Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Spongebob Squarepants]

Didn't take long for the other thread on cars to go the way of all threads, so I'm starting this one off with a new focus.

The wife and I are in the market for a new car, and while we'd love to splurge 30 million+ on a spiffy import, with the current economic downturn it just can't be justified.

We've narrowed our choices down to the small sized sedans from these 3 domestic car makers. We've done a rundown of our perceived pros and cons of each.

AVANTE

Pros:
most popular small sized sedan in Korea (has sold 3 million) so spare parts and servicing easy to deal with in the future; interior layout functional and eye-pleasing; MPG

Cons:
handling; ride dynamics; slightly dated model, as plans for 2010-11 are to either phase it out in favor of the i30 or to launch a new model; exterior design leaves a bit to be desired

FORTE

Pros:
better handling; brand new model; exterior styling (front and sides); good network of servicing and repair facilities; MPG

Cons:
Interior design not to our liking: exterior styling (back looks sort of fat)


LACETTI

Pros:
Interior styling = exceptional; exterior styling = eye-pleasing; cheaper than Avante and Kia while offering more options and tech gadgets

Cons:
GM Daewoo Korea might not be able to honor a warranty if the parent company goes under in the USA; Daewoo is not as well liked by Koreans, and many claim its quality is inferior to the other 2 carmakers (which btw I think is bunk)


With the current economic conditions all three carmakers are throwing incentives and rebates around to try to entice prospective customers, and these could increase in the near future, so we might hold off for a month or 3. We are leaning towards the Lacetti but pending test driving it have yet to make a firm decision

Anyone out there who has lined these three up for comparison before? Does anyone else own the new Lacetti and/or test driven it?

[3MB]

Why not buy something bigger?? The Avante isnt a bad looking car but I can assure you its gonna get small after a while. A larger sedan would only be a bit more expensive with rebates and discounts thrown in.

[John_ESL_White]

The Lacetti has a lot of leg room. I'm 6+ and had extra room with the seat all the way back. Definately more that the Hyundai.

I appreciate your dilemma. Choosing between Korean cars sux because Korea cars, like US cars, are not so great.

Take a look at the Samsung car line. SM3s are not too expensive and their engines are made in Japan! (I was told).

[GwangjuParents]

Cons for the Avante are handling and ride dynamics?

Were does that come from?

I drive my Avante everyday and it's perfectly fine.

If you're sticking large adults in the backseat, the Avante could be small.

But we just throw our kids in the back, so size is not really an issue.

[ulsanchris]

Go with the SM3 it is safer and more reliable than the others.

[Chamchiman]

[Xuanzang]

Wouldnt another con of the Forte be the price?

[ulsanchris]

sorry don't have a link. But that's what the sale's guy said. I will admit that that isn't the most reliable source. It's not a korean designed car. It's designed by nissan which is owned by renault which has put a priority on safety. So it should be safe. Safer than other cars made in korea except for the genesis which rate well in crash tests and uses the latest generation of airbags, which the SM3 doesn't use. The only other korean cars that use the latest generation air bags are the SM5 and SM7.

[Chamchiman]

Spongebob,

First of all, how about bumping this thread when you buy your car? Let us know what you decided and how it worked out for you. Good luck.

I'm assuming you've checked out the Avante vs. SM3 thread:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=150758&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

In that thread I wrote this:

[Captain Corea]

I have an Avante and do not like it. I'm am 6' tall, and I feel that my field of vision is severely limited in it.

It just does not 'fit'

[itaewonguy]

spend the extra couple million won and look at the sm5 or Nf Sonata!

the Sm and NF bring more prestige than the cars you listed..
they have bigger engines, more leg room, and look bigger but don't break the bank...

but if thats not an option for you then go with the LACETTI

daewoo korea is not going anywhere! and if they do you can get your car serviced at any local mechanic and the prices will be cheap dont worry...

[3MB]

I have a Sonata and I love it. Handles well, has good pick up, lots of room. Nice interior and its a good looking car. The problem with small sedans is that they will quickly feel small. And these days, with all the discounts and extras thrown in by desperate dealers and companies, its a good time to buy a larger car.

[georgiadawg]

Looked at the Avante and Forte, but never considered the Lacetti... Very little resale value on the Lacetti.

I found the Avante very uncomfortable (I am a tall guy) and there is very little room in the backseat. Additionally, I always felt that I had limited vision while driving the Avante.

Although the Forte was more comfortable, I didn't fully like the body.

In the end, I went with the Hyundai Tucson... plenty of room, comfortable and sits up high. Although I like the positives of the diesel engine, I really don't like the noise. Overall, I am very satisfied with it...

[Riddle]

I really like the look of the Lacetti, check it out. As for the Sonata, why buy new when you can get an excellent deal on a used model of the previous generation? They look very similar and it's a highly rated automobile.

[b-class rambler]