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Summer time means more time spent on the open road and exploring uncharted territories in the wilderness, and enjoying a day out soaking up the rays on white sand beaches listening to the ocean waves.  Unfortunately, both of those things also mean your vehicle will have regular contact with one of Mother Nature’s finest creatures: birds! While you’re appreciating a meadowlark in the woods or giggling at the tricky antics of a fry-stealing seagull, their little feathered patooties can wreak havoc on your precious automobile with just a few stray droppings.  The acid in the feces begins to burn and bubble the paint and clear coat.  It will etch into the paint and corrode it with rapid inte. Ugh!  But never fear, Classic’s Body Shop is here!  Let us save the day from villainous bird feces and help you protect your car. Today we’re going to cover some helpful tips and tricks via our Body Shop Technicians for removing bird poop and protecting your car’s paint and clearcoat for years to come. Bird poop is highly corrosive thanks to the uric acid and chemical compounds within it, and the strong acidic pH of between 3 and 5.  If left unchecked, the bird droppings will quickly degrade clear coat, bleach and bubble the paint, and cause scratches and abrasions on the surface.   In fact, paint damage can occur as early as 10 minutes, especially in hot weather and direct sunlight, so it should be removed as soon as possible within 48 hours from contact with bird poop. While it is really important that you remove it as quickly as possible, don't just swipe, wipe and go!  There is a method to the madness when it comes to cleaning off the “muck” and not just anything can be used; you need products that are heavy “doody” enough to clear it without damage.  Trying to scrape it or remove it without taking the proper steps will further damage your vehicle’s clear coat and paint, and leave it prone to rust and further corrosion. Here’s a list of helpful ways to remove bird droppings from your vehicle, and great ways to clean, buff, and protect it for the future: Commercial Bird Poop Cleaning Solutions Soak microfiber cloth in a cleaning solution and place gently on top of dried caked on bird poop for 15 mins, rub softly with the cloth to lift the poop mess off; use a clay bar to pick up remaining impurities and muck left behind and buff with polish. Bird Poop wipes made of bamboo or other soft fibers and covered in gentle, noncorrosive cleaning solution or a little bottle of specialized Poop Spray can also be used. WD40 Spray Spray a generous amount on dried up bird poop splats and let it sit for about one minute.  Using a clean microfiber cloth and a soft touch, gently wipe and it should lift up easily! Hot Water + Baking Soda Spray Mix 1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of baking soda into a 32 ounce spray bottle filled with hot water, stir, and shake to dissolve. Spritz the solution onto the dried bird poop and let it soak in for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse with fresh water from a bucket or hose. Seltzer and Club Soda on Windshield For bird poop that’s stuck to your windshield and stubborn enough that it won’t remove with wiper fluid, a little bubbly will do the trick!  Simply pour a little club soda or seltzer on it, let sit for up to 5 minutes or so, and then spray with clean fresh water, and wipe with windshield wipers and wiper fluid. Parked under a tree and returned to a polka-dotted poop mess and feeling a bit intimidated? We get it!  Sometimes, things are best left to the pros.  In this case, we recommend having your car professionally detailed and cleaned by an auto body technician or automotive detailer. Have you left the poop on a little too long or perhaps made a rookie move of cleaning it without realizing the proper technique? If your paint has been scratched, damaged, bubbled, or is beginning to corrode, you can bring your car in for a professional touch-up and have it repainted or a new clear-coat applied. Looking to head off those dastardly defecating demons of the sky? No problem!  Head them off at the pass by protecting your car by having a professional install a clear bra vinyl wrap, applying a fresh clear coat to the paint, or even something as simple as a coat of wax polish.  And make sure to wash your car on a regular basis with professional grade supplies at home, or through a professional auto body detailing service. More of a visual learner who needs some video tutorials? No problem!  We’ve selected some of the best picks from YouTube’s Car Vloggers to share with you: Chemical Guys: Bird Poop Cleanup: Ammo NYC: Removing Bird Poop From Car Paint: Ammo NYC: Step by Step Guide to Detailing Your Car: Forensic Detailing Channel: How to Polish a Car for Beginners:

Happy Earth Day from All of us at Classic Auto Group! Kia’s committed to building a brighter, greener, more sustainable future for the company and it’s customers.  The company has created a responsive framework to climate change by focusing on achieving carbon neutrality, reducing environmental impact across the entire value chain from supply to production to use and distribution/disposal.  Kia is on the way to success by employing an all encompassing vision for sustainable mobility and remains focused on realizing their goals for carbon neutrality through their “3S Activities”: Sustainable mobility, sustainable energy, sustainable planet. LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW KIA IS MAKING STRIDES FOR A GREENER FUTURE Sustainable Mobility The company aims to pave the way for an all-electric future, and has set their sights on introducing 11 different Electric Vehicles to the consumer market by 2026.  They expect the European market to be fully electric by 2035, and fully electric on a global scale by 2045.  Kia also aims to recycle and upcycle waste into materials for interior fabric, seats, carpeting and more.  They’re reducing their use of animal leathers to reduce reliance on and eventually phase out leather to reduce animal skin processing, creating a much smaller carbon footprint during manufacturing. Sustainable Energy Kia has big plans to make sure that they achieve RE 100 by 2040.  This means that the end goal will ultimately show that all electric power used at manufacturing sites will be from 100% renewable sources!  Their first stepping stone is 100% powered by renewable energy by 2030 at overseas manufacturing facilities, and domestic production sites in Korea by 2040.  They’re already well on the way by beginning to install solar energy systems at plants in Korea, China, the US, and India.  Kia expects all vehicles used on site to also be EV class by 2030.  As of 2022, all tier-1 partners have received specific guidelines and support programs established to help them reduce greenhouse gas emissions and obtain carbon neutrality.  It is expected that by 2030, all supply chain partners of steel will be supplying the company with “green steel” for manufacturing, which produces ⅓ less carbon emission compared to current standards. Sustainable Planet Kia is committed to taking proactive measures to increase positive contributions to environmental efforts by way of “virtuous recycling loop.”  New programs have been implemented to reuse EV batteries, partner with local energy companies to recover and transform end-of-life batteries into new energy storage systems.  Kia also aims to include 20% or more of plastic parts used in Kia vehicles to be recycled plastics by 2030.  And then there is the wonderful Blue Carbon program, with efforts to protect and restore tidal mudflats in Korea absorb 260,000 tons of harmful emission annually, which equates to the emissions produced by up to 110,000 Internal Combustion Engine vehicles.  Preserving the tidal flats will be a major boon in environmental conservation efforts.  Additional external partnerships will see to it that the company recycles marine plastic waste collected through projects such as The Ocean Cleanup non-profit foundation. Learn more about Kia’s efforts for ECO-Friendly Car Lifecycle Management. Kia’s EV6 is the first Korean car in history to achieve a “Product Carbon Footprint.”

Kia’s first dedicated EV signals the beginning of the brand’s transformative ‘Plan S’ electrification strategy! “Kia is undergoing a pivotal shift to electrification and the all-new EV6 is the first major step in that direction, underpinned by the company’s advanced E-GMP platform,” said Steve Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. “Partnering with Electrify America will enable our customers to enjoy a superior charging experience coupled with the outstanding all-electric range of the EV6.” It’s finally here: The All-Electric EV6 Crossover from Kia, the 2022 European Car of the Year, and 2022 Red Dot Design Award winner! We’re very excited to unveil some of the spectacular features and amenities found in the new Kia EV6 vehicle. This ground-breaking new crossover is the first Kia model based on the company’s innovative Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), and paves the way for six new all-electric models to be released by 2026.  The EV6 has a state-of-the-art 77.4 kWh high-density lithium-ion battery which affords it an EPA-rated 310 mile driving range!  Ultra-fast DC Charging capability via the 800V multi-charging architecture system allows you to receive up to 217 miles of driving range in under 20 minutes with a 350kW charger. And this glorious EV really packs some power: 0-60mph acceleration in a mere 4.6 seconds – that means it’s faster than a Porsche Cayenne Coupe! Starting at just $40,900 MSRP, you’re getting state-of-the-art features, environmentally conscious all-electric technology, sleek and sporty styling inside and out, and unparalleled reliability and top-tier performance.  Not to mention up to 1,000 kWh of complimentary charging from Kia America and Electrify America’s new partnership! Kia aims to round out its mission to electrify its European line by 2035, followed soon after by other key market lineups by 2040, so why not  race forward and always one step ahead of the curve?  Drive into the future in your very own award-winning EV6 from Kia! Learn More about complimentary charging from Kia America and Electrify America: Kia America and Electrify America have joined forces to provide Kia EV6 buyers with 1,000 kilowatt-hours of complimentary charging at any of Electrify America’s nationwide charging stations.  What does that mean for you?  You’ll get anywhere from 3,000-4,000 miles of all-electric driving range on the house, depending on your model and driving habits.  Electrify America has one of the largest charging networks in the country, with a capacity for up to 350kW of high-speed charging (depending on make/model of vehicle.)  To receive your EV6 charging credits you’ll enroll in Kia Connect, and then login through the owner portal or via the Kia Access App to receive a special enrollment code.  That code can be used via the Electrify America mobile app all across the company’s charging network!  The 1,000 kWh of complimentary charging is available for up to 3 years from your purchase date. Check it out and see for yourself why the Kia EV6 is rising in rank to the top of its class in electric vehicles. Stop by our dealership to learn more about the EV6 and our current special promotional offers, and a trusted associate will help you through the process. Features and Specs of the All New EV6 from Kia: New Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) underpins all-new model in RWD or Dual-Motor e-AWD State-of-the-art 77.4kWh high-density lithium-ion battery allows up to an EPA-rated 310-mile1 range for road trips and excursions; a 339-mile range was achieved in independent testing2 World’s first 800V multi-charging architecture enables ultra-fast DC charging capability from 10-80 percent charge (up to 217 miles range) in under 18 minutes3 114.2-inch wheelbase equivalent to the Telluride SUV 102 cu.-ft. of passenger room; flat floor design yields 24.4 cu.-ft. of cargo room behind second row and 50.2 cu.-ft. of space with the second-row seats folded down Outstanding performance achieving zero to 60 in 4.6 seconds4 Innovative Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function turns EV6 into a mobile power source for computers, camping, tailgating, and back-up power at home 21 standard active Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)5 with semi-autonomous driver capabilities including Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) Augmented Reality6 (AR) Head-Up Display (HUD) system projects three-dimensional images on windshield

Kia America Hosts North America Debut of All-New 2023 Niro at New York International Auto Show IRVINE, Calif., April 5, 2022 - Kia America returns to the New York International Auto Show next week with the North American debut of the all-new 2023 Niro. As a key component to Plan S, the brand’s ambitious electrification and sustainability initiative, the Niro arrives sporting many of the design cues first seen on the Habaniro concept, including the unique and aerodynamic panel along the C-pillar. Other hints at Niro’s concept-car origins may be found in the dramatically designed LED headlights and high-mounted taillights. Inside is a cabin briming with technology, driver assist features and generous cargo capacity. Debuting in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric EV variants, the Niro will roll across the Kia display stand Wednesday, April 13, at 10:10 AM Eastern time and will be streamed live across Kia America’s social channels and may also be viewed at Kia.com. About Kia America Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert. Press Release Information Accuracy Disclaimer Information posted in press releases on the Kia Media website was accurate at the time of posting but may be superseded by subsequent releases or other information.

Earlier this month, Kia Corporation presented its 2030 Roadmap to become a global sustainable mobility leader at the company’s 2022 CEO Investor Day Virtual Conference.  This new initiative is meant to improve and build upon the “Plan S” Strategy announced in 2020, and provides more insight on how the company will become a Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider. Per the official press release, under their three pillars of support – “people,” “planet,” and “profit” – Kia Corporation aims to “enhance customer value and nurture talents, reduce carbon emissions in consideration for the environment, and generate profits while working as a responsible corporate citizen.” The company has four key business objectives for 2030: accelerating electrification and achieving sales of 1.2 million BEVs by 2030; achieving sales of 4 million vehicles sold annually by 2030, half of which are expected to be eco-friendly models; expanding the application of connected car feature and autonomous driving technologies to all new vehicles; and become the #1 naem in global purpose-built vehicle markets by 2030.  It’s an impressive goal, but with Kia’s sterling reputation for reaching and surpassing many previous sales goals and technology achievements, we couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the Kia network. In the first two years alone, Kia has blossomed into a leading EV brand and recorded its highest ever gross revenue and operating profit in 2021!  The Kia Corporation is confident that they’ll continue forward with a positive momentum to do even more in 2022 and beyond. Fast Facts in Summary: Kia announces key targets to transform into Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider Company targeting 4 million annual vehicle sales globally in 2030 Kia accelerating EV transition to sell 1.2 million BEVs in 2030 Kia to establish a line-up of 14 BEV models by 2027 Sales of Kia’s eco-friendly models to surpass two million in 2030; these models to represent more than 3 quarter of sales in major markets ‘AutoMode’, Kia’s new autonomous driving technology, to be launched in 2023 with first application in EV9 Kia aims to expand connected car features to all vehicle lineup by 2025 Aims to become No.1 global PBV brand by 2030; first dedicated PBV model in 2025 Company announces financial targets for 2026: gross revenue of KRW 120 trillion and operating profit margin of 8.3% Learn more about this initiative and future plans right here in the official Press Release and event’s info roundup.

It’s been a very long winter, and we’re ready for Spring as much as the next person!  We cannot wait to step outside and embrace the beautiful warm sunshine.  As you may notice in the next few weeks, there are signs of spring all over the Greater Chicago Area!  The planters are blooming along Michigan Avenue with their trademark tulips.  Cherry Blossoms are beginning to unfurl and your social media feed is flooded with pink blossom themed selfies.  You’re spotting cyclists out on the roads and nature trails and even on the bike lanes on major roadways. Yes, folks, it’s time to bid farewell to our frigid pal, Winter.  And there’s no time like the present to make sure your car is in tip top shape for all your Spring Break adventures! Replace wiper blades and apply hydrophobic coating to your windshield. April Showers bring May Flowers, but it’s important to have clear visibility as you drive if you’d like to see the sights of springtime blooming around you! Detail your vehicle’s interior and give your car professional car wash. If your car has a leather or leather-blend interior, it’s important to condition the fabric so it doesn’t crack or peel during hot weather months.  Get into all the nooks and crannies to clear out the grit, grime, and grave that accumulated over winter!  Bringing your car to a professional washing facility will also help remove the accumulated salt and muck from winter weather.  Help keep it protected through rainy days by requesting it also get a fresh buff with top quality car wax. Check your vehicle’s belts and hoses. Pop open the hood and take a look inside and ensure that all of the belts, hoses, and connections are in tip-top shape. Cold and freezing temperatures can cause the rubber and plastics to crack or split, thus weakening their ability to move properly.  Replace anything that looks worn, torn or damagd before you hit the road and end up with a seized engine. Check and Test your A/C. Don’t wait until the sweltering heat is already in full-force before you test your Air Conditioner.  Make sure the fans and cooling unit are working properly before the summer gets here, and get it tuned-up and repaired if not! Check those tires. Be sure that your tires have been inspected for cracks, tears, leaks, worn treads, and proper inflation.  Refer to your vehicle manufacturer’s manual for proper inflation rate, as well as the listing on the physical tire itself to ensure they're at the right pressure.  Make sure that you get a tire rotation as well, to ensure that your wheels have even wear and tear.  Replace any worn or damaged tires or have leaks patched. Check your vehicle’s light bulbs. Properly working light bulbs and LEDs can increase your visibility during foggy, hazy weather and rain. Replace any interior and exterior lights that are blinking or not working. Change your cabin filter. Pollen allergies are at an all-time high yet again this year, ugh!  A fresh, clean cabin air filter is a great way to clean the air and reduce pollen and allergens in your car’s interior. Bring your car in for a general tune-up and check-up. Don’t ignore your dashboard lights. Don’t wait until your car breaks down or strands you on your summer road trip!  Get things taken care of now, so you can enjoy all of your upcoming road trips with confidence.

Spring is only a week or so away, and that means the school year is starting to wind down! We thought it would be a great time to highlight helpful hints and pointers for student-friendly cars.  With many senior students doing college preparations, getting their acceptance letters,  we know that many families are doing their best to plan ahead for the upcoming travel and moving expenses of college.  Let our helpful blog post guide you to finding the best car that fits your student’s needs and your family’s budget!  It’s all right here on today’s blog. Today’s modern student needs a lot of room in their vehicle to pack up their friends, hobbies, and technology for road trips, weekend getaways, sporting events, and more.  So we’re going to share our picks for the best models that can accommodate their needs. Let Classic Auto Group help you and your student navigate your way through the sea of choices.  Our trusted technicians and salespeople can guide you to the right choice for your budget and travel needs!  You can feel confident and comfortable that you’ll be able to find a safe vehicle in your budget range, and send your teen to college in the best option. Classic Auto Group’s Recommended Cars for College Students The Kia Seltos is a subcompact SUV, which provides a little more room than the average sedan, but less bulk than traditional SUVs or Trucks.  Your student will find ample cargo space, comfortable and spacious 2nd row seating for traveling with friends, and plenty of modern amenities such as Bluetooth Connectivity with Voice Recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 1 USB port for charging.  It also comes with the standard safety features you know and love from Kia: lane-keep assist, lane centering, high-beam assist, driver attention warning, and more! The Kia Soul has always been popular thanks to its unique aesthetic and trademark design.  It’s a very roomy option with plenty of cargo space and legroom for passengers.  Newer models also come standard with Bluetooth Connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and one USB port.  Base models also come with a 6-speed manual transmission.  Upgraded options can include a full technology suite featuring additional safety assist options such as forward-collision warning, emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring, etc. Additional Recommended Kia Models: Kia Sportage, Kia Optima, Kia Forte, Kia Rio Let us help you find the right car to fit your budget!  If purchasing or leasing a new car isn’t right for your finances, our trusted employees can help you find the pre-owned model that’s right for you and your student without breaking the bank!

We’re back with another edition of our Classic Auto Group Decoder!  Since buying and fixing cars isn’t a part of our daily or even weekly lives, we know that it might seem a little daunting when you come in to shop or bring your car in for service. That's' why we’re helping with our Automotive Terminology posts, to help you better understand industry lingo and the inner workings of your vehicle. We hope that these posts instill a sense of confidence within you so that you can stay in the know!  You’ll be well-prepared for your next car purchase by knowing exactly what does what and features that best suit your needs.  And you’ll be armed with knowledge enough to chat with your local service technician about the ins-and-outs of your maintenance appointments.  It’s all right here on today’s blog; today’s topic is the Suspension System in your car. So what even does your car’s suspension system do? Allow us to break it down for you.  This system consists of tires, tire air pressure, coil springs, rods and linkages, joints and bearings and bushings, and shock absorbers or struts.  These work together as a system of protective, shock-absorbing components which ensure your car drives safely and smoothly, absorbing bumps and impacts from roadways and other kinetic energy.  It supports the vehicle’s weight, absorbs and dampens the shock, and stabilizes the drive to keep it calm and comfortable. How to Spot an issue in the Suspension System and What Should You Do? The suspension system can take a lot of wear and tear as you drive, because that’s its job, of course!  Still, as with anything, if you hit enough potholes, bumps, lumps, or curbs it will eventually lead to some regular maintenance and repairs.  In addition, if you get into any accidents or fender-benders, even minor ones, those can also take their toll on your suspension and alignment. On average you’ll need to replace the shocks/struts every 50k and 100k miles, but sometimes they may need repairs or service in between.  And likewise, if your area has smooth roadways and flat surfaces, they may last a little longer than the average. You’ll notice it’s time to bring your car in for a service appointment when you notice the following: Your vehicle drifts a bit whenever you turn or drive on a curve. You are noticing it’s not a smooth ride and feel the bumps, or as if you’re driving the “Flintstone mobile” with rocks for wheels. You notice your car pulls to one side or the other as you drive, especially at higher speeds. You notice fluid leaks, oil, or grease accumulation on your shocks/struts. Your tires are wearing unevenly due to poor alignment and damaged suspension. You notice your vehicle frame is sinking a little bit. You notice unusual noises; a broken strut or shock may have a clinking, clunking, or knocking sound when you hit a bump. If you notice any of these things in your vehicle, call one of our service technicians right away to have it serviced.  It’s not just about a smooth ride, it’s also what keeps your vehicle balanced and stable while driving!  The suspension system is a vital safety component on your car, and it’s dangerous to drive with worn or broken shock absorbers and increases your risk of accident. Some Important Phrases and Definitions to know: Adjustable suspension A suspension that offers driver-selectable damper (and sometimes spring) firmness settings to suit varying conditions and personal preferences. Auto-leveling suspension A suspension that adjusts the height of the vehicle so that its rear stays even with the front when cargo is carried; some systems offer multiple height settings for off-road, normal and high-speed operation. Ball joints Movable joints in the steering linkage and suspension system of a vehicle that permit rotating movement in any direction between the parts that are joined. CV joints Constant velocity joints, which are located on either end of the drive axles and transmit engine power while enabling full steering and suspension movement. Black accordion boots cover and protect these joints and hold lubricant. Stabilizer bar Sometimes called an anti-roll or anti-sway bar. A device that connects the left and right sides of a suspension to limit body roll in turn Suspension fluid A fluid used in suspension systems that are hydraulically adjustable. Suspension geometry The relationship between the placement of the mounting points for each of a vehicles suspension components.

Join us in helping our local veterans. Next time you shop - think of vets in need & pick up some extras. How to Help: Donate money at coolministries.org/veterans-assistance/ Donate time at coolministries.org/volunteer-opportunities/ Donate essentials at 800 W. Glen Flora Avenue, Waukegan 10am - 2pm M-F

We love to keep our customers happy, and that means arming you with all the knowledge you’ll need when it comes to buying and maintaining your new or preowned vehicle.  Our Automotive Terminology posts are here to keep you informed so you can stay in the loop of industry terms and vocabulary. Whether your car is coming in for routine maintenance, a minor or major repair, or you’re just looking for more insight, we’re here to give you some guidance.  Today we’re covering some of the key factors with the standard Antilock Braking System, a safety feature in modern vehicles. What is the ABS or Antilock braking system?  ABS is a  computer-controlled system that prevents brakes from locking up and tires from skidding during hard braking. The ABS uses electronic sensors and high-pressure pumps to measure your car’s speed and the force with which you apply the brakes.   If you stop suddenly on a slick roadway or surface, the ABS improves traction by preventing wheels from locking up and prevents skidding.  The sensors detect when your wheels are skidding, and the system is enabled with an ability to calculate and pump the brakes faster than the human driver. Sometimes you’ll feel a slight shudder or pulse during sudden stops or in wet and slippery conditions, this is the ABS system doing its job!  Just keep your foot on the brake until your vehicle comes to a stop. If the movement feels uncomfortable, bring your car in for a service check immediately.  You should never dilly-dally on repairs to your brakes, because braking safely is a matter of life and death situations. What do you do if your ABS light turns on? If your ABS light is on there may be a few different things happening.  If the light is briefly flickering on at startup, you don’t need to be alarmed as that’s normal.  But if it remains on it could be: -Malfunctioning ABS Computer Module - Damaged ABS Sensors - Faulty Wheel Bearings - Low Car Battery Or it could be related to several other electrical problems and brake system issues. Although it is still safe to drive with the ABS light on, there’s an increased risk of not being able to stop in time without this assistive device.  If your car also experiences a Brake Service Light as well as the ABS light, you should not drive your vehicle as it will be unsafe if needed to stop short. Your best option is to call one of our experienced service technicians and speak with them about your next step and scheduling an appointment. They’ll help guide you through the process and get you back on the road safely in no time!  We’re here to help keep you safe and happy.

At Classic Kia, we’re extremely excited to share that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has recognized eight Kia vehicles for inclusion on its 2022 Top Safety Picks lists.  That’s right, the Kia Telluride, Sorento, Seltos, Carnival, Sportage, and the Soul have all received 2022 Top Safety Pick awards, and the Kia K5 and Stinger both qualified as their Top Safety Pick+ winners. All of the 2022 TSP winners received a rating of “good” in the following crash tests: driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and hand restraint tests.  They also received “Advanced” or “Superior” ratings when it comes to vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-passenger front crash prevention evaluations.  In addition, they each included at least one headline option with a “good” or “acceptable” rating for the TSP list; cars on the TSP+ list must have “good” or “acceptable” headlights as standard equipment. When equipped with the optional front crash prevention and specialized headlights, the Telluride, Sorrento, Carnival (after 3/21), Sportage, Seltos, and Soul  each earned a TSP award. That makes Kia tied for the second most combined TSP and TSP+ vehicles in the industry during 2022. Amazing! We are so pleased to be a part of the Kia family, and to be able to offer our customers top-tier service and value in each of our Kia models.  When you shop with us at Classic Kia, you can count on us to have award-winning vehicles with top notch safety features and state-of-the-art technology packages.  Keep your family and friends safe on the road with a car from Classic Kia, no matter where life takes you!

For most people, buying and selling cars is not a part of their daily or even weekly routine!  As a result, the process for figuring out exactly what you need and want can be a little overwhelming. We get it!  And we are here to help alleviate some of the stress with our Classic Auto Group Decoder.  That’s right, we’re shining a spotlight on some key terminology and phrasing most commonly used in the industry so that our customers can feel equipped with confidence.  By using our handy-dandy guide to automotive terminology, you’ll be able to “talk shop” like the best in the business.  So keep reading on to learn more about key phrases and vocabulary of the industry before you embark on your car buying journey. Today we’re going to cover some key points on the topic of financing and leasing a vehicle.    We hope that these pointers will help you feel more confident in understanding “the fine print” of your leasing and financing agreements.  You’ll be able to drive off the lot and on your way home in your new or leased vehicle with a sense of security that you’ve done all your research thoroughly! How To Prepare For Leasing a Vehicle Do your research. Make a list of your must-haves when it comes to your Daily Driver Vehicle.  Know what style of vehicle you’re looking for (Sedan, SUV, Truck, etc.)  Look at the different price points for the vehicle that best fits your lifestyle and needs, and explore the options available to you in a reasonable range. Thoroughly research the pros and cons of each feature, option, and design.  Take some test drives of each type to see what feels most comfortable for you. Set a budget. Be sure to calculate your personal budget expenses to calculate the costs of leasing, insuring, and operating your intended vehicle.  There may be specific fees and costs associated with the leasing agreement at the time of signing.  In addition, you’ll need items such as comprehensive coverage, gap insurance, or wear-and-tear coverage.  Be sure to budget these into your monthly cost estimates! Learn car leasing terminology. Make sure you read today’s handy guide of vocabulary words thoroughly so you can more easily understand the terms of your leasing agreement and payment plans.  Figure out if you have a “Closed-End Lease” or an “Open-End Lease,” and be sure to read all of the fine print before signing. Explore your options for returning the car or keeping it at the end of your lease. Many lessees prefer to trade-in their lease for a newer model, but others prefer to extend the lease term or even purchase the car outright.  Two to three months before your lease ends, you’ll want to explore your options and see what best fits your budget and lifestyle.  If you’re returning your vehicle or extending the lease, you may be subject to inspection for your vehicle’s condition as per terms and conditions of your lease. Key Terms to Know When Shopping for Leased Vehicles Acquisition fee Also known as a "bank fee," an "administrative fee" or an "assignment fee." For a vehicle lease, a fee charged by the leasing company at the inception of the lease that is intended to cover a variety of administrative costs, such as obtaining a credit report, verifying insurance coverage, checking the accuracy and completeness of the lease documentation, and entering the lease into its data and accounting systems. APR Annual Percentage Rate. The cost of credit (i.e., the interest rate) expressed as a yearly rate. Cap reduction Capital reduction. In a vehicle lease, any trade-in amount, cash down payment or rebate amount that reduces the cost of the vehicle being leased (its "capitalized cost"). Drive-off fees Also referred to as "Total Due at Signing." The total cost that must be paid by the lessee at the inception of a vehicle lease, which typically includes the first months lease payment, any security deposit required by the leasing company, any acquisition fee charged by the leasing company, any documentation fees charged by the dealer, and various state registration fees. Incentive Any kind of financial assistance from a vehicle manufacturer that, by reducing either the net price or the cost of financing/leasing, motivates customers to buy/lease a new vehicle. The most common incentives are customer cash rebates, low-interest financing and leases that are subsidized by the manufacturer. Mileage allowance In a vehicle lease, the number of miles the lessee is permitted to drive over the term of the lease without incurring an excess mileage penalty. Money factor Also referred to as a "lease factor" or "lease fee." An auto leasing industry term for expressing the interest rate used to calculate the monthly lease payment, and equal to the leases APR divided by 2,400. (For example, an APR of 7.2% equals a money factor of 0.0033.) Payoff amount Also called the "buyout amount." The amount that, at any specified time during the term of a vehicle lease or loan, is required to be paid in order to discharge the remaining obligation. Purchase option The right given to a vehicle lessee to purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease term for an amount equal to the vehicles residual value. Residual value A vehicle leasing companys assumption of what a vehicle will be worth at the end of the lease, which is a factor used to determine the monthly lease payment. (The higher the residual value, the lower the monthly payment.) If you have any questions about leasing and financing a vehicle, we’re here to help you.  Just give us a call and we’ll get you out on the road in the car of your dreams in no time flat!