Specifically, a 2017 Kia Niro LX. I have to say I am reallly impressed with the build quality. This car replaced my 2006 Saturn VUE V6 with 204,000 miles. Everything on that car was either totally broken or 99% broken. The engine and transmission (Honda J35) were still pretty solid. We are really excited, especially my wife, since this is her first new car ever! Going from 20mpg to ~55 will be nice.



Here's what was wrong with my old car:

A/C was really weak-useless in temperatures above 85 degrees
Driver's seat was ripping at the seams
Turn signal stalk was broken-flasher clicks non-stop while driving
Windshield was cracked in 2 places
Hit a deer a few years back-major quarter panel damage.
Motor mounts were all bad
CV joints click when wheel is turned either way
Rear alignment has been an issue-rear tires wear unevenly-steel belts showing on both
Suspension needs to be replaced all around
Sometimes the car won't start unless you wiggle the key. Key can be removed while the engine is running
Front brake pads wear down within a year even after new rotors and bleeding system
Horrible shimmy from front end under hard acceleration
Tailgate won't stay open on it's own
Has P0420 CEL code-can't pass inspection
Sometimes under hard acceleration, engine goes into low power mode. Have to restart car-provided the worn ignition cylinder cooperates
Slight but persistent coolant leak-no idea where it's leaking from
Occasionally, after driving at 'high' highway speeds in very hot weather, transmission won't shift into 4th or 5th gear. Have to pull over and let everything cool down. Car is fine after cooldown period.
Have to press buttons on fob super hard to lock/unlock car even after cleaning and new battery

[Edited on September 23, 2017 at 6:14 PM. Reason : .]

9/23/2017 6:12:56 PM

Haha. I also made a list of everything wrong with my old car when I got a new one. It made me feel slightly better about spending money. Slightly.

9/23/2017 7:10:44 PM

I have a Kia. It was "supposed to be" after they had fixed "electronic issues" but.. It's had electronics issues. It is 5 years old now though. GLWKia

9/23/2017 8:42:15 PM

Quote :

"I have to say I am reallly impressed with the build quality. This car replaced my 2006 Saturn VUE V6 with 204,000 miles. Everything on that car was either totally broken or 99% broken"

Of course you are, and of course it was. It was a 2006 Saturn!

9/23/2017 10:41:34 PM

Dammit I was hoping it was the Kia Stinger

9/24/2017 1:22:35 AM

^

9/25/2017 1:46:51 PM

^^

9/25/2017 7:37:17 PM

LX
MSRP
$23,200*

Horsepower, 1.6-Liter Engine
104 hp @ 5,700 rpm

Horsepower, Electric Motor
43 hp @ 1,800-2,500 rpm

Horsepower, Combined
139 hp @ 5,700 rpm

EPA MPG (City/Highway/Combined)

51/46/49

9/26/2017 8:15:05 AM

Quote :

"I was hoping it was the Kia Stinger"

I went by the dealership in Cary this morning to sign some papers and they have a GT in the showroom

https://imgur.com/gallery/2HlnW

9/26/2017 1:19:32 PM

I closet love our soul

100k miles without even a small problem

If the stinger had a manual in the gt version I'd seriously consider it

9/27/2017 5:54:03 PM

We almost bought a Soul EV, but the Niro made more sense to us. Not enough charging infrastructure with only ~100 mile range

9/29/2017 8:17:31 PM

I bought a '12 Forte Koup new in late '11. Going on six years and 72k miles, and it's been trouble-free. It's my wife's car primarily but it was also our trip vehicle until earlier this year when I got something newer. No regrets on the purchase and it's still got 28k of powertrain warranty left.

We'd probably keep it until the warranty was up, if not longer, except for the fact that my wife is expecting and I don't imagine it's going to be fun to get a child seat in and out of a compact 2-door.

The Niro looks good though. I'd probably be considering one if we were going to replace the Forte with a new car, but I really don't want a second car payment combined with childcare expenses.

9/29/2017 11:14:24 PM

^^^^, looks like I need to go by a Kia dealer. Really like what I've seen on the Stinger, and the maxima is at 180k miles now.

9/30/2017 4:04:55 PM

^ Also check out the just-released Genesis G70, which will carry the same powertrains as the Kia Stinger.

9/30/2017 6:28:59 PM

Quote :

"^^^^, looks like I need to go by a Kia dealer. Really like what I've seen on the Stinger, and the maxima is at 180k miles now."

Is username StingerDrvr available?

10/1/2017 5:32:46 PM

So... the Stinger GT beats the 640i Gran Coupe M Sport and equals the Panamera 3.0L V6 in certain tests at a certain track

(At less than half the price)

https://www.motor1.com/news/227705/kia-stinger-porsche-bmw watch video

Full test:
https://www.motor1.com/reviews/200284/2018-kia-stinger-first-drive

With designers and engineers from Lambo, Audi, and BMW M working for KIA now and involved in the Stinger's development, not surprised I guess!

1/19/2018 8:52:41 AM

If Kia would only supply cars with 3 pedals that are fun.. They would make great used bargains in a few years.

1/20/2018 6:04:05 PM

My coworker just bought a fully loaded Stinger GT2!

1/24/2018 9:01:44 AM

Interesting...

1/24/2018 1:55:26 PM

Congrats on the new purchase. I'm not a fan of hybrids in general, but at least you bought an attractive looking one!

I have no love for Saturns, but in that car's defense a lot of the stuff that "was wrong" with it were maintenance items that usually are due well before 200k miles.

1/26/2018 10:59:55 AM

^^ I can't fathom dropping 50k for the privilege of driving a brand new kia..

1/28/2018 9:41:04 AM

^ See the link I posted about it beating a Panamera and a 6 Series

But I still see your point.

1/28/2018 11:12:47 AM

people who are cross-shopping the panamera and 6 series don't care if something can win every track test

1/28/2018 2:17:04 PM

of course no one is cross shopping it with a panamera or a 6 series, that was just to show that it is a capable car, and that has its cost. i can definitely see someone cross shopping it with the 3/4 series, though.

by the way, the 365 hp GT can be had for $38K, if you don't get any options or packages, and that's more than a fair price.

1/28/2018 2:42:50 PM

[Edited on January 28, 2018 at 2:43 PM. Reason : damn double post]

1/28/2018 2:42:50 PM