Why do many mechanics still think Kia is junk?

[Revving2Redline]

Because they were...But Hyundai/Kia have gotten better and better. My aunt sold exotics but said you get a lot of car for your money on Korean cars. Its what got me to buy the Hyundai Accent that I put 200,000 miles on. I think their cars are pretty good and their look/design is good too. I'm not leaving Honda/Acura but I had really good luck with them. Their ownly downside was parts availability and their resale value wasnt great. Still prefer over what is trying to be made in Detroit.

 

[Nick1994]

Because people are closed-minded and are stuck on the past. Yes Hyundai and Kia still have some models lately with iffy engines, but it's specific models, and they extend the warranties far out on those ones.

My 15' Sonata I traded in last December on my Genesis. 107k miles, only repair was a CV boot that was just barely starting to get greasy. That's it. No squeaks, rattles, nothing. Very comfortable car too.

Anybody who wants to talk down Hyundai/Kia, I welcome you to come sit in my Genesis.

 

[Whammo]

Originally Posted by miden851
Staying away from Kia in my case; what I do think about Kia? They have improved on styling over time; however, reliability is still an issue with Kia generally


Doesn't seem to be the case anymore. The trend is going up. https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/kia-has-suddenly-become-one-most-reliable-car-brands-259590

 

[buddylpal]

Originally Posted by Nick1994
Because people are closed-minded and are stuck on the past. Yes Hyundai and Kia still have some models lately with iffy engines, but it's specific models, and they extend the warranties far out on those ones.

My 15' Sonata I traded in last December on my Genesis. 107k miles, only repair was a CV boot that was just barely starting to get greasy. That's it. No squeaks, rattles, nothing. Very comfortable car too.

Anybody who wants to talk down Hyundai/Kia, I welcome you to come sit in my Genesis.

Didn't your Genesis have a misfire code recently and you had to park it?

I own a Hyundai, a 2018 Sonata and I will tell it like it is. While it's an overall okay car, it is far lacking behind others in its class. It's missing refinement in nearly all areas. The engine is buzzy at low RPM, high load situations. The steering isn't precise, Hyundai needs to figure out how to design a solid, plush suspension that tracks well.The interior has several rattles or squeaks over road bumps. Interior plastics don't feel secured properly, the driver side seat panel has already broke. My driver side door panel has developed a wear area on the arm rest. The rear trunk lid is not aligned property and has created a wear spot where the trunk and quarter panel are touching and rubbing together. The doors sound hollow when you close them. From day 1 the oil pan had a slow leak from the drain plug. Latest issues are the front bumper paint is peeling where it lines up with the front fender, it appears the bumper rubs on the fender. Also the steering wheel is developing some play and an associated clunk. Odometer currently sitting at 21,000 miles.

My Hyundai was considerably cheaper than an alternative Honda or Toyota so I feel like the price was fair compared to how it's actually holding up. My next purchase will not be a Hyundai, they have a lot of catching up to do to build a solid car imo. I thought I'd give the Korean cars a try but I won't be returning for a second one.

Also parts for Hyundai/Kia are hard to source and are expensive often times dealer only parts so yeah mechanics don't like working on them.

 

[miden851]

Originally Posted by Whammo
Originally Posted by miden851
Staying away from Kia in my case; what I do think about Kia? They have improved on styling over time; however, reliability is still an issue with Kia generally


Doesn't seem to be the case anymore. The trend is going up. https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/kia-has-suddenly-become-one-most-reliable-car-brands-259590


by whom, by Dugh Demuro!?? Anything he says cannot be taken seriously same as Scotty K. but on the opposite side of the spectrum.

There is a reason for high miles warranties made by Kia/Hyundai; once they expire or simply you just sold the car to a random guy, he just inherited the problem; I would not be that guy, Thanks!

 

[Lolvoguy]

Originally Posted by buddylpal

I own a Hyundai, a 2018 Sonata and I will tell it like it is. While it's an overall okay car, it is far lacking behind others in its class. It's missing refinement in nearly all areas. The engine is buzzy at low RPM, high load situations. The steering isn't precise, Hyundai needs to figure out how to design a solid, plush suspension that tracks well.The interior has several rattles or squeaks over road bumps. Interior plastics don't feel secured properly, the driver side seat panel has already broke. My driver side door panel has developed a wear area on the arm rest. The rear trunk lid is not aligned property and has created a wear spot where the trunk and quarter panel are touching and rubbing together. The doors sound hollow when you close them. From day 1 the oil pan had a slow leak from the drain plug. Latest issues are the front bumper paint is peeling where it lines up with the front fender, it appears the bumper rubs on the fender. Also the steering wheel is developing some play and an associated clunk. Odometer currently sitting at 21,000 miles.

My Hyundai was considerably cheaper than an alternative Honda or Toyota so I feel like the price was fair compared to how it's actually holding up. My next purchase will not be a Hyundai, they have a lot of catching up to do to build a solid car imo. I thought I'd give the Korean cars a try but I won't be returning for a second one.

Also parts for Hyundai/Kia are hard to source and are expensive often times dealer only parts so yeah mechanics don't like working on them.


When the MIL asked me to purchase her a new-ish car in 2012, given her wants (color, sunroof, size etc) and price, there was no better deal than the 2011 Sonata.
Despite not actually having any issues with her engine, she was kinda glad to be rid of it when it was totaled.
I was surprised as she was initially really happy with it.

The late model Impala that replaced it, made her enjoy driving again.

 

[MCompact]

Originally Posted by Nick1994
Because people are closed-minded and are stuck on the past. Yes Hyundai and Kia still have some models lately with iffy engines, but it's specific models, and they extend the warranties far out on those ones.

My 15' Sonata I traded in last December on my Genesis. 107k miles, only repair was a CV boot that was just barely starting to get greasy. That's it. No squeaks, rattles, nothing. Very comfortable car too.

Anybody who wants to talk down Hyundai/Kia, I welcome you to come sit in my Genesis.

Agreed; my problem is with Kia dealers- I was ready to pull the trigger on an AWD GTS, but the reputation of my local dealers with respect to sales and service is so dismal I decided to pass.

 

[NYEngineer]

My wife has a 2009 Kia Sorento that she got new. The fact that this car is still running with her driving it is a testament to Kia. Let me explain...

Even though I take excellent care of my Suburban and I would LIKE to take the same level of care of her vehicle, she pays zero attention to any sound her car may. I have to listen to it as she comes and goes or I take it for the occasional test ride after changing the oil or rotating the tires.
I LIKE the car and would like to fix the chain tensioners since theyre causing the CEL to stay on. Inspection is due in June and she claims shes going to get a new car by then. It takes her a year of research to decide what car to get and with our schedules, I know she hasnt done any. I know this will become an emergency come inspection time.
Its got almost 200,000 miles on it. Impressive in my book. Kia should use her as a long term tester.

Oh yeah... About six months ago she comes home and the front bumper is all busted up. I have a friend that does amazing paint and body. I sent him a pic of the bumper, the reg sticker and the paint tag in the door jamb. Within five minutes I said to my wife Steve can fix this this coming weekend. When do you want to leave it? She replied, Im getting a new car. I dont want to put any money into this one. Wonderful. So now she can just pull up everywhere with it looking like trash.

 

[buddylpal]

Originally Posted by NYEngineer
My wife has a 2009 Kia Sorento that she got new. The fact that this car is still running with her driving it is a testament to Kia. Let me explain...

Even though I take excellent care of my Suburban and I would LIKE to take the same level of care of her vehicle, she pays zero attention to any sound her car may. I have to listen to it as she comes and goes or I take it for the occasional test ride after changing the oil or rotating the tires.
I LIKE the car and would like to fix the chain tensioners since theyre causing the CEL to stay on. Inspection is due in June and she claims shes going to get a new car by then. It takes her a year of research to decide what car to get and with our schedules, I know she hasnt done any. I know this will become an emergency come inspection time.
Its got almost 200,000 miles on it. Impressive in my book. Kia should use her as a long term tester.

Oh yeah... About six months ago she comes home and the front bumper is all busted up. I have a friend that does amazing paint and body. I sent him a pic of the bumper, the reg sticker and the paint tag in the door jamb. Within five minutes I said to my wife Steve can fix this this coming weekend. When do you want to leave it? She replied, Im getting a new car. I dont want to put any money into this one. Wonderful. So now she can just pull up everywhere with it looking like trash.


Less than 200,000 miles with timing chain tensioner problems? I don't find that to be a good testament to quality.

 

[Nick1994]

Originally Posted by buddylpal
Originally Posted by Nick1994
Because people are closed-minded and are stuck on the past. Yes Hyundai and Kia still have some models lately with iffy engines, but it's specific models, and they extend the warranties far out on those ones.

My 15' Sonata I traded in last December on my Genesis. 107k miles, only repair was a CV boot that was just barely starting to get greasy. That's it. No squeaks, rattles, nothing. Very comfortable car too.

Anybody who wants to talk down Hyundai/Kia, I welcome you to come sit in my Genesis.



Didn't your Genesis have a misfire code recently and you had to park it?

I own a Hyundai, a 2018 Sonata and I will tell it like it is. While it's an overall okay car, it is far lacking behind others in its class. It's missing refinement in nearly all areas. The engine is buzzy at low RPM, high load situations. The steering isn't precise, Hyundai needs to figure out how to design a solid, plush suspension that tracks well.The interior has several rattles or squeaks over road bumps. Interior plastics don't feel secured properly, the driver side seat panel has already broke. My driver side door panel has developed a wear area on the arm rest. The rear trunk lid is not aligned property and has created a wear spot where the trunk and quarter panel are touching and rubbing together. The doors sound hollow when you close them. From day 1 the oil pan had a slow leak from the drain plug. Latest issues are the front bumper paint is peeling where it lines up with the front fender, it appears the bumper rubs on the fender. Also the steering wheel is developing some play and an associated clunk. Odometer currently sitting at 21,000 miles.

My Hyundai was considerably cheaper than an alternative Honda or Toyota so I feel like the price was fair compared to how it's actually holding up. My next purchase will not be a Hyundai, they have a lot of catching up to do to build a solid car imo. I thought I'd give the Korean cars a try but I won't be returning for a second one.

Also parts for Hyundai/Kia are hard to source and are expensive often times dealer only parts so yeah mechanics don't like working on them.

Nope, I parked it for a few days while I was driving my Camry. Started it and I got a misfire code. Turned it off and when I started it again, the CEL went away and hasn't come back.

 

[NYEngineer]

Originally Posted by buddylpal


Less than 200,000 miles with timing chain tensioner problems? I don't find that to be a good testament to quality.



They may actually be ok but sometimes when it starts the cam phaser rattles and the cel says cam timing out of spec or whatever it says. I have to take the whole timing cover off to fix it so it would be foolish not to replace the tensioners as well since they have a reputation for being troublesome. I get what youre saying. I actually dont think my wife has ever actually traded in a running vehicle and gotten any real credit for it so, like I said, this one is a winner. Weve only been together since 2001 and when I met her she had a Toyota Cressida that was actually in surprisingly nice condition but all of the emissions systems were shot and the car wouldnt pass state inspection. Then she bought a brand new Saturn Vue and blew the engine in that at 120,000.
Funny. Every time she sees a Porsche 911 she says ooh, thats what I really want. I think to myself Oh good... Ruin one of those.

 

[AC1DD]

Still lots of Kia/Hyundai suddenly bursting into flames, and I've never seen a good answer as to why by Hyundai and Kia to this day.

 

[MCompact]

Originally Posted by NYEngineer
My wife has a 2009 Kia Sorento that she got new. The fact that this car is still running with her driving it is a testament to Kia. Let me explain...

Even though I take excellent care of my Suburban and I would LIKE to take the same level of care of her vehicle, she pays zero attention to any sound her car may. I have to listen to it as she comes and goes or I take it for the occasional test ride after changing the oil or rotating the tires.
I LIKE the car and would like to fix the chain tensioners since theyre causing the CEL to stay on. Inspection is due in June and she claims shes going to get a new car by then. It takes her a year of research to decide what car to get and with our schedules, I know she hasnt done any. I know this will become an emergency come inspection time.
Its got almost 200,000 miles on it. Impressive in my book. Kia should use her as a long term tester.

Oh yeah... About six months ago she comes home and the front bumper is all busted up. I have a friend that does amazing paint and body. I sent him a pic of the bumper, the reg sticker and the paint tag in the door jamb. Within five minutes I said to my wife Steve can fix this this coming weekend. When do you want to leave it? She replied, Im getting a new car. I dont want to put any money into this one. Wonderful. So now she can just pull up everywhere with it looking like trash.


You are a better man than me. I would have traded the wife long ago...

 

[Eddie]

My extended family has had or is driving three of them and all have been very dependable vehicles. PS. there are some mechanics who hate any foreign vehicles. Ed

 

[NYEngineer]

Originally Posted by MCompact


You are a better man than me. I would have traded the wife long ago...



Im a sucker for a cutie. Also cheaper to keeper.

 

[clinebarger]

I don't think Hyundai/Kia is junk, But much like Chrysler passenger cars.....They are generally sold to a poorer demographic that don't really fix anything 'til it's broken.

I personally think they are easy to work on & have decent diagnostic support.

 

[parimento1]

I heard parts were hard to find. Do any parts stores have easy availability, or were you getting all your stuff from Rockauto?

 

[OilUzer]

Originally Posted by NYEngineer
Originally Posted by MCompact


You are a better man than me. I would have traded the wife long ago...



Im a sucker for a cutie. Also cheaper to keeper.

 

[OilUzer]

With the exception of certain years and engine/models, Hyundai/Kia are very reliable. Lots of them on the roads around here ... Sound like they have fixed that issue (rod bearing, etc.) and their customer service is one of the best.

 

[OilUzer]

Originally Posted by clinebarger
I don't think Hyundai/Kia is junk, But much like Chrysler passenger cars.....They are generally sold to a poorer demographic that don't really fix anything 'til it's broken.

I personally think they are easy to work on & have decent diagnostic support.


When we were looking at cars, new Tuscon and Toyota RV4 and Mazda CX5 were basically same price. +/- $1000 of each other. My wife test drove all 3 and preferred the Tuscon. I was pushing for RAV4 since I'm a Toyota guy but she didn't like it. Maybe years ago Hyundai's were less expensive but not anymore.