"Rico" (ricorich)
03/10/2014 at 17:54 • Filed to: None
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"Rico" (ricorich)
03/10/2014 at 17:54 • Filed to: None | 1
| 6 |
After reading one of Automatch's great posts today, it got me thinking about Kia and I'd like to share these thoughts.
"They used to make crap but they haven't made crap in a while"
This is a rational retort for people who realize that badge is not everything and Kia is miles ahead of where they once were. Anyone with eyeballs can see they are better than they were 10 years ago and if not you're just being ignorant, this is coming from someone who isn't big on Kia at all.
But then I ask myself what exactly is a while?
A quick trip to Wikipedia shows me they [Kia] entered the industry in the mid to late 80's. I'd say they made less than stellar cars [read: crap] for at least 20 years. I looked at when their new designs hit the market which was around 2008-2009 (specifically the Optima) but 6 years of decent/slightly above average cars can't outweigh 20+ years of crap.
In my opinion Kia needs time to turn everything around, and they can't make it go faster and they surely can't rewind it. It will take years (at least 5-7) of building good cars, the continual push for reliability/build quality, and positive word of mouth to really turn Kia's reputation around, then they have to keep it up.
Don't get me wrong, I want Kia to succeed! I want them to apply pressure to the major players and say we can offer what you have for less! Why? Because it makes the brands that I have an affinity for try harder, price more competitively, and include more features standard. Ah the beauty of competition. This is why I'm glad that Jaguar is making such a ferocious comeback because it keeps all the others on their toes.
heliochrome85
> Rico
03/10/2014 at 18:00 |
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As someone who just turned in a 2011 Kia Optima EX after 3 years and 32500 miles, I can honestly say that while I liked the car alot, I did not love it in large part because of the dealer interaction. While there are certainly a bunch of GREAT Kia dealers, the vast majority seem bad at best, horrific in truth. If Kia wants to enter the upmarket, they have to understand premium buyers are a fickle bunch. I refused to deal with the local BMW dealer in large part because of their "we dont need your business" attitude. I bought my car from a dealer 500 miles away, via email and fedex. Best decision I've ever made. Most KIA dealers are still set on the "protection package" model and unfortunately, to new prospects for the brand, thats a major turn off. As it stands, they make great cars, but should slow their upward march a bit as they barely have the sales staff to handle the demands of Honda customers, let alone BMW/Lexus/Merc. This goes for hyundai too.
Reigntastic
> Rico
03/10/2014 at 18:03 |
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I'd like to point out how paradoxical your title is after reading your article. Good read, though.
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Rico
> Reigntastic
03/10/2014 at 18:15 |
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Thanks, I guess? I know they've got a ton of stuff that needs work out.
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Rico
> heliochrome85
03/10/2014 at 18:19 |
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The push for the luxury segment does seem to be moving a bit too fast. I think they need to have their entire line up bullet proof for a while before trying to take on the luxury car market.
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heliochrome85
> Rico
03/10/2014 at 18:44 |
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their lineup is fairly bulletproof. their issue is that their old clientele are dragging down their futures. Kia no longer wants to sell you a $9k shitbox. Nor do they want you to want to buy one from them.
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Rico
> heliochrome85
03/10/2014 at 22:38 |
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Kia should do a buy back program with a hefty discount on a 2010+ model. That would get a bunch of shit boxes off the road and possibly increase good will among those who A) Got burned or B) Remained faithful.