My wifes is still only about 52k miles even now :p , had it done at like 48k and yea i noticed the idling was alot smoother for one, and it pulled away better, but the main reason i had mine done was i could hear it rattling, im sure it wouldve been fine for another 50k miles but once i hear a noise i have to sort it :p

 

I think the idea was that they would "last the life of the engine" but i think unofficially it was advised at 120 or 140k. or when ever it gets rattly.

I've got to admit, I prefer the Mk1 to the Mk2 by a long way. The Mk2 always feels a bit like I'm sat on it rather than in it. 

 

I still remember when i first took a look at mine on the garage forecourt, ran it up and lifted the bonnet to see the engine bobbing about and sounded rough as hell, then i realised it was a 3 pot

 

I dropped a brand new Kia Picanto off to a garage a few years ago (they were leasing it for a courtesy car) and while it was being checked in the guy commented on how it sounded like it was running on 3. I said if it wasn't, that's when you start to worry.