My smart journey has ended (Forte Koup has begun)

[RunnerDan]

Looks like I will not be getting a smart anytime soon. This morning I put down a deposit for a 2010 Kia Forte Koup and I take delivery next week. I test drove the smart and really enjoyed it. However, after tough consideration I came to realize that it was just not practical for me. The trips home from college would be impossible and the overall cargo space just couldn't work for my current lifestyle.

With that said how do you guys feel about the Koup?






The car has definitely changed my outlook on KIAs and I can honestly say I would have never looked at one a few years back. The Koup is stylish and has tons of added features that the competition (Civic/Focus/etc...) just doesn't have standard. The engine is powerful, the ride is good, and the sound system is awesome.

I'm pretty excited, although the Fortwo will always have a special place in my heart.

[Benjamin]

They(Kia) learned how to tune suspension and now make cars in par with everyone else. I think it is a good choice for general population and warranty is hard to beat. In addition, Kia will put some pressure on Honda/Toyota/Nissan to make better vehicles.

[stevet47]

Nice. I have never looked at a forte up close, but I agree, it is definitely changing the face of kia.

[dennyrex]

it's getting pretty good reviews, but in context isn't swapping out a smart for a Kia kind of like saying, "I decided not to get my pied-à-terre in Paris and put down a deposit on a condo in a new sub-division in the suburbs."?
seem they are very different things, hard to compare.

[RunnerDan]

Originally Posted by dennyrex

it's getting pretty good reviews, but in context isn't swapping out a smart for a Kia kind of like saying, "I decided not to get my pied-à-terre in Paris and put down a deposit on a condo in a new sub-division in the suburbs."?
seem they are very different things, hard to compare.

Of course and rather having to pay roughly $110 per month for 60 months and $1600 per year for insurance I will now be paying $193 per month for 60 months with $1900 per year for insurance.

The smart would have saved me a lot of money but as a college kid I just needed a bigger space for cargo. Comparing the two was nearly impossible and both had their pluses and minuses.

[jefferios]

I was a college kid with a smart & no problems. When you move in, have your folks rent a uhaul. Same when you move out. I have not needed the cargo space in almost 2 years of ownership. But your needs are possibly different. Enjoy.

[smart fortimo]

Whew! At first when I saw the title, I thought this was the kid's (Neon) thread...

Good luck with the Koup, Dan. It looks nice.

Maybe if you swing down to KCMO in June, you kud give us all a ride...

Happy trails!
Timo

[dennyrex]

this is where we all chime in with what pitiful jalopies we drove when we were in college ;-).
I hitch-hiked, mostly ;-)

[GeekGirl]

I looked at them before i bought my Smart, I felt it was over priced for what it was... so bought my smart, good luck and have fun...

[Neonspinnazz]

Originally Posted by RunnerDan

Looks like I will not be getting a smart anytime soon. This morning I put down a deposit for a 2010 Kia Forte Koup and I take delivery next week. I test drove the smart and really enjoyed it. However, after tough consideration I came to realize that it was just not practical for me. The trips home from college would be impossible and the overall cargo space just couldn't work for my current lifestyle.

With that said how do you guys feel about the Koup?

The car has definitely changed my outlook on KIAs and I can honestly say I would have never looked at one a few years back. The Koup is stylish and has tons of added features that the competition (Civic/Focus/etc...) just doesn't have standard. The engine is powerful, the ride is good, and the sound system is awesome.

I'm pretty excited, although the Fortwo will always have a special place in my heart.

Welcome to the KIA family!

My car is a 2004 KIA Spectra (pre-redesign).

It carries similar attributes to the Forte.

1. Good engine (my 1.8L 16V is still going strong after 131k)
2. Handling (While not like a Koenigsegg with Top Gear Wing, KIAs handle better than the other Korean competition and may be better than some of the Japan comp too!)
3. Ride (I was surprised at how comfortable the Spectra is)

And the stereo, it's not the uber-expensive BOSE system that's in the Envoy but it's pretty close and has better bass. I now find myself blasting my iPod singin along because it's sooo awesome.

The speakers even blow wind at my legs

KIAs are known for having good stereos anyway, they usually are crisp, clear, and have good bass.

Price: When my Spectra was new, price started as low as 12k. With that awesome sound system and other attributes, that's a good deal!

Originally Posted by smart fortimo

Whew! At first when I saw the title, I thought this was the kid's (Neon) thread...

Good luck with the Koup, Dan. It looks nice.

Maybe if you swing down to KCMO in June, you kud give us all a ride...

Happy trails!
Timo

Remember, I drive a Spectra...

Little Kia will make me shed a tear when I get enough to trade for smart...I'm getting quite attached to it...