Korean Cars

[ffracer]

I have driven a handful of Hyundais and Kias for rentals and they were as boring as can be, like many US market Toyotas/Lexus.

Note: Toyotas for other markets are not necessarily as soft and boring to drive as US models.

I have also been to Korea a few times for work and the sheer lack of automotive enthusasts in the design pool suggested this would be life if the US lost the cold war. Most cars were ugly, boring, cheap, and like appliances, including the luxury Hyundais. Nice inside, but drive like soft 80s American cars- awful.

I also noticed in Taiwan and Korea that the older taxis that were Hyundais and Daewoos were literally falling apart. Who knows what they did to them or how many miles, but even rusty 20 year old pickups are not that bad around here. The Toyotas, Nissans, and Honda taxis of the same age held up much better.

Hyundais and Kias around here rust heavily, but these are 5-10 year old models, and the recent models seem to be much improved.

Who knows, maybe they have caught up, but there's better choices for people who are driving enthusasts for the same or less money. the new Sonata looks pretty nice, however.

 

[HyundaiGuy]

Originally Posted By: jim302
Originally Posted By: 82DMC12
The Kia dealer in town here is the only one that has ads like, "No credit? NO PROBLEM!!!" or "We will pay off the loan on your old beater and get you into a NEW KIA WITH A 100K MILE WARRANTY!" or "NO ONE is refused credit!!"

Just that is so much of a turn-off that I don't want to be seen at the dealer or seen anywhere near a Kia. They cater to low-lifes who cannot manage their finances and that's the perception I get of people who drive one.


This type of financing and advertising is NOT exclusive to Kia or Hyundai dealers. I have seen these types of offers advertised at many dealers across different brands.

Seriously, dealers are independent from the manufacturer and I can't believe anyone would look down upon a whole brand because of one dealer (especially due to the dealer's finance policies). They all have different ways to finance a car.



Agreed. I spent 8 years an the sales floor at VW. The job is to move the cars. If the dealer can get GMD's financed (GMD= Get me Done= I will buy the car if you can get me a loan) more power to them.

I left the business years ago, but if I were back on the sales floor, I'd want to work for an aggressive dealer, as dealers make far more money (gross profit) selling to people who are credit challenged. The ones you never ever make money on? Cash buyers or pre approved at their credit union. I can make 3X the money in the same amount of time with someone who has credit issues. It's simple math.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: 82DMC12
Just that is so much of a turn-off that I don't want to be seen at the dealer or seen anywhere near a Kia. They cater to low-lifes who cannot manage their finances and that's the perception I get of people who drive one.


I see your point. However, one cannot simply blame the manufacturer for what sales tactics dealers use. In this city, if I were to go by that logic, I could never own a Mercedes, Mazda, BMW, Audi, VW, Lexus, Toyota, or Subaru. The Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda/Acura, Nissan/Infiniti, and Kia dealerships are either reputable or have reputable competition.

That being said, I'd never want one of them under warranty unless I could find a reasonably close shop elsewhere to handle the work. The Subaru guys here are the worst of all. I'd love a Subaru, but I wouldn't buy one unless Subaru were to fly in mechanics to address warranty issues for me. I wouldn't let the local dealer check my tire pressure.

 

[Ross]

Two weeks ago I purchased a holdover 2011 Hyundai Accent SE 2-door 5-speed. I love it! yes it feels cheap, but I have been driving Geo Metros for the past 10 years so to me, it's like driving a lexus! They no longer make the 2 door for 2012, so I was forced into buying an holdover 2011. The SE is fully loaded (for hyundai standards). Only issue is that the window sticker said it had an overhead map light counsel. But the car does not. So Hyundai is going to put one for me at the end of the week.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
NVH? SRT8?? My coffee is now inside my keyboard


Obviously you've never driven one. Seriously though, it's almost dead silent unless you're going over 120 mph.

Now the ride is a bit firm, but it's almost exactly like my old S class. No matter how big the bump it just eats it up with nary a shiver or shudder. VERY german ride. Anti squat and anti dive both front and rear, too many luxo amenities to list.

You'd probably like it if you could get rid of your pre-conceived notions.

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: mechanicx
I think Korean cars still have a ways to go and once if they ever really get there (and the price creeps up) I still don't see any need or reason to buy them. The media of course will tell you they are the best whether or not they are, it is already started doing that as it is.


Have you noticed as their quality has improved, their prices keep going up? It used to be you were getting a better value in a Korean make because they were priced so much lower than the competition. Not true today. Now they're priced as high as the other makes, making them nowhere near the bargain they used to be...especially when you consider they still don't hold their value worth beans...

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: HyundaiGuy
...

Edit: I realize that none of the classics are fast. But an MGB or 914 feels faster than they are. Words cannot explain how slooow and gutless the Accents are. I am wonndering what is faster, an Accent or a Yugo GV. Seriously.

My Hyundai Scoupe was probably actually faster than my Triumph Spitfire....but it sure didn't feel like it. 4.11:1 final drive and a really great sounding OHV 4 cylinder probably helped the perception that the Spitfire was quick.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Ha, you bring back many memories of my 65 TR-4!

No offense, but the TR-4 was a rock compared to a Spitfire. And the TR-4 would shed parts at every RR track!

I don't think i have ever seen a more 'spindly' front end than a Spitfire, and I'd not want to drive either today.

 

[javacontour]

The carmaker may not dictate the financing, but they can choose who they allow in their dealer network.

There is a local dealer, who is known for the big ad campaigns, we'll get you financed, etc. When Chrysler was cutting dealers, this dealer was dropped.

I think carmakers would be well served to drop dealers who are more about selling financing than selling cars. As dealers who are more about selling financing are not seen by customers as an independent dealership. The sign on the dealership give the manufacturer top billing. That's why customers see the dealership not as an independent dealership, but as Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, etc.

The dealer can be a sleazy as they think they can get away with, and it's the carmaker who takes the hit to their reputation.

So folks can say customer's should know...

Well, manufacturer should know that their branding works and since the dealership is branded with the manufacturer's logo in the top spot, their actions will be seen and perceived to be actions by the manufacturer.

 

[mechanicx]

Originally Posted By: grampi
Originally Posted By: mechanicx
I think Korean cars still have a ways to go and once if they ever really get there (and the price creeps up) I still don't see any need or reason to buy them. The media of course will tell you they are the best whether or not they are, it is already started doing that as it is.


Have you noticed as their quality has improved, their prices keep going up? It used to be you were getting a better value in a Korean make because they were priced so much lower than the competition. Not true today. Now they're priced as high as the other makes, making them nowhere near the bargain they used to be...especially when you consider they still don't hold their value worth beans...


Yes that is basically how the Japanese automakers did it. They started out being a cheaper alternative. Then when their reputation improved (earned or not) the price went higher than domestics. At least the Japanese had to put a lot of effort and time in and were offering something somewhat different from domestics at first. The Korean cars just did the price and feature hike faster. Easier to do when you are leap frogging off of forerunners.

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: mechanicx
Originally Posted By: grampi
Originally Posted By: mechanicx
I think Korean cars still have a ways to go and once if they ever really get there (and the price creeps up) I still don't see any need or reason to buy them. The media of course will tell you they are the best whether or not they are, it is already started doing that as it is.


Have you noticed as their quality has improved, their prices keep going up? It used to be you were getting a better value in a Korean make because they were priced so much lower than the competition. Not true today. Now they're priced as high as the other makes, making them nowhere near the bargain they used to be...especially when you consider they still don't hold their value worth beans...


Yes that is basically how the Japanese automakers did it. They started out being a cheaper alternative. Then when their reputation improved (earned or not) the price went higher than domestics. At least the Japanese had to put a lot of effort and time in and were offering something somewhat different from domestics at first. The Korean cars just did the price and feature hike faster. Easier to do when you are leap frogging off of forerunners.


The Koreans took about half as long to get to the point of raising their prices as did the Japanese. Because the Japanese actually earned their reputation over the long haul (which is the way it's supposed to be done), it's reflected in their vehicles holding their resale value much better. Because the Koreans gained their rep over a much more abreiviated time period (much of it is more perceived than actual), their vehicles still suffer from poor resale value.

 

[jcwit]

Originally Posted By: 82DMC12
The Kia dealer in town here is the only one that has ads like, "No credit? NO PROBLEM!!!" or "We will pay off the loan on your old beater and get you into a NEW KIA WITH A 100K MILE WARRANTY!" or "NO ONE is refused credit!!"

Just that is so much of a turn-off that I don't want to be seen at the dealer or seen anywhere near a Kia. They cater to low-lifes who cannot manage their finances and that's the perception I get of people who drive one.


Well thanks a bunch dude. Can't actually say here what I really think of your comment as I would get a ban.

Being as I'm referred to as a low life as I own a KIA Rio, wifes car, thats paid for as is my own vehicle, as is our home with no mortage "its also paid for in full" and I do not qualify for food stamps or other aid, it might be wise for you to reconsider your remarks and your points of view.

See I was able to say all that without using any low life typical language. I am educated and able to manage my own finances

 

[Vikas]

Korean did this very systematically. They started with consumer electronics and durable appliances. Think of Samsung and LG. LG skipped the slow climb altogether and just made itself appear on the top.

Many many papers would be written on LG and its phenomenally successful brand management in US.

I am still amazed how they managed to pull it off.

- Vikas

 

[cchase]

Originally Posted By: jcwit
Originally Posted By: 82DMC12
The Kia dealer in town here is the only one that has ads like, "No credit? NO PROBLEM!!!" or "We will pay off the loan on your old beater and get you into a NEW KIA WITH A 100K MILE WARRANTY!" or "NO ONE is refused credit!!"

Just that is so much of a turn-off that I don't want to be seen at the dealer or seen anywhere near a Kia. They cater to low-lifes who cannot manage their finances and that's the perception I get of people who drive one.


Well thanks a bunch dude. Can't actually say here what I really think of your comment as I would get a ban.

Being as I'm referred to as a low life as I own a KIA Rio, wifes car, thats paid for as is my own vehicle, as is our home with no mortage "its also paid for in full" and I do not qualify for food stamps or other aid, it might be wise for you to reconsider your remarks and your points of view.

See I was able to say all that without using any low life typical language. I am educated and able to manage my own finances


He didn't say that if you bought a Kia, you were a low-life with your finances in shamble - he just said they cater to that demographic. Don't apply reverse logic here. If A Then B does not equate to If B Then A.

 

[jcwit]

May not have directly said it but sure implied it, no matter how YOU wish to spin it.

 

[cchase]

Originally Posted By: jcwit
May not have directly said it but sure implied it, no matter how YOU wish to spin it.


Understood - best to just ignore it in the first place.

There's nothing wrong with Korean cars in this day and age - the litigious society we live in these days doesn't allow junk to survive, no matter ones opinions of cars of any country of origin.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
Korean did this very systematically. They started with consumer electronics and durable appliances. Think of Samsung and LG. LG skipped the slow climb altogether and just made itself appear on the top.

Many many papers would be written on LG and its phenomenally successful brand management in US.

I am still amazed how they managed to pull it off.

- Vikas


I don't know if I'd word it quite that way. LG is GoldStar. Lucky Goldstar. Goldstar did not have a stellar rep in North America. They "reinvented" themselves under the abbreviation "LG" and since nobody knew that they were the "artist formerly known as GoldStar" they did very well.

 

[Vikas]

That was *exactly* my point about LG. I know that they are former GoldStar which is equivalent to current Coby brand!

LG also proves that if you slap on stainless steel exterior, people will automatically consider you high end and will pay you double; I just don't understand how DeLorean failed (OK, white lines through nose might not have helped

- Vikas

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
That was *exactly* my point about LG. I know that they are former GoldStar which is equivalent to current Coby brand!

LG also proves that if you slap on stainless steel exterior, people will automatically consider you high end and will pay you double; I just don't understand how DeLorean failed (OK, white lines through nose might not have helped

- Vikas


Quite right, that's why I said I wouldn't word it that way, and not that I disagreed with you

LOL! LG is indeed a shining example of manufactured prestige.

 

[Cutehumor]

I'm watching my HDTV LG flat screen right now. high end if you ask me!