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flarkitkf · (This post was last modified: 07-20-2010 08:33 AM by flarkitkf.)

Hi,

Another 'Cerato' owner here, in South Africa.

I bought the 1.6 m/t after hunting for a car for 5 weeks. I tested 2 Ford Focus versions, 3 Toyota Corolla models and was about to take one, when I saw an offer on a new Cerato (ok, Forte) for the same price that I was considering. The total package was far ahead of anything else and I'm very, very satisfied with the Kia. The car's sleek, dynamic aesthetic even fits my requirements, previously typified by recent Honda sedans.

One unexpected result is that (being my first brand-new car) I've turned into a detailing fan, since I want to maintain the looks more than I did with my previous cabbie. Lots of money and energy have gone into weekly washes, a few waxes and learning all about tyre dressing!
Angel

(edit)
Pics from our first trip, at 2 weeks old:

[Image: 4812095200_92417c05f7_b.jpg]

mschiavoni · 07-20-2010, 12:58 PM

very nice ride, my friend. looks sharp!

**Kenny C** · 07-20-2010, 07:06 PM

Nice! I like the clear corners on the headlights. Big Grin

mschiavoni · 07-21-2010, 01:52 AM

(07-20-2010 07:06 PM)Kenny C Wrote: Nice! I like the clear corners on the headlights.

same here. i want those tail lights. you think my dealer can get em?

flarkitkf · 07-21-2010, 02:20 AM

(07-21-2010 01:52 AM)mschiavoni Wrote: same here. i want those tail lights. you think my dealer can get em?

Ummm... well they're the stock-standard lights that this model came out with here Smile

Maybe send your dealer a link to this thread and ask him?

My only complaint is the method they're used to mount the licence plates, especially in front. The aluminium bracket has a 5cm rubber backing which makes the plate stand away from the front too far IMO. It breaks the sleek looks and I hope to be able to replace that sometime soon

Thanks for the compliments too.

desert fox · 07-21-2010, 02:34 AM

(07-21-2010 02:20 AM)flarkitkf Wrote: Ummm... well they're the stock-standard lights that this model came out with here

Maybe send your dealer a link to this thread and ask him?

My only complaint is the method they're used to mount the licence plates, especially in front. The aluminium bracket has a 5cm rubber backing which makes the plate stand away from the front too far IMO. It breaks the sleek looks and I hope to be able to replace that sometime soon

Thanks for the compliments too.

We have the same wheel rims bro......thinking of painting your calipers? Angel

mschiavoni · 07-21-2010, 05:07 PM

hopefully i can get those lights. they're alot safer since you can actually SEE the turn signals Smile

flarkitkf · (This post was last modified: 07-22-2010 09:21 AM by flarkitkf.)

(07-21-2010 02:34 AM)desert fox Wrote: We have the same wheel rims bro......thinking of painting your calipers?

Nah, I'm not really inclined to. However, painted callipers are protected from most of the rim-cleaners out there. I've found the awesome pH-balanced Sonax Xtreme Full Effect, which cleans those alloys without any effort and it's safe on the brake-pads, but *NOT* on unpainted callipers. It stuffs up unpainted callipers horribly if left to dry. Does mean I have to be extra careful when cleaning my wheels
Undecided

desert fox · 07-22-2010, 08:50 AM

(07-22-2010 06:20 AM)flarkitkf Wrote: Nah, I'm not really inclined to. However, painted callipers are protected from most of the rim-cleaners out there. I've found the awesome pH-balanced Sonax Xtreme Full Effect, which cleans those alloys without any effort and it's safe on the brake-pads, but on unpainted callipers. It stuffs up unpainted callipers horribly if left to dry. Does mean I have to be extra careful when cleaning my wheels

thats fine, for the time being,i will not paint my calipers,maybe later...