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BTW, I've grown totally happy with the ride and have no desire to firm it up . I love the car. It is 100 percent luxury car as far as I'm concerned. The only qualms I have are the same as most people's (reliabilty, dealer service).
I just went over 1800 miles and still no problems. Just a nice smooth ride. I had been driving a couple of Nissan Sentras for the last 8 or 9 years. The difference of course is huge. I heard concerns about the Amanti's power but after driving those 4 cylinders it seems powerful enough to me.
One other thing it's better to go through something like this site Edmunds.com, newcar.com or carbuying.com. There are a number of these sites that will get all the details from you then send it to at least 3 dealers. This also lets the dealer know your looking at other dealers and they will normally send you their best quote. If you just email the dealer directly he still knows your just dealing with him. The middle guys don't normally charge you anything and if they do I think it's less that $50. I really wish I had done this I think I could have saved several thousand. Instead I fell in love with the car and acted on impluse. Best wishes for a great car at a great price.
Good Luck!
Buff, good going! enjoy it! Keep coming back so we can find how the car is treating you.
I also have a 2004 Nissan Quest that has had extremely few problems (which I believe is the majority situation). But, if you read Edmunds problems board on the '04 Quest (or the Toyota Sienna for that matter) you would probably never buy one--or at least you'd be very wary. The litany of problems seems pervasive, horrendous, and endless--and they started from day-one. BUT no such situation has developed with the Amanti. I realize there are a lot more new Quests on the road than Amanti's but if there had been some endemic problem in a certain area they would surely have surfaced by now.
Other than your's, bong1's post in August was the first I remember where someone was experiencing serious problems. But as is the case with the Quest, any problems that arise (which in reality are probably unavoidable) are likely to represent only a very small percentage of the total Amanti "population."
The steering column 'noise' boa35 refers to could have been the key fob. It sometimes swings and hits the steering column. This will give you a click everytime the car hits a bump and of course it seems to come from the steering column itself.
I also note that some people are concerned about the 'soft' suspension. Let me just say that once you are used to the car, you can really corner very well with little fear. In fact I really enjoy the looks and stares I get as I zip around in this unassuming looking sedan! (-Not in a dangerous manner of course).
Has anyone seen the Korean version of this car called the "Opirus"? Thank goodness they changed the grill for us here in North America. I don't think they would sell too many that way. Take a look.
http://www.autoweek.nl/newsdisp.php?ID=1659
Well, enjoy your Amanti's everyone!!
This is the most equipped car for your money available today -if you're in the market for a high class sedan.
-Pete (topgear)
PS I don't work for KIA in any way! ...I'm just a retired guy in Florida!
* Dealer Doc Fee: Such fees are legitimate and may be called "processing" or other such names but your Secretary of State sets a maximum fee so don't pay more! The <$3,000> is the rebate or 0% Financing which is only for 2 years... DUH! (What a dis-incentive!)
Note: Always get the base model price negotiated FIRST! NO OPTIONS! That way you know what the options are costing and how they affect final monthly payments. Next, add them in + Destination Fees then your State Tax Rate then Lic. Fees and Doc Fees and finally the Rebate. Interesting how they WILL NOT allow you to take the rebate before State Tax. Also be sure to have them quote their financing rates if you finance the car. Oh by the way, they will not deal with you suggesting you will pay cash, as if that gets a better price. To them, it's all cash anyway wether financed or not... they always get paid even IF they do the financing! THEY MAY SELL THE NOTE AND MAY RETAIN SERVICING RIGHTS! Bet ya didn't know that!
Never tell them you have a trade-in or any cash down until you negotiated the basic car price. Later, if you want to put more down or consider a trade in, it is an idea entertained after your negotiations are done... NOT B/4! (Ever play poker? Ya don't show your hand early do ya?)
Here are the rates they gave me: 3.900% w/out rebate - 5yr term / 4.750% w/rebate - 5yr term / 0.000% Financing NO REBATE - 2yr term.
Analyze Pricing: 3.90% @ 5yrs no rebate pricing @ $29,219 = $537/mo. 4.75% @ 5yrs w/rebate pricing @ $26,219 = $492/mo. These assume no down payment.
ANALYZE DOLLAR PER MONTH PAYMENT REDUCTION PER $1,000 OF DOWN PAYMENT: $26,219 @ 4.75% 5yrs = $491.79/mo. --- $26,219 - $1,000 down = $25,219 @ 4.75% 5yrs = $473.03/mo. THEREFORE, $491.79 - 473.03 = $18.76/mo PER $1,000 OF DOWN PAYMENT. Now if you wanted to knock off approximately $100 of monthly payment you'd multiply $18.76 x 6 or $112.56. Remember, that's $18.76 reduction in payment per month per each $1,000 you put down (there goes your cash!). So, $491.79 - $112.56 = $379.25/mo with $6,000 down! Want a monthly payment of $266.67? You will need $12,000 down. Try $154.11 per month... you'll have to put down $18,000! Hope this gives you some idea how precious your cash IS!!!!
A lot of new cars, including my 2004 CTS, use plastic panels on lower parts of the car trim. My passenger side rocker panel is very slightly dented/chipped from the kids getting in and out, but it's not noticeable unless you're washing that section because the plastic under the paint is dark grey, almost matching the Silver Smoke color.
I'm more interested in what you've been getting mileage-wise, on cars W/O CA emissions gear. Reviews I've seen have said the car is in need of more power/a bigger engine to handle it's weight. Any more observations/opinions on that score? Any reports from dealers re: a bigger engine for 2005?
I'm looking at the Amanti as a possible replacement for a Merc Grand Marquis (Ford seems to be looking toward dumping the GM and CV, because its youthful designers think too many of us old fogeys want them and not enough young whippersnappers!). I like the Amanti's ride, equipment and price, but want to be able to get past a semi quickly when I want, even on a steep hill, and am getting 28 mpg on my Merc (highway).
Input would be very much appreciated.
It's not going to be a quit as large as or have as much power as a Grand Marquis, but the power is more than enough for me. I've rented Grand Marquis and Crown Vic's and loved the ride. I thought about getting one but they won't fit in my garage. I also thought being an 8 cyl. the mileage would be bad but, 28 sounds good.
I also liked the look of the Amanti as compared to the Avalon, I also didn't want to pay another 5K. If your concerned about passing take another test drive. I'll try to get back to you on the mileage but I don't think it can beat 28. If money is not an issue I check out Lexus and if you like the Grand Marquis, what about the Crown Vic, they can't stop making those.
Now, as for fuel economy. The sticker tells me to expect about 17 city, 20 highway. I have checked the mileage on every single fillup, and it has ranged from 17.1 to a high of about 19.6. The 17.1 came from purely city driving, while the 19.6 came from about 300 miles of mostly highway. It's possible that with pure highway driving (a day on the Interstate), you might break 20MPG slightly (maybe 21 or even 22). However, there is absolutely NO WAY you will ever come close to 28MPG, even if your Amanti is driven 300 miles downhill all the way on a sheet of ice with the engine shut off. Well, maybe in that case you would.
28MPG is phenomenal for the Mercury. Its specs say 17 city, 25 highway. If you're getting 28 out of it, you're doing very well. You won't touch that in a 2004 Amanti. And I love my Amanti very much, so it pains me to admit it.
Yes, I realize my 28 mpg is excellent for my Marquis. (Posts on that thread have made that very clear. And my lead-footed buddy gets 2 - 5 mpg less than I'm getting.) If the CV and GM were to disappear, I'd be willing to sacrifice a few mpg for ride, weight, creature comforts, etc. (Don't be positive Ford can't/won't stop making CVs. Look at the lawsuits in various states due to the police cruiser fires. Don't forget that Ford is now run by a man who wants to be known as an "environmentalist." And look at what happened to the Taurus/Sable replacements. Finally, look at what designers did to the 2003 CV and GM to try to get more sales from a younger buying segment. CV/GM owners generally hated the stiffer ride. Just because one is somewhat paranoid doesn't mean they are NOT out to get you.) -- Staceyaz, loved your metaphor re: "300 miles downhill on ice with engine off." Sounds like you have lived in PA where I grew up! But, alas, I now live in Mid-Michigan where it is flat, flat, flat. If I shut off the engine, even on a sheet of ice, I'd be stopped "daid" in 300 feet. -- Many thanks, too, for the info on power. I'm not interested in running races form stoplights, but enjoy the passing power the GM has in hilly states, or the El Cajon Pass in CA! -- I have not yet driven an Amanti, as our local dealer can't keep them in stock. He gets one or two at an infrequent dribble, and they are gone quickly.
Thanks again, everybody. I enjoy all your posts. A real learning experience.
Harry
Of course, that doesn't change the data I mentioned. I have not broken 20 on any tank of gas I've put in the car. Who knows, maybe my mix of driving is worse than I thought. I know there should be SOME good explanation why my 2004 Amanti gives me only slightly better mileage than my 1977 Ford LTD!
Those of you who are getting 23/24/25/26 - wow, I'm very, very impressed. I got close to 30 out of my previous (slightly smaller) V6, so numbers like 23/25 are more like what I was hoping to get from the Amanti.
With all of my "city streets" driving, maybe I should be thankful I'm staying above the other end of the range - 17!
I haven't lived in PA, but I grew up in Southern Indiana, where it is very, very hilly (and very icy, on occasion). Now I'm in Arizona. And I can relate to someone who likes cars like the Crown Vic - I have a 1977 Ford LTD in my garage (barely), 44k total miles, bought new by my grandfather who drove it until 1994 (when he was 95 years old). Gotta love those big, big cars (even though mine's for sale right now).
At a rate of far less than 10,000 miles a year on my Amanti and LTD combined, it's not a huge deal. I look forward to driving the Amanti for about 12 more years, and then trading it and buying a MidlifeCrisisMobile.
Oh, the comment about needing a long downhill stretch, preferably icy - that came from my personal experiences as a young man, desperately trying to get my Ford Pinto up to highway speed. It was very pitiful.
One last question/comment: I have always used plain old 87 octane gas in my Amanti. The manual suggests that I might want to use premium fuel for "optimal performance", although regular unleaded (remember when regular and unleaded were different fuels?) is perfectly allowable. Anyone have experience with how much this changes a person's fuel economy? I don't want to shell out the extra $0.20 a gallon for premium unleaded, but might consider it if there were a significant benefit in economy, power, or both.
I have a '79 F250 SuperCab with a 460 V8, 14K miles on it. Used solely to tow a 35' fifth wheel RV. It got around 7 mpg with or without the fifth wheel in tow! I sold the fifth wheel! The truck is paid for, and it's nice to have something to throw a sheet of plywood into when needed.
The Amanti sounds very good to me. New car fever, stay away!
Thanks everybody!
$18,998 New car dealer in South Carolina
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1- &item=2490876390
Though there is now a federal law against such dirty tactics, I read in the newspaper that a dealer, within the past few years, was caught doing this same thing. Another big fine!
I'd be very wary of every car "deal" in the SE, or in other areas for that matter. Running a CarFax title check would be well worth the few bucks they charge. And do a thorough inspection of any car you suspect might have been shipped in from another state.
TV ads I've seen have not mentioned any rebates on the Amanti.
But if that $19K deal is real, it's one worth pursuing.
I also went to K&N's web site and left a message. They returned it saying they have not yet got around to the Amanti.
Does anyone know more on this?
I am now impressed! I did not know KIA built cars that were so comfortable,roomy, powerful and so full of features. Usually I get a backache in any unfamiliar car while I get used to it. None of that stuff here. I think this is a winner provided the car holds up for at least a 100K.
And, lose that blatant E class rip off front!
Now I'm REALLY disappointed--I thought it was an S-Type rip-off front.....LOL!
(Maybe it's really just an AMANTI front!)
Update: My Amanti continues treating me very well. Its only mechanical maintenance has been the first oil change. It's still just past 4k miles, so I can't make any comments about long-term reliability. I plan to drive it for 12 more years, so ask me then!
I've finally started seeing Amantis around suburban Phoenix. I wondered when that would finally happen. It was starting to scare me.
this
Gas mileage of a Hummer? Really? I am just getting ready to take a 300 mile trip thru the Nevada desert. I wonder how many times I have to fill up.
black_tulip - I have a small model of a Studebaker in a display cabinet at home. I was looking at something in that cabinet a while back and saw the Studebaker, and thought "Hey - that's my Amanti!" Those Hawks are good-looking old cars; wish I had one in the garage.
I am deeply worry because, I don't see any ad. about AMANTI 2005, maybe is an only one year edition, beside that I had seen only two AMANTIS on the road....
Other wise , I am happy with my car...
Cheers..
I will enjoy my .Jagbenzlinc...(fusion between Jaguar , Mercedes Benz and Lincoln)
Kribe..
Bino Rocha
I saw one with "Enterprise rental" license plate cover the other day.
Thanks a lots
Happy Weekend...