Kia Rio owners, do you recommend Kia?

Question

I looking to buy a new small and fuel efficient car without paying premium for the brand name (Toyota and Honda). I am about finish college, so I want to make it a graduation gift to myself. According to my research, American cars (Ford and GM) are good, but I don't think they have reach an stable point in fuel efficiency. Neither I am willing to pay extra becuase the cars claim to be American when the parts are made in China, assembled in Mexico, and sold in the US. So far, it seems Kia has come along way from the low quality characteristic from the 90's. I would like to feedback from any Kia car owner that was purchase after 2004. Thank you so much for your help in advance.

Answer 1

Kia has come a long way, and I have the opportunity to sell New Honda's and Used of anything...so I get to see all makes and models of cars every day.

The best thing I can say, is that the Kia/Hyundai brand (same car maker) is a decent low budget car that is on average 5 to 7k less than the same of a New Honda...but with that Preminum Brand of Honda you also get a Premium Quality vehicle combined with a second to none resale vale.

The Kias may not have a lot of engine issues, but build quality of materials are lacking...like sun visors that fall off or panels that come apart...fabric that wears quickly etc....

So if you can, try to find a Used Honda of the same price as a new Kia, and overall even though it is used, in the long run chances are you will be more happy with it...especially if you plan on keeping it for a long time!

Good luck either way!

C.Bond

Answer 2

Yeah I agree with C. Bond. I work with used cars of all makes and in general, Korean cars' value have very little staying power. They typically rank below domestic cars as well. As far as general value on used cars go, the hierarchy seems to be Japanese, European, Domestic, Korean. In that order. For a car that's gonna last you a long time and still be worth something, go Japanese.

Answer 3

one Hyundai owns Kia they are not the same company.

if you want a Kia get an Optima or Rondo, avoid the Rio.

The Rondo has been sold successfully for years in Europe under the name Carens.

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/defaul...