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2012 Rio - reviews

47 messages,  Last post on Jan 23, 2012 at 5:41 PM

You are in the Kia Rio Forum.

What is this discussion about? Kia Rio, Car Buying, Hatchback

Messages Page 5 of 5

#38 of 47 Driving comparison between EX and SX by conanrules

Jan 18, 2012 (12:58 pm)

I've driven both models. The EX drive feels far superior to the SX. The EX is smooth where the SX feels every bump and feels as if it loses it's grip on a rough road. Basically feels like two different cars. There is no way I would buy the SX. What did they do to screw up the ride so badly? It can't just be to 17" wheels, but I guess it could. They didn't have the color in stock yet that I wanted for the EX model but did for the SX. The salesmen couldn't understand why I wouldn't just pay $200 dollars more. He didn't understand that that the SX model drove like shit. That dealership in Fairfax, VA is horrible. I never got an hones answer out of them. They lied on the quote over the phone and the one they gave me through NFCU and then were pushy and tried to sell me a car I didn't want. I've told them to stop calling me and they continue to do so. Sorry about the dealership rant.

#39 of 47 Re: Interior Hatch Release - [btatr] by cbmorton

Jan 18, 2012 (1:33 pm)

Replying to: btatr (Jan 18, 2012 7:45 am)
The Focus had the interior release because there wasn't one on the outside - just a keyhole. Again, it's pretty standard to only have a release inside OR outside. I guess Kia could have included both, but it's not surprising that they didn't, especially at this price point. Still, if that's the worst "flaw" in your opinion I think it's an example of how Kia did pretty well equipping this car!
 
My "trivial flaw" is that the ignition has to be on to close the sunroof. Most cars give you 45-60 seconds to close the windows and sunroof after you shut off the engine, but on Kia vehicles this only works for the windows. Now there's something I wish they'd thrown in.

#40 of 47 Driving comparison between EX and SX [conanrules] by btatr

Jan 18, 2012 (1:38 pm)

Replying to: conanrules (Jan 18, 2012 12:58 pm)
Conanrulee' post proves buying a car is very personal decision as you should never allow someone else to sway your opinion. In this case, my feelings are the complete opposite of his.
 
The 5 Door SX RIO handles extremely well, I describe it as nimble and I prefer it over the softer, middle of the road EX model. With the SX you sacrifice a little comfort over rough surfaces, such as expansion joints, for better handling. I'm not sure why he feels the car loses it's grip on rough surfaces because I don't sense that at all.
 
I also like the low profile 17 inch tires plus the beautiful aluminum wheels on the sportier SX model. But he's right about that, those tires and wheels definitely change the handling equation. Judge for yourself and see what rocks your boat.

#41 of 47 Re: Driving comparison between EX and SX [btatr] by conanrules

Jan 18, 2012 (3:06 pm)

Replying to: btatr (Jan 18, 2012 1:38 pm)
To me, they were like two different cars. Seriously, the SX was such a rough ride it has made me lose interest in the car.

#42 of 47 Re: Driving comparison between EX and SX [conanrules] by ecotrklvr

Jan 18, 2012 (5:47 pm)

Replying to: conanrules (Jan 18, 2012 3:06 pm)
I once took a terst drive in a Nissan that rode really harshly as well. When we got back to the dealership, we checked the tire pressure - they wer all at 40 psi, not the 32 as specified. Maybe they are pumped up high for shipment? Anyway, once we lowered the air pressure, the thing drive MUCH smoother.

#43 of 47 Re: Driving comparison between EX and SX [conanrules] by conwelpic

Jan 18, 2012 (9:28 pm)

Replying to: conanrules (Jan 18, 2012 3:06 pm)
I also agree with the previous post, the tire pressure appears to be a very common problem, maybe try the car again but check the tire pressure first to make sure its at the right pressure.
The vehicles are shipped from the factory with very high pressure (usually over 40 psi) and a lot of times they are not checked when they get to the dealership, particular if they have not had time to PDI the vehicle.

#44 of 47 handling by Placeman

Jan 19, 2012 (6:37 am)

I also have an SX. The ride is a bit rough over rough roads, but that's due to it having a "tighter" suspension. I don't mind it at all. I like to "feel" the road.
 
Also, my tires had 40 psi in them when I took delivery, which I promptly lowered.

#45 of 47 HHandling [Placeman] by btatr

Jan 19, 2012 (6:59 am)

Replying to: Placeman (Jan 19, 2012 6:37 am)
Placeman's post is a perfect of example of why I always say everyone should make up their own mind without being heavily influenced by other opinions. Test drive the vehicles and decide for yourself if you prefer a tighter suspension, which gives you better handling, but is a stiffer ride on rough roads. Or maybe you prefer a more comfortable/softer ride and you're willing to sacrifice tighter handling for the extra comfort? There's no one answer for every driver.
 
Having said that, look at the RIO SX because it is one fabulous vehicle. If you need more room, check out the KIA Forte SX. We have both and love'em.

#46 of 47 a-lot-a-choices by maxx4me

Jan 23, 2012 (5:28 pm)

conan, thanks for your posts. I did not know that NFCU prenegotiates with a specific dealer ahead of time. I knew they had pre negotiated prices, but did not know you had to go to a specific dealer. I'm tired of going to Fairfax for all my purchases. I have a Kia dealer much closer and NFCU will have to allow me to go to them or its no deal. I sat in a Forte SX this weekend and liked it a lot. It is now #2 on my list after the Honda Fit. I did not come away with a good impression sitting in the Accent nor the Rio 5 for visibility. The Fit is like a modern day Pacer when it comes to visibility; amazing. Based on all your comments, I'll go back and sit in (and maybe drive) a Rio 5 [again]. I loved the interior but found the rear window small, just like the Accent.
Can you all chime in to define what Sport Tuned suspension actually means? I prefer a floaty driving experience; one that handles today's potholes with a bit more grace. I'm not one for (let's say) the Ford Mustang driving experience that you feel every crack/crevice/bump/hole in the road, and your back pays for it later.
As for the Forte, I'm a bit concerned that the 2.0 liter engine and steering are the same as what is in my current Elantra Touring. I really don't like the steering very much. I could drive all these cars, but since I'm still a year away from any purchase, I'll stick to your opinions since you've done all the driving for me

#47 of 47 Forte SX versus Forte EX by btatr

Jan 23, 2012 (5:41 pm)

We have a Forte SX and it's a fabulous car. In my opinion, it's the best value for your money on the road. I think your comment was wrong because the Forte SX has a very powerful 2.4 liter engine that is a vast improvement over the 2.0 Liter Engine in the Forte EX. I would never buy that car because I didn't like the 2.0 liter engine. However, the SX engine is extremely smooth and powerful. It's one of the hidden gems in this class of vehicles.
 
As for the suspension, any time you buy a car with sports tuned suspension and low profile tires like the Forte SX model, you will have much better handling on smooth roads. However, the ride will be stiffer on rough surfaces or highway expansion joints. It's like anything else in life, you have to decide if you want better handling versus a softer more comfortable ride. You can't have it both ways.

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