Purchasing Questions

[rscheckler]

Hey all,

I am seriously considering purchasing a Forte Koup. I am a huge car enthusiast and really like the fact that Kia is offering a 6 speed manual trans along with the ThetaII engine. The biggest question that I have for you guys is: Would you consider this car not only a good car for daily commute but also for pleasure as well? Also, do you guys see potential for this car for modifications aimed at performance? The only drawback for me personally is lack of power.

Thanks in advance,

Ryan

 

[vizunary]

I bought my Koup strictly for pleasure. I have no need for a vehicle when it comes to my work so I just use it to get around town and for fun. The thetaII has quite a bit of potential and there are many aftermarket companies working on performance parts already. Like Injen, Roadracemotorsports, etc(check the various threads for more) plus the Korean companies that already have a very nice stage 2 turbo for the 1.6L available there and elsewhere(the NA market was the only one to get the 2.4L) and exhaust systems. Also, keep in mind Kia's own plans for a performance and accessory rollout that will be done through their dealer network in 2010, this is what I'm waiting for, tune it and keep my warranty, worth the extra bucks.(check out the story for the Koup race car to be entered in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge)

 

[Rekoup]

It's no speed demon, but it is peppy, more responsive than other imports in its class, and LOTS of fun to drive. I come from a high-horsepower/Luxury background (Lincoln Mark VIII for the last 9 years or so, own 2, race one) and my bias did not interfere with my decision.

I look at it this way: If people want to race a 4-cylinder, get a Porsche. If they want a car that you will love to drive every day, with payments that are the lowest of any non-crapbox car, buy a Koup, and get it loaded with the manual transmission (The automatic really holds this car back, the way it feels from 0-15 MPH)

I'm SO happy with my Koup. It took me to the age of 39 to justify the cost of a new car and insurance to go with it, and I STILL only paid 19280 with license and before tax. Its more loaded than my Lincoln, and the lincoln was twice the price in 1994!

My 89-year old grandfather said he'd be comfortable enough to take an 8-hour road trip in it to visit family (heated leather seats, the cloth was uncomfortable to me). I'm 5' 10.5" and if I was 6' I might want to lower the seat or put it back further (I like sitting closer to the steering wheel in a manual transmission for better control).

I'd say drive one around for 30 minutes. I was uncomfortable in the cloth seats after just FIVE minutes, but the leather seats seem to be much better (700 miles now and no discomfort). Then sit in it for a while. Thats what I did! I'm glad I did, too. Even sat in the back seat for 15 minutes as I read the brochure.