31st Oct 2005, 14:48
I hasten to add that the true test of a vehicle is the test of time. Most of us will buy or lease a new vehicle knowing full well that we'll dump it before the warranty expires or more than likely, when the brakes need work.
Kia produces low end vehicles destined to cash conscious consumers. These consumers, more than anything else, will buy a Kia because of the relatively low purchase price and of course, the warranty.
Is a Kia a good value? Is the old adage "you get what you pay for" a consideration to Kia buyers? Do Kia buyers honestly bother to compare other vehicles like a Toyota, Ford or whatever and take into consideration what the trade value of their Kia will be a few years down the road? I suppose value is what you perceive it to be.
I've read many of the reviews and comments for all Kia models and see that there are many unsatisfied owners who mostly complain about poor quality, poor dealer service, less than stellar support from Kia and lacklustre trade values. I suspect this is a case of "you get what you pay for". I also note that there are reviews and comments that are favorable, but many of these relate to low mileage vehicles where the observations may be a bit premature.
Nevertheless, Kia has put together a formidable marketing strategy for north america. It's designed to appeal to those of us who don't want to or cannot afford to pay for higher priced vehicles. Now, J.D. Power has even seen fit to award two of Kias 2005 models with its " most appealing" award designation. That's like saying you get an award for showing up for work today or its our favorite color or something like that.
So far I've not read a review that is complimentary to a high mileage Kia. I think the test of time will be the best indicator of whether a Kia is a good value or not. Don't be fooled by the advertising, compare before you buy. If you still want the Kia then buy it. Just remember that the cost per mile takes into consideration all variables like maintenance & repairs, resale value etc, not just the purchase price.
9th Nov 2005, 15:53
Well, 70,000 miles might be considered as high mileage, depending on the vehicle. My wife's Audi has 180k and runs like the day we bought it. No problems what so ever. My 2002 Kia has 73,000 miles on the clock and runs like an eighty year old in a marathon. Thats of course, when it's out of the shop.
This is the most frustrating vehicle I've owned. Both vehicles have been routinely serviced and driven respectfully, yet the Kia seems to want call the dealers service department home. It is not a dependable automobile.
Obviously, you're one the the chosen ones or the car gods have taken a shine to you. Let us know if you get to 75,000 miles and if your still in love or seeking a divorce.
11th Nov 2005, 06:51
Just thought you would like to know. I have an 04 Kia Optima with 31000 miles that I drive between 70 and 80 miles a day. Only time in shop is for oil changes and tire rotations.
Be aware that some shops will play with a car to get you to pay for costly repairs.
I looked into a Chevy Cobalt, Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic before settling on the KIA Optima. While those other cars were great in drive and performance, they did not have enough to warranty paying an extra $4000.00. And those other cars have 3/36 warranties.
It depends on the repair shop whether you will have the KIA in and out often. I see Honda's and Toyota's in repair shops also.
Car for car the newer (04 and better) KIA's are very highly rated by all car reviews.
14th Nov 2005, 10:17
I agree, it's important to take your vehicle to a shop you trust especially one that knows how to service your model. To save a few bucks and because it was convenient, I've performed routine oil changes on my vehicles over the years using quality products. It's a simple procedure.
My present vehicle is a 2002 Kia Sedona. I've owned it since new and I have to say it's a contender for the worst vehicle I've owned. The van has been routinely serviced and the more complex services done by the dealer. Thank God for the warranty.
It has about 80,000 miles on the clock and the engine has been making knocking noises for the last little while. The dealer says he needs about eight hours labor to determine whats wrong. I don't believe you can attribute this to poor or improper servicing. I think a pin bushing is worn out.
I owned a 1985 Toyota Corolla and put over 300,000 miles on it before trading it. Along with a 1978 full size Olds wagon with over 350,000 miles on the clock, I'd have to say it was one of the best cars I've owned. Both cars still had their original engines and transmissions. The only major expense was replacing the alternator in the Olds and struts in the Toyota. No engine or transmission work.
The Kia, well it ranks just below a 1992 Sable which was one of the worst cars I've owned. I bought the Mercury cheap second hand with 60,000 miles on it. At a hundred thousand I had to replace both cylinder heads. Apparently a common problem with Fords of that era if they weren't serviced regularly. I didn't pay much for the car to begin with, obviously it wasn't serviced properly by the original owner.
Needless to say, you do get what you pay for especially when it comes to automobiles. The Kia Sedona was less expensive to begin with than other offerings, but it has a worthless trade in value and parts costs are outrageous.
Hopefully your Optima proves to be stellar vehicle and serves you well in the future. Personally, I will not buy another Kia product. Instead, I will by another Ford next time, a Freestar. It's a definite step up on a Kia.
10th Dec 2005, 13:44
I have read all these comments and frankly there is not a one that concentrates on the subject at hand without losing focus. The opinions expressed in these comments are not objective and well thought out. Some of them border on the pretentious especially those referring to Kia cars being "entry level" and made for buyers without much sophistication. I have read them because I was in the market for a car and was considering a Kia. Unfortunely the reviews found here are worthless.
28th Oct 2005, 14:57
I wrote the first comment, and after reading your response, I agree. I haven't read the KIA warranty and I'm not sure exactly what the stipulations are for this warranty as opposed to other automaker's plans. If you plan to just get 80k or so out of the car, the the warranty on the KIA does make sense and it was a smart buy. Toyotas may last longer, but it comes at a price and at that point you wouldn't even own the car any more. I suppose the only worry would be the lower resale value of the KIA versus the Toyota, but as you point out, it may still not offset the price premium of the Toyota.