Good bye Prius Prime :(

I came from a '15 Hyundai Sonata, and while they make really nice luxurious cars with Android Auto and better implementation of autonomous driving features, Hyundai/Kia have something going on with their GDI engines. Things like engines seizing with under 100K miles on the clock, and engine fires. It's kinda a long thing to figure out, but Hyundai keeps saying it's because of this or that and limited to this or that engine, but the community believes it's simply because GDI engines don't clean the intake valves properly. You'll think it's limited to the 2.4L engine at first, but may find out they've also recalled some 1.6L engines (the Veloster). Toyota on the other hand, doesn't have pure GDI engines, they implement dual injection so that the valves are still being cleaned by gasoline.

Here's just one thread to checkout, they basically issued a recall on the Sonata I had, and engines were still failing after the recall, because they don't admit and address the real problem, which is their GDI implementation doesn't work: Service Campaign 953 | Page 33 | Hyundai Forums The Niro uses a 1.6L GDI.

 

congrats!

how was the inventory level?

there's a kia nero phew thread here, maybe you can tag on with updates. that member is very happy with his.

all the best!

 

It sounds like you already own the KIA ?

If not...

Subaru Crosstrek, I'm not a fan but it would have done what you needed with a full Toyota Hybrid drivetrain.

2019 Subaru Crosstrek - Hybrid | Subaru


Rob43

 

I personally am more interested in the Kia Niro EV (rather than PHEV), for whatever it’s worth.

 

I was seriously looking at the Kia Niro PHEV and Hyundai Ioniq PHEV while I was car shopping. Went with the Prius Prime cause of availability (I was driving a dying Honda Civic Hybrid) and the spectacular deals they were offering on the East Coast. If not, I would have definitely considered the Niro PHEV as a good option.

 

Good to hear! That some are available even with battery battery shortages from LG Chem.

 

i want some answers on the canadian kona explosion, before considering one

 

Maybe there was too much ice for that Kona.

I know my kids enjoy Kona Ice anyway.

 

how much did you get for your trade in?

I was reviewing the #s. the match doesn't add up does it? You lose your a$$ on these cars trading it in only to get into a higher monthly payment. considering ive only spent $700 on gas to date - bought my car in nov 2016 - it doesn't financially make sense to trade in.

But cars aren't of any financial sense are they?

 

Is there a minimum time of ownership requirement for the incentives? I remember past hybrid ones had 3 years. If you got rid of the car before that time, you owed the incentive amount back.

 

For federal, no. For state, it varies depending on the state. For my state, it's one year. I think CA is two years.