Used Kia Magentis Saloon 2001 - 2003 reliability

The Magentis is a safe pair of hands. We've heard no reports of common weak spots in the car, so its reputation as a soundly built, mechanically robust piece of kit seems justified.

However, it's important to choose one that comes with a full service history. Tough though it is, the Magentis isn't unbreakable, and it does require servicing every 10,000 miles or once a year.

As well as missed services, be wary of cars that have cheap-brand tyres fitted or bodged repairs to the bodywork or exhaust - all signs that the car has been maintained on a shoestring.

There are plenty of electric gadgets, which can be pricey to fix if they go wrong - especially the air-con - so check they all work properly. Look for signs of hard use in the cabin, too. Some of the fixtures and fittings don't feel as durable as the rest of the car.