Seeking advice on selling Telluride EX AWD + buying Telluride SX AWD decision

[LogicBored]

Hello -- I was seeking the knowledge here as the market is abnormal and thought you all have a better feel for the current market.

Backstory: we were interested in a Kia Telluride SX back in Feb 2020 (pre-COVID), but the local dealers in SoCal were applying a significant markup. We thought, at the time, we should look at other cars if we were thinking about paying more. We also wanted to evaluate the Hyundai Palisade since it met our primary criteria (3-row seating) and it seemed it was more available. COVID then came - so we decided to wait and see what happened to the market ...and rationalize that buying a new car would largely sit in our driveway, so need to buy right now.

Current: we went to see my wife's family in Texas driving our current SUV with a small trailer we towed in July. It over-heated during the trip and I worried if it would make the trip back home. Therefore, we decided to try and buy a new SUV in Texas. In a happy coincidence - the local dealer had a 2021 Kia Telluride EX (AWD, Moss Green w/Light Gray interior with Nightfall package and towing hitch). It had come in a few days before as a special order, but the person could not take delivery anymore. It was the Moss Green color that my wife always wanted and the Nightfall package I always wanted. The Light Gray interior impressed us both ...even though my wife originally had her mind set on a Brown-Butterscotch interior and I had desired the SX trim package.

Dilemma: we decided to buy the car as we were in need and it was close to what we wanted originally. We felt if this was the car we kept - we would be perfectly happy. However, we want to explore the option of getting the exact car we wanted (Telluride SX with Nightfall in Moss Green + Butterscotch interior) as we've heard it is possible we could recover the cost (if not more) for the Telluride EX we just bought. Noting we live in SoCal where markups still seem high and inventory is low. We are in a position where we could order and wait 3-5 months for delivery.

Here is what we are exploring, but interested in hearing others' opinions and advice:

1. Determine if we can order the exact Kia Telluride configuration we want and determine how much and how long it would take for the order (noting I'm not opposed to paying up to $4K MSRP as the dealer in Texas was willing to order for that markup).
2. List our current Telluride SX to see what kind of offers come in (noting we have not driven it since our trip from Texas, so the car is near but less than 1,000 miles on the odometer).
3. Sell the EX and order an SX if #1 and #2 seem favorable.

Finally - I think what is in our head is the difference between the EX trim vs. SX tim worth the time and effort (under the cliche "a bird in hand is better than 2 in a bush")?

Thanks in advance for any advice and wisdom!

TL;DR: I bought a 2021 Telluride EX (AWD + Moss Green/Light Gray interior with Nightfall package), but really had wanted a Telluride SX (Moss Green/Butterscotch interior with Nightfall package). Should I sell the Telluride EX (that has <1,000 miles) and order a Telluride SX?

 

[suzysparks]

Hello -- I was seeking the knowledge here as the market is abnormal and thought you all have a better feel for the current market.

Backstory: we were interested in a Kia Telluride SX back in Feb 2020 (pre-COVID), but the local dealers in SoCal were applying a significant markup. We thought, at the time, we should look at other cars if we were thinking about paying more. We also wanted to evaluate the Hyundai Palisade since it met our primary criteria (3-row seating) and it seemed it was more available. COVID then came - so we decided to wait and see what happened to the market ...and rationalize that buying a new car would largely sit in our driveway, so need to buy right now.

Current: we went to see my wife's family in Texas driving our current SUV with a small trailer we towed in July. It over-heated during the trip and I worried if it would make the trip back home. Therefore, we decided to try and buy a new SUV in Texas. In a happy coincidence - the local dealer had a 2021 Kia Telluride EX (AWD, Moss Green w/Light Gray interior with Nightfall package and towing hitch). It had come in a few days before as a special order, but the person could not take delivery anymore. It was the Moss Green color that my wife always wanted and the Nightfall package I always wanted. The Light Gray interior impressed us both ...even though my wife originally had her mind set on a Brown-Butterscotch interior and I had desired the SX trim package.

Dilemma: we decided to buy the car as we were in need and it was close to what we wanted originally. We felt if this was the car we kept - we would be perfectly happy. However, we want to explore the option of getting the exact car we wanted (Telluride SX with Nightfall in Moss Green + Butterscotch interior) as we've heard it is possible we could recover the cost (if not more) for the Telluride EX we just bought. Noting we live in SoCal where markups still seem high and inventory is low. We are in a position where we could order and wait 3-5 months for delivery.

Here is what we are exploring, but interested in hearing others' opinions and advice:

1. Determine if we can order the exact Kia Telluride configuration we want and determine how much and how long it would take for the order (noting I'm not opposed to paying up to $4K MSRP as the dealer in Texas was willing to order for that markup).
2. List our current Telluride SX to see what kind of offers come in (noting we have not driven it since our trip from Texas, so the car is near but less than 1,000 miles on the odometer).
3. Sell the EX and order an SX if #1 and #2 seem favorable.

Finally - I think what is in our head is the difference between the EX trim vs. SX tim worth the time and effort (under the cliche "a bird in hand is better than 2 in a bush")?

Thanks in advance for any advice and wisdom!

TL;DR: I bought a 2021 Telluride EX (AWD + Moss Green/Light Gray interior with Nightfall package), but really had wanted a Telluride SX (Moss Green/Butterscotch interior with Nightfall package). Should I sell the Telluride EX (that has <1,000 miles) and order a Telluride SX?

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I can’t wait to see what everyone replies on this one… but I will say this… there are numerous dealers in Texas that will order EXACTLY what you want at MSRP WITHOUT a markup with a 2-5 month wait. A couple dealers have a few fees that are no more than a total of $800 on top of MSRP for things such as window tint, etc, but NOT a market adjustment or markup.

If I was you, get what you want. You’ll get your money back, especially if you are in California. A lot of people in California order from a Kia dealer In Colorado, I think I-25 Kia. I believe they are no-nonsense sell at MSRP and are a inexpensive plane ticket to pick up your car when it arrives. You can search this forum and you should be able to find recommendations on them.

 

[Aeroguy]

This is probably not going to be much of a help in your dilemma, so apologies in advance. Regarding the trim comparison, and acknowledging that everyone has their own tastes, I cannot imagine not having all the extras I have come to enjoy on my SXP. After becoming one with your EX (it is a Telluride after all), you may end up wanting more on down the road. The beauty is these vehicles are in high demand and will retain their value for sure. Maybe an exchange/upgrade in 2022 will be an easier call than other options available to you at this moment.

 

[sprengBoard]

I’d go ahead and place an order for the Telluride you really want. As mentioned in the above replies, there are dealerships in Colorado and Texas that will order at MSRP.

Colorado:
* I-25 Kia

Texas:
* Huffines Kia McKinney (quotes 4-6 months, no deposit)
* Huffines Kia Corinth (quotes 3-5 months but requires 2-5 factory accessories added and $300 refundable deposit)
* Moritz Kia Alliance (quotes 2-4 months, mandatory $898 dealer add - tint and nitrogen - and $500 refundable deposit)

While waiting for your new SX you can start getting offers for your EX from places like CarMax, Carvana, Vroom, Shift, etc. so you’ll know what to expect when trading it in. In Texas, trading in a vehicle results in lower taxes paid on the vehicle purchased - not sure how how that would be handled since you’re in California. If you get a great offer, or trading it in doesn’t give tax savings, you could sell your EX ahead of time.

Also, ordering a Telluride now brings no obligation to purchase that one - you’re still free to purchase elsewhere if you find one you like, though finding one without a markup won’t be easy or fast.

tl;dr
Order the Telluride you want as soon as possible so you at least know you have one coming. While waiting you’re free to pursue other options.

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[TellurideT]

I can’t wait to see what everyone replies on this one… but I will say this… there are numerous dealers in Texas that will order EXACTLY what you want at MSRP WITHOUT a markup with a 2-5 month wait. A couple dealers have a few fees that are no more than a total of $800 on top of MSRP for things such as window tint, etc, but NOT a market adjustment or markup.

If I was you, get what you want. You’ll get your money back, especially if you are in California. A lot of people in California order from a Kia dealer In Colorado, I think I-25 Kia. I believe they are no-nonsense sell at MSRP and are a inexpensive plane ticket to pick up your car when it arrives. You can search this forum and you should be able to find recommendations on them.

We just placed an order with Brandon Paluszak at i25 Kia today as well, (email: brandon@i25kia.com, phone: 970.590.3829, highly recommend him). Exchanged emails a few times this weekend and today, and placed the order over the phone just a few hours ago for the build we want (SXP+NF, Dark Moss/Black Nappa, Tow Pkg, Cross Bars, Mud Guard, Rear Bumper Protector, Illuminated Scuff Plates, Cargo Cover, Cargo Net), at MSRP + $695 (dealer handling).

We’re opting for shipping too, which on top of the $695, still put us at less than what we’d pay at any of the dealers we found here in OR, WA, CA and NV. Dealers here in OR alone were $8-15k above, and the others were anywhere from $3-10k in other states. All for “market adjustment.” And that’s not including other fees or taxes.

 

[Austiopath]

We just placed an order with Brandon Paluszak at i25 Kia today as well, (email: brandon@i25kia.com, phone: 970.590.3829, highly recommend him). Exchanged emails a few times this weekend and today, and placed the order over the phone just a few hours ago for the build we want (SXP+NF, Dark Moss/Black Nappa, Tow Pkg, Cross Bars, Mud Guard, Rear Bumper Protector, Illuminated Scuff Plates, Cargo Cover, Cargo Net), at MSRP + $695 (dealer handling).

We’re opting for shipping too, which on top of the $695, still put us at less than what we’d pay at any of the dealers we found here in OR, WA, CA and NV. Dealers here in OR alone were $8-15k above, and the others were anywhere from $3-10k in other states. All for “market adjustment.” And that’s not including other fees or taxes.

Is that $695 "dealer handling" a glorified dealer markup, or is that something that most anyone would need to pay in any sort of dealer situation, like a doc fee, for example. Thanks!

 

[suzysparks]

Is that $695 "dealer handling" a glorified dealer markup, or is that something that most anyone would need to pay in any sort of dealer situation, like a doc fee, for example. Thanks!

Some dealers charge that for getting the car ready once it gets off the truck/train. I hate to call it a glorified dealer markup because that really isn’t. The car comes wrapped in plastic, etc. So the dealer gets it ready. That $695 is a fair fee, most consumers are more than willing to pay it if they are just paying MSRP plus that $695. I have an SX AWD w/tow on order for MSRP on order plus $798 (for window tint and the actual custom order). More than happy to pay compared to the dealer markups in South Texas (anywhere from $5k-$7k).

 

[TellurideT]

Is that $695 "dealer handling" a glorified dealer markup, or is that something that most anyone would need to pay in any sort of dealer situation, like a doc fee, for example. Thanks!

Documentation & such.

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[Austiopath]

Documentation & such.

Got it, so it sounds like something that is fair market for almost any vehicle purchase and not over-inflated because it's a Telly.

 

[suzysparks]

Got it, so it sounds like something that is fair market for almost any vehicle purchase and not over-inflated because it's a Telly.

Yeppers

 

[TellurideT]

Got it, so it sounds like something that is fair market for almost any vehicle purchase and not over-inflated because it's a Telly.

Yes. That’s why we didn’t order here in OR, because markup is $8-15k over MSRP, before any fees (luckily no sales tax here), and some dealers wanted $5k upfront just to order, or a non refundable deposit. We checked with WA, NV, and CA and all were anywhere from $3-15k over as well. @Mediaogre found out about i25 via these forums and the rest is history. If you haven’t already, reach out to Brandon at the contact above and tell him the Straubs sent you. He did everything seamlessly over the phone after a few email exchanges.

 

[Sunshine]

Got it, so it sounds like something that is fair market for almost any vehicle purchase and not over-inflated because it's a Tel

Do they at least give a Lifetime Powertrain Warranty? Peak Kia of Wadsworth, CO does and has that same dealer handling fee, but it doesn't seem too bad, since you do get the Warranty included. They will order at MSRP.
Lalo Rincon is GREAT to work with. You won't be having to ask anyone on here when your car will arrive. He will keep you posted all along the way and that is HUGE from what I can see on here.

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[sprengBoard]

@TellurideT what was the approximate wait time you were given at I-25 Kia?

 

[TellurideT]

@TellurideT what was the approximate wait time you were given at I-25 Kia?

4-5mos.

On 8/02, we ordered an SXP/N/T in Dark Moss/Black Nappa, with cross bars, illuminated scuff plates, mud guard kit, rear bumper protector, cargo cover, and cargo net.

 

[SLPV]

I considered the rear bumper protector, but I believe it’s only silver color. So, the back end will have silver bumper protector and silver tail pipes and Kia emblem.

 

[MHOFF]

On 10/21/19 I purchased a 2020 EX AWD In Everlasting silver at MSRP $40,510.00. After driving the car for 10 months I realized I would prefer to have The SXP. On 9/03/20 I traded my EX for a 2021 SXP in Black Copper with Dune interior. Paid MSRP of $49,060.00 received $38,300 for the trade of my 2020 Telluride. Including the fact that I had to pay the Doc fee of $399.00, I figured I drove the 2020 for the equivalent of $261.00 per month for 10 months, then got a new Telluride. No regrets as I really like the SXP.

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