Kia Spectra Prices Paid and Buying Experience
CarMan@Edmunds
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Please use the following discussion to post your experiences when shopping for an Kia Spectra, including how much you paid if you'd like. Thanks.
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$16965 was MSRP for the 2005 Kia Spectra5 manual tranny.
This included the options of Sunroof, ABS, Cruise, and Floormats.
I negotiated the price of $15114, which is 3/4% over invoice - cash back incentive of $1000.
I did all of this via the web as I test drove one over the weekend and decided that was what I wanted and I proceeded to email all dealers and negotiate for the best deal.
Thanks,
Keith
New to the forum and I was curious -- I currently drive a 2002 Kia Spectra [base model] that's been having quite a few problems for about six months, including some belt problems, a suddenly dead battery, replaced starter, alternator and I'm actually taking it in tomorrow to have a CV axle and possibly my transmission replaced!
I've been doing research on the Spectra5. I actually went to a dealership today [when it's closed, so I can look without being bothered!] and am getting pretty convinced this would be a really good deal for me.
Question for those who've traded in a Kia: does Kia still offer the owner loyalty bonus? In December,/January the dealership I've been getting my car fixed at offered me the bonus, so I know it was still around as recently as that. Also, I'm pretty sure it was $1500. Is that right?
Thanks for all the help!
Iowa, seems you and I are seeing the same thing. Zoomer3 has a price for those willing to pay it. Elantra 5 door v. Spec5 for me and my house coming up. For BEEP & giggles, test drove an '04 GT 5spd Elantra in mint condition with low miles and what I thought was a decent price. Absolutely HATED the vinyl (sp?) looking and feeling "leather seats". Since this car could not corner nearly as good as my lil' '00 LX Protege', when going 'round the bend, the sliding fanny going with while grabbing the wheel for stability didn't seem real fun. Cloth for me which I guess rules out the GT's. Elantra 5 doors still an option.
I too, reeeeeeelly like "the looks" of this Spec5. My opinion, it's newer than the Elantra thus the slight disadvantage in pricing. But just wait about 29 more days...
(MSRP + destination = $15,900)
($14,100 selling price) - ($1750 rebate) = $12,350 (excluding ttl)
The Spectra5 was selling for the same price but the rebate is $1000. So if I bought the Spectra5 I would have paid $13,100 (excluding ttl)
0% financing can be subsituted for the rebate. They also have a "competing car" rebate for $750 if you qualify by already owning a car in their list of competing cars (see the kia website for the list).
During the walk through of features the salesperson told me that the check engine light would come on if I open the fuel cap while the car was still on or if I don't close it tight enough. It didn't occur to me to ask why at the time but now I'm wondering if this is by design or just a defect?
Just don't take your gas cap off while the motor is running and do twist your gas cap on and keep twisting it until your hear 6 or 7 clicks. Otherwise the check engine light will come on and you'll have to have it looked at at your dealership. You can wait for it to cycle itself off-it will turn itself off (the check engine light) in time, say, after starting your Kia and driving it around and shutting it off again several times. It's frustrating but if you follow the emboldened tips above you can avoid it completely.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
The car is an automatic, with the additional options of cruise control, alloy wheels and floor mats. The selling price was $14,950 - 1750 rebate = 13,200 excluding the tax, title and license fees. I was not eligible for the competing car rebate.
In the end thought the Elantra the better car although definitely dated in comparision to the Spec5. A lil' cheaper too. Know you're kickin' the two around yourself and thought I'd throw these comments your way. Do hope you have the advantage of waiting a bit longer than I did. Mrs. Doohickie I hope for your sake is much more patient than Mrs. zoomzoomitis. Makes the whole process MUCH easier!
Last checked, the crop of '05's are still out there and they haven't moved since Friday (end of rebate day) here locally. I'm thinkin' if you've got the time, the deal will definitely come your way if you stay flexible on your wants and needs. That reduction to $500 on the Elantra is sucker money. My opinion.
All the best and much luck in that final decision.
zoomzoom
But it just torques me off that both companies have slashed their incentives at the end of the model year. They should be slashing prices! I suppose they've managed to meet sales goals and don't feel compelled to move their stock. Or maybe they just haven't put the new incentives on the website yet.
In frustration, I checked the Suzuki dealer and fell in love (again) with the Reno. I just love the look of the car, inside and out. The stock stereo is much better than Spec5 or Elantra, and they still have their incentives. They are offering $1000 back on 2006 models, plus $500 for recent graduates (like my wife who got her degree in May). So I'd be looking at a pretty loaded Reno for no more than $13,500, maybe a little less if they throw in some dealer cash.
I just don't have as much confidence in the Suzuki brand, especially the Daewoo-built models. If I knew it would be reliable, it would be the Reno, hands down.
I will talk to a Hyundai dealer or two later this week when I get some time. If they can offer me any kind of a decent deal on an Elantra hatch, I'll probably take it. If not that, then the Spec5; if not that, I might just go for the Reno.
Did have to travel a bit to snag my car but the supply was much greater at this cross town dealership. Much higher incentive to move rubber you might say (Their website does claim "Largest Hyundai dealership in volume on the entire East Coast." Who am I to argue?). As I got up and started walkin' towards the door, "my number" magically appeared. Imagine that.
Yeah, I can see the Kia Spec5 might be more abundant than the Elantra GT hatch in some areas although I do think since you mentioned you were interested in the automatic, they (the GT's) ARE out there in larger #'s than the 5 speeds. My opinion, trust hasn't exactly gone through the roof yet with the American public I think on the Kia brand. That's not to say that it won't, just hasn't yet. Hyundai's a little bigger corporate wise and is hitting the JD Power rankings rather well of late. Time will tell if this brand new Korean car of mine stands up to the Japanese products. For the three grand discount I calculated right off the bat, I thought it worth the gamble.
Suzuki cars? Nah. Doohickie, you know better than that. Don't get "torqued" at Hyundai/Kia. Get even. Wait to see what the next hand in the card game deals ya...again, if you've got the time and patience. I still maintain since you didn't pull the trigger yet, wait. There's a car out there that's going to come right into your sights.
PS Spoilers falling off...hmmm...nervous? I was too.
This number assumes a reduced rebate ($500) and $500 for new graduate incentive (for my wife). And there may still be a little wiggle room for the dealer to bargain a bit.
The model is a Hyundai Elantra 5-door with cruise and AT (no other options).
How do you like your new 2005 spectra 5 with manual tranny?
Is your car with the 138 hp engine or previous lower powered engine?
I wanted to know how much you got your car for, before TTT. I am trying to see how much negociation room there is on this car. thanks so much!!
thanks so much!!
Car_man
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If the value of a used KIA ever amounts to something then leasing may become a possibility. right now the cars are still too new to the used car industry to command any predicable resale value.
I have two Kias and am happy with them . But I know if I want to sell my 2002 Spectra I won't get much for it. But if I had bought a Honda Civic it would worth the value of Gold.
There is the rub with leasing a newer brand opf car.
I paid $13,250 plus tax/tags/title, for $14,322 out the door. I live in Washington, DC.
When we asked about it, we were told she made a mistake, and the correct turnkey price was $25558.62. And that was computed from a vehicle price of $20020. I did the math, and figured out, somewhere there was an extra $700 fee they did not tell us about, and there quote was $1600 more than what the kia.ca website computes after I add the 14% tax. So we politely said no thanks and bought a 2008 Toyota Matrix instead. In the end we paid about a thousand dollars more for the Toyota Matrix due to financing costs, but the car hold is value better, and it is a 2008 not a 2007.
I just don't get it. The KIA is clearly a lower quality vehicle, with nearly twice the cost of routine maintenance. Why would someone pay so much for it? And why can't they even give quotes were all the numbers add up correctly? And do they think we are idiots enough to believe the Canadian version gets 46 MPG, when the US version gets 30 MPG?
Bill
Resulting prices:
Sedona - $15,775
Rondo - $11,775
Optima - $10,775
Sorento - $12,775
Spectra Sedan- $7,775
Rio Sedan - $6,775
These are all new 2007 models.
HOWEVER
When I went to the dealership (without ad in hand, wanted to test them for honesty and how forthright they might be.
They did mention the $11k discount, but told me that it was only available on the vans and SUVs and only on the models that were fully loaded, resulting in a final price on the Van for example of about $23k.
The discount included a $1500 rebate and $3k in customer loyalty stuff.
When I tried to get the specifics from the dealer (when I asked about their ads) I was told that the cars did not have air conditioners. The detailed explanation was that the cars were made for the North and shipped down here to North Carolina.
Rebuttal to bad line
1. I'm from Illinois and it gets as hot in Illinois as it does in North Carolina. Air Conditioners are just as essential there as they are here in North Carolina, now maybe a car without airconditioning might sell in Alaska, but I doubt even then that a small little Kia would drive well in the snow.
2. They pointedly showed me the small little air conditioner in the other cars. The air conditioner is smaller than a small can of folgiers coffee (like about the girth of a 1 liter bottle of water, but a little shorter). I sincerely doubt that a small air conditioner like that is really worth $3.5k ($16k normal price - less $4500 in discounts = $11.5k - $8k selling price is $3.5k for an air conditioner.)
That's one hell of an air conditioner!
On a separate note, if they advertise a Kia new for $7-8k, that cannot be good for the resale value of used cars of the same make and model.
I bought a Kia rather than a Sonata because of similar crap from the local Hyundai dealer.
The sad fact is that Kia and Hyundai both have more than a normal share of sleazy dealers. Sad, although the snottiness of many top tier (Toyota, Honda) Japanese dealers is almost as disconcerting.
I had a Honda sales guy tell me that he didn't want to sell me a Prelude for MSRP, because his manager was thinking about selling at auction the next day, where they typically sold for $3k over MSRP.
My response, go right ahead, and by the way, why do you have a dealership at all, if you can sell cars for $3k over MSRP at auction?
I've never been back to a Honda dealer since(had other stupid run ins before that).
I've had better luck at Toyota dealerships, but that could be a fluke.
Now, when it comes to Mitsubishi dealerships, (I like Mitsubishi cars in general), I've never found a Mitsubishi dealership that didn't literally break the law (seriously) at least once during my visit.
I've been to Mitsubishi dealerships in 3 states to buy cars (because I like their cars and I keep thinking they can't all be crooks), I am seriously disappointed everytime I go there.
Funny thing is Mitsubishi took almost a half billion hit a few years back due to their bad vehicle loans, partly related to their predatory lending practices. Those lending practices may work for the mafia, but they don't work long term for car sales.
So those numbers I quoted above are now $1k lower. Hope no one is trying to sell one of these cars used!
After reading the other forums like the Spectra5 prices, is this a good deal? I have a hunch that it will not be.
Can someone share how much they pay for their 2007 SPectra EX or SX?
PW
I’ve been hunting and hunting for a 2007 Spectra LX with the convenience package and automatic. I’ve contacted at least 6 dealers, and the best price I can get is $18,861.30 (CAN) inclusive of fees and taxes. This includes the trade of my 1998 Toyota Corolla with 140000 km. I can’t believe some of the prices I’ve seen posted in this and other forums. Even with the exchange rate, US buyers are getting amazing deals! The reason I am looking now is due to the great financing on offer. I really like the Kia and will likely take the plunge tomorrow. If any Canadians are reading, let me know how badly I’m getting ripped off!
Since I posted the original message, I have purchased the vehicle. So, if you think I got a lousy deal ($16,545 CAN plus applicable taxes) don’t tell me!
As the title for this discussion includes “ and buying experience” I thought I would relate my buying experience. In a word, awful. In fact, the experience was so bad I started doubting my choice of vehicle and seriously thought about cancelling the deal.
Another dealer had appraised my trade in and offered $4000 for it. I sent an email to another local dealer asking if they could better the overall price. They did and asked me to come and “seal the deal”. When I arrived at the dealership (after driving for an hour) they re-appraised my trade and stated that they could only give me $3500 for it. I indicated that I was leaving and they then agreed on the $4000 price. When we finalized the deal my wife and I were sent to the Business Manager’s office where the hard sell began. We were offered insurance, paint and fabric protection and an extended warranty. When I refused the extended warranty ($2300) I was asked to “justify my decision”. The Business Manager was extremely rude and pushy and had no qualms showing how pissed off he was that we had declined all of the offers. Again, I almost walked away.
The dealership called two days after my purchase to ask when I wanted to take delivery. As I was working from home I indicated that I would like to do it before the end of the business day if possible. The salesman indicated that they were busy with “other stuff” and asked me to come in the following day. In the interim I noticed that the dealership had a “Manager’s Special” promotion that included a “$1000 rebate, Free TireGard Road Hazard Warranty, Free Nitrogen Tire System Application and Free Accessory of your choice valued up to $120”. The offer was applicable to “all in stock 2007 Spectras”. I was given the $1000 rebate, and (very reluctantly) the TireGard Road Hazard Warranty and Free Nitrogen Tire System Application. When I indicated that I wanted winter floor mats (approx $100) and a touch up paint pen ($11) as my “free accessory” I was told that they would not be provided. The reason I was given by the dealership was that I had “negotiated on the price of the vehicle and didn’t really qualify for the advertised items” and that they had already been “very generous”. I indicated that the advertisement was undated and contained no small print about the offer being invalid if the price was negotiated. The salesman agreed that the ad did not contain any small text and still refused to provide the free accessory. I decided to let the Better Business Bureau sort it out – they have already processed three claims (that I didn’t know about) against the dealership. It’s a small thing, but being my first new car I expected a better experience.
Although we disliked our buying experience and the dealership, we love the car. It’s quiet and has loads of fantastic features. I’m debating having it sprayed by Krown – we live in the “salt belt” in Southern Ontario, Canada. I just can’t bare the though of having holes drilled in my new car!
PW
One one page it states that ABS is an option on the EX Sedan. On the opposite page it states that ABS is standard, but optional on the SX sedan and 5 models. Anyone have a comment on this?
In reading the service problems with this model, I'm hesitant to make a purchase. Since Kia allows no deviation from the service interval mileages, and apparently disallows warranty claims (according to one post)if you are over the service interval by fractional miles. Obviously there is little or no leeway (plus or minus) permitted.
My cars are dealer serviced every 3,000 miles and inspected for any potential problems. However, there have been instances where the mileage has been exceeded by 100 miles.
Checking the owners service record for this particular car reveals that the intial 3,000 mile service was either not performed on not recorded in the service record. According to some postings for this make and model, many dealers simply refuse to honor any warranty problems based on this.
Your comments are welcomed and appreciated.
I've read many reviews, many favorable, some otherwise on this model. One recurrent comment regarding the quality of the service departments appears frequently. Since you sell the product, this definitely does not help either the car's reputation or inspire the public's confidence in the dealer body.
Traveling West, as I do each Fall, I take note of the makes and frequency of sightings of cars with out-of-state plates at far distances from their home state. Over the last several years I've only spotted one Spectra (in Nebraska) with Connecticut tags. There are plenty of Sorentos and Kia vans however.
Thanks for the advice on purchasing new versus used.
According to the post from ISELLKIAS there are two oil change intervals. One is for no stop/go or long distance trips,(7500 miles) and one for stop/go driving i.e. city, where engine is turned off frequently. He did not mention what that stop/go mileage interval was.
Personally, I change oil/filter every 3K miles, regardless of what the owner's manual says. Outside of one battery failure, my present car has 63K with NO problems.
According to posts on the consumer ratings page, Kia is very, very strict on changing oil (according to that posting) within 5 miles of recommended mileage, OR they will not honor related warranty claims. This posting may be a little over the top, but check with your dealer to see if this is correct or just the requirements of that owners' dealer. From the various postings in the consumer ratings pages, warranty service for obvious defects may or may not be easy to obtain.
From the number of postings on the Spectra consumer ratings pages, it seems like many folks have experienced difficulty in trying to get warranty repairs.
My experience has been very positive in that respect. I'd strongly recommend dealer only servicing. If a warranty issue comes up, you've got records to prove that a defect exists since only the dealer has serviced the vehicle. This policy can avoid disputes over who's responsible for the work.
Is it more costly? Definitely. Does it pay off in the long run? Definitely.
-1000 trade in
-1500 rebate
so...
sound like BS or what folks
$13,505 + TTL
in TX
good bad? these are my options