General Discussion

MineralMan

(150,521 posts)

55. I don't buy new cars. This is my first, at age 66.

Wed Jul 18, 2012, 02:00 PM

Jul 2012

It was my wife's idea to take the plunge, and I tend to agree with her. As it turns out, she really likes this car, and that's a good thing, too. As for supporting unions, I support them. I also have to deal with financial issues, and those sometimes make the difference. In this case, it was a timing issue that made the decision. We needed the car now. We bought it now. I've owned a wide range of cars, including ones made in the US and ones made in other countries. I wish I could afford a Volvo to replace the Volvo I have. I can't. In fact, as soon as the fuel pump for my Volvo arrives, it'll be back on the road, too.

If you did a poll of DUers, I suspect you'd find a heckuva lot of DUers are driving imports. It's not a matter of supporting unions. It's a matter of making choices for many reasons. In any case, every car purchased in the US involved US workers, even if they didn't build it.

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Some Thoughts on Buying a Kia Soul Yesterday [View all] MineralMan Jul 2012 OP

Just remember, when you resell it... Iggo Jul 2012 #1

I'm a godless atheist. I have no soul. MineralMan Jul 2012 #5

+1 sarcasmo Jul 2012 #80

LOL +++ 1,000 +++ n/t RKP5637 Jul 2012 #202

! CreekDog Jul 2012 #79

His Soul is safe. Nobody in their right mind would buy a used Kia. LeftyMom Jul 2012 #192

I rented one for a week last year, cloudbase Jul 2012 #2

OK. I'm sure it's not for everyone. MineralMan Jul 2012 #3

To each their own--had both a Kia and a couple of Aveos Maeve Jul 2012 #38

A killed in action soul? I'll pass. Scuba Jul 2012 #4

I hadn't thought of that one. MineralMan Jul 2012 #6

We LOVE LOVE LOVE our Amanti SoCalDem Jul 2012 #7

We only drive 3-4000 miles a year. MineralMan Jul 2012 #8

Yoiks! I am driving 3000 miles a month. madinmaryland Jul 2012 #128

It's one of the few benefits of freelancing. MineralMan Jul 2012 #133

I have a Rio hatchback LoveMyCali Jul 2012 #155

I have one, also, and routinely have a six footer as a passenger Warpy Jul 2012 #157

american manufacturers hate selling base models. madrchsod Jul 2012 #9

Apparently so. MineralMan Jul 2012 #11

Right, they may not make a lot of margin on the base model... Salviati Jul 2012 #127

That's true enough, certainly. MineralMan Jul 2012 #131

It's OK, as long as you're not a hipster doofus... PoliticAverse Jul 2012 #10

I hope not, MineralMan Jul 2012 #13

I've discovered that LG (another korean company) leads in warranties. phantom power Jul 2012 #12

Chrysler had a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. MineralMan Jul 2012 #14

I've resolved to look harder at American cars, whenever we next purchase phantom power Jul 2012 #15

Yeah. I really wanted to buy an American car, but nothing was available MineralMan Jul 2012 #17

We boughtr a Hyundai a couple of years ago Plucketeer Jul 2012 #107

LG used to be "Lucky Goldstar"... a maker of crapola cheap electronics. They "re-branded" themselves Hassin Bin Sober Jul 2012 #87

Just about every car that uses a timing belt has a belt change as a MineralMan Jul 2012 #117

Since I deliver these vehicles to dealers on a regular basis... A HERETIC I AM Jul 2012 #16

Yup. Every car sold means people are working. MineralMan Jul 2012 #18

LOL. nt Romulox Jul 2012 #21

Thanks for supporting American workers! It's always been clear how much you care. nt Romulox Jul 2012 #19

I cannot buy what I cannot find. MineralMan Jul 2012 #22

Same here. I would support my fellow Americans. But it's inconvenient, so I don't bother. nt Romulox Jul 2012 #23

+1, I couldn't of said it any better. crazyjoe Jul 2012 #228

Anyhow, I could've predicted what you would choose without reading this thread. nt Romulox Jul 2012 #24

Well, apparently you commented without reading it, too. MineralMan Jul 2012 #26

I read it. Not impressed. And from a self-avowed "Party Leader"? Romulox Jul 2012 #27

I'm not a "Party Leader." MineralMan Jul 2012 #32

Indeed not. I wouldn't work with you if you pulled up in that thing. nt Romulox Jul 2012 #33

OK. I'll just walk the precinct without you, then. MineralMan Jul 2012 #36

Park FAR away, so that you can ask people "WHERE ARE THE JOBS???" without inviting snickers. nt Romulox Jul 2012 #37

You should drive through my precinct. Most of the people I talk to are driving MineralMan Jul 2012 #39

They can't make that connection pintobean Jul 2012 #54

Precisely Sherman A1 Jul 2012 #67

Thanks. MineralMan Jul 2012 #103

Ford came out with a new hb that I wanted to test drive. I waited and waited for the cars to comeout Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #185

In my experience, Dealers can have the car delivered from other dealers if they don't have it. n/t progressivebydesign Jul 2012 #73

It's called a "Dealer Trade" and they don't always happen all that quickly. A HERETIC I AM Jul 2012 #119

You couldn't order one? Hassin Bin Sober Jul 2012 #90

Nope. My current car was broken and can't be fixed for a week. MineralMan Jul 2012 #104

I imagine the sales people and service techs at the dealership were indeed, American workers LanternWaste Jul 2012 #71

Having read the sub-thread that follows this comment, I just have a couple things.... A HERETIC I AM Jul 2012 #130

+1000 baldguy Jul 2012 #217

Yes, expecting people to walk the walk is so tacky. Union Scribe Jul 2012 #221

OH, bullshit. A HERETIC I AM Jul 2012 #232

LOL. I loooove this new kind of argument: How do we KNOW his car was made in Korea? HOW??? Romulox Jul 2012 #235

Political "philosophy" is useless without action. Union Scribe Jul 2012 #261

Are you surfing the web with an American made computer? tabasco Jul 2012 #179

I built my own computer. What's your next move? Romulox Jul 2012 #182

Components manufactured in West Virginia - no doubt! tabasco Jul 2012 #189

Goalposts, moved! I support buying domestic, union-made product when readily available. Romulox Jul 2012 #194

Is there a union made domestic car roody Jul 2012 #198

As always, I care precisely as much about the environment as you do about US workers! Romulox Jul 2012 #206

Does that mean no? roody Jul 2012 #211

Let's be for real. If you're like most, you went with scab-mobile WAY before you went Romulox Jul 2012 #236

LOL. Yes, by you ------> "Readily available." tabasco Jul 2012 #199

Except Fords and Chevy's made in the US, by UAW workers are readily available. MM couldn't bother. Romulox Jul 2012 #205

Built your own - presumably b/c you couldn't find one Made In the USA by Union Labor? baldguy Jul 2012 #218

No that wasn't his problem, that was his excuse. Union Scribe Jul 2012 #220

What you're doing is ignoring the realities of our modern capitalist consumer culture. baldguy Jul 2012 #224

Unfortunately, you have to twist the truth to make your argument. US made cars aren't "unavailable" Romulox Jul 2012 #233

Just more bullshit. Union Scribe Jul 2012 #262

This message was self-deleted by its author Union Scribe Jul 2012 #219

Funny story a few years back when we were stationed at Ft Campbell we decided we southernyankeebelle Jul 2012 #20

Yeah. The entry point is somewhere between about $13-15000. MineralMan Jul 2012 #25

My first car was a Volkswagon too. I dad co-signed for me. At that time my car cost southernyankeebelle Jul 2012 #83

I worked for a gas station owner/car dealer in Santa MineralMan Jul 2012 #94

Wow that is a neat story. But he couldn't do that today. southernyankeebelle Jul 2012 #105

I'm sure you're right. I'm not sure how he did it then, but he did. MineralMan Jul 2012 #118

yes your right that today it couldn't happen. southernyankeebelle Jul 2012 #124

You must have been one of the lucky ones. Or maybe it was the climate. Hassin Bin Sober Jul 2012 #93

I guess we were very lucky. We had that car almost 5 yrs. We would have kept it if we could southernyankeebelle Jul 2012 #106

What color? Black?..........Free Sirius radio?.......... mrmpa Jul 2012 #28

Yes. Black. That wouldn't normally be my choice of colors, MineralMan Jul 2012 #30

Check out "Left" Radio, Sirius station 127.......... mrmpa Jul 2012 #74

Trouble is that I'm rarely in the car during that time slot. MineralMan Jul 2012 #85

It's all progressive Talk Radio, no matter what time you listen to it...check it out. eom mrmpa Jul 2012 #156

WCCO is the only place to turn for severe weather coverage--pretty much always has been. Thegonagle Jul 2012 #225

I'm disappointed in your choice. Robb Jul 2012 #29

I didn't have days. My Volvo is still broken, and MineralMan Jul 2012 #31

This message was self-deleted by its author Romulox Jul 2012 #34

And what's really gross is that you are OBVIOUSLY wanting this attention, or you wouldn't have made Romulox Jul 2012 #35

Sorry, those don't sound like very good excuses. Robb Jul 2012 #49

I don't buy new cars. This is my first, at age 66. MineralMan Jul 2012 #55

In the first paragraph of your story, you say "I wanted my choice to be an American-made car." Robb Jul 2012 #61

Yes, I would have preferred an American-made car. MineralMan Jul 2012 #77

Your new car wasn't assembled by union labor. Robb Jul 2012 #102

I don't know, is that any worse than the sort of "conditional support for labour"... Spider Jerusalem Jul 2012 #201

What you say makes sense Robb Jul 2012 #203

How much domestic content goes into the average US car? Do you know? Spider Jerusalem Jul 2012 #204

Except that the ENTIRETY of the Toyota, VW, Mercedes, Hyundai production in the US in non-union. Romulox Jul 2012 #207

They have a bottomless pit of excuses. Union Scribe Jul 2012 #222

He got caught up in his own web of lies. That posters couldn't give a damn about US workers. nt Romulox Jul 2012 #234

VWs and Mercedes are produced in the US under conditions which would be criminal in Germany. Romulox Jul 2012 #208

most dealers will find a way to lend you a car if you're waiting for delivery. progressivebydesign Jul 2012 #75

I drive an import too. Panasonic Jul 2012 #129

9% financing??? No offense, but you should be asking for advice, not giving it. nt Romulox Jul 2012 #250

I don't think the brand name of your car is a moral choice CreekDog Jul 2012 #84

Thank you. SheilaT Jul 2012 #89

And we get tired of people just talking the talk Union Scribe Jul 2012 #154

Until an effective tariff of that nature is in place, it's absolutely a moral choice. Robb Jul 2012 #100

So, a non-union made Ford from Mexico is better than union made Honda from Ohio? baldguy Jul 2012 #226

Thankfully not a choice you have to make. Thanks to UAW! Robb Jul 2012 #229

I love my Kia Sedona mcar Jul 2012 #40

The dealer profit isn't in the price; the dealer profit is in the finance agreement. FarCenter Jul 2012 #41

Yup. Dealers love buyers who don't know any better. REP Jul 2012 #44

No early payoff penalty on my loan, either. MineralMan Jul 2012 #47

Compared to the 1.9% my credit union is offering, yeah, it's not great. REP Jul 2012 #62

I'm sure that's true, especially in this price range of cars. MineralMan Jul 2012 #45

The base Honda Fit would be about $1000 more FarCenter Jul 2012 #51

I did look at the Honda Fit at all the Honda dealers. MineralMan Jul 2012 #52

Good Buy Writely Wrong Jul 2012 #42

The Base model has 15" wheels, and MineralMan Jul 2012 #46

The PT Cruiser had the same effect. They were marketed heavily to the MineralMan Jul 2012 #48

hope she has good luck with it... belcffub Jul 2012 #56

I know two people who have them. No problems. MineralMan Jul 2012 #69

Make that 3 people--I have 91K on mine, and NO problems at all. nt Lex Jul 2012 #151

Sorry, but I disagree. I have 91,000 mi on my PT Cruiser and NO problems. Lex Jul 2012 #150

They were designed by a special team within Chrysler dipsydoodle Jul 2012 #95

Prowlers are still bringing high prices, it seems. MineralMan Jul 2012 #97

Thank God they didn't build it. bluedigger Jul 2012 #159

Dealer financing? Too bad they don't have credit unions where you live. REP Jul 2012 #43

Maybe maybe not. Hassin Bin Sober Jul 2012 #99

... I've never been that customer. REP Jul 2012 #116

The repo lots are filled with cars from people who were never "that" customer. Hassin Bin Sober Jul 2012 #158

I have access to a credit union thru my employer. Its rates suck. Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #187

Yep. We used to beat credit union rates pretty handily. Hassin Bin Sober Jul 2012 #213

Sounds as if you approached this very thoughtfully. freethought Jul 2012 #50

It was the gyrating woodchuck hips, wasn't it? Edweird Jul 2012 #53

As someone who knows a lot about cars, the Kia pleasently surprises me. ryan_cats Jul 2012 #57

The Soul comes in three basic trim versions. MineralMan Jul 2012 #60

Kia had shitty electronics when they first came to the states. Don't know how they are now but ... Hassin Bin Sober Jul 2012 #110

Long-term driver reviews on one site for 2010s and later are consistently good. MineralMan Jul 2012 #136

It's still a fucking Kia...Knock your knuckle against those body panels snooper2 Jul 2012 #58

That stuff is covered for 5 years/60,000. MineralMan Jul 2012 #65

Our 06' Grand Prix is a tank compared to a Soul :) snooper2 Jul 2012 #70

I'm not hard on cars, and we drive maybe 3-4000 miles a year. MineralMan Jul 2012 #81

Out on the west coast, the Kia Soul is considered a chick car musiclawyer Jul 2012 #59

Makes no difference to me. MineralMan Jul 2012 #63

Older women drivers - they love some Soul REP Jul 2012 #64

True with the PT Cruiser, too. MineralMan Jul 2012 #66

That's why it's called the Physical Therapy Cruiser! REP Jul 2012 #112

LOL! You're probably right. MineralMan Jul 2012 #120

In seattle it's a gangsta car, as well as the 300. n/t progressivebydesign Jul 2012 #76

Ford closed its plant in Twin Cities last December. Starry Messenger Jul 2012 #68

It did. The 80's Ranger I owned was a St. Paul build. MineralMan Jul 2012 #78

Super cute car..Tho no one in history has probably successfully used the "Drive train warranty. progressivebydesign Jul 2012 #72

The Chrysler Corp. replaced a helluva lot of transmission MineralMan Jul 2012 #92

One other thought, if you don't have every single M-f-in' maint. receipt you will be screwed.. snooper2 Jul 2012 #98

Yep. Kia/Hyundai are famous for weaseling out on the drive warranty. Hassin Bin Sober Jul 2012 #113

No timing belt on this engine, and no replacement on the schedule. MineralMan Jul 2012 #115

Why would I not have that? Actually, MineralMan Jul 2012 #114

Chrysler Corporation also made miilions of the best 3 speed automatic ever made, the "Torqueflite". MightyMopar Jul 2012 #142

That's a good thing. They learned from their mistakes. MineralMan Jul 2012 #164

I like the shape of those. dipsydoodle Jul 2012 #82

Car names are weird. MineralMan Jul 2012 #86

Chevrolet Orlando is similar'ish dipsydoodle Jul 2012 #88

I don't think they do. MineralMan Jul 2012 #91

Get your own music with those too. dipsydoodle Jul 2012 #96

Don't ever complain about the economy MightyMopar Jul 2012 #101

You are incorrect about that. MineralMan Jul 2012 #125

funny how easily principles can be tossed aside when it comes to $$$$ DrDan Jul 2012 #108

IIRC, the Ford Fiesta isn't built in the US. flvegan Jul 2012 #109

When I was working as an organizer for a labor group, they wouldn't allow you to drive a foreign car limpyhobbler Jul 2012 #111

Love my Kia Soul vankuria Jul 2012 #121

Thanks. MineralMan Jul 2012 #126

I think that will be our next car. Panasonic Jul 2012 #122

You can get an off rental Chevy Cruze or Ford Focus get similar gas mileage for same price MightyMopar Jul 2012 #138

I drove the Ford Focus once Panasonic Jul 2012 #165

Thumbs down for not buying an AMERICAN car. Odin2005 Jul 2012 #123

A year ago I had a KIA rental car for several days, LOVE, LOVE LOVED it! You made a Raine Jul 2012 #132

Thanks! I think my wife likes it better than I do, MineralMan Jul 2012 #134

I love the new Optima. I really want an American brand but I'd heavily consider the Optima. Initech Jul 2012 #141

Friends don't let friends drive KIA Veruca Salt Jul 2012 #135

They should call those things Kia Seouls... cherokeeprogressive Jul 2012 #137

To all the folks pissing and moaning about car choices, a little story: GoneOffShore Jul 2012 #139

So up until a couple years ago, KIA was complete junk. But that gets excused... Hassin Bin Sober Jul 2012 #144

I remember someone I worked with buying a Hyundai in the 1980's - Last I checked GoneOffShore Jul 2012 #145

Maybe you should go back pintobean Jul 2012 #147

Only what I would have expected from you. GoneOffShore Jul 2012 #148

I'm heartbroken. pintobean Jul 2012 #149

Thank you so much, GoneOffShore Jul 2012 #152

Giant rapping hamsters? Who's the target demographic? People on large amounts of acid? Initech Jul 2012 #140

At least you'll fill up with American-made gasoline, kentauros Jul 2012 #143

Actually, I think most of the gasoline in Minnesota is refined in Canada. MineralMan Jul 2012 #168

The crude here is Canadian, but it's refined in the state. Thegonagle Jul 2012 #227

Thanks for that information. MineralMan Jul 2012 #231

Love my 2011 Base Model Soul OneTenthofOnePercent Jul 2012 #146

Thanks! MineralMan Jul 2012 #161

What I like most about it (and suspect you will, too) is that OneTenthofOnePercent Jul 2012 #166

I noticed the missing right arm rest yesterday. MineralMan Jul 2012 #167

I agree with Obama, we need to buy American! B Calm Jul 2012 #153

just curious - how do you feel about the "made in China" Olympic uniforms? DrDan Jul 2012 #160

Check the labels in your closet. MineralMan Jul 2012 #162

Yeah yeah yeah, bull. Union Scribe Jul 2012 #171

You can call bull all you want. MineralMan Jul 2012 #173

You invited all of this drama because you DESIRE DRAMA. Don't forget to delete the OP, btw! Romulox Jul 2012 #175

Why would I self-delete this thread? MineralMan Jul 2012 #180

Why would you self-delete the half dozen other attention-mongering threads you've started? Romulox Jul 2012 #184

I haven't self-deleted any OPs for over three months, and don't plan to MineralMan Jul 2012 #195

You're just FULL of promises to "never do THAT again," aren't you? It's fair to judge you by Romulox Jul 2012 #196

You can do whatever you want. MineralMan Jul 2012 #197

Thanks, but I don't need your permission. You're fooling very few here, anymore, save those who Romulox Jul 2012 #239

"Can" means that you have the physical ability to do something. MineralMan Jul 2012 #241

MM, post # 197: "I won't continue the back and forth with you any further." We see what a pledge Romulox Jul 2012 #243

Yes bull. Cell phones, really? Union Scribe Jul 2012 #216

Enjoy! Phentex Jul 2012 #163

"I wish I could" Union Scribe Jul 2012 #172

Do you? Are you independently wealthy? Phentex Jul 2012 #200

wtf? Why do you need to be wealthy to support US goods? Union Scribe Jul 2012 #214

I bought a 2012 Kia Soul last fall .... GOTV Jul 2012 #169

ACA/Obamacare will reduce about $3000 off that loaded price over time. Festivito Jul 2012 #170

There goes the "Romney supports outsourcing!" narrative. More than half of DU does, too. nt Romulox Jul 2012 #174

Any reason why you can't just buy a used car or better still Fruit of Islam Jul 2012 #176

The UAW thanks you for your support! JNelson6563 Jul 2012 #177

I like your list. tabasco Jul 2012 #178

My vehicles have to be at least assembled in a UAW plant. roamer65 Jul 2012 #181

Good choice. I test drove the Fiesta: cramped, backseat useless, cargo - seats don't fold down fully Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #183

Yeah, the ride's a little stiff and you feel small MineralMan Jul 2012 #191

The Ford Fiesta is actually made in Mexico. nt Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #186

Ah, thanks. It doesn't sound like it would have MineralMan Jul 2012 #188

my SIL has a Kia Soul and loves it .. littlewolf Jul 2012 #190

That's what I'm seeing owners say, too. MineralMan Jul 2012 #193

Why we no have pensions??? nt Romulox Jul 2012 #209

Perfect. One must love it. Zanzoobar Jul 2012 #210

You have to do what you have to do. HuckleB Jul 2012 #212

Buy AMERICAN!!! B Calm Jul 2012 #215

Get rid of your computer. baldguy Jul 2012 #223

Gee, thanks for making my point! B Calm Jul 2012 #230

This is perhaps the worst argument I've ever heard. Romulox Jul 2012 #237

Here's a MUCH more entertaining version of this same argument (Nelson Muntz content!) Romulox Jul 2012 #238

How long before *THIS* OP is deleted, I wonder? It will look nice next to MM's other "explanation" Romulox Jul 2012 #240

Since you asked again, the answer is the same. Never. MineralMan Jul 2012 #242

You said in that SAME post: "I won't continue the back and forth with you any further." Romulox Jul 2012 #244

he's got a crush on you... dionysus Jul 2012 #245

I'm happily married. MineralMan Jul 2012 #246

How, how, HOW do you get all this scrutiny of your personal life??? Oh, I know. You post it. ALL Romulox Jul 2012 #248

Not really. I post personal anecdotes sometimes, though, MineralMan Jul 2012 #253

This is a *political* message board, so you must believe your personal life has political import. Romulox Jul 2012 #254

Just to be clear: you will NEVER be free from criticism here on DU. You don't have that right. nt Romulox Jul 2012 #256

Each one of those posts from me has a response--from YOU. So who's smitten here???? Romulox Jul 2012 #247

aw, thanks. i do hope you guys smooth things out. dionysus Jul 2012 #249

Mineral Man *started* this thread. About *himself*. That's why he's being discussed here. Romulox Jul 2012 #251

And that's still a pretty weak answer for your stalking. YOU are stalking ME to protect MineralMan? Romulox Jul 2012 #252

project much? you're the one talking shit about people beind their backs in multiple threads. dionysus Jul 2012 #255

Right. You just *happen* to post a response to me in each thread, then compile a list of my posts. Romulox Jul 2012 #257

I recently bought a Kia Optima Drale Jul 2012 #258

thanks for the report. i'm in the market myself and have been considering the soul. ellenfl Jul 2012 #259

ONLY American Made iron for us. bvar22 Jul 2012 #260