Rev. Tom Wenndt

Yes, I hear that, and more frequently than I would prefer. But my own Kia
dealership is also my Hyundai dealership, and their reputation is about the
best of any in town (and deservedly so). But I also have two other dealers
within 50 miles. One is also a combined Hyundai/Kia dealership with a lousy
reputation (also well earned), and the other have separate Hyundai and Kia
franchises, with the Kia people having a bit better rep than the Hyundai
people.

I've said it before. You would think by now that car manufacturers would
have learned that service reputation is EVERYTHING these days. But
apparently not.


"DELETETHIS" <"minus200(DELETETHIS)"@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:tibki.7595$ca.471@bignews4.bellsouth.net...
> My Amanti is much roomier on the inside than the Hyundia. The materials
> seem to be fitted slightly better and I look at both VERY closely before
> buying the KIA. Because of the added room I choose the KIA brand in spite
> of the dealership. The KIA dealership has a well earned POOR reputation
>
> QX wrote:
>> I was listening to the radio this morning and there was an advertising
>> promo show from World Kia here in Las Vegas. The main theme
>> of the program (other than selling Kia's), was that Kia was the
>> premium brand, outdoing the Hyundai as far as luxury and quality.
>> I thought it was the other way around, that Kia was the entry level
>> vehicle from the Hyundai-Kia corporation in Korea.
>> I guess it was sort of like the relationship between Chevrolet and
>> Buick was for a while in the old days. Can someone please clarify
>> this?

Tom

Hi Rev,

I'm the same as you.... I own a 2003 Kia Sedona and a 2006 Sonata. I've
never had a bit of trouble with either except when the dealership screwed up
a simple spark plug replacement on the Sedona (didn't hook the plugs back up
for the cooling fan system). I love them both although we mostly drive the
Sonata now and just occasionally use the Sedona to pull a small enclosed
trailer. I think your analysis is right on.

Tom

"Rev. Tom Wenndt" <trwenndt@grics.net> wrote in message
news:f6roce01moa@enews2.newsguy.com...
> Yes, I hear that, and more frequently than I would prefer. But my own Kia
> dealership is also my Hyundai dealership, and their reputation is about
> the best of any in town (and deservedly so). But I also have two other
> dealers within 50 miles. One is also a combined Hyundai/Kia dealership
> with a lousy reputation (also well earned), and the other have separate
> Hyundai and Kia franchises, with the Kia people having a bit better rep
> than the Hyundai people.
>
> I've said it before. You would think by now that car manufacturers would
> have learned that service reputation is EVERYTHING these days. But
> apparently not.
>
>
> "DELETETHIS" <"minus200(DELETETHIS)"@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
> news:tibki.7595$ca.471@bignews4.bellsouth.net...
>> My Amanti is much roomier on the inside than the Hyundia. The materials
>> seem to be fitted slightly better and I look at both VERY closely before
>> buying the KIA. Because of the added room I choose the KIA brand in
>> spite of the dealership. The KIA dealership has a well earned POOR
>> reputation
>>
>> QX wrote:
>>> I was listening to the radio this morning and there was an advertising
>>> promo show from World Kia here in Las Vegas. The main theme
>>> of the program (other than selling Kia's), was that Kia was the
>>> premium brand, outdoing the Hyundai as far as luxury and quality.
>>> I thought it was the other way around, that Kia was the entry level
>>> vehicle from the Hyundai-Kia corporation in Korea.
>>> I guess it was sort of like the relationship between Chevrolet and
>>> Buick was for a while in the old days. Can someone please clarify
>>> this?
>
>

Steve R.

At present (2007) if in the market for a new car, I would look at Kia. Not
so a few years ago....But then again, traded 02 SOnata for my 06. What a
difference, my dad callis it my "Little Jag"..


Steve, AZ


"Tom" <tjwitman@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:uDdki.8615$ca.1071@bignews4.bellsouth.net...
> Hi Rev,
>
> I'm the same as you.... I own a 2003 Kia Sedona and a 2006 Sonata. I've
> never had a bit of trouble with either except when the dealership screwed
> up a simple spark plug replacement on the Sedona (didn't hook the plugs
> back up for the cooling fan system). I love them both although we mostly
> drive the Sonata now and just occasionally use the Sedona to pull a small
> enclosed trailer. I think your analysis is right on.
>
> Tom
>
> "Rev. Tom Wenndt" <trwenndt@grics.net> wrote in message
> news:f6roce01moa@enews2.newsguy.com...
>> Yes, I hear that, and more frequently than I would prefer. But my own
>> Kia dealership is also my Hyundai dealership, and their reputation is
>> about the best of any in town (and deservedly so). But I also have two
>> other dealers within 50 miles. One is also a combined Hyundai/Kia
>> dealership with a lousy reputation (also well earned), and the other have
>> separate Hyundai and Kia franchises, with the Kia people having a bit
>> better rep than the Hyundai people.
>>
>> I've said it before. You would think by now that car manufacturers would
>> have learned that service reputation is EVERYTHING these days. But
>> apparently not.
>>
>>
>> "DELETETHIS" <"minus200(DELETETHIS)"@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
>> news:tibki.7595$ca.471@bignews4.bellsouth.net...
>>> My Amanti is much roomier on the inside than the Hyundia. The materials
>>> seem to be fitted slightly better and I look at both VERY closely before
>>> buying the KIA. Because of the added room I choose the KIA brand in
>>> spite of the dealership. The KIA dealership has a well earned POOR
>>> reputation
>>>
>>> QX wrote:
>>>> I was listening to the radio this morning and there was an advertising
>>>> promo show from World Kia here in Las Vegas. The main theme
>>>> of the program (other than selling Kia's), was that Kia was the
>>>> premium brand, outdoing the Hyundai as far as luxury and quality.
>>>> I thought it was the other way around, that Kia was the entry level
>>>> vehicle from the Hyundai-Kia corporation in Korea.
>>>> I guess it was sort of like the relationship between Chevrolet and
>>>> Buick was for a while in the old days. Can someone please clarify
>>>> this?
>>
>>
>
>
>

Bob Adkins

On Sun, 8 Jul 2007 17:27:30 -0500, "Rev. Tom Wenndt"
<trwenndt@grics.net> wrote:

>I've said it before. You would think by now that car manufacturers would
>have learned that service reputation is EVERYTHING these days. But
>apparently not.

I think Hyundai hears you. They made an announcement a couple of
months back that some "under performing" dealers would be dropped.
Perhaps they were talking about sales, but I got the impression they
were talking about service.
-

Bob

Rev. Tom Wenndt

I hope you're right, but don't hold your breath.

If you are right, that is about the best commentary that could be made for
that company, and proof that they are really trying to move in the right
direction. And BTW, I have a couple of dealers that I would love to turn in
to Hyundai to get added to that list.

But something gnaws at me that you're wrong. In that case, it is the United
States of America, and Hyundai is just like the others.

I guess it is like football coaches - the only ones who lose their jobs
(typically) are ones who are losing. Even those who have committed
infractions or indiscretions are usually only fired when some losing is
involved. For most companies, losing is defined ONLY by dollars and cents.

You'll note I said cents, not sense. We will see which one Hyundai cares
about.


"Bob Adkins" <bob.adkins@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:hde5935ulvcv6eaqf8cmtcd5anpe74g24c@4ax.com...
> On Sun, 8 Jul 2007 17:27:30 -0500, "Rev. Tom Wenndt"
> <trwenndt@grics.net> wrote:
>
>>I've said it before. You would think by now that car manufacturers would
>>have learned that service reputation is EVERYTHING these days. But
>>apparently not.
>
> I think Hyundai hears you. They made an announcement a couple of
> months back that some "under performing" dealers would be dropped.
> Perhaps they were talking about sales, but I got the impression they
> were talking about service.
> -
>
> Bob

Bob Adkins

On Tue, 10 Jul 2007 09:10:01 -0500, "Rev. Tom Wenndt"
<trwenndt@grics.net> wrote:


>You'll note I said cents, not sense. We will see which one Hyundai cares
>about.

Well, only time will tell.

Before I bought my 06 Sonata, I read the signs. I have been personally
involved in a company turnaround, and I recognize some of the signs.

When the top officials must go out on a limb, it's a good sign. They
must make public pledges and declarations. They must do and say things
that will get them canned if they do not follow through. Publicly
comparing their cars to industry icons is another sign. If they fail,
the corporate officials will be humiliated. Other good signs are
disproportionately large cash allocations for producing a quality
product. This will include modern automated plants and equipment.
Offering such perks as longer warranties and roadside assistance is
also a good sign.

Knowing the above, I feel confident that Hyundai will honor my
warranty, and even help out on some gray areas. I think they would
rather incur some losses than risk harming their not-so-great but
improving reputation.
-

Bob

Tim Lapin

In article <hde5935ulvcv6eaqf8cmtcd5anpe74g24c@4ax.com>,
Bob Adkins <bob.adkins@gmail.com> wrote:

> On Sun, 8 Jul 2007 17:27:30 -0500, "Rev. Tom Wenndt"
> <trwenndt@grics.net> wrote:
>
> >I've said it before. You would think by now that car manufacturers would
> >have learned that service reputation is EVERYTHING these days. But
> >apparently not.
>
> I think Hyundai hears you. They made an announcement a couple of
> months back that some "under performing" dealers would be dropped.
> Perhaps they were talking about sales, but I got the impression they
> were talking about service.
> -
>
> Bob

They were talking sales. Hyundai corporate had expected a minimum
number of vehicles sold by Hyundai America and that target was not met.
Naturally, service does play a role in that but it was the sales arm
that is being targeted. I don't know about Hyundai of Canada.

As far as who has the higher "status", I think it's still early in the
game but Hyundai seems to be reserving the polish of prestige for
itself. The Sonata, Azera and the new Santa Fe and Veracruz all ooze
class. Add to that the upcoming "Genesis" model - which might very well
be the genesis (pun intended) of a line of high prestige vehicles - and
a picture emerges of a classier Hyundai.

Kia seems to retain a sportier, edgier image. The upcoming Kia Kue will
set a new tone and direction for the company, IMHO.

My 2 cents.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

mookie

"Tim Lapin" <random006@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:random006-E29B51.23590611072007@free.teranews.com...
> In article <hde5935ulvcv6eaqf8cmtcd5anpe74g24c@4ax.com>,
> Bob Adkins <bob.adkins@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> On Sun, 8 Jul 2007 17:27:30 -0500, "Rev. Tom Wenndt"
>> <trwenndt@grics.net> wrote:
>>
>> >I've said it before. You would think by now that car manufacturers
>> >would
>> >have learned that service reputation is EVERYTHING these days. But
>> >apparently not.
>>
>> I think Hyundai hears you. They made an announcement a couple of
>> months back that some "under performing" dealers would be dropped.
>> Perhaps they were talking about sales, but I got the impression they
>> were talking about service.
>> -
>>
>> Bob
>
> They were talking sales. Hyundai corporate had expected a minimum
> number of vehicles sold by Hyundai America and that target was not met.
> Naturally, service does play a role in that but it was the sales arm
> that is being targeted. I don't know about Hyundai of Canada.
>
> As far as who has the higher "status", I think it's still early in the
> game but Hyundai seems to be reserving the polish of prestige for
> itself. The Sonata, Azera and the new Santa Fe and Veracruz all ooze
> class. Add to that the upcoming "Genesis" model - which might very well
> be the genesis (pun intended) of a line of high prestige vehicles - and
> a picture emerges of a classier Hyundai.
>
> Kia seems to retain a sportier, edgier image. The upcoming Kia Kue will
> set a new tone and direction for the company, IMHO.
>
> My 2 cents.

FWIW ~ when I was younger and couldn't afford anything "classier" than a
thoroughly used beater, I would look "up" at the flashier models. Now that
I am several decades older and living comfortably, my ultimate definition of
"car class" are the three little words "It's paid for"!

Rich
2002 Optima SE V6

Edwin Pawlowski

"mookie" <z@tink.net> wrote in message

> FWIW ~ when I was younger and couldn't afford anything "classier" than a
> thoroughly used beater, I would look "up" at the flashier models. Now
> that I am several decades older and living comfortably, my ultimate
> definition of "car class" are the three little words "It's paid for"!
>
> Rich
> 2002 Optima SE V6

That describes a lot of us. I have a "good" car and an older car (former
good car) and when I know I'll be in an area with tight parking, I take the
older car. No worries about a parking lot ding.

If you drive a high priced luxury car or sports car and want to take up two
parking spaces in the back of the lot at the supermarket, be my guest. Try
to do that up close, you can be sure I'll park an inch from you with my old
car.

mookie

"Edwin Pawlowski" <esp@snet.net> wrote in message
news:RSAli.25611$2v1.21970@newssvr14.news.prodigy. net...
>
> "mookie" <z@tink.net> wrote in message
>
>> FWIW ~ when I was younger and couldn't afford anything "classier" than a
>> thoroughly used beater, I would look "up" at the flashier models. Now
>> that I am several decades older and living comfortably, my ultimate
>> definition of "car class" are the three little words "It's paid for"!
>>
>> Rich
>> 2002 Optima SE V6
>
> That describes a lot of us. I have a "good" car and an older car (former
> good car) and when I know I'll be in an area with tight parking, I take
> the older car. No worries about a parking lot ding.
>
> If you drive a high priced luxury car or sports car and want to take up
> two parking spaces in the back of the lot at the supermarket, be my guest.
> Try to do that up close, you can be sure I'll park an inch from you with
> my old car.

Many years ago I saw a movie short on TV called "Road Hog" starring W. C.
Fields. I've searched for it (to buy) but can't find it. Fields plays a
motorist who has had it with rude drivers, goes to a used car lot buying the
entire stock, hires enough day laborers to drive every car in a caravan and
heads off looking for a rude driver. To cut this short - every time a rude
driver cuts him off, Fields crashes his car into the offender and yells
"Road Hog!". Then he gets into the next car and starts all over again. The
movie went about 20 minutes. How prophetic!

Bob Adkins

On Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:49:37 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski" <esp@snet.net>
wrote:


>If you drive a high priced luxury car or sports car and want to take up two
>parking spaces in the back of the lot at the supermarket, be my guest. Try
>to do that up close, you can be sure I'll park an inch from you with my old
>car.

I call the high dollar cars "back 40 cars".

I was at a big store early one day, and the parking lot was almost
empty. Well, there was a sleek BMW 6 series at the far end, about 300
feet from the nearest car, 400 feet from the store. We laughed, but I
know how he feels. I don't even like new dings on my old beater Toyota
truck.

That store has very wide parking slots. That only made things worse,
because there is now room for a double row of shopping carts between
the cars.
-

Bob

Alhambra

"Bob Adkins" <bob.adkins@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:4ofg93tt3lqffk6gpsgl68u5p8hvq0jug4@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:49:37 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski" <esp@snet.net>
> wrote:
>
>
>>If you drive a high priced luxury car or sports car and want to take up
>>two
>>parking spaces in the back of the lot at the supermarket, be my guest.
>>Try
>>to do that up close, you can be sure I'll park an inch from you with my
>>old
>>car.
>
> I call the high dollar cars "back 40 cars".
>
> I was at a big store early one day, and the parking lot was almost
> empty. Well, there was a sleek BMW 6 series at the far end, about 300
> feet from the nearest car, 400 feet from the store. We laughed, but I
> know how he feels. I don't even like new dings on my old beater Toyota
> truck.
>
> That store has very wide parking slots. That only made things worse,
> because there is now room for a double row of shopping carts between
> the cars.<<


I don't know if it's just a UK thing but, given a virtually empty car park,
someone is almost certain to take a quick look at the two hundred empty
spaces - and then come and park right next to you!

I daresay psychologists could explain it - something to do with the
fundamental need for human beings to feel part of a group, or something like
that.

As I drive cars no more than 2 years old, I'm happy to be as far away from
the rest of the paint-chipping herd as possible

mookie

"Alhambra" <no@no.com> wrote in message
news:5fsi4hF3dqeteU1@mid.individual.net...
>
> "Bob Adkins" <bob.adkins@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:4ofg93tt3lqffk6gpsgl68u5p8hvq0jug4@4ax.com...
>> On Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:49:37 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski" <esp@snet.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>>
>>>If you drive a high priced luxury car or sports car and want to take up
>>>two
>>>parking spaces in the back of the lot at the supermarket, be my guest.
>>>Try
>>>to do that up close, you can be sure I'll park an inch from you with my
>>>old
>>>car.
>>
>> I call the high dollar cars "back 40 cars".
>>
>> I was at a big store early one day, and the parking lot was almost
>> empty. Well, there was a sleek BMW 6 series at the far end, about 300
>> feet from the nearest car, 400 feet from the store. We laughed, but I
>> know how he feels. I don't even like new dings on my old beater Toyota
>> truck.
>>
>> That store has very wide parking slots. That only made things worse,
>> because there is now room for a double row of shopping carts between
>> the cars.<<
>
>
> I don't know if it's just a UK thing but, given a virtually empty car
> park, someone is almost certain to take a quick look at the two hundred
> empty spaces - and then come and park right next to you!
>
> I daresay psychologists could explain it - something to do with the
> fundamental need for human beings to feel part of a group, or something
> like that.
>
> As I drive cars no more than 2 years old, I'm happy to be as far away from
> the rest of the paint-chipping herd as possible

Not a UK thing.... It's alive and well here in the USA. I can park as
possible with, as you say, 200 empty spaces between me and the next car and,
upon my return, someone will have parked not only in the stall next to me,
but so close I can barely get into the car. And it's usually someone who
has a "Kid's First" or "Peace" or some such decal on their car.
>

Vineeth

On Jul 14, 8:23 pm, "mookie" <z...@tink.net> wrote:
> "Alhambra" <n...@no.com> wrote in message
>
> news:5fsi4hF3dqeteU1@mid.individual.net...
>
>
>
>
>
> > "Bob Adkins" <bob.adk...@gmail.com> wrote in message
> >news:4ofg93tt3lqffk6gpsgl68u5p8hvq0jug4@4ax.com.. .
> >> On Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:49:37 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski" <e...@snet.net>
> >> wrote:
>
> >>>If you drive a high priced luxury car or sports car and want to take up
> >>>two
> >>>parking spaces in the back of the lot at the supermarket, be my guest.
> >>>Try
> >>>to do that up close, you can be sure I'll park an inch from you with my
> >>>old
> >>>car.
>
> >> I call the high dollar cars "back 40 cars".
>
> >> I was at a big store early one day, and the parking lot was almost
> >> empty. Well, there was a sleek BMW 6 series at the far end, about 300
> >> feet from the nearest car, 400 feet from the store. We laughed, but I
> >> know how he feels. I don't even like new dings on my old beater Toyota
> >> truck.
>
> >> That store has very wide parking slots. That only made things worse,
> >> because there is now room for a double row of shopping carts between
> >> the cars.<<
>
> > I don't know if it's just a UK thing but, given a virtually empty car
> > park, someone is almost certain to take a quick look at the two hundred
> > empty spaces - and then come and park right next to you!
>
> > I daresay psychologists could explain it - something to do with the
> > fundamental need for human beings to feel part of a group, or something
> > like that.
>
> > As I drive cars no more than 2 years old, I'm happy to be as far away from
> > the rest of the paint-chipping herd as possible
>
> Not a UK thing.... It's alive and well here in the USA. I can park as
> possible with, as you say, 200 empty spaces between me and the next car and,
> upon my return, someone will have parked not only in the stall next to me,
> but so close I can barely get into the car. And it's usually someone who
> has a "Kid's First" or "Peace" or some such decal on their car.
>
>
I take most offense at people who purposely ding cars! A couple of
weeks ago I had parked my Sonata pretty far from the entrance to a
local walmart and was walking to the store when I see this group of
4/5 guys in their late teens push an empty shopping cart with all
their might in the direction of a parked swanky Lexus.... I did manage
to stop the cart before it would have made much more than a ding in
the car, however a security guard who was standing nearby just stood
there like a bystander....