How to choose a reliable and relatively new family car for less than 1 million rubles?
Alexander Vinogradov, an expert at the Za Rulem magazine, shared advice on choosing used station wagons and identified four worthy models. Among them is the second-generation Kia Ceed (2015–2016) assembled in Kaliningrad. This is a good alternative to the more popular Largus for those who want more comfort, albeit at the expense of the car’s age.
The most common versions on the market are those with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine (129 hp). However, the Gamma series engines have a weak point: scoring in the cylinders is possible due to crumbs from a destroyed neutralizer. It is recommended to check the cylinders with an endoscope before purchasing. It is also worth considering the limited resource of the timing chain – it usually requires replacement after 150-160 thousand km.
The most preferable is the A6GF1 automatic transmission – with regular maintenance, it is highly reliable. The mechanics may have problems with a leaking primary shaft seal and a weak release bearing.
The paintwork of the Ceed is quite thin, chips appear quickly, especially in the front – it is better to protect the hood and bumper with film. It is also worth checking the serviceability of the seat and glass heating in advance – these systems are among the first to fail.
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