Is there an engine option on it for a larger 4 cyl?
2011 Kia Soul Base $13,300
- Thread starter Dave424
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Disregard, I failed to read page 2 with info on a 2.0 option.
The notchy-ness may improve with a few thousand breakin miles.
my 2011 forester had the worst manual of about 10 different cars I test drove.. but after 2000 miles its much better.. and I'm used to it also.
some random thoughts...
The sonata was the smoothest shifter but "vague" clutch
the mazda 3s was the best shifter hands down as far as feel and smooth. Clutch was nice
the absolute worst was the 2011 outback 6mt
the gear ratios were just wierd and ??? were they thinking.
The 6mt in the 2011 sportage was good.
The hyundai tuscon was kinda blah (it was an older 5mt)
I've been getting about 26mpg in the forester but my usual commute is 7miles with 9 lights and road construction.
at 55 i get about 30mpg, lowest was 22mpg with 5 people and a 2000lb trailer at 80 with the ac on.
was in toronto and people were flying past me at 95+
my 2011 forester had the worst manual of about 10 different cars I test drove.. but after 2000 miles its much better.. and I'm used to it also.
some random thoughts...
The sonata was the smoothest shifter but "vague" clutch
the mazda 3s was the best shifter hands down as far as feel and smooth. Clutch was nice
the absolute worst was the 2011 outback 6mt
the gear ratios were just wierd and ??? were they thinking.
The 6mt in the 2011 sportage was good.
The hyundai tuscon was kinda blah (it was an older 5mt)
I've been getting about 26mpg in the forester but my usual commute is 7miles with 9 lights and road construction.
at 55 i get about 30mpg, lowest was 22mpg with 5 people and a 2000lb trailer at 80 with the ac on.
was in toronto and people were flying past me at 95+
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Cogito, there is no problem with knee space. I know what you mean though.
Okay, at 750 miles I dumped the factory fill for some Mobil 1 0w30 and Mobil 1 filter. The original filter seems to be built just as good if not better than the Mobil filter. I may have to experiment with a different oil next time since I noticed it is now louder with Mobil 1. On the up side, my trip comp shows my average fuel economy is now at 33mpg.
On the hwy I did an experiment. I held the car steady with no A/C at various speeds on a flat road to read real time mpg.
75 mph = 33 mpg
65 mph = 37 mpg
55 mph = 43 mpg
45 mph = 47 mpg
So it looks like the boxy shape of the car is taxing fuel economy heavily at speeds above 50mph
Here are a few things I don't like about the car.
The gearbox is somewhat notchy but it goes away when it warms up. I am thinking about switching to redline manual trans oil. Factory calls for GF 4 gear oil.
The engine revs at 3000/3500rpm at 60/75mph. I know that it is the norm on small engined cars, but I think it could use another gear.
I wish the fuel tank was a little larger. At 12.7 gallons the light comes on after I use up 10 gallons.
With all the standard equipment included (listed on 1st post) I don't understand why they left out cruise control
Okay, at 750 miles I dumped the factory fill for some Mobil 1 0w30 and Mobil 1 filter. The original filter seems to be built just as good if not better than the Mobil filter. I may have to experiment with a different oil next time since I noticed it is now louder with Mobil 1. On the up side, my trip comp shows my average fuel economy is now at 33mpg.
On the hwy I did an experiment. I held the car steady with no A/C at various speeds on a flat road to read real time mpg.
75 mph = 33 mpg
65 mph = 37 mpg
55 mph = 43 mpg
45 mph = 47 mpg
So it looks like the boxy shape of the car is taxing fuel economy heavily at speeds above 50mph
Here are a few things I don't like about the car.
The gearbox is somewhat notchy but it goes away when it warms up. I am thinking about switching to redline manual trans oil. Factory calls for GF 4 gear oil.
The engine revs at 3000/3500rpm at 60/75mph. I know that it is the norm on small engined cars, but I think it could use another gear.
I wish the fuel tank was a little larger. At 12.7 gallons the light comes on after I use up 10 gallons.
With all the standard equipment included (listed on 1st post) I don't understand why they left out cruise control
A man after my own heart, shopping manual transmission cars........I have to agree with others, I did not care for the style when they first came out, but now, it is growing on me....
Seems KIA as with most all other mfgs.,put these packages together leaning towards up sell. Like the Honda CR-V mentioned above: LX, EX, EX-L. A lot of good stuff, but sadly, a lot of items I really did not want to pay extra for.
Seems KIA as with most all other mfgs.,put these packages together leaning towards up sell. Like the Honda CR-V mentioned above: LX, EX, EX-L. A lot of good stuff, but sadly, a lot of items I really did not want to pay extra for.
Originally Posted By: odie
Did the floor mats , cargo mat , cargo cover , and other accessories cost you more ? We were told by the sales person these were not included , which made the price go up quite a bit more .
When I was looking, I remember being surprised mats weren't included also. It's not a pricey option on a vehicle that is otherwise a bargain.
Did the floor mats , cargo mat , cargo cover , and other accessories cost you more ? We were told by the sales person these were not included , which made the price go up quite a bit more .
When I was looking, I remember being surprised mats weren't included also. It's not a pricey option on a vehicle that is otherwise a bargain.
Originally Posted By: Dave424
With all the standard equipment included (listed on 1st post) I don't understand why they left out cruise control
That makes me crazy too. Practically every manufacturer does it. For some reason, they refuse to put CC on their low end models unless you opt for some accessory package that includes sunroofs, heated leather seating, and a video entertainment system, or similar.
With all the standard equipment included (listed on 1st post) I don't understand why they left out cruise control
That makes me crazy too. Practically every manufacturer does it. For some reason, they refuse to put CC on their low end models unless you opt for some accessory package that includes sunroofs, heated leather seating, and a video entertainment system, or similar.
WOW! $13,300!? Im shocked! Back when the Toyota Yaris was cheap (that it isnt still somewhat cheap) I still racked up the bill to $14,710 with the same type of features for a far less capable car. Good work sir, enjoy that Kia!
Well the dealer refused to negotiate on the car stating that the base model exists just so that KIA can say "Hey look, we have a the cheapest/best equipped car in the segment" He showed me an invoice showing that he makes about $40 off the car and he said that KIA loses money on this model. If you want to go the next level up it is about $2000 extra... close to $3k if you want A/T.
So I ended up paying sticker price.
13,300 Car
700 Destination
500 Rebate
1100 in taxes/shmaxes
so it was about 14,600 out the door.
However, I did get a free set of carpeted KIA OEM floor mats and a full tank of gas.
Also, the base model doesn't come with a center armrest/compartment. I had to buy it online for about $150, a set of OEM splash guards from eBay, tinted windows $170 and a 2 way Python 533 alarm system for $200.
The car also does not come with a trunk storage/compartment/organizer and cover. It just has a cardboard/carpet over the spare wheel. I like it this way better since I get more usable space out of it.
The only other thing I want to do is get some 16 or 17 inch alloys along with decent tires. The 15 incher hubs look really bad on it. There is no need to waste $ so I will wait until I wear out the tires.
So I ended up paying sticker price.
13,300 Car
700 Destination
500 Rebate
1100 in taxes/shmaxes
so it was about 14,600 out the door.
However, I did get a free set of carpeted KIA OEM floor mats and a full tank of gas.
Also, the base model doesn't come with a center armrest/compartment. I had to buy it online for about $150, a set of OEM splash guards from eBay, tinted windows $170 and a 2 way Python 533 alarm system for $200.
The car also does not come with a trunk storage/compartment/organizer and cover. It just has a cardboard/carpet over the spare wheel. I like it this way better since I get more usable space out of it.
The only other thing I want to do is get some 16 or 17 inch alloys along with decent tires. The 15 incher hubs look really bad on it. There is no need to waste $ so I will wait until I wear out the tires.
Dealer probably had a 1% hold-back on top of that invoice as well (for Toyota vehicles hold-back is 2%, for many other makes it is 1%)
You post made me look at Soul, when my heart was set on Forte5.
I just wish tan interior was a more common option, and I did not have to go to ! package to to get it.
You post made me look at Soul, when my heart was set on Forte5.
I just wish tan interior was a more common option, and I did not have to go to ! package to to get it.
Interesting, I have ogled over the base model Soul a few times, as I would like to get a little better mileage than my 2.4 equipped Rondo does. And I miss driving a manual. But I really need to quit getting new cars. Need to wear my current car out, first!
Plus I am 6'7", and I see that you are 6'4". I wear a 38" inseam in jeans, what about you? Maybe I'll go sit in one sometime.
Plus I am 6'7", and I see that you are 6'4". I wear a 38" inseam in jeans, what about you? Maybe I'll go sit in one sometime.
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Originally Posted By: Dave424
75 mph = 33 mpg
65 mph = 37 mpg
55 mph = 43 mpg
45 mph = 47 mpg
So it looks like the boxy shape of the car is taxing fuel economy heavily at speeds above 50mph
Congrats on the new ride. I have to admit, I love the Soul...but then I have a soft spot for quircky looking, small vehicles that get great mileage while at the same time offering gobs of space and utility. The Soul hits just about every check mark for me in a small DD type car, nice choice!
I notice the same thing with the mileage on my HHR. On back road two lanes doing 50-55 I can get fantastic mileage. But on the highway, pushing that square box at 75 and above my mileage drops like a rock.
75 mph = 33 mpg
65 mph = 37 mpg
55 mph = 43 mpg
45 mph = 47 mpg
So it looks like the boxy shape of the car is taxing fuel economy heavily at speeds above 50mph
Congrats on the new ride. I have to admit, I love the Soul...but then I have a soft spot for quircky looking, small vehicles that get great mileage while at the same time offering gobs of space and utility. The Soul hits just about every check mark for me in a small DD type car, nice choice!
I notice the same thing with the mileage on my HHR. On back road two lanes doing 50-55 I can get fantastic mileage. But on the highway, pushing that square box at 75 and above my mileage drops like a rock.
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