How I Decided on a Kia

I have been a Kia owner for about 5 years, having bought my first one week after graduating from college in 2008. My parents knew I planned on staying in Michigan after school to work, try to save money, and gain some job experience. They might disagree, but I’ve always thought of my parents getting me the Kia as a way to reward working hard to graduate quickly. Also, it was totally a way to manipulate me (in a loving way!) out of any excuses not to drive home to Fargo, ND for regular visits.

Why did we go with a Kia? My parents, my dad in particular, were heavily involved in the car selecting process. We knew we’d be buying a used car, and my dad and I, of course, had somewhat different priorities. I wanted a black or red car that didn’t look ancient. In high school, I was lucky enough to have access to my  parents’ sweet powder blue car from 1989 with manual locks and windows. I wanted an upgrade to go along with my shiny new diploma. My parents cared most about fuel efficiency and a high safety rating. Side curtain air bags were definitely on Dad’s must-list.

We test drove a few cars, my dad and I trying each car in town and on the highway. My dad’s 6’4″ and I’m 5’5″, so some of the cars he liked driving were ones I had a harder time seeing out of. In the end, we went with a black 2006 Kia Optima. We clocked its fuel efficiency in at 34 MPG, and its safety rating was stellar. I was happy about the Optima’s color & design, and my parents were happy sending me on my merry way back to The Mitten knowing that I was in a safe car. A safe car that I could drive home in any time.

This post is sponsored by Kia.