Bro...keep saying Korean car is bad & how reliable Toyotas are is not gonna get us anywhere. There is not comparison here.

The Korean car u talking bout is d old generation. Since the 2008...the Korean had been agressive in term of new product line incl. new designs, engines & tech. So, it's a new thing. It's a turning point for the Korean. The fact tht they are doing well in many part of the world with their new line of products proof tht acceptance is there.

Toyotas on the other hand, had been using the tried & tested engines. So realiability is high...the new Vios still share the same engine like ur Vios. Toyotas also have a wonderful re-sale value.

Service wise...I'm not sure how good Toyota is...but I KIA have a decent service. It's about 3 hours...just like the avg Toyota service(s) (Fren quoted)

Potential buyer...do test drive & checkout the car before buying. If you can let go the branding & the re-sale value....Korean do prove a strong contender. But if u wan a good re-sale value car...only the Hondas & Toyotas give you that.

Parts price about the same. Korean reliability is still unknown as they hv new engines & tech. However, their Theta II engines is the same engine tht is currently used in Mitsu Lancer GT 2.0 (if this gv u some peace of mind)

I'm a KIA Forte owner...& yes...I spend some longtime before deciding on KIA over the Honda / Toyotas. I'm gonna drive it around 7 years...so re-sale value is not a big concern. Reliability....only time will tell.

But I'm willing to gv it a shot. I love the car as it is a segment higher, newer & engine, better tech & etc.

If the Forte ended up like the previous Spectra....well.....I think I will be like bro cyber (nah)....I still enjoy the ride.

I fit doesn't & proof to be a good car....well...I make the right choice !

3 years later we can talk again. But bro cyber....u really nid to re-visit these Kimchi gal. They improve.

Now things like Naza & salesman is another viewing angle. Cheers.

Common guys. Let's focus on Sonata.

cybermaster98 had his experience. To him: -

1. Bad Koreans car...it's OK
2. His 7 years Vios still kicking good...it's OK
3. Toyota SC is excellent in service (to him)...it's OK
4. Vios sells better...it's OK.
5. Etc (sorry...forgot wht else)...it's OK

He is talking about his opinion. We are talking bout how gorgeous & tech fit the Sonata are.

Eg.

When I buy my Forte. PPl say: -

1. Korean car no re-sale value. I dun buy a car to sell. I buy bcoz I like it.
2. Korean car got problem. I say tht's old generation...now it's a completely new line of product.
3. New line ? Reliable or not ? I say...wait for my news in 3 years
4. 3 years ? ...if got problem how. I hv never think tht far.
5.Korean car FC very bad. Well, such heavy car....wif RM0.16-RM0.18 per KM (for Forte)....OK lah. But kanot fight wif Vios or City.
6. Korean car space parts expensive. I say it's about same price with Honda/ Toyota. Official SC price. Dun compare wif Chop shop.

The most important things is buy something u like & enjoy the ride. Be confident in ur choice. It's ur money.

I certainly enjoy my ride ! Forte rocks.

I've given out Forte general FC.

Probably can compare against them in the Altis or Civic thread. My long guess would be they are about the same.




For me, i choose a value for money car with the best safety features, bigger that is within my budget & the good looks was an added bonus

No. It's not excellent...but it's decent for such a big & heavy car.

We'll c how it goes after my 1k service. But RM0.16/km is no shame.

Cool off guys !

It's a Sonata thread tht ended up as the Kimchi vs Sushi war.

I've read thru the pages.. the "Kelvin" guys got it wrong. No one bash Japs car ! He probably din bother to read the earlier thread.

Let's be open minded.

Cyber summary (copy paste): -
Let me summarize my comments (again):

1) Korean makes have always proven to be of inferior quality since the good old days. The worldwide satisfaction survey proves this.
2) The newer models may have improved in quality but we will only know in about 2 yrs time when parts start breaking down and require replacement. Nobody can effectively say whether quality has or has not improved on these newer models.
3) The after sales service quality and standards have not changed and will not change as long its controlled by the local destributers/ service centres
4) The resale values will continue to be poor as long as the original sale figures are low
5) Cost of part replacement have and will still be relatively more expensive compared to Toyota & Honda
6) The Sonata has been poorly priced unlike the Forte and WILL lose out to the Camry & Accord especially since the new Camry is due next year while the Accord will be facelifted this year.
7) The Korean makes coming out now are getting better in terms of specs and styling
8) The Korean makes must be priced at least 25-35K lower than a corresponding Jap model in order to become competitive.

With an open mind: -

1. The quality issue is with the old days. The current generation is based on a new platform, new engines & proven gearbox. It's a whole new experience. U'll nid to wait a little longer (2 yrs as u mentioned) to make a point on this.

2. Same as point 1. Btw, the word "may" means u hv not take a close enuf view on the Kichi car. Once u does, the quality ACTUALLY improved.

3. This is subjective. A quick look on the Forte thread suggest it improved. (Forte is the 1st model to launch based on the all new Kimchi line-up)

4. This a fact. But to be fair, Sales figures has no direct relation to quality or wht not. Malaysian mentality & perception had a big influence as well.

5. "Relatively" more expensive. Throw-in multiple part pricing incl. the cold item (eg side mirror, head lamp & etc) & hot item (eg. engine oil, filter, brake pads & etc)...I think Kimchi should be 5-15% more expensive compared to Japs. Economy of scale influence the parts pricing.

6. This I agree. Priced too close to make an impact against the big boys. Unlike the Forte...which is a no brainer (open mind).

7. This I agree (no brainer).

8. Not in the Auto industry to make a guess.

Accept the fact tht the Kimchi is agressively pushing the market. We'll jus nid to cool off & re-visit the above-mentioned point from time to time.

Accept the fact tht 2 years ago, if u wan something other than P1 & P2...Vios & City is the only viable choice. But now...it's a different ball game.

On the current front: -

1. If u change car in 5 yrs time or less. T & H is a good choice.
2. If u use more than 5 years, take a look @ the Kimchi...or at least test drive one.

I was in these type of junction as well. Sushi or Kimchi. Reading forum....all cars hv issue (minor or wht not). Frens oso strongly suggest Sushi.

In the end, test drive all the shortlisted model...Vios, City, Alza & Forte. Forte it is then !

Build quality is better against competitor in the same price bracket. Specs is better (tht's the fact). The only issue left now it's the reliability. It's a whole new engine after all.

But KIA is giving 5 years warranty on the powertrain in other countries. I assume tht should b a general indicator(s) tht the engine is reliable. NAZA here only gv 2 yrs !....which is bad.

My apology for goin off topic. I can only gv a Kimchi view based on the Forte as I owned 1. End the war guys. Open ur mind up. It's a whole new world.