the Kia Regional Manager who advised they will do nothing in regards to tires. Now thats what I call GREAT customer service ! NOT !
The dealer felt bad and offered new tires at their cost. They handle Hercules which I am not familiar with. Instead, I'm getting 4 Kumho A/S 795 tires mounted Monday at my local garage.

jwojwo

Hi - a friend bought a dealer used 2004 Amanti and was very impressed with it except for the front end noise where the struts/suspension was found to be bottoming out (after 6 visits to dealer and threatening with Mass. Lemon Law); dealer finally had to call in District Engineer from Kia and he fixed problem with new package but also found that the bushings were put in upside down snd that was making parts hit.

Friend is now very happy...... Jim

chuck1

"The dealer felt bad and offered new tires at their cost. They handle Hercules which I am not familiar with. Instead, I'm getting 4 Kumho"

I don't know if I can blame the tires or not. It all depends on driving style. The "Hercules" are a "second tier" tire. I do not know how they stack up. However, I can tell you generally the Kumhos are a great tire.

billh6

Thanks for info about mirror settings. I was waiting for someone in a parking lot and decided to play around with it. I set it to where I want it to be, turned off engine and then turned it on again and put it in R and now it seems to be staying fine. I guess that was it. Now whoever messed with them will be shot! lol bill
p.s. I still have done nothing about the bushings. It does not bother me (yet) and decided to wait some to see if that is their final fix on it. Still luvin the vehicle, though. But wish they would advertise and sell more. Still our largest Kia in Orlando has 1 2005 and 7 2004 on their lot. I asked them what gives? They said they have collected all new 2004's around the country and are offering them at their awesome discounted price. I'm not sure I buy that, though.

jbm

Bill H.-

Don't buy that line ("2004's from 'around the country'", someone else reported hearing that at another dealership somewhere else in this Kia Amanti forum). As much as I love the car too, they have not been selling well up here (New England), my hunch is the 'sedan' buyers are opting for the base Chrysler 300, a Hyundai, or are waiting for the new Hyundai Sonata and Azera. (At $29K sticker, who would pursue the Amanti?). Or people are still sour from the dealers' gouging techniques early on (More on that in the next paragraph).

As far as price, my father (finally giving in to my flailing and begging for him to buy one for his next car), test drove a 2004 that was on the lot for **9 MONTHS**. And I recently saw 2 to 3 2004s at another lot that were there for at least 9 months. They still had the 'dealer markup' of $1500 to $2000, bringing the sticker to over $30,000K! (All said dealers are offering fully loaded or near-fully loaded 2004 Amantis for $21K to $23K after rebates.incentives.).

-jbm

yorkiemomma

Hi Pete: I noticed at the end of this post that you had a mild vibration. Do you think this was due to tire wear? OR, have you noticed it from the beginning?

Thanks Barb

yorkiemomma

Hi Tom: Were you having some vibration from the tires or what? I keep reading about the TSB but am not really sure what that is, have an idea but not positive.

I bought 2004 new Amanti in February and have had in numerous times for vibration. Started out slight and gets worse. They have replaced the two front tires and, if anything, it is worse. I am getting worn out dealing with them.

I just now have 4500 miles.

Thanks Barb

yorkiemomma

Hi folks: First time-

I purchased a new 2004 Amanti in February 2005. At first there was a slight vibration, but it has gotten worse as time goes on.

I have had the vehicle to the dealer numerous times.

1. First week-while in rush hour traffick in Phoenix, car just died - nothing - which was rather scary - this lasted for approximately 30-40 seconds (?)
2. Has anyone notice a deffinite hesitation when you first accellerate from a stopped position? (rather dangerous)
3. First week-notice vibration in wheels
4. Dealer re-balanced the tires-no change;
5. Dealer checked again-said nothing wrong;
6. I demanded MORE tests SO W/additional testing dealer said that there was "excessive road pressure" on the front tires and they were ordering two new tires (has anyone ever heard of such a thing?)
7. New tires and still have vibration- slightly worse;
8. Took to the dealer and asked tech to go with me for a drive - he said "yes, I feel a little vibration"
9. SO, I said keep the care and drive it - I left the car for 4 days; the manager drove it for a couple days and the "Amanti" mechanic drove it for a couple of days BOTH said there was no vibration
10. The vibration continues to worsen and I am at a loss what steps to take.

Other than the above, I love the car, but every time I drive I get upset because of the vibration. I have a 30 year old motor home that doesn't do that.

My last thought was when the tires start to wear funny I will take it to the dealer and say WHY? are the tires wearing badly.

Has anyone else had any of these problems?

Help

Barb

tommy555

Hi Barb: The vibration that I experienced is only in the front end and only over badly paved or patched roads. The tires are not the problem. The sound has been described before in this forum: it sounds like a number of tennis balls bouncing up and down. By the way, my Amanti is at the dealer's today, and will be there tomorrow, so they can perform what is required in the lastest TSB on this problem: replacing the struts and bushings. (The front end alignment is the dealer just being extra careful). These are more heavy duty struts and bushings then previously recommended by KIA: apparently the first round fix did not remedy the problem since it has been reported by members of this forum as returning again to make the "tennis ball" noise.

Tom in New Jersey

topgear

Hi all!
I have now 26,000 miles and I just had my front tires replaced (Khumo) and the vibration I experienced is gone. I also noticed that as the tires wore down, more road noise was noticeable on rough roads. That also has improved with the fresh rubber. The 'tennis ball in a tube' sound over bumps has been fixed by the little sleeve and bushing replacement done almost 3 to 4 months ago. No new struts were necessary for me.

As far as the vibrations you may be experiencing, do you feel the vibration in the gas pedal too, or only through your steering wheel? Perhaps the engine or a/c compressor is vibrating. Also, be careful in that, on certain roads there may be imperfections on the surface that are not readily visible and most any car will vibrate on it.

I hope you all can get your problems resolved soon! Good luck!!

I'm a lucky, happy owner!

-Pete

tommy555

Hi: Just got my Amanti back from the dealer for the TSB reapair on the front end (the tennis ball knocking sound). The vehicle not only takes the road bumps well, it also is much easier to steer.

Here is what the dealer's reapair invoice stated:

" Replace both front strut tower collars as per TSB updated part #553373F800. Insp all mounting bolts and supports, insp. front end and align if necessary lower struts. Replace bushing sleeve as per TSB. Install front front stabizer bushings. Install replacement sway bushings and insolate test OK. Check for any tire wear and multiple front end suspension reapirs."

The parts were:
Quantity: 2 No: #54813-3F000 Name: Bush-Stab Bar
Quantity: 2 No.: #55337-3F800 Name: Collar
Quantity: 2 No.: #54642-3F050 Name: Bushing-Upper

Hope this helps if you have this problem.

Tom from Central New Jersey

lucy1904

Tom

I am experiencing the same tennis ball noise on the front end of my Amanti. Would you happen to know the TSB number of the notice that your dealer received? I am going to contact my Kia dealer next week and would like to have that in case the service department does not know about it. Thanks.

Kay
Coastal NC

tommy555

Kay,

The dealer did not give me the TSB number.

Tom from Central New Jersey

stockchaser

Typical Saturday ads--lots of new cars. I noticed at least one 2006 being advertised already. There were several ads by KIA dealers--one advertised the 2005 Amanti, others didn't show the Amanti at all. The dealer where I bought mine over a year ago now is still advertising the 2004. I'd sure like it if KIA would do more Amanti promotion the way they do the Sorento. (There was a full page ad this morning by all the local KIA dealers (or KIA itself) that displayed only the Sorento, and why it's a better value than the comparable Toyota SUV.)

rgur

Has anybody experienced the chrome peeling off their Amanti? In the rear of the car, the large chrome "rectangle" around the license plate to the right of the white reverse light the chrome is literally flaking off. I can see the peeling pieces that are falling off. HELP? Anyone else? I'll obviously be getting it to the dealer ASAP.

topgear

No, not mine.
-Pete