Just booked it last Thursday. The SA told me can get by CNY... but I think that's what they all say. She says that once the loan is approved, it's easier for her to "negotiate" with her boss for allocation. Will see how it goes, so far she's been quite alright. If she really gives me the car earlier... I'll recommend her to you guys...

Now the numbers are in the WTL range... waiting for WTM...

Reliability/long lasting depends on a variety of factors. I've known people who drive their Spectra for over 5 years and there's no major problem happened. Sometimes it's just a variety of factors... driving styles, maintenance methods etc.

No car manufacturer will make themselves a shitty car and sell it. In a business sense... it's just marketing suicide. Even when Japanese cars made it over the US, they were looked down initially but later on they proved to be one of the most reliable cars in the market.

The Americans didn't like Japanese products in the first place (they were viewed as cheap cars and had no place to compete with cars coming from GM) thats why we had Honda=Acura, Toyota=Lexus, Nissan=Infinity (each maker's luxury branding) as today

The important thing is, all the forte owners and would-be owners are taking a chance with the Forte. Perhaps it's time we gave it a chance just as the Americans gave "Acura", "Lexus", and "Infinity" their chance.

In short, Kia has taken a big step by hiring Peter Schreyer as the Design Director to make the car more appealing to the market. The platform is not the same as their previous models and according to reviews, the Forte is giving other Japanese makes a run for their money.

True, the stigma of being a Korean car will remain in those who aren't willing to give it a go.

All I know is that... when I first looked at the car... it really did "leave me speechless"

This post has been edited by RoyBlue: Jan 24 2010, 02:16 AM

My SA said "cepat bagi loan approve dulu... bila dah approve... akak boleh negotiate ngan boss akak... takda approval pun susah nak cakap" okay... fair... my loan approved tomorrow. (Even got a rate she said was impossible to get...) Once my LOU goes out... she'll be my new best friend... Call her when I wake up... when I having lunch.... dinner and before I sleep... "Is my car there yet?"

From what she told me is that... it's NAZA's aim to deliver all the cars by CNY. We shall see

Just bought the Top Gear Feb '09 Issue. Theres a review on the Forte. Go have a read... I like this line..."The Gamma engine was frugal. It sipped fuel slowly, deliberately, with its pinky extended..."

They reviewed the 1.6EX with some words on the SX. Nothing on the SX cept that when it comes out... it's gonna happen real soon for the 2.0... and then... in the reviewers' words "... the real fight will commence..."

In short it was a favorable review with the reviewer eating his own "bitter, bitter medicine" for looking down on Korean cars.

Got mine at 2.69% with Affin 5 years. It's a matter of your documents as well. Bring all your payslips... make sure your other payments like credit card and etc are all up to date. If not... they might not approve of the loan or make you get a guarantor.

This post has been edited by RoyBlue: Jan 27 2010, 07:44 PM

Went to meet my SA yesterday morning to pass her the LOU... while waiting for her... in the waiting room... the LCD was showing Peter Schreyer... (the man himself) doing an explanation of his inspirations of the design of the new forte. It's quite a comprehensive video but due to the volume being turned down too low cannot hear what he was saying.

The SA told me that the cars are already here... just left some approval by some Customs dept or something to that effect. She said can confirm by this coming Tuesday as the manager will discuss the allocation of the cars. Therefore it quite matches the explanation of the rest of the SA's dealing with us.

My only hope... the car comes before CNY. I just did some asking for the 2.0 model, she said if I choose it... it will take most probably after CNY. I told her in quite a loud voice that how can NAZA do this to all the buyers... She said her hands are tied and it's a Customs issue (Nothing new!!!)

We shall see. She say will call on Tuesday. I will update you guys by then.

Bro... when a wild animal is cornered... it acts violently mate... Perhaps this fellow is trying to lash out with baseless comments...kesian...

TT? where... I'm going Klang for makan first... might be a little late... but where ar? Cannot tahan already... cannot get car yet... might as well hang out with those who already have the car...

Aiyah... missed out... Still in Klang.... some other time guys!!!

Morning Guys... had a dream last nite... dreamt that my Forte was already sitting at my porch... This morning got up...*sigh*... nothing there.

Bro KFC, how bout the sticker? where to COD?

This reminds me a little of the Type R badge which is used by most Honda drivers in Malaysia. The red accents on the grill & bodykit compliment it well. You already did it?

Wah... if put blue... and change your antenna to Gold color... confirm looks like RX-78. If put more ganas BK and more blue color then look like Exia...

Thanks for the stickers!!! They're awesome... just finished spraying them with clear coat and heat-lamp treatment

Don't worry bro... super dried and still flexible... hahhaha

Let's hope that Naza does indeed keep to their word. Pray hard people!!!

Got a call from my SA just after work... She say confirm will get car........... by the 12th.

You gotta love this Free Market economy!!!