2008 NEW Kia Optima HUGE incentives $12676 OTD YMMV

[bluedevils]

Quote from farkedup : still not enough to buy a Kia. Samsung has proven for years to make great displays. Kia has proven for years to make garbage. Kia is NOT the new Japan, Japan is the new Japan. I'll keep my civic hybrid with 77k on the clock.

You don't know what you are talking about. Period.

Quote from Bobgilbert : I just saw a $5000 cash back offer on all 2008 Sedona trims (Might be local because it asked for my zip code) on the Kia website.

Kia divides its incentives into 4 regions, if I remember correctly. You will see differences, sometimes by $1-2k per model, if you pick different states/zip codes. Some regions will have certain incentives (e.g. Kia loyalty or competitor bonus) on certain Kia models, while other regions won't.

[eastcoastwester]

I really need to get a new car and want a Nissan Versa. Hoping to some how get the invisible car deal at 5499 after trade. I doubt it, but I'd totally pull the trigger on that.

[ceril]

Consumer Reports just did a study about car brand perceptions, so we thought we'd compare the top 10 most highly perceived brands to their list of the most reliable car brands.

The reliability information is based on data CR collected about 1.4 million vehicles. Their owners reported any serious problems with their cars and CR used the data to predict the model's reliability.

The perceptions are based on a survey that asked people to rate car brands based on safety, quality, value, performance, environmental friendliness, design, and technological innovation. It's perception vs repair bills.

Brand Perception — Top 10
1. Toyota
2. Honda
3. Ford
4. Cadillac
5. Mercedes-Benz
6. GMC
7. Lexus
8. BMW
9. Chevrolet
10. Volvo

Brand Reliability — Top 10
1. Scion
2. Acura
3. Honda
4. Toyota
5. Lexus
6. Infiniti
7. Subaru
8. Hyundai
9. Mitsubishi
10. Kia

[mprice12]

I have a 2005 Kia Amanti.. Got it brand new in 2006 for $19K.. $10K off list. I love it.. the ride is awesome, it is fully loaded with every comfort one could ask for (especially for the price), and the only thing to need repairing/replacing was the battery. They would have prorated it.. but I decided to get a better one on a slick deal elsewhere. The car crusies nicely at 105mph and is wonderful for long trips. The workmanship is top notch and the attention to detail is tremendous. Kia had some problems originally but they have came around quite nicely . They've hired designers from Mercedes, Jaguar, and other top style manufacturers and even have pulled engineers from japan. IMHO they will be moving up the ladder for quality and safetly fast and you'll see them ranked much high in a year or two.

Oh and ps.. I can remember when Toyota and 'Datsun' were both crap vehicles in the late 70's and early 80's. My gf's first Corolla died every time it rained and datsun's aluminum heads would warp if you drove it in stop and go traffic or long distances for long periods. Both had a list of known problems but they were cheap vehicles so people bought them. There's a reason you don't see those cars still around.. they all died and rusted away. Anyways, those manufacturers improved greatly in 10yrs.. as Kia/Hyundai are doing now.

[delgadobb]

Quote from farkedup : still not enough to buy a Kia. Samsung has proven for years to make great displays. Kia has proven for years to make garbage. Kia is NOT the new Japan, Japan is the new Japan. I'll keep my civic hybrid with 77k on the clock.

As I mentioned in my post, this is some of what I thought before doing my research. 5 years ago I would not have bought a Kia. Reliability has come a long way & this car feels tightly built, very peppy around town. I didn't realize that the Optima's also 5-star crash rated, among the best in the industry.

DryEyes has a very good point, Korea in many ways is the new Japan. Lots of parallels in electronics & automobiles, along with the evolution & maturity of the country.

When I first started looking, the Toyota Prius & Camry (Hybrid) were both at the top of my list & both over $10,000 more, even if I got a deal. I like those cars (along with the Civic hybrid), but $10,000 is a lot of money to keep in my pocket. Even with gas at higher prices, it will take a long time to spend that money.

Like I said before, Kia's not going to be everyone's cup of tea. That said, it's hard to turn your nose up at a 5 yr/60K bumper to bumper warranty with a 5-star crash rated car for under $13K. Lots of great cars out there like the Prius & Civic hybrid, but they weren't far enough ahead to spend all the extra $$$.

[neoison]

Where is the bucket of seeds to spread? I love Kia. Its like a big chita pet you can drive..

Ka Ka Ka KIA !!!!!! Spread the seeds on and watch your KIA pet GROW !!!

Buy your Korea Kia Pet TODAY !!! Ka Ka Ka KIA !!!!!!!

[ants369]

I have a Camry and a Sonata (Kia and Hyundai share a lot, there minivans are exactly the same) of both the same age, about a year and half. I trust the Sonata much much more, the Camry has build issues and horrible service (not reflective of Toyota, maybe just the 4 dealers I went to). Also believe it or not, looking up the trade in prices, the Camry lost more taking in to account the incentives and lower purchase price on the Sonata. Anyway, the 07 Camry is up for sale, hopefully it will sell fast because of the name.

[Cozz]

Quote from ceril : Consumer Reports just did a study about car brand perceptions, so we thought we'd compare the top 10 most highly perceived brands to their list of the most reliable car brands. The reliability information is based on data CR collected about 1.4 million vehicles. Their owners reported any serious problems with their cars and CR used the data to predict the model's reliability. The perceptions are based on a survey that asked people to rate car brands based on safety, quality, value, performance, environmental friendliness, design, and technological innovation. It's perception vs repair bills. Brand Perception — Top 10 1. Toyota 2. Honda 3. Ford 4. Cadillac 5. Mercedes-Benz 6. GMC 7. Lexus 8. BMW 9. Chevrolet 10. Volvo Brand Reliability — Top 10 1. Scion 2. Acura 3. Honda 4. Toyota 5. Lexus 6. Infiniti 7. Subaru 8. Hyundai 9. Mitsubishi 10. Kia

Consumer Reports on autos is garbage. Car forum after car forum, they tell you not to trust CR for anything.

[DryEyes]

Quote from Bobgilbert : I just saw a $5000 cash back offer on all 2008 Sedona trims (Might be local because it asked for my zip code) on the Kia website.

I also just looked at the website and saw a new 2008 Kia Sorento SUV 4WD for 18,990 in cleveland coming to 13,990 after 5000 cash rebate (valid 1/6/09 till 3/2/09).

[farkedup]

Quote from delgadobb : As I mentioned in my post, this is some of what I thought before doing my research. 5 years ago I would not have bought a Kia. Reliability has come a long way & this car feels tightly built, very peppy around town. I didn't realize that the Optima's also 5-star crash rated, among the best in the industry. DryEyes has a very good point, Korea in many ways is the new Japan. Lots of parallels in electronics & automobiles, along with the evolution & maturity of the country. When I first started looking, the Toyota Prius & Camry (Hybrid) were both at the top of my list & both over $10,000 more, even if I got a deal. I like those cars (along with the Civic hybrid), but $10,000 is a lot of money to keep in my pocket. Even with gas at higher prices, it will take a long time to spend that money. Like I said before, Kia's not going to be everyone's cup of tea. That said, it's hard to turn your nose up at a 5 yr/60K bumper to bumper warranty with a 5-star crash rated car for under $13K. Lots of great cars out there like the Prius & Civic hybrid, but they weren't far enough ahead to spend all the extra $$$.

At that price though even if you have a couple issues its worth it. This is a mid sized car at a sub compact price. Good luck even getting a bare civic close to this.

Reputation for Kia is that they make garbage because they honestly did for years. Ford in the 80's made quite a bit of garbage that many still can't forgive them for. If Kia proves themselves for a few years I would probably think about them.if the price were right but they are currently a third rate company and that status won't be changing any time soon.

I am in the market for a new car. I'll check a couple places tomorrow and if I can get a deal a little better than this I think I'll probably just take it. I'm still looking around at some RAM 1500's.

[DryEyes]

Quote from neoison : Where is the bucket of seeds to spread? I love Kia. Its like a big chita pet you can drive.. Ka Ka Ka KIA !!!!!! Spread the seeds on and watch your KIA pet GROW !!! Buy your Korea Kia Pet TODAY !!! Ka Ka Ka KIA !!!!!!!

dont u mean chia?

from wiki: kia comes from ki-a (ki means rising from in Korean and the a stands for Asia) so it means literally "rising from Asia"

[bluedevils]

Quote from Cozz : Consumer Reports on autos is garbage. Car forum after car forum, they tell you not to trust CR for anything.

CR has some downsides in their auto information, but saying it is garbage is a bit uninformed. Just because 'car forum after car forum' says not to trust CR, that doesn't really prove anything.

[bluedevils]

Quote from farkedup : If Kia proves themselves for a few years I would probably think about them.if the price were right but they are currently a third rate company and that status won't be changing any time soon.

I know you weren't bashing Kia with your post, but Kia already HAS proven itself for a few years. They have been making mostly well-built decent quality vehicles for at least the past 3-5 years. Not everybody realizes it or accepts it yet, but most of the data and reviews bear it out.

[sinurgy]

Quote from ceril : Consumer Reports just did a study about car brand perceptions, so we thought we'd compare the top 10 most highly perceived brands to their list of the most reliable car brands. The reliability information is based on data CR collected about 1.4 million vehicles. Their owners reported any serious problems with their cars and CR used the data to predict the model's reliability. The perceptions are based on a survey that asked people to rate car brands based on safety, quality, value, performance, environmental friendliness, design, and technological innovation. It's perception vs repair bills. Brand Perception — Top 10 1. Toyota 2. Honda 3. Ford 4. Cadillac 5. Mercedes-Benz 6. GMC 7. Lexus 8. BMW 9. Chevrolet 10. Volvo Brand Reliability — Top 10 1. Scion 2. Acura 3. Honda 4. Toyota 5. Lexus 6. Infiniti 7. Subaru 8. Hyundai 9. Mitsubishi 10. Kia

That list does not even come close to jiving with JD Power's reliability ratings. Now I'm about to post something that could shock a few people so I'm warning you ahead of time. Ok here it is...a source (oh my god, not a source!!!).

3yr Overall Reliability Rankings by Brand [jdpower.com]

Oh and before the ignorant bashing starts, a close look at the top 10 reliability brands shows 4 are American, 4 are Japanese, 1 German and 1 British (I know Jaguar owned by Ford but it's not an American brand).

[srb122]

Very well thought out. Nice job, although I wouldn't even pay what you paid for a new car right now. Prices will come down even more. Mark my word.