Need Advice - Buying a Car

See: Author | 12/23/13 | Me

[Peter W. Kessler]

Hyundai or KIA?

[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.

[dhs12345]

Ya. Starting with don’t buy GM.

[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.

[Peter W. Kessler]

True, but I value the knowledge opinions.

[novascotianative]

I have a 2004 Kia optima, 95k, great car if you take card of them.

[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.

[nascarnation]

Obviously you’re an environmental and resource consuming criminal - nicely done!

[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.

[Bryanw92]

>>Obviously you’re an environmental and resource consuming criminal - nicely done!

I would like to be Public Enemy #1 some day. But for now, I’ll just have to settle for downshifting next to Priuses and making loud V8 noises. I hear that makes Prius driving women (and men—if you can call them that) ovulate.

[UB355]

My advice is once they decide on what they want to go home an fax price requests to at least three dealers. Don’t use The manufacture’s web site. Deal with the lowest price dealer or take the lowest quote to favorite dealer.

[Jonty30]

My Ford Focus has been running problem free for the past 6 years and has even started with no problems in the coldest weather, -30C or colder.

Ford also was the one company that refused a bailout, so I think they should be rewarded.

[Beowulf9]

I own a 2008 Ford Escape. No problems here and just paid it off:)

[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.