Success can bring its problems. Take the Kia Sedona, for example. When new it is one of the best-value people carriers you can buy, undercutting most of the competition by several thousand pounds. But consider it as a used buy and all that changes; the Sedona has proven such a popular second-hand buy that it holds its value fantastically well.

Launched in Britain in September 1999, Kia originally designed the Sedona to appeal to American buyers and that is reflected in both styling and engine options. Only two engines were available and both had pretty hefty displacements — a V6 2.5 litre petrol unit with 162bhp and a 2.9 litre 125bhp diesel. While fuel prices in the US have never been a barrier to large-engine vehicles, in Britain the petrol was never a big seller. In fact the diesel accounted for about 90% of sales. Admittedly the diesel is no rocket but it is torquey and reasonably economical and will top the magic 30mpg.

A facelift to the range in late 2001 saw some improved styling, including the addition of an air scoop on the bonnet and revised interior trims. The engines also changed, the petrol dipping in power to 147bhp and the diesel rising to 143bhp.

In terms of practicality the Sedona scores well, with twin sliding doors, swivelling seats in the middle row and a dash-mounted gearstick, which keeps the floor area free and allows access to the rear from between the front seats. Interior space is generous with large comfortable front seats and two captain’s chairs behind (although the rearmost row of seats is more comfortable for two passengers than three). Removing the seats is not the easiest job. They are heavy and the anchor points can be fiddly.

On the road the Sedona feels its size, and while it’s a happy cruiser it tends to lose composure on poor surfaces. Through the bends the high body provokes understeer and the light steering lacks feedback. It’s a car that encourages you to drive at a sedate pace. That’s probably no bad thing as the Sedona scored just two stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests at a time when the best in class were scoring five. The vehicle’s reputation for safety also suffered because of the lack of side airbags (even as an option) and the absence of antilock braking on entry level S models. ()

But in other areas the Sedona’s list of standard equipment is more reassuring. All models get remote central locking, electric windows, an alarm and twin front airbags. The LX adds air-conditioning and antilock braking and the top spec SE gets leather upholstery, alloys and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat.

With used values so strong, my advice is to go up-spec where possible, as you are likely to recoup most of the extra you spend when you come to resell.

The Sedona’s low price when new made it a popular choice for minicab and private hire fleets. Today with 200,000 miles or more under their belts these vehicles are standing up pretty well to the rigours of constant use. Nevertheless, check the rear shock absorbers, which can be prone to failure, and the front pads and discs, which can wear heavily on automatic models.

Cupholders There are no fewer than 12 cupholders - that's nearly two drink choices per occupant

Brakes Front pads and discs prone to heavy wear

Bonnet air scoop Distinguished facelifted models, which also have new engines and improved trim

Satellite navigation A £1,100 option when new, adds £250 to used values and is worth paying the extra for

Transmission Dash-mounted gearstick for five-speed manual frees up floor space. Optional four-speed auto well suited to both petrol and diesel

Seats Rearmost bench seat is bulky and heavy to remove but middle row of captain's seats can swivel around to face forwards or rear

Sliding side doors Twin sliding doors make access easy

Insurance Group 10 or 11 for both petrol and diesel models, depending on trim levels

Suspension Check rear shock absorbers, which can fail prematurely

Vital statistics

Model Kia Sedona 2.9 CRD SE auto
Engine 2902cc, four-cylinder, 16-valve
Power 143bhp
Transmission Four-speed automatic
Fuel 33.2mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 16.2sec
Top speed 111mph

The one to buy

Kia Sedona 2.9 CRD SE automatic 2002 52-registration with 40,000 miles. Pay £10,850 from a dealer or £9,850 privately

Or for similar money...

2000 V Mercedes V220 CDI Trend
2001 Y Ford Galaxy 1.9TD Ghia
2001 Y Chrysler Grand Voyager 2.5TD LE
2001 51 Renault Espace 2.2 dCi Privilège
2002 02 Peugeot 806 2.0HDi

Values: Kia Sedona 2.9 CRD SE automatic



Petrol models worth about £800 less than equivalent diesels.

Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer