General Discussion

MineralMan

(150,521 posts)

60. The Soul comes in three basic trim versions.

Wed Jul 18, 2012, 02:17 PM

Jul 2012

The Base, plus two others. There's a 2.0 Liter engine in the two upgraded versions, and a 1.6 L. in the Base. The 1.6 L engine makes 138 HP. Some improvements in audio equipment, etc, and a few other things are included in the other trims. When you look at the options list, the Base has the fewest, and the two others more included, the Plus (+} with several more, including the 2.0 L engine, the Exclaim trim (!) essentially having all of the options. There are a few dealer-installed options available, too, but the three versions are about it. I don't need things like seat heaters or a moonroof, and I don't like 18" wheels anyhow, due to their harsher ride.

The only option that means anything on the Base version is the available automatic transmission option, and I don't really care about that. The six speed manual is cool with me and my wife. The 5th and 6th gears are really highway gears. In 4th gear, the car is making about 2300 RPM at 50 mph. I suspect that freeway driving is going to involve a lot of shifting between 5th and 6th to keep things moving and to maintain normal traffic speed. I haven't really run the car up in 4th, but it looks like it will serve as a decent passing gear, too, since the engine's redline is 7000 RPM. Nice crisp shift pattern and a great clutch. The automatic is a six-speed, too. Like a lot of small-engined cars, skillful use of the transmission is key to both economy and performance. The car has a shifting coach in the speedo display, that suggests both up and down shifts, depending on throttle position, engine speed, and road speed. I haven't watched it to see how smart it is. I suspect it's pretty good at what it does, but I won't pay much attention to it. I've been driving a long, long time.

So, it looks like Kia is going with a packaged set of options, with not a lot of variations.

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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