Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Maintenance Tip of the Week
- Fill the gas tank to help prevent condensation from accumulating in the gas tank. Add a fuel stabilizer and drive the car around a bit to distribute the additive to engine parts.
- Wash and wax the car thoroughly to protect the finish.
- Place a vapor barrier on your garage floor. A 4-mil polyethylene drop cloth will do.
- Disengage the parking brake to help avoid brake corrosion.
- Put the car on jack stands to take the weight of the vehicle off the wheels and tires.
- Disconnect and remove the battery to keep it from draining. Place the battery on a trickletype charger. Or periodically drain the battery, using a small light bulb, and then recharge it with a low-volt charger.
- Plug the tailpipe with a rag to prevent moist air from infiltrating into it.
Courtesy of Reader's Digest
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
First look: 2014 Kia Sorento
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When is a full makeover not such a full makeover? Maybe when you’re talking about the 2014 Kia Sorento. This crossover SUV is said to be totally redone, if you listen to the Korean automaker. But it sure looks similar to the previous version.
Well, at least to the naked eye it looks the same.
The Sorento gets a new chassis – the same one used by sister automaker Hyundai on its Santa Fe crossover.
Kia says the handling, ride and noise reduction have been improved. On a recent reveal event in Scottsdale for journalists, we got to take the Sorento out on highways traversing the desert.
Yes, we can confirm that the Sorento has a very nice ride.
Not sports car-like, but nice nonetheless.
The Sorento is now powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 191 horsepower. Or you may opt for the 3.3-liter V-6 that makes 290 horsepower.
Kia has added the Dynamax all-wheel-drive system to the Sorento, a system that debuted on the small Sportage crossover. It helps with traction and handling.
So, the solid, pleasant ride is perfect for what this vehicle is: a conveniently sized SUV for small to medium-sized families.
It shouldn’t, and doesn’t, aspire to be any kind of sports car.
Fuel economy is pretty good, with the four-cylinder getting 19 mpg city, 24 highway with front-wheel drive and 20 and 26 with all-wheel. Move up to the V-6 and you get 18 and 24 front-wheel and 18 and 25 all-wheel.
For driver and passengers, the Sorento offers a great environment.
Drivers will appreciate the thoughtfully laid out dashboard, which thankfully features easy knobs instead of the touch pad madness that’s all the rage now.
If you opt for the SX model, you’ll get plenty of amenities such as a power liftgate, rear air conditioning, heated and cooled leather front seats and heated steering wheel.
The Sorento comes with two or three rows of seating, but if you get the three-row version, be aware that only the tiniest folks can sit back there.
The Sorento has a pretty wide pricing range, starting at around $25,000 and topping out at a little over $40,000, if you get a fully loaded SX.
But for all that it offers, it still presents a solid value.
Courtesy of examiner.com
Monday, February 25, 2013
Don't miss out and check out this February tire special!
Hey fans, don't let this exclusive offer pass you by. There's only 3 days left to receive this tire special, so make your appointment today!
Click HERE to view our Facebook Offers page and print your coupon today!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
New/Used Inventory Online
Is it time go start shopping for a new car? Make sure you check out our online inventory to see all of the great deals on new and used vehicles at Kia of Downtown LA!
Click HERE to get started.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Online Kia Vehicle Showroom
Familiarize yourself with all the great new Kia vehicles offered at Kia of Downtown LA with our online showroom. Browse features, videos and more of the vehicle of your choice!
Click HERE to get started.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Monday, February 11, 2013
Maintenance Tip of the Week
Engine
Check your belts
At the front of your engine there will be a series of rubber
drive belts that loop around various pulleys, driving everything from the
alternator to the a/c compressor. Rubber perishes, more so in extreme
conditions like those found in an operating engine bay. Get your timing belt
and accessory drive belt checked every 25,000 miles, preferably replacing it
every 50,000 miles.
Courtesy of carbibles.com
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Used Car Special of the day!
Talk about affordable luxury! ZERO down and only $249/ month on this 2004 MB E-Class. Don't miss out on this great deal, fans! Give us a call today!
Click HERE to check it out!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
2014 Kia Sorento Glides on the Road And Blows Out Your Ears
It was just a few weeks ago that we reviewed the 2013 Sorento, and this week we took to the desert roads of central Arizona to test out the revamped, and redesigned 2014 Kia Sorento. As a matter of fact, according to Kia, over 80% of the parts in the 2014 Sorento are either all-new or redesigned. Some of the key new features include a new 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine with 290 of horsepower and the inclusion of the next-generation of UVO eServices voice-activated telematics system.
We tested a Sorento powered by the all-aluminum 3.3-liter GDI V6. This V6 engine is optional on the L6, but comes standard in the LX V6, EX V6, SX and SX Limited. The Sorento also comes standard with a smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission, and Electric Motor Driven Power Steering. For an additional cost you can throw on the FlexSteer system which lets you choose between three steering profiles – Comfort, Normal and Sport. The FlexSteer system is a nice inclusion to have for those drivers who like to feel like they are driving a sports car at times. But most of the time we preferred driving on the normal setting which provided a smooth and easy ride.
On the road, this new V6 engine shines, by providing a powerful engine that results in an effortless driving experience, even on the tough winding and hilly desert roads of Central Arizona. Most importantly, we were impressed with how smooth the ride on the 2014 Sorento is. This imrproved handling and revamped mechanics offers an even smoother ride experience over the 2013 Sorento. Some might even find it too cushy an experience, but for families with kids and members who tend to get road sick, this super smooth driving experience should be wholeheartedly welcome.
The Sorento’s exterior has been restyled with a new bumper and rear bumper, restyled fog lights, and the new body-colored trim has replaced the previous black color trim on the Sorento, making it look more refined and cleaner looking. When we recently tested the 2013 Sorento, we were already impressed with how much luggage and people it could pack in for a CUV. Fortunately, the 2014 Sorento ups the ante with even more interior space. This additional interior space includes more legroom for passengers in the 2nd row and 3rd row of seats. A 7″ TFT LCD LCD now comes standard on the EX models, and is optionally available on the LX.
Being the audiophiles that we are, we were especially excited to hear about the Sorento’s new optional new Infinity Logic 7 surround system. This optional speaker system packs in 12 speakers in 10 locations, for a total of 550 watts!
But besides for the Sorento satisfying our audiophile needs, thanks to its next generation UVO infotainment with eServices, the CUV also sports some advanced techie treats. On the Sorento, the UVO infotainment comes with a convenient Send2Car feature, which lets users send a POI or destination to their car directly from Google Maps via their smartphone. These new eServices will be powered by a free smartphone app that offers drivers diagnostics capabilities. And when outfitted with the UVO eServices/navigation package, the system’s on-board navigation system has support for voice commands.
The UVO system relies heavily on your smartphone for its brains and data connection, allowing Kia to keep costs down. As a matter of fact, Kia says that there will be no monthly fees or contracts associated with the UVO system for up to 100,00 miles. Unfortunately, at launch UVO eServices will only be supported on the iPhone. But Android smartphones will be supported by the end of 2013. Support for Siri will also be added later in the year.
Verdict
The all new redesigned 2014 Sorento will tack an additional $1000 to its starting price, but the extra grand is worth it thanks to all of its welcome new changes and available premium add-ons. For starters, we appreciate the Sorento’s newer more refined exterior looks, as well as its pretty luxurious interior options. But most of all, it’s revamped V6 engine and mechanics, all translate to a super smooth ride with plenty of pick up and great handling, even on tough roads. Finally, between the latest generation UVO infotainment system with services, and the optional powerful Infinity Logic 7 Surround Sound System, there are plenty of techie treats to be found in the 2014 Sorento. All in all, the 2014 Sorento is designed for someone who is passionate about having a super comfortable and smooth experience on the road. Pricing for the 2014 Kia Sorento begins at about $24k and tops out at about $38k with all the premium additions.
Courtesy of Chipchick.com
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