I had the original Kia Carnival year 2002 fully CBU and cost over RM 170k. After 6 years, got only RM 30k after trade in with Honda for Accord 2.0 5-speed auto.

This MPV has lousy FC, RM 120 gets u 400km max. Very slow when going up to Genting Highlands as engine always above 4000rpm.

If weekend car, not too bad. Comfortable and nice to drive.

Road tax also expensive, over RM 700+ and spare parts is expensive.

Naza Ria uses an old engine and gearbox (from a 1999 Kia Carnival) which can be problematic later. Only the original Kia Carnival (2002 only) used a newer engine and gearbox. Get the original if possible.

Yeah... that's why I will never ever buy a Korean again!

New Sonata YF is tempting though... but no, must resist the dark side!

2 things that might change my mind on YF.

I want the 2.0T currently available in Korea and US.

And lastly, paddle shifters.

The 2.5L V6 is a lazy engine but at over 160hp, not too bad... still can push 160kph with 7 adults and 3 large bags on the NKVE to Ipoh.

If the engine craps out, u can dump either a VQ30 from Nissan or 6A13 from Mitsubishi.

I had to sell it for the following reasons.

1. High FC
2. Expensive road tax
3. Expensive parts
4. Repairs here and there
5. Downgrade to smaller car, bought Carnival because of my grandma.

Changed to Honda Accord 2.0 5-speed auto (base spec).

1. Super damn good FC, got over 831km @ RM 120 using RON95 pure highway or 721km @ RM 120 using RON95, Shell only
2. Cheap road tax
3. Cheap parts, if service outside. If Mofaz, chop to the max
4. No need repairs, 3 years warranty
5. Consider upgrade since car is so comfortable and perfect for my aging parents

Old Korean cars are crap. New Korean cars might be better but not putting any money after lost over RM 140k in 6 years.

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Added on February 25, 2011, 8:50 amIf CBU, it uses newer engine and gearbox just like the 2nd generation Carnival. In fact, if u ask any workshop, many also have Ria or old Carnival for family use and they converted to newer engine and gearbox. Less problem they say. Not an easy upgrade as u need the entire sub frame assembly, engine, gearbox, drive shafts, wiring and ECU. For my mechanic's case, he got it from a friend who crashed his Carnival.

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Added on February 25, 2011, 8:52 amRia / Carnival is 2.5 la... road tax is around RM 780 per year.

This post has been edited by acbc: Feb 25 2011, 08:52 AM

The 6A13TT from 8th generation Mitsubishi Galant (also known as Super VR4 in some countries).