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Kia Rondo Prices Paid and Buying Experience
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Had I anticipated this might happen I would have waited for the '09's to arrive in lieu of purchasing our '08 just over 5 weeks ago. Of course, at the time Kia was only offering $2.5k rebates toward '09 Rondos & $1.5k more for '08 models. Along with some changes in the options list, for '09 both the 4 and 6-cylinder engines gained several hp. The 4-cylinder models now generate 175 hp (just 7 hp less than pre-09 V-6 models produced) while 6-cylinder models also gained 10 hp for a total of 192..
Also, the knowlege that our "new" '08 with just over 1k miles has already depreciated by one model year when we could have purchased an '09 for about the same $$ just a few weeks later is disappointing to say the least. :sick:
Although so far I've been quite pleased with our '08 Rondo, one issue I failed to recognize before purchasing our car was the manufacture date.
Our Rondo's mfg date wasDecember '07, whic means it probably sat out in the weather and under the sun on a dealer's lot for at least year before we purchased it in late February.
Note that we test drove and negotiated to purchase the car all in the same evening (after dark). Shortly affter taking delivery I noticed how some of the black painted and powder-coated surfaces looked a bit flat and dull. After realized the car's mfg date I now believe this may be indicative of how long the car may have sat outside in the weather before we purchased it.
Contrastingly, similar black surfaces on my '05 Mazda3 (which I've owned for over 4 years) are still glossy and look like new since I generally keep my car covered when its not driven.
I've come to realize that shielding your possessions from the damaging effects of the weather and sun's uv rays can really cut down on the rate of deterioration of painted and plastic surfaces outside and inside.
Oh well...
We also compared Rondo & Mazda5, in the beginning we like both, but after test drive we selected Rondo because Rondo has bigger room, V6 2.7 engine( mazda5 only 2.3 v4).
You be the judge:
http://www.paylessatpencekia.com/specials.aspx?type=oem&subtype=cash&year=2009&m- - - - - - - - ake=Kia&model=Rondo
After looking a little closer I guess the $4k rebate may apply to '08 models. However, when viewing the information at the above link, this is not clear indicated...at least not to me. The only references I see there are to '09 models. However since the $750 rebate is associated w/some models I'm assuming the $4k rebate may only apply to remaining '08 models. Sadly, just last month they were offering $2.5k rebates off most '09 Rondos
Sorry for the confusion. In any case, I feel better about purchasing a '08 now!
I've also noted that some changes in the standard equipment offered w/the LX models for '09 vs '08 and in some ways they've taken a step back imo.
For example, my '08 LX V6 has the 16" alloy wheels and body colored outside mirrors as standard equipment.
Contrastingly, for '09 you have to purchase an options package that includes heated seats to get the 16" alloys in lieu of 16' steel wheels on an LX. Also instead of body-colored outside mirrors, for '09 LX models are now equipped w/black mirrors. On the other hand, looks like '09 LX models now have 6-speaker stereos standard vs 4-speakers standard on my '08.
For a '09 LX V6 comparably equipped to my '08 MSRP is about $700 more than was my '08...but the price difference would include the heated seats option packaged with the alloy wheels. I've also noted that the third row seat option for the LX is now prices $150 more than it was for '08 ($650 vs $500). However, the third row is now standard on EX models and so are leather seat trim.
All in all, if I was planning to purchase an '09 I'd probably choose an EX over an LX since you seem to get a lot more extras in exchange for the $1.8 k difference in price over a standard LX now.
So, we had dinner with a brother-in-law on Friday and 10 min. after leaving, they called to say their car broke down (second time this year) and could we take them home (40 miles in the opposite direction). So, a BMW 7 Series owner riding home in a Rondo, priceless.
Contrastingly, I supposedly paid "dealer invoice" for mine which was ~ $1.7k below my Rondo's MSRP of ~ $20.7k. Yet based some of the deals others have posted here believe I probably still paid too much! So for a fully loaded '08 Rondo you should have been able to get $2-3k off MSRP before the rebate imo.
Your cost in time lost and $$ to make a 400 mile round trip to pick up your car is another factor which you may not have considered.
I'm curious though: did you get 0% financing for 60 months through Kia? If so, either I was lied to by my dealer or similar offers did not apply in my area.
I ended up financing the car through my state employees' credit union @ around 5%. Also unlike you my dealer was unwilling to make what I felt was a fair offer for my trade-in which I'm planning to sell privately after April 15.
Retired, so no lost time and less than $40 in fuel.
I'm curious though: did you get 0% financing for 60 months through Kia? If so, either I was lied to by my dealer or similar offers did not apply in my area.
I ended up financing the car through my state employees' credit union around 5%.
I didn't even call the credit union til on the road and was approved at 4.75% before arrival. Got the Kia 0% approved at the dealer in just a few min., but this may not be available in all areas.
No doubt there are better "deals" for those with more flexiability in colors and options, I could have gotten the same car in town for less, but Black on Black, not for me in Texas at any price. So, for me I would have paid much more for the right '09 and/or traveled much further, probably by air w/o the possibility of the trade-in, and dealt with multiple state license and tax issues.
I did go to a dealership (Fette) that said they had some in stock only to be told they didn't so I walked out. Flipped the salesman out (who was not the one I had spoken too, he was not in yet). Oh well, their loss.
Also another dealer who sold out the 08's was advertising '09 LX with 4 cylinder for $18,000.
I haven't had a single thing go amiss with mine since taking delivery in Oct. 2007. I paid $16K. I still don't think I'd opt for the V-6 because my mpg has gotten significantly better since passing 15K miles (general driving now up to 26.5 mpg), and, for some unknown reason, the car's acceleration has gotten better.
Just added the Kia aftermarket roof crossbars 'cause, unlike most of vehicles I buy, I have no plans to replace this Rondo for a good while. Maybe the best car I have owned in terms of overall room, drive quality, and mpg. And I've owned some 25 cars (mostly new) in my life so far....
Clearly even though I only paid ~74% of MSRP for my '08 LX V-6, apparently that was still too much.
Oh well...live and learn.
So far we're still pleased w/the car in any case.
We like it, great grocery getter!
We've narrowed our search down to a Kia Rondo or a Mazda 5, and are really leaning hard toward a 2008 Kia Rondo. Would you mind if I asked the dealer that still had 5 EX's with 3'rd row left. We'll be in the Mass area in a week and I'd love to pick one up for even close to the price you got. We're in central new york, and I'd have to do some things with temp tags and etc, but it would be worth it for us.
Thanks
D2
We're buying a 2008 EX V6 Urban Gray/Gray with 3'rd MSRP 21895 for 14,395 + TTT.
I think it was the last one that they had with 3'rd row. I'll check for sure on Saturday if anyone is interested. Just post a reply if you are, and I'll get the info when I'm there.
Thanks
D2
Even 5000 off msrp is nothing to write home about on these vehicles. Depending on whether you can pick up a new 09 18k model for $13000 or less, you may want to consider the M5,M3hatch, Pontiac Vibe or Toyota Matrix.
Good luck
--jjf
I
Good luck
--jjf
The dealership I walked out of was one who had replied with a 'quote' for a 2008 with a third row seat through Edmunds. When I got there they had none on hand, said they didn't even have any 2009 on hand with third row but they could find one for me. I was not going to deal with them after their dishonesty to start so, as I said, I walked.
Two other dealerships also said there were none in the area, neither were willing to negotiate a deal on a 2009. (one even said 'here's the deal I can give to you!' and quoted me sticker price. When I pointed that out he said he couldn't negotiate on a 2009 Rondo, but maybe I'd be interested in a 2008 Sedona).
I got so frustrated with the dealerships/salesmen I jumped to the 'other' car discussed as very similar on this forum. Happy with my choice so far.
D2
That is about what I paid for my the same version of the car a month and a half ago. They gave me a little more than I thought they would on my trade in, but I still didn't get as great a deal as a number of others on these forums have.
That said, I'm extremely happy with what I got for what I paid. I had to have 3 rows, I wanted leather, I enjoy the upgraded stereo, the sun roof, I'm using the cross bars.....I paid less for this car than any of the previous 3 cars my husband and I have bought over the last 13 years and in many ways, I like it the best of all of them.
Where are you located? I picked mine up in Glenns Falls. They are out of 08's right now. Anyway, a friend of mine is now looking for one too. He searched the web and told me today that Shorkey Kia outside of Pittsburgh has over 100 2008's listed as in stock. I'm not sure if he is serious about buying one, but if you are near there it might be worth it to give them a call.
peace
D2
I am in SE Michigan. There is actually another one available besides mine, but that has been in the show room for quite some time and has been test driven a lot. There must be a reason why it is still there. While the one I got was shipped just a few weeks ago. I will be surprised if there are that many left in Pittsburgh. There were only 3 EX left with the config I want in the whole Michigan state a couple months ago. Anyway, thank you very much for your info.
How do you like the rear bumper guard? I have not seen one on a rondo in person. I have seen similar ones on other kia models and they seem to be plastic. Is the rondo's rubber or plastic? Yeah, I also thought there was no way that that pittsburgh area dealer had soo many 2008's in stock. I checked their website and they do have 75 listed as in stock. So hopefully it is accurate and he can get a great deal if he gets off the fence about buying one.
Mine is also extremely quiet and no drift. : )
Have a great weekend and enjoy the new rides.
D2
I found mine to be quiet and no drift too. I am very pleased with the purchase so far. It is indeed a great value to get one over $3800 below invoice although mine is not the cheapest. Considering the regular price of Kia to be a value choice, the after incentive price is really insane.
Conrats on the new Rondo. : ) I've had mine a week and love it. Thanks for the information on the bumper guard. I think I am going to order one on-line. We have a 28 month old son that I'm sure will want to use the bumper as a step real soon.
peace
D2
Let me know tourist after you get the cargo tray if it is easy to store in the car with the third row up. I'd love to have one.
I also have had the bumper guard a while. It is vinyl. It is also absolutely necessary if you are hauling things and care about the exterior condition of your Rondo. That ledge will get nicked/scratched/dinged over time w/o the guard. Even if you personally are careful, you'll have lots of riders or helpers unloading who won't be.
My wife wants to make a cargo type mat for the Rondo. She is currently using the one she made 5 yrs ago for her Element. She bought a 4 pack of those puzzle piece type floor mats at Big Lots for about $10. They look like these link title . They currently lay flat in the back in a double level. If we need to haul anything big, we lift the second row seats and lay a level of mats down. I'm not sure if it would work for the rondo because the space behind the third row is so narrow and we may end up with 4 levels of mats back there when the 3rd row is in use.
peace
D2
Many thanks to everyone for the replies and reviews on the rear bumper protector. I'm going to be ordering one this weekend along with the mud guards.
have a great day/weekend
D2
if you bought them online would you mind if I asked for the site? The cheapest I've been able to find was 29 per pair at savage in sinking spring pa.
Have a great weekend
D2
Warning, this is off topic, but -
My 2 younger kids and I like to go camping. We have a big tent which is great but too much work for a one night trip, so we are going to try sleeping in the Rondo when we go for one night. We fit pretty nicely and it is fairly comfortable just on top of sleeping bags, but your idea seems like an inexpensive way to make it a little more comfortable. I bought these things called magna screens that allow you to leave the windows open for air while keeping the bugs out. I think I'm going to look into those mats before we go.
Enjoy your Memorial Day.
The 09 Kia Rondo auto Lx well equipped has a 08 used trade in value of about 9000 in kbb.com. This is what the 09 will be worth in 12 months. So we wanna be buying the 09 Rondo used in the $12-13000 range, or just looking at something else, unless we really really want a Rondo.
Good luck
jjf
My local area doesn't seem to have any '08 Rondos. I'm curious what people's experiences are with buying '09 Rondos? I would be looking at a 4-cylinder LX. Today, the local dealer was going for around $18K, but I did not make an offer, since I was unable to commit to buying right away.
It seems when you sell/trade your Rondo within the first few years, you are flushing 5 years worth of power-train warranty down the toilet. This is significant value that is part of your Kia if you keep the car, but thrown away if you sell it. So if the trade-in value is $10K, it's actually worth $10K to someone else, but maybe worth $12K to you, since keeping it allows you to retain a great warranty.
I am located in Portland, OR. May I ask what the dealers in your area are asking for an LX 4 cylinder? I have one dealer here getting down to the low $16K.
Thanks.