Man, stumbled onto this forum and learning about the Telluride is scary

[Philmed1]

Let me start by saying we bought a new 2013 Optima here in SoCal. The experience was a nightmare. Literally from the day my wife was supposed to pick up a car she ordered Online and we spent around 9 hours (no lie) being driven to 5 dealers trying to convince her to settle for other cars because the one she ordered wasn’t there, we messed up and gave them the check right away so they held us hostage), to Kia replacing the engine last year due to recall. To this day, after many service trips certain little crunchy sounds and stuff cannot be identified. You can imagine how we would never consider buying a Kia again. Yesterday here we are, in the market for a 3 row SUV. And the Telluride stands out. In the interest of getting the best value, I have to be open right? We started out wanting a Traverse. Maybe an Explorer. Telluride came out of nowhere and seems like easily the best VALUE. There’s literally 1 S trim within 100 miles. I don’t like the color. I wanted to test drive it and if we liked it, order what we want. Seems like another nightmare after reading these posts. With the markups I’m seeing, the value aspect is kind of gone. Then, even if you bite the bullet, people don’t when they’ll get them? Somebody convince me not to bail

 

[blitt]

Given the complexity of it all, if I could not get what I wanted.....I would bail. That being said, I was lucky and got a fully loaded SX P and it is simply the best I have ever owned in 52 years of many different cars.

 

[jw_tx21]

Let me start by saying we bought a new 2013 Optima here in SoCal. The experience was a nightmare. Literally from the day my wife was supposed to pick up a car she ordered Online and we spent around 9 hours (no lie) being driven to 5 dealers trying to convince her to settle for other cars because the one she ordered wasn’t there, we messed up and gave them the check right away so they held us hostage), to Kia replacing the engine last year due to recall. To this day, after many service trips certain little crunchy sounds and stuff cannot be identified. You can imagine how we would never consider buying a Kia again. Yesterday here we are, in the market for a 3 row SUV. And the Telluride stands out. In the interest of getting the best value, I have to be open right? We started out wanting a Traverse. Maybe an Explorer. Telluride came out of nowhere and seems like easily the best VALUE. There’s literally 1 S trim within 100 miles. I don’t like the color. I wanted to test drive it and if we liked it, order what we want. Seems like another nightmare after reading these posts. With the markups I’m seeing, the value aspect is kind of gone. Then, even if you bite the bullet, people don’t when they’ll get them? Somebody convince me not to bail

If you're in Southern California, and you need a vehicle within the next 6 months, and don't want to pay a markup, then I would bail. If you can wait a year or two the inventory situation will get better.

Most California dealers have markups. Some members have bought from out of state and paid shipping charges. All in how much effort you want to put in.

If you need a vehicle now, you might be able to negotiate a really good deal on an Explorer or a Traverse to bring the value proposition near the Telluride.

What trim do you want? Dealers frequently post inventory on this forum (they usually sell within hours or days depending on trim) but that won't happen for at least a couple more months as Kia transitions to 2021 production.

 

[GHT]

Let me start by saying we bought a new 2013 Optima here in SoCal. The experience was a nightmare. Literally from the day my wife was supposed to pick up a car she ordered Online and we spent around 9 hours (no lie) being driven to 5 dealers trying to convince her to settle for other cars because the one she ordered wasn’t there, we messed up and gave them the check right away so they held us hostage), to Kia replacing the engine last year due to recall. To this day, after many service trips certain little crunchy sounds and stuff cannot be identified. You can imagine how we would never consider buying a Kia again. Yesterday here we are, in the market for a 3 row SUV. And the Telluride stands out. In the interest of getting the best value, I have to be open right? We started out wanting a Traverse. Maybe an Explorer. Telluride came out of nowhere and seems like easily the best VALUE. There’s literally 1 S trim within 100 miles. I don’t like the color. I wanted to test drive it and if we liked it, order what we want. Seems like another nightmare after reading these posts. With the markups I’m seeing, the value aspect is kind of gone. Then, even if you bite the bullet, people don’t when they’ll get them? Somebody convince me not to bail

You should bail

______________________________

 

[Philmed1]

If you're in Southern California, and you need a vehicle within the next 6 months, and don't want to pay a markup, then I would bail. If you can wait a year or two the inventory situation will get better.

Most California dealers have markups. Some members have bought from out of state and paid shipping charges. All in how much effort you want to put in.

If you need a vehicle now, you might be able to negotiate a really good deal on an Explorer or a Traverse to bring the value proposition near the Telluride.

What trim do you want? Dealers frequently post inventory on this forum (they usually sell within hours or days depending on trim) but that won't happen for at least a couple more months as Kia transitions to 2021 production.

I wanted a S

 

[MarcinTexas]

Let me start by saying we bought a new 2013 Optima here in SoCal. The experience was a nightmare. Literally from the day my wife was supposed to pick up a car she ordered Online and we spent around 9 hours (no lie) being driven to 5 dealers trying to convince her to settle for other cars because the one she ordered wasn’t there, we messed up and gave them the check right away so they held us hostage), to Kia replacing the engine last year due to recall. To this day, after many service trips certain little crunchy sounds and stuff cannot be identified. You can imagine how we would never consider buying a Kia again. Yesterday here we are, in the market for a 3 row SUV. And the Telluride stands out. In the interest of getting the best value, I have to be open right? We started out wanting a Traverse. Maybe an Explorer. Telluride came out of nowhere and seems like easily the best VALUE. There’s literally 1 S trim within 100 miles. I don’t like the color. I wanted to test drive it and if we liked it, order what we want. Seems like another nightmare after reading these posts. With the markups I’m seeing, the value aspect is kind of gone. Then, even if you bite the bullet, people don’t when they’ll get them? Somebody convince me not to bail

I'll start by saying - today's KIA isn't the KIA of 2013. With that out of the way - I can totally identify with you. I have owned Cadillac's, Mazda6, Mercury, two Hondas, Nissan and Chevy. I never in my wildest imagination did I think I would ever own a KIA...much less spend nearly $50K on one. But here I am. Now for some history - as is clearly obvious from my car ownership history - I am not loyal to anyone brand. I try to buy the combination of what is best in the segment of car I want. In some cases (the Cadillac and the Chevy) I had emotional purchases due to the car I was purchasing - a Cadillac CTS-V and then my current Chevy SS (if you don't know what that is - look it up - a pretty rare LS3 powered family sedan with a manual transmission). Anyway - I can tell you that all cars have been relatively reliable save for one. My wife's current 2011 Honda Odyssey has had the most problems. Thankfully we purchased an extended warranty - so about 90% of the repairs were covered. The most reliable car I have owned? My 1996 Mercury Cougar - had it for 8 years and a flawless 150K miles. Never gave me trouble. Honestly - built like a tank and is probably still driving somewhere in Texas today. All that said - all cars can be good or bad. So that comes back to what is the best option in the segment you are looking at. For me - I wanted to like the new Explorer. We were set on buying one last summer when they came out - but when we test drove one - I couldn't believe how cheap the interior was. Yeah, it drove nice - but the interior was a throw back to cheap american car interiors from the 80's. One of the worst I had ever seen. I can only imagine only Ford loyalists and fleets are buying them. The interior is god awful. For us - we wanted lots of luxury features - but also wanted an interior that was usable. That meant comfort in all three rows and still decent storage behind the 3rd row. We kept coming back to the KIA. Then I watched as it won award after award from everyone. Even the independent youtube auto channels loved it (I say that for the Motor Trend conspiracy guys that claim their awards are for sale). I didn't want to buy a KIA. I loathed the brand image. Yet we kept coming back. And then this past January placed an order for an SXP with the tow package. We are still waiting. I have at times gone back to see what my plan B would be if something happened and we had to buy something today...and the furthest I can get away from the Telluride is the Palisade.

So all that said - do your homework and buy what you want. But don't let the badge on the hood scare you away. KIA makes good stuff now - and their sales reflect that.

 

[Philmed1]

You should bail

 

[MarcinTexas]

You should bail

Why?

______________________________

 

[Philmed1]

I'll start by saying - today's KIA isn't the KIA of 2013. With that out of the way - I can totally identify with you. I have owned Cadillac's, Mazda6, Mercury, two Hondas, Nissan and Chevy. I never in my wildest imagination did I think I would ever own a KIA...much less spend nearly $50K on one. But here I am. Now for some history - as is clearly obvious from my car ownership history - I am not loyal to anyone brand. I try to buy the combination of what is best in the segment of car I want. In some cases (the Cadillac and the Chevy) I had emotional purchases due to the car I was purchasing - a Cadillac CTS-V and then my current Chevy SS (if you don't know what that is - look it up - a pretty rare LS3 powered family sedan with a manual transmission). Anyway - I can tell you that all cars have been relatively reliable save for one. My wife's current 2011 Honda Odyssey has had the most problems. Thankfully we purchased an extended warranty - so about 90% of the repairs were covered. The most reliable car I have owned? My 1996 Mercury Cougar - had it for 8 years and a flawless 150K miles. Never gave me trouble. Honestly - built like a tank and is probably still driving somewhere in Texas today. All that said - all cars can be good or bad. So that comes back to what is the best option in the segment you are looking at. For me - I wanted to like the new Explorer. We were set on buying one last summer when they came out - but when we test drove one - I couldn't believe how cheap the interior was. Yeah, it drove nice - but the interior was a throw back to cheap american car interiors from the 80's. One of the worst I had ever seen. I can only imagine only Ford loyalists and fleets are buying them. The interior is god awful. For us - we wanted lots of luxury features - but also wanted an interior that was usable. That meant comfort in all three rows and still decent storage behind the 3rd row. We kept coming back to the KIA. Then I watched as it won award after award from everyone. Even the independent youtube auto channels loved it (I say that for the Motor Trend conspiracy guys that claim their awards are for sale). I didn't want to buy a KIA. I loathed the brand image. Yet we kept coming back. And then this past January placed an order for an SXP with the tow package. We are still waiting. I have at times gone back to see what my plan B would be if something happened and we had to buy something today...and the furthest I can get away from the Telluride is the Palisade.

So all that said - do your homework and buy what you want. But don't let the badge on the hood scare you away. KIA makes good stuff now - and their sales reflect that.

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it

 

[jw_tx21]

I wanted a S

S trim is a terrific value. What I would do is use the VIN Lookup Website (Telluride Lookup) and look for VINs matching your preferences. These are recently produced vehicles. I would search out of state too. Then, I'd call those dealers to see if they have one not sold that they can ship to you (shipping is usually less than $1000).

You shouldn't expect a discount to MSRP as you should with other brands... but you can find them without a markup. Just takes a lot of effort.

 

[Philmed1]

S trim is a terrific value. What I would do is use the VIN Lookup Website (Telluride Lookup) and look for VINs matching your preferences. These are recently produced vehicles. I would search out of state too. Then, I'd call those dealers to see if they have one not sold that they can ship to you (shipping is usually less than $1000).

You shouldn't expect a discount to MSRP as you should with other brands... but you can find them without a markup. Just takes a lot of effort.

Much appreciated. Thank you

 

[Tellthemride]

Bail if you want to pay MSRP and can’t wait 6-12 months for an order. Buy if you don’t mind actively searching inventory, driving far to pick one up, or paying over MSRP.

Test drive any trim available in your area, the drivetrain is all the same.

______________________________

 

[Flekke]

Let me start by saying we bought a new 2013 Optima here in SoCal. The experience was a nightmare. Literally from the day my wife was supposed to pick up a car she ordered Online and we spent around 9 hours (no lie) being driven to 5 dealers trying to convince her to settle for other cars because the one she ordered wasn’t there, we messed up and gave them the check right away so they held us hostage), to Kia replacing the engine last year due to recall. To this day, after many service trips certain little crunchy sounds and stuff cannot be identified. You can imagine how we would never consider buying a Kia again. Yesterday here we are, in the market for a 3 row SUV. And the Telluride stands out. In the interest of getting the best value, I have to be open right? We started out wanting a Traverse. Maybe an Explorer. Telluride came out of nowhere and seems like easily the best VALUE. There’s literally 1 S trim within 100 miles. I don’t like the color. I wanted to test drive it and if we liked it, order what we want. Seems like another nightmare after reading these posts. With the markups I’m seeing, the value aspect is kind of gone. Then, even if you bite the bullet, people don’t when they’ll get them? Somebody convince me not to bail

If you are willing to consider buying in N. Cal, I would recommend that you call Richmond Hilltop Kia and ask to speak to Moe, he may have some inventory coming in Jul at MSRP.

 

[My Car is a 2001]

If you are willing to consider buying in N. Cal, I would recommend that you call Richmond Hilltop Kia and ask to speak to Moe, he may have some inventory coming in Jul at MSRP.

I have a call with them tomorrow! What was your buying experience with them like?

 

[Flekke]

I have a call with them tomorrow! What was your buying experience with them like?

Great! No issues at all. You just have to be really good at saying “not interested” in the finance office when they offer all the warranty portions they have

 

[MONKEYPANTS555]

S trim is a terrific value. What I would do is use the VIN Lookup Website (Telluride Lookup) and look for VINs matching your preferences. These are recently produced vehicles. I would search out of state too. Then, I'd call those dealers to see if they have one not sold that they can ship to you (shipping is usually less than $1000).

You shouldn't expect a discount to MSRP as you should with other brands... but you can find them without a markup. Just takes a lot of effort.

Just saw a $10,000 dealer mark up in California today.

______________________________

 

[Sharnhorst]

If you are willing to consider buying in N. Cal, I would recommend that you call Richmond Hilltop Kia and ask to speak to Moe, he may have some inventory coming in Jul at MSRP.

You will be in for a long wait, I ordered my SXP in the beginning of January and have no updates I had to inquire last Friday and told They will check on Monday and get back with me.

 

[daybreak]

It sounds like the Kia Telluride is not for you. You should bail.

 

[R.fost15]

We were looking at Palisade for the last five months waiting to buy one this Christmas. We watched a video on YouTube comparing the value of the palisade vs a Telluride. The Telluride has more value and my wife wanted a white EX. There was only one listed in Ontario in early May and we drove 2 1/2 hours to get it. It’s been 7 weeks and we love it. The vehicle is comfortable, peppy, great on fuel for it’s size, and loaded with a ton of features. I have no regrets paying sticker price.

The lower trims on the Telluride are a better value, but the higher trims are nearly identical with the Palisade. I don’t think you could go wrong with either one.