Video explaining VIDEO BLINDSPOT MONITOR (VBM)

VIDEO BLINDSPOT MONITOR

I am
now the new Face Of Jim Marsh Kia! If you don't drive here, You can't save here!

 

zombie debt and your credit

As part of what I do, I try to answer questions  about your credit. Credit, of course is a very important part if purchasing  a new car. Some of us have old debt that comes out of the grave. It's called zombie debt. Here is a very good article about what it is and how to deal with it. Have a Kia Day!

https://www.moneycrashers.com/zombie-debt-collectors/

GDI SERVICE ... THIS IS IMPORTANT TO DO...READ ON

I recently got a call from a customer of mine asking if the GDI service was something that was necessary for his Kia Optima.  He went on to say that the service writer had told him it was something he should do about every 15,000 miles or so. He was concerned that it was just something that they were selling that was not necessary. It's not outlandish as far as cost to have it done, though it can cost a bit for the service. Short answer here is YES, you really should have it done. The once a year cost to have the GDI service done is so worth it.

I had my Stinger GDI service yesterday. It has about 16,000 miles on it. The before and after was astonishing.  

What is GDI?  GDI stands for Gas Direct Injection. Simply put, your fuel delivery is injected straight into the cylinder (combustion chamber) rather than going through the intake valves as on a traditional engine. Bottom line, there is a trade off. As much as the GDI system is more efficient for fuel delivery and mileage, more responsive when you jump on the gas, it is a carbon builder. Carbon builds up on the valves and in the combustion chamber. Much like when you get sinus build up and can't breathe. Think of GDI service as a big dose of decongestant. Nothing feels better after having a bad head cold than being able to breathe again. 

When your engine can breath it feels better....like its old self.  Again, the results are like day and night.  We drive our GDI cars and over time lose a little power and performance .... We really don't even notice...We forget what that car drove like the day we purchased it. We get our oil changed, our tires rotated, filters changed and we just go on with life. 

So, I brought my car to my service department at Jim Marsh Kia, and had the service done. I wanted to see for myself if there was any difference in performance before and after. Let me tell you...When I drove home last night, it was amazing. The car performed like the day it rolled off the showroom floor.  I walked in this morning and the service manager, Blair, has this grin like "I told you...." and yes, he told me. 

GDI service is every bit as important as oil changes and should be part of your regular service schedule. Every 15,000 miles is what they recommend. Obviously the longer you wait, the more build up and the harder to do a thorough cleaning.  Prepare for an OMG moment after this service.  If you own a Kia with a GDI engine, and have not had this done, you need to get with your Kia service Department and schedule a time. It takes a couple of hours or so to do so bring a book to read.  If you don't get it done, your are doing a huge dis-service to yourself, your car and your wallet.  unaddressed engine carbon deposits can lead to expensive problems down the road.  In the Vegas area, call Jim Marsh Kia (702) 946-1000 and ask for the service department. They will schedule your GDI service appointment. 

As always, I am available to answer your KIA questions right here, or you can email me at: cashatkia@gmail.com, or just come by Jim Marsh Kia  8555 West Centennial Pkwy, Las Vegas and say Hi!

Have a KIA DAY!!

Adjusting your clock

It's that time again. Time to re-set your clock in your Kia. We are going to kill two birds with one stone here.  Here are instructions for setting to daylight savings time (which you will need in the spring). To "fall back" follow these steps and UN-CHECK the daylight savings time box. That will bring you back to standard time. Pretty simple.

As always, you can leave a question here, and I will answer it!  Thanks for visiting, and have a KIA Day!!

How to Adjust the Clock in Your Kia for Daylight Saving Time

To begin the process of adjusting your clock, make sure your car is either ON or in the ACCESSORY position. Find a safe spot to stop before you start going through the next steps.

Adjusting Time Via the UVO Infotainment System

• Press the Setup button on your instrument panel
• Select the Clock button on the touchscreen
• Set Daylight Saving Time to "On"
• Clock will adjust automatically

Adjusting Time Via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Touch the gear-shaped Setup button on your touchscreen
• Swipe to the next page and select Date and Time
• Turn Daylight Saving Time on to automatically adjust time

And that's how you adjust your clock for Daylight Saving Time! Be sure to make the adjustment for March and November to avoid one of those awkward hour-off moments.

A word about smart keys

Smart Keys are all the rage.  A few things about your smart key.  You can unlock your car and start it without ever taking that key out of your pocket.  To unlock your car, just walk up with your key in your pocket or purse and press the button on the door handle. Once for the drivers door and twice to unlock all the doors. As long as the key in within about 3 feet of the driver's door it will work. If it does not unlock the door, it indicates a weak fob battery. Simple to replace, just bring it to your Kia dealership or any auto parts store.  

If your battery is too low to enter the car, simply take the hard key out of the fob. Push the small button on the fob and slide they key out.  Use it to unlock the door. Then push the start button WITH THE FOB and the car should start. 

I always recommend that you keep a key next to your bed.  Should you ever have an intruder or medical emergency, you can always hit the panic button on the fob to draw attention to your emergency.

Also, NEVER keep your fob next to any exterior wall or near your front door.  There are people that can access the key code that your fob transmits to unlock and start your car.  As great as these keys are, like anything else, they have their shortcomings.  Keep your key somewhere in the center of your house, or you can get an aluminum box that will block the signal. They are available on line. 

All in all, push button start and smart keys are great.  Rumor is the next step with be bio-metric ID to start and unlock your car with a finger print, much like many smart phones.  Some upper Luxury Brands are already doing this. 

As always, should you have any questions or comments, leave me a note here... or email me at cashatkia@gmail.com

Come see me any time at Jim Marsh Kia, West Centennial in Las Vegas, NV

Have a KIA day!!

Kia Telluride

Hello boys and girls, if you haven't heard about the Telluride you've probably been asleep or under a rock somewhere. I've been selling Kia for 7 years and I have seen the introduction of many models... the K900, the Cadenza, the Niro, the Stinger (which I drive), and now the Kia Telluride which is our full-size SUV with 7 and 8 passenger capability. Price wise it's in line with the top end Kia Sorento SXL at around $50,000 for the fully equipped and in the upper 30s for the LX model which is also nicely equipped, beautiful vehicles.
Some of the features you'll find in the new fully equipped Telluride include video blind spot for left and right side where a picture of whatever is in your blind spot shows up in the middle of your instrument cluster ... captains chairs in the middle with  heated and cooled seats... also premium suede headliner a TalkBack feature which allows you to press a button on the dashboard and talk to your third row passengers without having to turn around and yell at them. it allows you to calmly say "Kids, don't make me come back there".... And allows them to talk back to you with such smart comebacks as" well he started it". You will also notice the enhanced entertainment system screen which now comes in a triple screen mode where you can have three things on the screen at once, plus you also get the added feature of the 360° surround view camera.

Another great thing that's featured on the S models and above include the smart driver pack which includes blind spot indicator, active Lane change warning indicators, Lane keep indicator, autonomous emergency braking, and of course smart cruise control.
all of these things help you to be more aware of what's going on around you on the road. All in all this is one of the best SUV values on the market for the price.  The best thing to do is just come into the dealership and test drive one.

 I rarely dedicate my blogs to promoting a specific model or a specific buying motif, But  I must tell you I've never seen an outpouring of clients for a single new vehicle introduced through the key line as I have with the Telluride. I cannot keep them on my lot. I'll get 5 in today and I'll have one left tomorrow. T

hey are available to pre-order but the best thing to do is keep your eye on the JimMarshKia.Com website and see when we have them in and then come on in and see what we can offer you for lease or purchase. If you live outside of Las Vegas visit your Kia dealership wherever you are and get more information on this amazing vehicle. Remember you can always get a hold of me right here on this blog page or you can email me at cashatkia@gmail.com

As always have a Kia day!

Automatic Climate Control System Tips

Here are some great tips right from the Kia Sales Training site that I thought I would share with you. With Winter coming up, you might run into fogging etc.


ISSUE Windows Fog Up REMEDIES •

Use of the Automatic Climate Control System to defog the windows.
 Climate Control Auto Function:

1. Press AUTO to select Full Auto Operation - The AUTO setting automatically controls the airflow modes, fan speeds, air intake and air conditioning, according to the temperature setting selected.

 2. Set desired Temperature.

 3. Press SYNC to select Dual Temperature Control Operation.

 Defrost Outside Windshield: 1. Set Fan Speed to the highest position.

 2. Set Temperature to Hot. 3. Press the Front Defrost button. Defog Inside Windshield: 1. Set Fan Speed to desired position. 2. Set desired Temperature.

 3. Press the Front Defrost button. • Point out that the defogger will automatically activate as needed when the Climate Control System is set to AUTO.

REMINDERS • Warm air may flow in through vents if Recirculated Air button is not pressed ON (LED lit).
• Pressing any button during AUTO operation will deactivate the AUTO function and switch to manual mode, except for Temperature Control or SYNC Temperature Control.
 • When in AUTO mode, Air Flow Mode and Fan Speed do not display on the Climate Control Display. QUICK TIPS
 • Defrost Mode activates A/C and opens Fresh Air Vent to help dehumidify the air and improve Defroster performance.
 • During AUTO operation the A/C indicator will NOT illuminate. The fan speed, air intake, airflow and air conditioning may automatically be engaged at any time to reach desired temperature and reduce humidity.
 • Keep inside glass as clean as possible to reduce window fogging.

Hope that clears some things up (lol) ... Remember, your AUTO temp setting is like your home heating and cooling system. Set the temperature and it will keep it at that temperature in the cabin.

Remember, you can alway reach me here on the blog site, or visit me at Jim Marsh Kia in Las Vegas, Nv.  Email me at :    cashatkia@gmail.com

Have a Kia Day!

SOME OVERALL KIA SETTINGS TIPS

There are a multitude of settings in 'user settings' screen.  Here are some tips that will work for you. You may or may not have all of these, but most Kia cars have at lease some of them.  These are based on the Stinger GT2 which features pretty much everything you can get! 

Navigating the Display

It may not seem intuitive to everyone, but these days, many automakers put a button on the steering wheel that makes it possible for users to adjust some settings, such as turning off the chime notification of the Lane Departure Warning system. Such settings will be displayed on the LCD monitor behind the steering wheel. To get to the main menu, press the steering-wheel mounted button that looks like two sheets of paper. The driver can press it multiple times to cycle through several menus, including fuel economy, driving range, G-force, and User Settings.

Upon arriving at the User Settings menu, another button right underneath the aforementioned button is used to move the selection on screen up or down, and pressing it acts as an “enter” or “okay” button. Use these directions to find the User Settings display. There’s plenty to cover.

User Settings

Upon reaching the User Settings screen, it may be a bit daunting at first. There’s multiple menus there, each with their own set of options. The list consists of:

• Heads-Up Display
• Driver Assistance
• Door
• Lights
• Sound
• Convenience
• Service Interval
• Reset

Here’s what each one covers.

Heads-Up Display (HUD)

For those not aware of what a head’s up display (HUD) is, a HUD displays the vehicle’s speed and other information on the windshield, and that allows a driver to keep their eyes on the road rather than glancing down at the information cluster located behind the steering wheel. The HUD options allow one to configure how and what content the HUD displays, if at all. If the consumer wishes to disable the HUD, they may turn it off. Otherwise, there are options to change the display shown on the windshield, including modifying its rotation, selecting what content is shown, and changing the size of the display and the color of the display, such as “RED” for easy visibility.

Driver Assistance

The 2018 Kia Stinger GT2 comes with a “Driver Attention Warning System” (DAW), and it’s an available option on the other Stinger trims. The DAW monitors the driver’s behavior and warns the driver if their driving behavior is abnormal compared to other recordings when driving. Users have the option to turn off the DAW along with many other advanced safety features that are standard in the Stinger GT2.

These options are:

• SCC Reaction Time – How quickly the smart cruise control (SCC) should react to modify its speed: fast, normal, or slow
• Driver Attention Warning Sensitivity – How sensitive the DAW should be to different driving behaviors: high, normal, or off
• Lane Safety – The driver may choose to whether to receive a lane departure warning when leaving their lane as well as turn on or off lane keep assist, the system that will try to force the car back into its proper lane if the turn signal is not on.
• Forward Collision Avoidance – This is a good feature to keep on. The vehicle will attempt to stop if sensing an imminent collision and no driver input.
• Forward Collision Warning – The primary to the above, a warning will chime to alert the driver to stop prior to taking over and applying pressure to the brakes automatically.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert – The driver may choose to turn this on or off
• Blind Spot Collision Warning – The driver may choose to turn this on or off

Door Options

There are several options the driver can configure from this menu. They may choose whether the doors automatically unlock in the presence of the key fob, if the door requires the button on the door handle to be pressed twice (Two Press) to unlock, and if the doors lock up after being closed. Two more options are there for the liftgate. (1) Whether it should open manually or if it should act as a Smart Liftgate, i.e. in the presence of the key fob. (2) In the former, the driver can also choose whether the liftgate requires manual power or if it will open up itself once opened via the handle (a Power Liftgate).

Lights

This menu has several options for the lights inside and outside the car. Drivers can enable the one-touch turn signal option that allows them to simply flick the turn signal in the direction they wish, and the turn signal light will blink 3, 5, or 7 times; this can also be turned off for the regular manual operation. When entering the vehicle, ambient light turns on, and drivers may choose how bright the light is on a scale of 1-4, and they may choose one of the following colors: white, yellow, red, green, blue, or violet. Lastly, there is an option for the headlight delay to be turned on or off.

Sound

Pretty simple, the driver can choose the volume for the parking assist system and whether or not a “Welcome Sound” is played when they enter the vehicle.

Convenience

There are a few more options in this menu for ease of access and convenience.

• Seat Ease of Access – The driver can choose how far the seat is from the steering wheel upon entering the cabin before turning the vehicle on for ease of access.
• Steering Wheel Easy Access – Like Driver memory settings, this decides whether the steering wheel will move with the assigned key fob or should have its position moved manually up or down.
• Welcome Mirror/Light – Turn on/off the welcome lights when entering the car
• Wiper/Lights – Turn on or off this display
• Gear Position Pop On Display – Choose whether the gear should be displayed on the LCD monitor when switched.
• Icy Road Warning – This will alert the driver if the road conditions are slippery. Choose to turn this on or off.

Service Interval

Users can choose whether they want to receive vehicle maintenance reminders. Users can set the frequency they receive reminders as well as what services to be reminded about.

Other

These are miscellaneous options, such as whether to reset the fuel economy after ignition or fueling up. There are also unit choices, such as the fuel economy unit (US or UK gallon), the temperature unit (Fahrenheit or Celsius), the tire pressure unit (psi, kPA, or barometer), and the torque unit (lb-ft or Nm). Nothing special unless driving in another country.

Reset

Also self-explanatory. If selling the car or getting it used and want to return the car back to its factory settings, simply choose this menu. Like performing a factory reset on a computer, most of the settings and data will be reset to their defaults if not all of it.

Also, I have received questions about 'dipping' mirrors when in reverse. To activate the 'dipping' feature which allows the side mirrors to tilt down in reverse, you have to have one of the mirror adjustment buttons (left or right) depressed. If you do not have either depressed, (where the mirrors don't move if you try to adjust them) this feature is inactive. 

If you have any questions, please comment, or you can email me at  cashatkia@gmail.com

If you are in the market, let me know. I am in Las VEgas, Nv!!

Have a KIA Day

Defining the safety features in your Kia...And there are a lot of them!

Ok! Lets talk about the safety features that you may have in your new Kia!!
Something that was introduced recently in the Kia product line that you may have in your new Kia is the DRIVE WISE Package.  It offers a plethora of very helpful function and is available on selected Cars, Suvs and vans. Lets look at some of these:

Back up camera:  Pretty basic. Almost every new car has one. They are very helpful in making sure that you are clear to go...no bikes, pets or small kids behind the car.  They are tied in many times with audible back up sensors for added safety that beep at you if there is something behind you.  Some models, like our SXL packages are available with a surround camera which gives you a view of everything around the car for 360 degree visibility.  Remember, all these safety features are not a substitute for actually looking around and seeing what is there. (just like you did BEFORE all this stuff).

Cross Traffic Alert: This is a nifty sensor that will let you know if someone is crossing your rear. 👉👈Especially helpful if you are in a Stinger 😁and have two large SUVs in your way as you try to back out of a parking space. 

Blind Spot Warning: Again, helpful, but be aware of who is around you. (Sometimes you may accidentally turn off the blind spot system and , well, you get it).  If someone is in your blind spot, you will see an icon light up on the driver's side or passenger's side view mirror.  If you have your turn signal on, it will beep at you. I think this is probably the most important feature to have aside from the rear camera. 

Lane DepartureWarning System:   This will help you pay attention to the road, but is by no means a substitute for driver awareness. Two cameras up behind the rear view mirror read the lines on the road.  If you drift out of the lane without a turn signal, it will warn you that you are drifting, and in the case of the active system (available in some models) may even attempt to bump you back into your lane. I tend to turn this system off in city driving. It activates at about 40mph, and can be annoying in town where streets tend to have a lot of lines. 

Smart Cruise Control: Available of selected Kias.  It works like your old cruise control, but has radar that will pace the car in front of you at a pre set distance.  Slowing down and speeding up with the traffic flow. The link below will explain in detail the LDWS and Smart cruise.

smart cruise and lane change warning

Autonomous Emergency Braking:  I will let the Kia Video below go through this.  It's very informative.

Autonomous Emergency Braking Video


And of course, the most important safety feature is YOU. Drive wise, and drive alert. 

Remember, you can contact me any time by asking a question below, or e mailing me at cashatkia@gmail.com or if you are in Vegasm come see me at Jim Marsh Kia on West Centennial.

Have a KIA DAY!

Idle Stop and Go

A lot of Kias have the Idle Stop and Go system (ISG).  Looks like this:


It is meant to be a fuel saving device. Over time, if your engine is not running at stop lights, you will save some fuel.  It IS a good theory, but if you are old school like me, anytime your engine shuts down you go into a slight panic.  Used to mean something was terribly wrong.  

In my Stinger, the system defaults to ISG whenever you start the car, so I have to make sure I turn it off before I go very far.  This, of course, is a personal preference.  I think the ISG is a good thing in the long run.  Here is an excerpt from KIA explaing the system and how and when it activates. 

Have a KIA day!

Idle Stop and Go (ISG) Description

Idle Stop and Go (ISG) function automatically switches off the engine when the car is at a standstill and starts it again as soon as the brake pedal is released. This not only reduces fuel consumption, it also lowers emissions. Idle Stop and Go (ISG) function also has a built-in sensitivity to driving safety and comfort.
The engine is not switched off if certain conditions relating to safety and comfort have not been fulfilled (for example, when the engine oil is still cold, when the battery is running low or when the outside temperature is below 3º C or 37F). It can be deactivated by pressing the ISG OFF switch on the crash pad lower panel.

Sample scenario:
vehicle moving
the transmission lever position is in D-range. The brake pedal is released
the engine is running (vehicle moving)
the driver brakes until the vehicle comes to a standstill
the transmission lever position is in D-range. The brake pedal is pressed
the engine stops. The symbol “AUTO STOP” lights up in the instrument cluster
the driver wants to continue the journey
the transmission lever position is in D-range. The brake pedal is released
the engine is running again. The symbol goes out.

Operation Condition for the ISG Function
Will function if these conditions are met
- ISG OFF Switch is off
- switch (seat/door/hood) closed
- lever position in D or N range
- brake pedal pressed or released
- vehicle speed after driving higher than 8kmph (5mph)
- a/c system operating correctly
- engine coolant temperature over 78º C (172.4º F)
- brake pressure not below 35kpa
- battery SOC over 77% and temperature in the range of 2-55ºC (35.6-131ºF)
- Steering wheel – operating angle below 180º
- Parking condition – slope up hill <12%, down hill <8%
- no ISG related part errors

Won't function if:
- large steering angle when car is stopped
- low brake operating pressure
- turn on the a/c with max blower
- when battery condition is poor (low SOC)
- active defroster of front or rear glass
- unfasten driver's seat belt or open the door and hood
- on a steep slope
- with ISG system errors and other diagnosis
- ISG OFF switch is on 

Credit Myths

We all hate the whole checking credit thing when we go buy a car.  Many dealerships will get your social security number and blast it from here to the moon resulting in 15 or more "HITS" every time. Some dealerships will do a SOFT INQUIRY  which is no more than just running your score and history. Once you agree on terms and numbers, they will then "shop" to the lender they think you have the best chance of getting bought with.  Remember, if you are buying a car at a dealership the are required to do a credit check. Even if you are paying cash, they need to run your social through the national data base to make sure it is really YOU.  

Anyway, we all know to some degree what our credit looks like. If you don't, you should check it. Often.

Here is a link to a great article that you should read.

(Kudos to Huffpost)

 Credit Myths

Have a KIA day. and remember, you can direct your questions here or at
 cash at kia

#YESITIZ

#Yesitiz Facebook Page

Well, I have started a Kia Stinger Facebook page #Yesitiz.  NOt just for Stingers, although a lot of the info there is about the new Kia Stinger, which is an amazing GIANT step forward for Kia. I try to put the latest news about the Stinger there so all your research is in one place. But if you own a Kia of any type, please feel free to share your pictures and stories. We LOVE our Kias!

Here is the link

#Yesitiz Facebook page

Have a KIA Day!

My thoughts after a month with my STINGER

 Kia really got it right with this car. I have had mine for about a month, and really, every time I get in it I feel like this was the car I have always wanted. And #yesitiz a Kia. 



As far as features and style, it is up there with the Euro Lux cars.  It gets a lot of looks and a lot of parking lot attention. The drive is smooth, with just enough growl to make you remember you are in a GT. Yet, it's very easy to drive.  The Lane Keeping feature is something to get used to, but once you realize that the car is doing a little bit of thinking for you, it's really a comforting safety feature. 

I have no complaints about power whether in the 2.0 twin scroll turbo or the 3.3 v6 Twin Turbo.  It's plenty powerful enough for every day driving, and even has enough get up and get out for the wannabe street racer in all of us. 

My wife and I are both 6 feet tall or taller, and even though it is lower than our Cadenza (That we traded in for it) it is pretty entry / exit friendly. 

The hatch / trunk has a TON of room but you never feel as though you own a "hatchback".  Great for a large day at Sam's or Costco. 

Love the Android Auto feature. Very intuitive (As is Apple Carplay) and will probably be the end of onboard navigation in the future.  Pandora works seamlessly through the system.

The best way to put it, I think is that it is THE all around fun, practical, not pretentious (but VERY SEXY) driving machine. Once you own one, you will be peeking in the garage 4 or 5 times a day just to look at it and smile. 

Remember, if you have any questions about your Kia, please put them in the comments, or you can email me at    cashatkia@centurylink.net.  Wanna come see me? I am at Jim Marsh Kia, 8555 West Centennial Blvd. in Las Vegas. 702*946*1000 ... Ask for CASH. (It's a story I will tell you when your get there).

Have a KIA day.
#yesitiz 

Be aware of all the "safety features"

I had a man come in a while back who wanted to purchase an Optima for his 17 year old daughter.  She got her driver's licence about 4 months prior.  I asked him, since it was her first car, what features and price her was looking for.  Usually, a first car is something pre owned and priced low. 

His answer was that he wanted 'every safety feature known to man'. Blind Spot, Back Up camera, Lane Change warning, Crash warning, Smart cruise...The works. As a parent, I asked him why he wanted that?  He told me he wanted to make sure his daughter was always safe.  Now, I am not one to talk anyone out of exactly what they want, so, I asked him if it made more sense to teach his daughter to learn things the way WE did before depending on the car to everything for her.  If she were to think the car would do it all, she was asking for trouble. 

Remember that all these safety features are to assist you. Nothing beats paying attention to what's around you... behind you.... to the sides... I love all the safety features on my car.  But I know that with all that tech, nothing beats being an alert driver.  (Don't get me started on self driving cars)

In the end, he chose a nice new optima with a back up camera.  The rest was up to her to learn how to be a responsible driver. 

Just a note...When I was doing the Dad teaching his son to drive thing, I would cover the rear view mirror with my hand and ask my son what was behind him. After a while, he learned to check his mirrors every 20 seconds or so.  Now he is always aware of what is around him at all times. 

Have a Kia Day
#yesitiz

#yesitiz

#YESITIZ
I took the plunge and was the first in my area to lease a new 2018 Kia Stinger. OMG. What an amazing ride. I have come out of stores and seen many admirerers and the fist thing they ask is "that's a Kia?" I answer " yes it is"  then I get questions ranging from " is it fast" to "is itsmooth" ....yes it is...."it's sooo pretty". Yes it is. "Is it affordable?" .... Yes it is. So, my licence plate shall be...YESITIZ. I want to start a #yesitiz blast for the Stinger. So, from now on, any time you mention any Kia Stinger or any Kia Product...follow it up with #yesitiz. Is Kia a GREAT CAR?  (OK, EVERYONE) #YESITIZ


Have a Kia Day.   # yesitiz

To Gap or not to Gap...There IS no question.

When you buy a car, be it a Kia or something else, and you finance that car, you will no doubt be offered GAP insurance while in the finance (business) office to sign your paperwork.  The cost of this will vary depending on the car, the amount financed etc.  

It's not one of those add ons that dealerships sell to make a ton of profit.  I have GAP on every car in my family. It is especially important if you are in a zero down situation with a moderate interest rate.  Here is how it works....

Lets say you buy a car that costs 20,000.00.  After taxes and dealer fees the amount to finance  comes to lets say 23,000.00 (just using round numbers here for example) Then, maybe you buy a service package. Now lets use a moderate interest rate of, say, 3.9%.  So after all is said and done you are financing lets say 25,000.00.

Everyone knows that your car loses about 100.00 or more a month in depreciation when you drive off.  So, if you get in an accident a year after you buy your car, your insurance will value the car less than the value you owe.  If that value is say 15,000.00 and you owe (minus remaining interest) 21,500.00.  (called negative equity). GAP will pay the outstanding 6,500.00.  If you don't have GAP, YOU are liable for that amount.  It's worth the extra 20.00 a month or so to have that peace of mind. 

When do you not need GAP?  

If you are at a 0% rate and put 20% down or more (buying equity) you are probably safe opting out of GAP. (Double check with the finance manager where you buy) BUT for about 90% of the buyers I sell to, I say "Fill the GAP!"  Pay a few dollars extra now to save a chunk later...and the possibility of hurting your credit.  As always, you can comment here, or ask any question you may have.  E mail me at cashatkia@centurylink.com or call me at Jim Marsh Kia in Las Vegas. 702*946*1000

Have a KIA Day!!