Damnit! I Keep Falling Back in Love With the Amanti

"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind) 02/28/2016 at 13:25 • Filed to: Kia Amanti

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When I’m away from the Amanti, I want to get rid of it for something “better.” Then the second I touch the door handles, I’m as mushy as the suspension. If you are into human-centered design , then Hyundais, Kias, and most Chrysler products will be what you gravitate to. It’s the advantage the Korean automakers have and something the Genesis brand will hopefully exploit within a segment that is renown for lacking this feature. Best thing is that this silly goat is outstanding in that design quality.

To those wondering what a Kia Amanti rollin’ on dubs is like to own, it’s like operating a toaster on a waterbed. Buoyant and crumbing. No, not really, but you can’t help but be engaged even though nothing is happening...ever! Accelerating from 0-40mph still tricks me into thinking I’m going 60mph. Going 50mph in a 45mph feels like I’m doing highway speeds! I thought I would get used to it. NOPE! I blame it mostly on how linear and progressive the power is all the way to redline (which it lets you hit all day) and the smoothness of the shifts. Unlike a subcompact car though, it doesn’t feel like the engine is putting in any effort. So it’s like legal speeding!

The handling is great simply due to the size of the tires. It was absolutely atrocious on the stock 16's. I took an onramp coming from the airport at about 35mph and thought for sure I was going to hit the wall. You didn’t have to worry about stopping on a dime because the front end would dip enough for you to pick it up the coin as you continued on. It’s as if stopping was only a suggestion rather than a necessity. That’s pretty much the story of how it end up with the wheels...well size wise, the design is due to wanting something unique and trying to pull off something that shouldn’t even be put on to begin with...because Wobbles.

Now hold on to your butts for this next fact!

I kid you not, the turn signal stalk is the most satisfying interaction I have ever had when it comes to stalks. The wiper stalk on the other side though, not worth commenting on. But that indicator stalk, tho! I look forward to signaling a turn. I’m ecstatic about lane changes because I can’t wait to “engage the indicators.” If the Enterprise had turn signals, they would use this stalk! My lawd, if all cars were built to the level of this stalk, Pagani would pack up shoppe.

Yep, still happy with the purchase. No !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! are on any of the vehicles yet by the way, but I’ll notify everyone when that changes and we’ll see how many called it/them.

*Eventually I’ll tell the story of how this 2006 Kia Amanti turned me into a car enthusiast, but I want some good pictures of it which I won’t take until I get ready to sell it. I may just tell the story and skip the pictures (which I think many would enjoy either way).

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Wobbles the Mind 02/28/2016 at 13:40

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The Amanti is one of those cars that I just sort of brushed off without knowing anything about it. I’m very interested to hear more about it.

Wobbles the Mind > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 02/28/2016 at 13:46

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The stories are coming, I just need to get to a real computer at some point and type them up. I’ll start doing some story times. The two I know Oppo will like are How a Geo Tracker got me Laid and How the Kia Amanti Turned Me Into a Car Enthusiast .

Steve in Manhattan > Wobbles the Mind 02/28/2016 at 14:10

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So if you were to replace it with something, at reasonable cost, what would you get?

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Wobbles the Mind 02/28/2016 at 14:22

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Late model Hondas also have a very friendly turn signal stalk. The effort is low and the damping is perfect.

Fiat and Mercedes-Benz have relatively high-effort stalks that feel satisfying, but take some muscle to engage.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Wobbles the Mind 02/28/2016 at 14:38

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I swear I would rebuild this entire cockpit just so that clock is centered. It’s killing me that it’s not.

Wobbles the Mind > Steve in Manhattan 02/28/2016 at 14:47

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The list is currently:

$36k: Jaguar XJ or XJ-L Supersport (specifically Supersport)

$27k: Chevy SS Sedan with the Manual

$19k: Kia Cadenza

It will depend on my needs, but those are the models I would actually trade the Amanti for (that’s assuming great examples of those models are priced near those numbers in the next three years). Otherwise, it keeps its position as the “large sedan” of the garage. I’m super particular about the cars I buy and their specs. It usually takes me at least 6 months to find the car I’m looking for after I decide I’m ready to buy a car.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Wobbles the Mind 02/28/2016 at 14:47

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I think the Koreans are exporting good cars. Not the best in all areas, but definitely good. I appreesh you writing this post. I have always liked the looks of the Amanti and I like the Korean proportions to their B-pillar saloon cars with taller cabins and more glass. If I had the dough, I’d own one of these, just to try it out.

Thanks for the post!

Wobbles the Mind > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 02/28/2016 at 15:04

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I know! Luckily it isn’t a nuisance until you’re centered in the rear seat. In person, I still prefer it to the digital display that actually goes there.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Wobbles the Mind 02/28/2016 at 15:08

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Throw a LS460 or LS460L in that group. You can find a nice 2009-2011ish LS460L in that 36K range.

Wobbles the Mind > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 02/28/2016 at 15:13

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Anytime! Clean models are really hard to find though since the third owners destroy them. The Amanti is not a daily driver though, especially on stock wheels and suspension. I hate to say it, but the new Genesis Sedan and K900 are the same way. Opposite reasons though, the Genesis let’s too much road feel into the seat rather than the steering wheel. The K900 just isn’t modern enough underneath. Really disappointing since I thought I’d love them both. Fine for weekend/occasions but definitely not everyday for years as they are.

Wobbles the Mind > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 02/28/2016 at 15:21

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True, but wouldn’t beat out the Supercharged 510hp Jaguar at that price since I only do 5,000 miles a year on my “big sedans.” If I did more miles, the LS would be in the running (though I’d drop to the GS of the same vintage personally). Big sedans are terrible daily drivers, no matter what the panther owners tell you.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Wobbles the Mind 02/28/2016 at 15:22

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Haha with the Lexus you would actually be able to drive it 5000 miles a year *ba dum tssss*

certified cool guy > Wobbles the Mind 02/28/2016 at 15:47

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It’s a pretty good S-type clone actually. I know some relatives in Korea who drive this.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Wobbles the Mind 02/28/2016 at 15:58

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My neighbor has a new Genesis. 400+ hp, he tells me.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 02/28/2016 at 16:01

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Why not just center everything?

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 02/28/2016 at 16:02

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Too much centerrringggggggg

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 02/28/2016 at 16:05

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Takes the drivers’ eyes too far from the road, in my opinion.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 02/28/2016 at 16:06

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Completely agree.

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > Wobbles the Mind 02/28/2016 at 16:19

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Haven’t really seen many about around here, will have to keep an eye out for em.

I do want to try those indicators though lol.

Wobbles the Mind > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 02/28/2016 at 16:49

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It’s true! But horsepower and design don’t make a great riding car by modern standards. The Genesis is a great car, and a terrific value, just missing a crucial ride area that will make people pawn these off after less than 4 years ownership.

Wobbles the Mind > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash 02/28/2016 at 16:50

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10/10, would signal again!

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Wobbles the Mind 02/28/2016 at 16:52

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When I read a few years ago that the Chevy Impala was unlikely to retain value well, I thought, perfect car for me in 5 years. New cars are just an awful investment.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Wobbles the Mind 02/28/2016 at 16:53

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I don’t mind having information displayed on the center console, just not drivability stuff like the speedo, or a too-small brake light (Yaris) or the like.

Wobbles the Mind > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 02/28/2016 at 16:57

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Completely agree. There are a lot of great cars from 2012 that are incredible values now! I also like models around 2006. I’m hesitant on late 2000s/early 2010s models simply because no one had any money, but I’m always watching the market!

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Wobbles the Mind 02/28/2016 at 17:27

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I don’t buy a used car with resale in mind. I buy it and drive it.

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > Wobbles the Mind 02/28/2016 at 18:40

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Keep in mind this is coming from a BMW driver lol

Steve in Manhattan > Wobbles the Mind 02/29/2016 at 06:33

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Love the idea of an SS - cousin works for GM, and I keep urging him to get one as his company car.