Kia Ceed Hatchback (2007 - 2012) 1.6 LS 5d Owner Review

Owned for 5 years and used daily as a commuter and family car.
Now has 105,000 miles on it and engine still smooth and reliable. Once warmed up you can't even hear it in the cabin. The 1.6 petrol gamma petrol engine is pretty bullet proof.
Thw only issue in 5 years of use and abuse (40,000 miles) has been a tired starter motor which chirped after starting the engine (sticking) and eventually got worse. We replaced it ourselves at home with a refurbished genuine Kia starter motor and it's been fine. Also, a wire under the steering wheel plastic cowel was rubbing on a metal bracket and shorting out the wipers which was tracked down by an autoelectrician and easily sorted. Apart from that, the only repairs have been general wear and tear (brakes, suspension drop links, bulbs, tyres, etc). It's one of those cars we ended up keeping because if we replace it for something shiny and newer which lets us down we will end up regretting letting the old Ceed go. It's old and a bit battered now, but is a true "leave it anywhere" car that attracts ZERO attention from thieves and vandals, and another scratch or dent from careless people will not have us crying ourselves to sleep. It's very easy to service at home, even the oil can be changed from the sump without leven lifting the car off the ground. Filters are easy. Because of this we've changed the oil every 5k, filters regularly, and spark plugs every 20k - all at home. It's paid off as the engine is still sweet. Unfortunately this engine is in a higher tax bracket, so taxing it is getting pricey at £265 as of Apr 2025 and the change to E10 petrol robbed nearly 5mpg from the economy we were getting before (50 down to 45mpg). But it's still good and its practicality and reliability keeps us hanging onto it. It's a bit of a tardis inside, rear leg room is very good and the boot is so practical for a hatchback. With the seats down it's great for tip runs, large items and transporting bags of logs regularly.
Our next car, eventually, will be a younger Kia Ceed or its sister car the Hyundai i30.