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Now that we have been bitten by the bug of sponsorship we feel the need to try again with another company (and vehicle) that would want to be a part of our weird little world of cooking on the engine and calico curtains. Call it plan A-and-a-half? After some internet shopping we decided to take a look at the Kia Soul pictured above, the Nissan Versa hatchback, and the Nissan Cube. All are priced low and the Soul and Cube are marketed to the young and the restless. That might work to our advantage considering our bizarre pitch. These smaller cars would require that we figure on tent camping as sleeping in them is out of the question except under dire circumstances like lighting storms. A roof cargo box would be necessary to keep the inside from becoming a sardine can.
First we headed out to the Kia dealership. It is wedged in a narrow lot near the LA river in Glassell Park. Traffic was nutty and the parking lot is tiny but when we walked in we were greeted right away and shown to the car we were after. The salesman left us alone with the car for a bit and didn't lay on the hard sell. Thumbs up. So far we really like the Kia Soul. The steering wheel seen above is from a fancy one with all the audio controls on the wheel, but we're likely to go for the base model. It's rated at 31mpg on the highway with a 5 speed stick. mrs. a-go-go isn't thrilled about moving to a manual but she will be brave if that's what we can get.
Next we visited a Nissan dealer in Glendale. Erg... The sales guy looked at us like we were asking to use the bathroom and he couldn't wait to go somewhere else. I like being left alone for a while with the car I came to see, but he really seemed to want us to go away. The Versa is neither well laid out for our needs nor as comfortable as the Soul. The mileage is better but the engine has NO cooking room. Nissan capped everything under the hood with plastic that is supposed to make it look like a high tech race car under there. Poo. Plus mrs. a-go-go stabbed her hand on some mystery object when she tried to open the hood. The Cube is kookie enough looking to be appealing but it suffered from all the same problems as the Versa. Oh well...
There are a few other vehicles I have in mind as possibilities but for now the Soul looks good to us. We would like to go back and test drive the different engine and transmission options, but chiggers can't be boozers. If the Soul comes as a gift (or even a fabulous at-cost deal) from Kia we will take it with glee regardless of transmission or advertising plastered on its sides. So, how am I going to talk Kia into coming along for the ride?
I wrote a great post and your Blogger threw me out. I hate Blogger, but anywhooo
ReplyDeleteTell Kia that your trek across the country might convince someone like me to be more willing to buy a Kia. I like the Cube's look, but I don't trust Kia. I would feel better with Nissan. Your trip could prove that Kia is up to the challenge. I don't think Kia can hold up over lots of miles.
Also, use some of the tips I previously gave you, and keep it short. These people don't have time to read the great novel.
I'm a Subaru fan.
totally rooting for you!!!
ReplyDeletefingers & toes are crossed
ReplyDeletehave you guys looked at a Honda Element? my husband and I had one for 7 years, 210,000 miles, and all we ever had to replace was the tires. i do craft shows all around the country and we drove it to most of them. it was so perfect we just bought a second one, so both of us can have one.
ReplyDeletei bet you could find a used one at a very good price!
plus they have an awesome feature where the seats all fold down and become a queen sized bed or you can get a tent that attaches to the back. or you can just fold up the seats in the back which blocks to windows so you can sleep back there.
just an idea. :)
hey jessee! yes, we have looked at the element. like it but have yet to find one in our price range...eyes are always open...glad to hear good things about it though.
ReplyDelete