KIA Spectra5

I would n't ask here about other brands butit looks like
asking about Kia here is like asking about Ford ina Mercury group, or
vice versa.

I have been looking at something to replace my 3 dr Accent. I
really like the small wagon and the body style suites my needs better
than the hatchback I now have. That lead me to the Spectra5. Nice
and supposedly handles well. What I'm wondering about is if Hyundai
is coming out with any wagon models? I do not see any in the line
now. Also wondering if there is anything about the KIA that is worth
knowing about like the comment that the Accent doesn't like rough
roads. I use the car almost exclusively to run around town doing
service work so it is constantly potholey street to the expressway to
street etc. with the occasional 90 mile run between cities.

Thanks, all comments worth reading will be appreciated.

nothermark

 

Closest you'll get to a wagon from Hyundai is the Elantra 5DR (GLS or GT)
If you want SUVs, there are two in the Hyundai line-up.
other than that, there are none.

 

To the best of my knowledge, the Spectra is based on the Elantra now, but I
haven't looked at the entire car firsthand and have some doubts about the
accuracy of the information. There are no plans to my knowledge for
Hyundai to introduce a wagon.

 

Buddy of mine just bought a Spectra Cinco (5). Looks the same from the
window
line down to the rocker panels as the Elantra 5DR. Only some nose and tail
differences.
From the window line up, it's a bit more rounded than the Elantra.

 

Check that. looks like he bought the Rio Cinco 5DR

 

Hmmmmm, between you and hyundaitech I see I have things to think
about. I really like the wagon because it puts the package shelf
closer to the bumper. That's an issue when you are using it as a
workbench. ;-) On the othe rhand I think I need to do a bit more
research. I'm thinking Hyundai is playing games with body styles to
differentiate the brands. Thanks for the input.

nothermark

 

The Rio Cinco looks more like an Elantra than the Spectra 5 does. IMO
Either way... If you were to use the shelf as a work bench, I'd put a piece
of 1/4 - 1/2 inch
ply-wood down first, making sure that the ply-wood was built to fit over the
sides by a bit.
Say 1/2 - 3/4 of an inch. That way you'd have a bit of stability and you
wouldn't have to fear damaging the package shelf.

 

Unless they've changed things, the Rio Cinco is significantly smaller than
the Elantra and nowhere near as sturdy as either the Elantra or the
Accent.

It is about the same size as the Accent and (I believe) has the same 1.6
that's used in the Accent.

 

I stand corrected, my good sir.
It looks like the Elantra, IMO, from the window line down

My friend did say that he has the 1.6L.
I did notice that it is a bit smaller.
Guess he'll find out.

One thing that puzzles me. He said that the dealer he bought it from didn't
have any 2005s on the
lot and wouldn't until ALL the 2004s were sold. Is this true? I find it
hard to believe.

 

Dealers have been known to hide their "new" model year stock until they get
rid of their older cars. I wasn't there, so I don't know, but I agree it
ranks high on the doubtability scale.