[Peter W. Kessler]

Son wants a new Honda Civic. I know they're probably the best small car on the market, but they're very expensive per pound.

I suggested a Hyundai.

Son is willing to compromise with the KIA.

We're going car shopping next week. Will be looking for the basic model with manual transmission and no options.

No group of people I know is more knowledgeable about cars than Freepers.

So... what has been your experience with the Hyundai / KIA?

I'm not looking for anything except the Hyundai or KIA, so please don't advise for a Ford (I know no one would recommend a GM or a Chrysler product).

And a Bugatti Veyron is out of the question.

Thanks in advance!

[NYer]

K-I-A!!!

[nascarnation]

No group of people I know is more knowledgeable about cars than Freepers.

No group of people I know is more knowledgeable opinionated about cars than Freepers.

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

People I know are thrilled with their Kias.

[FReepaholic]

I can’t see ever owning a car that stands for Killed In Action.

[Beowulf9]

I just always buy Ford’s. They are good dependable cars that don’t cost a mint in the garage.

[Bryanw92]

I just traded my Hyundai Genesis Coupe last month, but I had it for four years and was very happy with it and the Hyundai service department (I had all my routine maintenance done there and two warranty repairs).

Obviously, if you are shopping for Genesis or Genesis Coupe, you have to go Hyundai because Kia doesn’t make anything comparable.

But, if you are going to get a FWD sedan type car, my neighbor’s Optima has been as reliable as my wife’s Camry. So, my honest opinion is that Hyundai and Kia are equal (unless you want RWD) and have the same warranty. Get the one that you like best.

I know that you don’t want to hear about Ford, but I traded the Genesis Coupe on a 2014 Mustang GT. 420 hp!! Yay.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

If you are not in a big hurry you should watch craigslist for a few weeks and buy a well taken care of used Civic or Corolla. If this is your son’s first car, he’s going to be dinging it anyway. Might as well get it pre-dinged and save a bunch of money.

[grania]

I'm on my third Hyundai. I've been very happy with it. I drive a compact, so quality is alway a concern. It's well built and the warranty is spectacular. Mileage is great on the highway, not so much in small city driving.

I think Kia has the same warranty. I almost switched over this time because the Hyundai is getting a little too flashy for my tastes.

[bmwcyle]

KIA, you pay about $1,000.00 less and it is the same car. I have the KIA Sorento 2011 with about 60000 miles. I have had no issues. I got the AWD. The FWD does not handle well when you dump it. The front end gets light. Gas mileage is 18 in city and 23 on the highway with the V6.

[Cicero]

I think it depends in part on your local dealers. We happen to have a great Honda dealership in town, that does a good job of maintenance at a fairly reasonable price. And I can usually drive it over myself and wait for it, because they’re pretty speedy, too.

Few things are more annoying than trying to deal with unreliable or expensive maintenance.

[taxcontrol]

1980 or newer diesel Mercedes 300 from crags list (~4,000). Take to a dealer and replace brakes and then to a detailer to clean up.

Gets 30+ mpg, solid car, runs forever, and the classier girls like it.

[joelt]

Pretty much the same running gear in these cars. The Elantra advertisements are showing zero down, zero% financing for 72 months. I have a 2009 Sonata that has been bullet proof. My sister has a 2011 Elantra; its been great.

[Safetgiver]

what has been your experience with the Hyundai / KIA?...Never had a KIA but all my buddies love the. My last three Hyundais have all performed well with 340,000 on my 2002, 350,561 on my 2005 and about 100,000 on my 2007 (retired now). Looking to lease a Cadillac or a Mercedes now just because I deserve one. BTW, only problem with Jap or Koreans that I have seen (or felt) is the seats wear out.

[aberaussie]

Have you considered a mazda? I have a five speed Mazda 3. It’s awesome!

[RangerM]

Depends on what’s your budget.

If something basic, then a Kia Soul would probably be good. Maximum space, good MPG, and reasonable price.

If something small, then you could go either way (H or K), just go with subjective measurements (personal comfort, looks, etc).

Overall I’ve found the Hyundai to be superior, but typically costs a little more.

Check on 100k mile warranty. Not transferable, but there may be subtle differences between brands.

[Disambiguator]

If you are also considering a Subaru, avoid green Foresters.

;^)

[Ouderkirk]

Hyundai and Kia are the same company. Kia is the upscale version of the Hyundai.

[wfu_deacons]

I owned a 2003 Hyundai Accent, just basic transportation that I used to drive to our satellite facilities. I put 250K on the car over about 10 years. Every part on it was original except the timing belt (replaced water pumps with timing belt). Never replaced a CV joint, the clutch, an alternator, or anything else. It did start leaking oil around the front main seal. When my youngest son recently got his license, I brought a wrecked 2004 Accent with just over 100K miles for $700. I took the sheet metal off my 2003 and put on his 2004 and it runs great.

I don’t know anything about KIAs but my experience with Hyundais has been very positive. I have considered buying a Genesis for my wife.

[knarf]

If Yer Gonn'a Do It, Do It Right

[minnesota_bound]

Found the car for your son. He will really like it.
http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-1960-1969/1969-Dodge-Charger-General-Lee-DOH-Jump-Swamp-1600x1200.jpg