Korean Job Discussion Forums

[earthbound14]

Just looking at buying a new car (used car). Wondering what folks would choose for a small, affordable, reliable car.

So far my top choice is the i30 or i30CW due to its safety ratings (much higher than other small Korean cars) and style (I'm a hatch back, wagon kinda guy).

However, I don't need a new car, so no point wasting money.

So far the Hyundai Avante is looking pretty good, got some very high marks from JD Power in the US (2009), but the 2005s seem pretty good too. Problem is...it's ugly (nice by Korean car standards...but really the ugly duckling of the new batch of cars coming out). For about 6 mil you can get a respectable used Avante.

The KIA Forte, ranked number 4 by U.S.News. Draw back is its new and few used models available.

Hyundai Click (Getz) - small, cheap, good little engine, but low on safety. I have to admit though, I like this little car. It would make a fun little racer and look good with a nice setof rims (I'm a sucker for boxy cars with nice rims....ahh if the Golf wasn't so outrageously priced here!!)

Samsung SM3 or 5, but I know little about them. The new SM3 looks pretty nice, the older ones...kinda boring.

Currently looking at a Hyundai LaVita, a little older than I wanted, but good condition and seems to be a worthy ride able to fit loads of stuff in it. Good little car designed in Italy and still sold in Europe as the Matrix.

Any other cars I'm missing here?

[bassexpander]

I was looking really hard at the SM3 until I saw how much it costs to repair Samsung cars. They are the most expensive, followed by Ssangyoung. As someone who buys used in Korea, I care about repair costs.

[madoka]

[Toju]

The SM3 was, until recently, a really bad car for anyone over the height of 165 as there were design floors in the sitting position resulting in serious back problems for anyone over that height. It is a really bland car inside and is nothing special on the outside.

However, luckily for you, I do have an Avante X16 for sale. Registered January 2008, just under 26k on the clock, recently had the oil done - been good about that too - and is black. It is the premier edition, meaning it is the top spec - 6 CD MP3, half leather seats, sunroof, and all the rest. Going to sell it to a dealer as that is easier for us, but if you want it.....at the end of February.

[rmparent]

I bought the 2010 SM3. I like it a lot but my only real complaint is that it's underpowered (1.6L engine; about 110 hp). Power was never an issue back home but coming here you need it going up and over all the hills.

I think it's pretty good value (about 20 million KRW) with all the bells and whistles like heated leather seats, sunroof, push button start, bluetooth, etc.

Everyone I knew that owned a Renault Samsung car was very satisfied especially with the service. I got rear ended today for the 2nd time (I had the car for 4 months). The damage was almost non-existent and they said that they could paint over the minor scratches but I decided to replace the whole bumper (may as well as the guy who hit me insurance will pay for it; about 600,000 KRW). The service people were very nice and efficient and gave me a free loaner car (courtesy of buddy's insurance) until they fix it. Whole process took less than 15 minutes. I replaced the bumper the first time as well and it took about 2 days. This time it should take around the same time.

Renault Samsung uses Nissan powertrain and engines so they're very reliable. My friend bought an SM5 about 5 years ago brand new for about 25 million KRW and sold it 3 years later to a dealer for 15 million KRW (was actually expecting to get around 13 million KRW). 10 million KRW for 3 years worth of driving a new car isn't bad at all.

[bassexpander]

I'm not in the market anymore, but humor me Toju.. what does an Avante X16 used go for ?

[g35doc]

I have a 2005 Elantra (Avante) in the U.S. It's a 2.0L version with 138 horsepower. It's damn slow but it gets decent gas mileage and never had any reliability issues. Overall, not a bad car for the money. I like it better than the 2 Accords I used to own.
Once I get back to the States though I plan on getting a Nissan 370Z as a secondary car. I owned 2 G35 coupes in the past and want something much better than the Genesis coupe. :D

[madoka]

[g35doc]

Very minimally. With the G35s all I had were a 350Z intake tube, K&N air filter, clear side lenses for the front bumper, clear bra, and a set of winter wheels / tires. I had a Stoptech front big brake kit but never ended up installing it.
I plan on leaving the 370Z stock. I am a big believer in always getting the sports package though (and manual trans. of course). With the 370Z it includes 19" forged wheels, summer tires, and big brakes.
Modding is definitely cool but since I'm older now I feel like I get more "bang for the buck" with my favorite hobby which is protected by the 2nd Amendment.

[VanIslander]

the mazda3 is dope

[Toju]

[bassexpander]

[Toju]

They hold their value, but selling it through the dealer is easier for us and also it has had to have a new wing which, even though it doesn't affect the car in western times, is a big problem here in the land of the morning calm.

[bassexpander]

What do you mean by a "new wing?"

[Toju]

I mean it can fly.