I never dreamed I'd be getting savvy car advice from Julie Gammack! But I know, from this column and from past conversations, that you've researched all this, and you've got my attention. I'm creeping up on new car time, or so my dealer New Way Ford in Coon Rapids & Jefferson says. I wanted to go hybrid or electric two years ago, but ran into unavailability. I really like the Ford Edge (at least I think that's what it is, without looking) I bought then, and so far I really like New Way's "forever warranty." But I know I'll be thinking of your "Evie" when I buy again.
Chuck, until Iowa gets better EV charging stations, I think you might be better off with a hybrid, because you travel all over the state. That said, my hope and expectation is local retailers will soon recognize the value in having potential clients captive for 15-30 minutes while waiting for a fast charge and realize they can not only make money on the electricity, but on selling folks stuff.
A place for your purse! That’s one thing I’ve really missed since my Plymouth Voyager days where there was a recessed area between the front seats. The photo of your knowledgeable salesman was good to see. Looks like a great car.
YES! Older versions of the Lexus 350 had a great place for a purse to ride. Otherwise, as you know, it fights with the passenger for room on the floor, or you have to keep it in the backseat, out of reach. The KIA has a nice opening between the two seats.
Excellent story. Kia is truly making a name for itself, surpassing prior "prestigious" brands. I follow car news a bit, and a Kia denotes a savvy purchase these days.
We've had a Tesla Model 3 Long Range for almost two years and love it. The phantom breaking has improved over time and we've gotten used to doing everything on the center screen. We looked at a Hynudai Kona before we bought the Tesla. The Hyundai dealer in Des Moines told us they had no intention to carry electric vehicles nor would they service them. That made the choice easy. Of course our son works for Tesla so that provided a lot of incentive as well. We'll never go back to a gas car...maybe hydrogen if I live long enough. 🙂
That’s an interesting experience you had at the Hyundai dealer. I must say, there were times I felt derision from sales folks who couldn’t be bothered with an EV customer.
I never dreamed I'd be getting savvy car advice from Julie Gammack! But I know, from this column and from past conversations, that you've researched all this, and you've got my attention. I'm creeping up on new car time, or so my dealer New Way Ford in Coon Rapids & Jefferson says. I wanted to go hybrid or electric two years ago, but ran into unavailability. I really like the Ford Edge (at least I think that's what it is, without looking) I bought then, and so far I really like New Way's "forever warranty." But I know I'll be thinking of your "Evie" when I buy again.
Chuck, until Iowa gets better EV charging stations, I think you might be better off with a hybrid, because you travel all over the state. That said, my hope and expectation is local retailers will soon recognize the value in having potential clients captive for 15-30 minutes while waiting for a fast charge and realize they can not only make money on the electricity, but on selling folks stuff.
Amazing review - real and useful. Thank you for sharing
Thanks, Tej
Appreciate you sharing your experience!!
A place for your purse! That’s one thing I’ve really missed since my Plymouth Voyager days where there was a recessed area between the front seats. The photo of your knowledgeable salesman was good to see. Looks like a great car.
YES! Older versions of the Lexus 350 had a great place for a purse to ride. Otherwise, as you know, it fights with the passenger for room on the floor, or you have to keep it in the backseat, out of reach. The KIA has a nice opening between the two seats.
Excellent story. Kia is truly making a name for itself, surpassing prior "prestigious" brands. I follow car news a bit, and a Kia denotes a savvy purchase these days.
Thanks, Scott. We feel like we bumbled into a real find.
I enjoyed reading this, Julie. Good research. No way I’d buy a Tesla now.
Thanks, Dave. I’ll let you know how we do on the upcoming road trip.
We've had a Tesla Model 3 Long Range for almost two years and love it. The phantom breaking has improved over time and we've gotten used to doing everything on the center screen. We looked at a Hynudai Kona before we bought the Tesla. The Hyundai dealer in Des Moines told us they had no intention to carry electric vehicles nor would they service them. That made the choice easy. Of course our son works for Tesla so that provided a lot of incentive as well. We'll never go back to a gas car...maybe hydrogen if I live long enough. 🙂
That’s an interesting experience you had at the Hyundai dealer. I must say, there were times I felt derision from sales folks who couldn’t be bothered with an EV customer.