Some Thoughts on Buying a Kia Soul Yesterday

[MineralMan]

103. Thanks.

Part of the problem is that it's the end of the 2012 model year, and dealers are reducing stocks of 2012 models. They might have had some base models earlier in the model year, but those are all gone. The KIA dealer had some 2012s left, but none were base models. All were priced higher than the 2013 I bought. Most dealers aren't interested in base trim cars, it seems, and I don't think they build many of them in the first place. They're loss leaders, and the goal is to sell upgraded models.

Maybe KIA does it differently. I don't know. But this dealer had 8 base models equipped just like the one I bought. Now they have none, but did say they'd have more later this week. Late in a model year, it's hard to find specific cars based on trim preferences. Early, it's easier, but it's never easy to find base models without options. Mine is pure base, with only the included options.

I don't worry about criticism. I did what was best for me at the time. This dealer had what I wanted and it was a sure sale when I walked in the door. I did my research sitting in front of my computer, since my car was out of commission. I went to buy that car, I bought it, and drove it home. I wouldn't spend days going to car dealers. I don't have the time. This whole nonsense means I'm going to have to push to make a project deadline. I have the car. My wife thinks it's cool. It's all good.