MSRP vs RETAIL Price

 Ok, Here is a thing I deal with every day. MSRP vs RETAIL (or as is it referred to in the industry ADDENDUM). 

Customer comes in and looks at a car and drives it, falls in love, and wants to know the price. I take them to the window sticker and show them.  It's then that the majority will look at the MSRP on the factory sticker and assume that it the price (Plus Tax and finance).  I point out the retail price which (at EVERY dealership you visit) is where the market adjustment, and dealer options are listed.  So, let's say the MSRP on a car is $24,445. MSRP stands for Manufacturer SUGGESTED Retail Price.  Keep in mind that the manufacturer does not sell cars. They get paid by the dealership (invoice) who puts the car in inventory to sell.  Many consumers are under the false impression that the retailer has thousands of dollars between invoice and MSRP. I know with Kia it's about 800.00.  Any dealership that sells for MSRP will go broke in a short time.  

Think of it this way. When you go to XYZ big box store to buy a TV, there is a retail price on that TV. Let's say $2300.00.  You go in and pay $2300.00 plus tax. No haggling.  What you don't think about is the fact that Big Box paid, let's say $1700.00 for it invoice. The MSRP may be $1850.00.  The Big Box adds a market adjustment to bring the retail amount to the $2300.00 that you see. They have a sale, and the 30% off comes out of profit margin, not off MSRP.  This is BASIC BUSINESS.  Jewelry, furniture, electronics, phones, everything you buy has a mark-up retail. Ask a Mom and Pop business. When I sold Concrete statuary, my markup was almost 150% of wholesale. It's what the market would bear, and I was competitive with other dealers. It was more than just what I paid vs. what I was selling for. I had delivery expenses, insurance and time and labor. It's the way retail works. If I bought a piece for 30.00 and sold it for 35.00 I would be broke in a month. If I sell that piece for 100.00, I stay in business. 

Car dealerships are, under law, required to show you the MSRP. No one else in the Big Box retail industry has to disclose their MSRP.  So when a car buyer says they are not paying that "bullshit" mark-up price, I tell them to go to Big Box store and tell them you are not paying the $2300.00 for the TV. The store will tell you to have a nice day.

 A dealership will negotiate price, but it will be off retail price. That's the way car sales works. Everyone wants to pay rock bottom for a car. Granted. We understand that. We will work with you. Consumers have to understand that retail is retail. It's what the car sells for to be competitive in the market. YES, it is a profit margin. We are not trying to hide that. 

So, cut a little slack. It is not the sales person trying to screw you, it's not the dealership trying to screw you, it's not the manufacturer trying to screw you. It's just the cost of doing business and keeping the lights on. I have been the buyer many times, and I too try to get a discount of some kind. I know that anything they give me comes out of profit. Again, that's business. I also know that the sales guy has to eat too.  If you don't want to pay retail, stay in the car you have. Right now with inventories suffering worldwide, priced and "markups" are higher. Businesses have a monthly expense "nut". (just like you having to pay rent. It needs to be there).  The only way to do that selling less units is to ask more for the car. You will either pay it or not. Up to you. We still have to keep the lights on. 

I hope this clears a few thing up. Bottom line is, we want YOU to be happy and WE need to be happy too. 

Have a KIA Day!

 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!!

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!

Again with the spare tire!

Just got a call from a customer who was "venting" about no spare tire. As a sales professional, I point out to ALL my customers that many new cars do not come with a spare tire. You will find instead a 'Tire Mobility Kit' which consists of a compressor to refill the tire and a can of sealer.  This will enable you to re inflate the tire (as long as it is a puncture and not a blowout or sidewall damaging hole) and get to your nearest Kia dealership. Calling Kia Roadside assistance (1800-333-4KIA) will get you help in using the kit if you are unsure of your ability to do it.  If you have a catastrophic tire issue, they will tow you to the nearest Kia dealership / service center. 

This being said, if you do not know if you have a spare or not, go check. If you need a spare tire you can purchase a spare tire kit from a Kia parts department, or through your local tire center.  

There is a reason that many cars come sans spare.  It is a weight thing. In order to stay within Federal fuel efficiency standards, many manufacturers (not just Kia) are loosing the spare. The theory is that the extra 30-40 pounds of weight makes a difference in the long haul on fuel consumption.  One of the other ways they are doing this is by instituting the Idle-stop-and-go system that shuts your car down at red lights, and restarts the engine when you take your foot off the brake. I personally hate this feature, and turn it off.  I am old school...If I am at a light and the car quits running, my brain goes in to panic mode....'Something is wrong...' but that's just me and a topic for another blog. 

Remember, you can get ahold of me here with questions or comments. I will do my best to answer any questions you have. 

Have a Kia Day   #Yesitiz

Some more Smart Trunk Tips

I have had several people ask about the Kia SMART TRUNK / TAILGATE.  Some clients don't even know they have it.  Remember to set it up in your SETTINGS so that when you walk up to back of the car, the trunk or power liftgate will open automatically.  (Found on EX models and above)

To maximize the Smart Trunk feature understanding:

• This feature can be activated in the instrument cluster settings menu (default setting from the factory is OFF). To enable the Smart Trunk, go to User Settings in the LCD Instrument Cluster modes.
• When the Smart Key fob is in your possession and you are near the back of the vehicle, within close proximity, the hazard lights will blink and a chime will sound for about 3 seconds as an alert that the Smart Trunk is about to open. Then the alert system will blink and chime two additional times before opening the Trunk. Once you are finished, simply close the rear trunk and it will lock automatically when you walk away.

KEY REMINDERS 

The Smart Trunk feature will not operate: 

• If doors are recently closed and locked upon exiting the vehicle. The Smart Key will be detected for 15 seconds within close proximity of the door handles (60 inches)
• When a door is not locked or closed
• When the Smart Key is in the vehicle

For additional information on the Smart Trunk operation, please refer to the vehicle Owner’s Manual.

A Good Video For Lease Returns

So your lease is coming to an end, and you are wondering what you need to do. Here is a great, short video from Kia going through it step by step. 

Lease return video..What You need to know

Also this just came thorough. Good Information:

Kia Finance customers who are affected by the current government shutdown and need assistance can contact customer support at 1-866-331-5632


Don't forget I am here for you if you have any questions.  Stop By Jim Marsh Kia in Las Vegas and let me put you in your next KIA!!


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 

Video blog **NEW** POWER SMART TRUNK AND TAIlGATE

Click on the link for the video blog

https://youtu.be/-4ys0N4Pc7Q

Another great Stinger review

This says what I have been saying all along.

 ://www.foxnews.com/auto/2018/04/19/2018-kia-stinger-name-worth-remembering.html

#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!

Interesting article about fuel door placement

Not Kia specific, but I hear this question often. Thank you All State for sharing
https://blog.allstate.com/gas-tanks-arent-on-same-side/?cid=CSY-AB-OB-KTNV+%28Scripps%29:KTNV+ABC%2CChannel+13%2CLas+Vegas%2CNevada%2CNews%2CWeather%2CSports%2CEntertainment%2CKTNV.com%2CAction+News+.%3A.+-+Homepage:Why+Do+Different+Cars+Have+Fuel+Doors+on+Different+Sides%3F


Have a Kia Day

#YESITIZ

A Change of Address

A Quick Change of E mail address for Y'all. I have replaced my cenurylink e mail with cashatkia@cox.net 

Please send questions and comments there.  In the meantime, here are a couple of links you might enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YVbVXOjJv4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMgsYIM6AOw

Have a Kia Day!

#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!!

The Kia Stinger

The Stinger...Here is what I know.  We should see the first of this new super car roll out in the next couple of months...Hopefully before Thanksgiving. 😁

It will be a new model on a new frame. A fastback 4 door with a hatch. Much like the Jaguar XJ series four door.  It will be available in a 2.0 single turbo, rear wheel drive and a 3.6 twin turbo with available AWD. 

Bottom line, it will be a screamer and the full package with all the bells and whistles is expected to be about 25,000.00 less than the Jag with a much lower cost of ownership.  And don't forget the Kia 10 year 100,000
mile drive train coverage and our 5 year 60,000 mile bumper to bumper coverage. 

Here is a link to the Stinger to see more.
I will post a blog when it hits the showroom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Puu0phAVEYs

Why Certified Pre Owned?

Are you Covered? Trust Kia Certified. Ever breakdown in the middle of vacation, or have a tire go flat from roadside debris? Kia Certified Pre-Owned vehicles come with numerous quality benefits not found with a typical used car purchase. Upon purchasing a Kia Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, you will receive a welcome package detailing the additional coverage provided, including Roadside Assistance and Towing / Rental / Travel Breakdown coverage. Kia Certified Pre-Owned benefits are available on a variety of Kia models. Make sure the Kia Certified logo appears on your next used vehicle. Kia Certified Pre-Owned vehicles provide you with peace of mind and assurance that you have purchased a quality used vehicle. By purchasing a Kia Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, you can be assured that you are investing in a quality product, which comes with a Pre-Owned Limited Powertrain Warranty. Choosing a Certified Pre-Owned Kia gives you the confidence of knowing every vehicle comes equipped with Kia's comprehensive:

• 10-year/100,000-mile Certified Pre-Owned Limited Powertrain Warranty
• 12 month/12,000 mile Platinum Coverage

• 24-Hour Roadside Assistance
• Towing/Rental/Travel Breakdown Coverage

• 150-Point Quality Assurance Inspection
• Free CARFAX® Report on vehicle history
• 10-Year Unlimited Mileage Roadside Assistance Plan
• Eligible for Additional Failure Coverage

  • RENTAL CAR COVERAGE

Up to $35 per day for maximum of ten (10) days for car rental expense incurred due to a covered mechanical breakdown or manufacturer's warranty repair.

• TOWING COVERAGE

Up to $75 for towing charges per covered mechanical breakdown.

• TRAVEL BREAKDOWN COVERAGE

For breakdowns more than 100 miles from home you will be reimbursed up to $100 per day for a maximum of $500 per occurrence for food and lodging per covered mechanical breakdown.

• Certified is a great way to buy. Remember, you can always contact me at : cashatkia@centurylink.com

Using Kia Installed Remote Start on your new Kia

The Remote start on Kia Products involves a few steps. Here is a Video showing you easy steps for remote start. Thanks to McDonald Automotive for this.

Using Kia Remote Start (video)