Savage KIA’s Top Tips for First-Time Car Buyers
Purchasing your very first vehicle can be exciting, however, that excitement can quickly turn to confusion if you’re not prepared ahead of time. Confusion and uncertainty when shopping for a new vehicle can lead to poor, uninformed decisions, that ultimately end up costing you money. Avoid that confusion and uncertainty by reading this list of top tips for first-time car buyers before you hit the lot!
Once you read through this fantastic list of tips, come on down to Savage Kia to use your new knowledge to shop for your new vehicle.
First-Time Car Buying Tips
Figure Out Your Budget
As with most things in the world, setting a budget is one of the most important things to do first before you make any other decisions. Defining your budget makes it easier to narrow down what vehicles you can afford, preventing you from falling into the trap of stretching too far for a vehicle you can’t afford.
Before you settle on a budget for a new car, make sure to evaluate your monthly living expenses and determine from there what you can afford monthly for a vehicle. Remember to include estimates for car insurance, fuel, and vehicle maintenance in this budget, because owning a vehicle is a lot more than a monthly payment.
Once you’ve figured out what you can afford, the hard part is done, now it’s time to start the fun by searching for the right vehicle at Savage Kia.
List Your Needs
Now, this may seem like the first thing to do when you’re ready to buy a new car, but without a budget in mind, many “wants” become “needs”, skyrocketing the cost of the vehicle. Define your vehicle needs by taking into consideration your occupation, daily commute, and even things like the weather around where you live.
All of these factors not only determine what kind of vehicle you will need but also influence just how much maintenance the vehicle will need as well. Living in a snowy climate may mean you need a set of winter and summer tires, whereas living in a hot, dry climate means you’ll need to pay more attention to your fluids, hoses, and belts.
After you define your needs and budget, it’s time to find dealers that carry vehicles you may want. Make your choice easier by picking from the gigantic selection of new and pre-owned Kia vehicles available here at Savage Kia, located in Reading, PA.
Research Time
Now that you have a solid idea of what your needs are and a clear budget in mind, it’s time to start researching what vehicles are available to you. Hop online and check out sites like Cars.com, KBB.com, or Autotrader.com to get a listing of all the vehicles in your area, with filters for makes, models, and features. The best option is to visit the website of local dealerships, like Savage Kia, so you can see the most up-to-date inventory information.
During your research, be sure to check out consumer reviews and reports about the vehicle you have in mind. While everyone’s experiences and reviews are different, it is a great idea to at least see if there are any common experiences or trends shared amongst owners of the vehicle you like. Finding a vehicle and having a wealth of information about that vehicle has never been easier, so take advantage of it when searching for your next vehicle.
Is a new Kia vehicle what you’re looking for? Take a look at our vast inventory of new Kia vehicles available online and in-store here at Savage Kia, located in Reading, PA.
Time for a Test Drive
After you decide on the perfect vehicle for you, get out there and take one for a test drive! Test driving a vehicle is one of the most important steps in a purchase, as it really gives you a taste of what owning that particular vehicle is like. While you’re test driving, make sure to get comfortable as if it was your vehicle, and drive a route similar to your daily commute for the best comparison.
When you’re making a big purchase like this, it’s important to make sure the vehicle “fits” all aspects of your lifestyle. Certain dealerships may even allow you to drive the vehicle home for a short period of time, so you can see how it fits in your garage or parking space. Make choosing the perfect vehicle easier, test drive as many vehicles as you can before you decide on one.
If you’re looking for a new or pre-owned Kia vehicle, shop here at Savage Kia and ask your sales professional about an extended test drive. Finding the perfect Kia vehicle is simple when you’re choosing from our huge inventory here at Savage Kia.
Figure Out Financing
Financing a vehicle tends to be when first-time car buyers get confused, as it can be a detail-heavy process. As a first-time car buyer, it’s important to not get flustered, just ask questions when you’re confused and remember the finance professional is there to help you. Keep in mind that you’re simply agreeing upon how much money you’re borrowing, and how quickly you’ll be paying it back, including interest. If you keep this in mind, financing is a lot less confusing as a first-time car buyer.
If you have your eyes set on a new or pre-owned Kia vehicle here at Savage Kia, our in-house financing professionals will help you every step of the way. At Savage Kia, we work with a variety of auto lenders to make sure you get the best financing possible for your new Kia vehicle. Choose from the best selection of Kia vehicles, and the best lenders, only available here at Savage Kia in Reading, PA.
Drive Home Happy
The most important step in buying a car for the first time is to make sure you drive home happy. After all of your online research and in-person test drives, you should feel comfortable signing on the dotted line, knowing that not only are you getting the best deal but also the perfect vehicle for you. Unlike most purchases, you can’t return a vehicle, so ensuring that you love the vehicle before you sign is highly recommended.
Guarantee that you’ll drive home a happy first-time car buyer, by purchasing your vehicle here at Savage Kia. At Savage Kia, we offer the widest selection of new and pre-owned Kia vehicles, a top-notch team of sales professionals, and the best financing options available in Reading, PA. There is no better place to be a first-time car buyer than at Savage Kia, located in Reading, PA.
Pros & Cons of Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles
Are you shopping for a new-to-you vehicle but looking to avoid the uncertainty that comes with your average used vehicle? With a manufacturer-backed warranty, updated features, and low mileage, certified pre-owned vehicles are sweeping the market offering exceptional value per dollar. If value and peace of mind are at the top of your list when looking for a pre-owned vehicle, a manufacturer-certified pre-owned vehicle is the right choice for you.
What is Certified Pre-Owned?
While your typical used vehicle comes as-is with no warranty, a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle comes backed by the manufacturer with great warranties and in some cases a buy-back guarantee. Certified pre-owned vehicles are always newer model vehicles with a low amount of miles on them, that are inspected by the dealer and approved by the manufacturer, making them a great choice if you’re looking for a new car without the new car price.
The Pros
More Money in Your Wallet
The more money you save, the better, right? With just a little bit of mileage, new cars see a lot of depreciation and that’s why certified pre-owned vehicles are such a great deal. Certified pre-owned vehicles are often 2-3 years old, with the original owners already taking the hit on the depreciation and passing the savings along to you. Get all the benefits of a new vehicle without the wallet-draining high price and purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle at Savage Kia today!
Less Risky
While any pre-owned vehicle comes with risk, CPO vehicles lower that risk with their multi-point inspections and manufacturer-provided warranties. Warranty lengths and coverages vary from brand to brand, with some simply extending the initial warranty and others being an entirely new warranty that covers the CPO vehicle. Put your mind at ease and purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle that is confidently backed by the manufacturer.
Newer Vehicle, Lower Mileage
In order to get certified, each potential CPO vehicle can only have a limited number of miles on them at the time of certification. While the specific number varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, most CPO vehicles are 6 years old or newer with fewer than 70,000 miles on them in order to qualify as a certified pre-owned vehicle. With low mileage, new features, and less risk, it’s easy to see why purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle at Savage Kia is a great choice.
Buyer Protection
As if an extended warranty wasn’t enough to inspire confidence in a CPO vehicle, many manufacturers guarantee their CPO vehicles with a buyer protection program. Say your vehicle was found to be involved in a flood, most manufacturers would allow you to swap that vehicle for a new one or return it altogether. With manufacturers having such confidence in their vehicles, buying a CPO vehicle doesn’t seem all that risky! If you’re looking for a used vehicle and want to buy in confidence, shop certified pre-owned at Savage Kia located in Reading, PA.
The Cons
As good as a CPO vehicle may sound, with its manufacturer-provided warranties, low mileage, and newer features, they aren’t perfect or completely risk-free. If you’re considering a CPO vehicle it is important to consider both the pros and cons of the purchase, here are some of the drawbacks of CPO.
Not All Are Created Equal
While almost every manufacturer has a CPO program, what is included and what is required for those programs varies wildly depending on the manufacturer. Although this may make the decision-making process a little more difficult, it shouldn’t deter you from purchasing a CPO vehicle, just make sure to do your research and read the fine print. While used vehicles can never be identical, the standardization of the certified pre-owned process is a great way to level the playing field.
A Slightly Higher Cost
Extended warranties and multi-point inspections, while great, unfortunately, aren’t cheap and make CPO vehicles slightly more expensive than their non-certified counterparts. However, if peace of mind in a used vehicle is what you’re looking for, incurring the slightly higher cost of a CPO vehicle is an easy choice. The extra cost of a CPO isn’t wasted however, it’s returned to the customer in the form of the CPO warranty, multi-point inspections, and roadside assistance programs, making the CPO vehicle a great choice.
A Little Less Variety
If being unique and an individualist is important to you, a CPO vehicle may not be the right choice for you as they often have little to no variety between them. With CPO vehicles having to be more recent model years, the variety of vehicles may be a bit less, but the quality of the vehicles is a lot stronger. Remaining flexible when searching for a CPO vehicle is a great way to ensure you will find a great vehicle at a great price backed by great manufacturer warranties.
Wonkyu Kang, the new Head of Design Innovation at Kia Motors
As Kia Motors continues their evolution into one of the top vehicle manufacturers in the world, they make another splash with the hiring of former BMW Automotive Creative Director Wonkyu Kang. With the addition of Kang as the Head of Design Innovation, Kia Motors looks to increase their presence in the ever-evolving electric vehicle segment.
After 15+ years as a part of BMWs design team, Wonkyu Kang has resigned from his position as Creative Director at BMW and joined forces with Kia Motors as the Head of Design Innovation. An influential part in BMWs “i Brand” conceptualization and design, Kang also played a major role in BMWs foray in electric vehicles. Bringing his BMW chapter to a close, Kang has accepted a position at Kia Motors as the head of their Design Innovation group, set to use his expertise in electric vehicles to propel Kia Motors into the future.
Who is Wonkyu Kang?
Wonkyu Kangs most notable BMW Concept, the 3.0 CSL Hommage
A 15+ year veteran of the BMW creative design team, even spending three years as the Automotive Creative Director, Wonkyu Kang is a vehicle design expert with a specialization in electric vehicles. Beginning his career with Hyundai Motors in 2001 as an interior designer, Kang had his sights set higher and left to pursue his BS in Transportation Design shortly after.
Graduating from Southern California’s Art Center College of Design in 2005 with a bachelors in Transportation Design, Kang is an automotive interior and exterior design specialist, who played an influential role in the development of BMWs “i Group” electric vehicles.
In his time with BMW not only did Kang play a big role in developing the “i Group” vehicles, but he also was the main designer of the 2015 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept car, a highly praised concept vehicle that unfortunately never saw the light of day. Kangs role as main designer of the 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept garnered him worldwide praise amongst BMW and motorsport enthusiasts alike, with many calling for the design to be put into production. Proving his ability to design vehicles ranging from production vehicles and EVs all the way to high-end concept cars, Kang is a valuable addition to the Kia Motors team as they push to be a top manufacturer.
What’s this Mean for Kia Motors?
The Kia GT Concept Car, proof of what’s to come for Kia
With the hiring of Kang, Kia Motors is ready to charge into the future with an all-new focus on electric vehicles. The hiring of Kang has not been Kia Motors only move as of late, with them recently hiring former BMW and Infiniti designer, Karim Habib as Chief Designer. Both Kang and Habib will work side by side in the design department, making Kia Motors a force to be reckoned with. Assembling a great team filled with brilliant minds has been Kia Motors main strategy in their quest to the top of the automotive manufacturing world. With their sights set squarely on the top, Kia Motors begins to work away on their previously announced “Plan S”, a plan to bring a full lineup of EVs to the consumer market in the coming years. Keep an eye on Kia Motors as they are sure to be bringing sweeping changes to the market.
Bright Roads Ahead
Big things are ahead with the likes of Wonkyu Kang and Karim Habib at the helm of the Kia Design team, Kia Motors is steadily moving along with their “Plan S” strategy and doing so with ease. Quoted as saying “I’m excited to be part of this journey with the committed design team at Kia to further strengthen its product line and design strategy,” Kang is ready to guide Kia Motors into the future of automaking. With an all-star design team and big plans for the future, Kia Motors embarks on their “Plan S” strategy to reach the top of the automaking world.
Experience Kang’s unique artistry and vision in the all-new 2022 Kia models, coming soon to Savage Kia located in Reading, PA.
Servicing the Summer, a Summer Road-Trip Checklist
Sweet, Sweet, Summer
For generations Americans have utilized the summer season as the peak season for vacations and road-trips, creating memories that will last a lifetime in just a few short days or weeks spent in the sun. With a sprawling interstate system and a fully charged GPS, you’re gearing up to hit the road and create some memories of your own, but before you head out make sure to read this summer road-trip checklist to make sure you’re fully prepared to have a great trip. There’s nothing quite like a road-trip cut short by unexpected vehicle trouble, avoid all of that by diligently prepping your vehicle for the harsh conditions a summer road-trip presents. In this list we’ll share a few tips on car maintenance that will make your summer road-trip one for the record books.
Check Fluids
Before embarking on your summer adventure, make sure to stop by Savage Kia to have our service team top off your vehicle’s fluids. Ensuring that your vehicle has plenty of coolant, washer fluid and oil is a great way to guarantee a safe, fun, summer road-trip.
New Oil & Filter
A simple and effective way to have a great summer road-trip is by having your oil and filter changed before you hit the road. Keep your vehicle happy and your mind worry free by routinely changing the oil and filter, which can be quickly done at Savage Kia in Reading, PA.
Test the A/C
No road-trip would be complete without icy-cold air blowing out from the vents, make sure to test your vehicle’s air conditioning before hitting the road. If your A/C isn’t blowing cold air, there is a good chance your vehicle’s A/C needs a “recharge” which can be performed by our service team at Savage Kia. Nothing is “cooler” than a working A/C system!
Check your Tire Pressure
There is nothing more deflating than an unexpected flat tire in the midst of your summer road-trip, that’s why it’s best practice to stop at Savage Kia to have your tire pressure checked during your pre-departure vehicle inspection. A vehicle with proper tire pressure levels not only will drive smoother, but will also get better miles per gallon, as well as being safer to drive in general. Keep your tires full so your pockets don’t get emptied!
Now Hit the Road
With a vehicle that has been properly serviced and looked after, summer road-trips are guaranteed to be filled with fun and great memories. Savage Kia is here to make sure your vehicle is ready to embark on that road-trip by providing fast, efficient and affordable service no matter how small the service may be. Stop in at Savage Kia in Reading, PA, to complete your summer road-trip checklist!
KIA AMERICA ANNOUNCES 2022 SOUL
With sales of Kia’s iconic Soul up nearly 20 percent year-on-year, the 2022 model arrives largely as a carryover with minor visual enhancements, the most apparent being the bold new Kia badge on the hood, liftgate and wheel center caps.
Updates to the S, X-Line and GT-Line include a standard 10.25-inch display screen with navigation, dual automatic climate control, push-button start with engine immobilizer, wireless smartphone charger and dual USB chargers.
The LX with manual transmission variant is discontinued. The new LX Technology Package adds 16-inch alloy wheels and bundles several advanced driver-assistance systems, including: Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Change Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Driver Attention Warning.1 Additionally, for the LX, the standard screen on the head unit is now eight inches (up one inch from last year’s model).
Steel Gray replaces Sparkling Silver on LX, S and EX variants.
Source Article: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/17594/kia-america-announces-2022-soul
When Kia America unveiled the refreshed 2022 Stinger it teased something special: The Scorpion Special Edition. But little information about this vehicle was provided at the time. Now, just weeks later, the Scorpion is arriving in dealers. Offered in limited batches of just 250 units per month and built exclusively for the U.S. market. It is expected to sell out quickly and is available on the GT2 FWD and AWD variants in three colors – Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black, and Ceramic Silver.
“Stinger was a wake-up call to a segment long populated by European sport sedans when it debuted in 2017 (as a 2018 model). It redefined what enthusiast drivers thought about Kia and proved we could compete against the best vehicles in a hotly contested space,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia North America and Kia America. “Since then, Stinger has built a loyal following of those looking for something unique and the Scorpion is set to continue that approach.”
- The Scorpion Special Edition features exclusive blacked out fender garnish, side mirror caps, and darkened exhaust tips
- Unique body-colored rear spoiler
- Distinctive 19-inch black wheels
- Exclusive carbon fiber-pattern trim inside the cockpit
- Available with a Red Nappa Leather or Black Nappa Leather interior
Source Article: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/17504/2022-kia-stinger-scorpion-special-edition-arrives
K5 and Forte Reach All-Time Monthly Records; Best-Ever April Performances for Telluride, Sportage and Seltos
Kia Motors America today announced its second-successive best-ever monthly sales total of 70,177 units, surpassing the previous monthly high set in March 2021. Two Kia nameplates – K5 and Forte – enjoyed their strongest month ever in April, powering Kia to a 121.3-percent increase over the same period last year. Additional strong performances included:
- Best-ever April totals for the Telluride, Sportage and Seltos
- Kia sales increased more than 120-percent over April 2020
“After a record-breaking first-quarter performance, Kia continued to outpace the industry in April as even more customers discovered our world-class and award-winning design and quality,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia Motors North America . “With five Kia models setting sales records in April and the successful launches of the Sorento SUV and the all-new Carnival MPV continuing to drive customers to showrooms, Kia is experiencing unprecedented momentum. Given the showroom traffic our dealers are reporting ahead of the summer opening of the country we are confident our strong performance will continue through the year.”
Complimenting April’s record-breaking sales, the month also saw Kia recognized with prestigious awards and accolades, including:
- Sorento SUV named to Parents magazine’s Best Family Cars for 2021 thanks to the vehicle’s high-tech performance, safety, and convenience features
- Forte GT-Line (compact) and Soul LX (compact hatchback) recognized by Vincentric, a leading cost and analysis group, as the 2021 Best Fleet Value in America Award in their respective categories
Source Article: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/17303/kia-achieves-best-monthly-sales-in-company-history-in-april-2021
- Two models win their categories: Forte and Soul
- Forte ranks number one in its segments for third consecutive year
Kia Motors America (KMA) has earned multiple honors in the Vincentric 2021 Best Fleet Value in America Awards. The leading cost and analysis group recognized the Forte GT-Line (compact) and Soul LX (compact hatchback) as the best in their respective categories, marking three consecutive wins for the Forte. The Soul also claimed its third win.
“Kia will always be driven to offer the best value to all of our customers,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia Motors North America, Kia Motors America. For the experts at Vincentric to support that claim demonstrates our ability to deliver quality, design, and performance at an unbeatable price. This combination is key in the fleet vehicle space that Vincentric serves.”
The Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America awards recognize specific vehicles and trims which have the lowest total cost of ownership in the greatest number of measured lifecycle cost scenarios. Now in its 16th year, the prize measures cost-of-ownership using eight different cost factors: depreciation, fees and taxes, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, opportunity cost and repairs. Winners were identified by determining which vehicles had the lowest fleet lifecycle cost in the most scenarios for its segment.
“The Forte and Soul returned for third-time wins this year and had the best results in more cost categories than any other competitor in their segments, said David Wurster, president, Vincentric. “These strong performances helped Kia demonstrate the value its vehicles bring to the fleet market.”
Source Article: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/17289/kia-earns-honors-in-vincentric-2021-best-fleet-value-in-america-awards
- 2021 Rio 5-Door earns top spot in the Subcompact Hatchback segment
- Subcompact’s technology package, sporty style and exceptional value stand out from the competition
The Kia Rio 5-Door has earned a 2021 Vincentric Best Value in America Award, ranking number one in the Subcompact Hatchback segment. A leading source of cost-of-ownership data and analysis within the automotive industry, Vincentric determined the winners by analyzing current market price and total cost of ownership for all 2021 model year vehicles.
“Kia’s transformation into a world-class car company has earned the brand significant accolades across its entire vehicle lineup, and this latest honor from Vincentric is further testament to Kia’s commitment to quality and value,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia Motors America, Kia Motors North America. “We are proud to have a company like Vincentric recognize the Rio for its significance in a segment very important to many American families.”
The refreshed 2021 Kia Rio 5-Door is an attractive option for customers looking for stylish efficiency. Loaded with essential technology and convenience features like an 8-inch touchscreen color display with rear camera, LED headlights and automatic temperature control, the sporty subcompact offers a strong value proposition in a sophisticated yet space-efficient package.
“The Kia Rio had the lowest repair and depreciation costs of all Subcompact Hatchback vehicles,” said David Wurster, president, Vincentric. “These low costs helped the Rio outperform the competition for the 2021 Vincentric Best Value in America Awards and prove its strong value in the consumer market.”
Source Article: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/16888/kia-rio-wins-2021-vincentric-best-value-in-america-award
Kia K5 and Sorento win 2020 GOOD DESIGN Awards
- Prestigious awards acknowledge design excellence of Kia brand
- K5 sedan and Sorento SUV on-sale in several regions around the world
Kia Motors has earned two prestigious design prizes for its latest models, as the new third-generation Kia K5 sedan and fourth-generation Kia Sorento SUV won accolades in the Transportation category of the annual GOOD DESIGN Awards.
This is the latest in a string of design awards for Kia in recent years, with previous generations of both the Sorento and K5 also earning GOOD DESIGN Awards in 2015. Several other models in the Kia line-up, including the Telluride and Soul, have also received prizes from the organization previously.
Kia’s third-generation K5 is the brand’s one of the most powerful mid-size sedans to-date, offering drivers an inspired and technology-packed alternative to traditional rivals. Its exterior design is characterized by Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger nose’ grille and ‘heart beat’ daytime running lights, while its interior layout conveys a futuristic and high-tech appearance, aided by its 12-inch digital instrument cluster.
The all-new Kia Sorento redefines the successful design of previous generations of the SUV, while incorporating elegant and sophisticated new styling elements, with sharper lines, high-tech details and elongated exterior proportions. The ‘tiger-nose’ grille, displaying a wider shape which organically wraps around the integrated headlamps on each side, gives the new model a confident and mature presence. Inside, its attractive cabin also introduces premium-quality materials, cutting-edge infotainment technologies, and a stunning new design.
Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the GOOD DESIGN Awards program is one of the oldest design competitions in the world. Every year, the program selects a list of products and industry leaders in design and manufacturing that have chartered new directions for innovation and pushed the envelope for competitive products in the world marketplace.
Source Article: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/16863/kia-k5-and-sorento-win-2020-good-design-awards
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