redskinboy buys the Kia!!

[redskinboy]

Thanks guys for talking me out of trading the 4runner on the Aspen - I instead traded the wife's 2004 Dodge Neon for a 2007 Kia Rondo - it is exactly what she wanted and they were practically giving them away. I did some homework on them and feel confidant (plus having the 5 yr 50,000 bumper to bumper plus the 10 yr 100,000 powertrain) it will last. Drove it around today and really enjoyed it (not as much as the 4runner though!!). All of you really came through for me and she sends her thanks - she was happy I kept the 4runner and happy that I kept my word and got her the next new car.!!

Props!!!!

 

[Thai]

Good job...good decision...the Kia Rondo is a very practical small car.

 

[redskinboy]

not as "small" as you would think. It looks small but drives big - I am so impressed at the workmanship - I hope they catch on though because I would bet my wife is the only one who owns one in our town (no Kia dealership - she works across the street from the dealership we purchased from - about 30 miles away). Works for her - works for me!!

 

[jharris2]

Good decision to trade the Neon.

I drove a Rondo on my last business trip -- was pleasantly surprised with it. The major complaint I had was that I couldn't find the right seat position to make it comfortable to grip the steering wheel. Next biggest complaint was the small gas tank -- 14 gallons, IIRC. All in all, pretty small complaints overall (drove ~400 miles with it).

Got reasonably good mileage, too -- about 25mpg.

 

[redskinboy]

Forgot to tell of the "deal". 8500 for my wife's Neon (6250 on Kelley) 6500 off msrp for the Rondo (msrp 22538). We put 5000 down and financed 3000 - off the lot at 8000. Called two other Kia dealers and one laughed and said they were in the business to make money and the other all but called me a liar. That's OK because I bought it where I wanted to. Right across the street from where my wife works at a bank.

Payments are 59.50 a month but will probably just pay it off in a year when the dust settles - something about writing an 8000 check vs a 5000 check.

I got the best of both worlds - an awesome 4runner and a car we can take on vacations besides the 4runner (YES)!

 

[Thai]

Next biggest complaint was the small gas tank -- 14 gallons, IIRC.

This is a complaint among Rondo's competitors too...like the Honda Fit and Scion xA.

 

[jharris2]

Forgot to tell of the "deal". 8500 for my wife's Neon (6250 on Kelley) 6500 off msrp for the Rondo (msrp 22538). We put 5000 down and financed 3000 - off the lot at 8000. Called two other Kia dealers and one laughed and said they were in the business to make money and the other all but called me a liar. That's OK because I bought it where I wanted to. Right across the street from where my wife works at a bank.

Payments are 59.50 a month but will probably just pay it off in a year when the dust settles - something about writing an 8000 check vs a 5000 check.

I got the best of both worlds - an awesome 4runner and a car we can take on vacations besides the 4runner (YES)!

Sounds like a great deal. And there is nothing like the feeling of having it paid off.

 

[redskinboy]

You are right - a paid off car is so sweet. I pay 294 a month for my 4runner - 48 more to go - I am thinking of paying it off next year but I am hoping I am set for several years now with both cars - good warranties for both and, sorry to say, both foreign made vehicles. I still can't believe that US automakers can't get it right. It does hurt to buy foreign - I get razzed all the time by loyal Ford and GM buyers but then I have to listen to them complain about repairs.

Oh well, competition should be a good thing!