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Both the 2013 Kia Sportage and the 2014 Kia Sorento are in the crossover class of vehicles.  They have a number of similarities and differences which should help you choose between them based on your individual needs for a vehicle.  Here is what you need to know about the two crossover vehicles that each seat 5 passengers from your Largo area Kia dealer: Standard Features The 2013 Kia Sportage and 2014 Kia Sorento have a lot of standard features in common – meaning the features are included in the base price for both vehicles.  Regardless of which vehicle you decide to buy, you will have the following safety and technology features: Multiple airbags (driver, passenger, front side, and side curtain airbags) Front active headrests Adjustable front seatbelt anchors to fit all heights Brake assist system and 4 wheel ABS brakes Child safety locks Tire pressure monitoring system Electronic stability control Traction control system Hill assist control Side guard door beams Automatic headlights Intermittent wipers, rear wiper and rear window defogger Power adjustable rearview mirrors Both vehicles also include the same warranty coverage, with a 60 month/60,000 mile basic warranty.  Also included is a 120 month/100,000 mile Powertrain warranty, and a 60 month/100,000 mile anti-corrosion warranty Slight Differences Between Sorento and Sportage While many of the standard features are the same on the 2014 Kia Sorteno and 2013 Kia Sportage, there are a few items which are only available on the 2014 Kia Sorento EX V6 AWD.  If you want the following optional features, you will need to go with the Sorento and upgrade the features: Power driver’s seat with memory settings Exterior mirrors with memory settings Third row seating Power and Performance Another difference to expect between the 2014 Sorento and 2013 Sportage is in the power and performance.  The Sorento has a 3.3 liter, V6 engine while the Sportage has a 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder engine. The Sorento gets an average of 18 miles per gallon fuel efficiency in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway while the Sportage stretches your gasoline budget to 20 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway. The price tag between the two vehicles is slightly different to reflect the available features and differences.  The 2014 Kia Sorento EX V6 AWD base price is $31,800 while the 2013 Kia Sportage EX AWD base price is $25,700.

If you intend to buy a car using dealership financing from Largo area Kia dealers, you will want to take a few steps to prepare for loan approval.  From understanding your car shopping budget to checking your credit score and getting pre-approved for a loan, there are a number of things you can do to improve your chances of getting approved for dealership financing: Understanding Car Loan Options To ensure you are making a good decision about your car loan it is important that you understand the basic finance terms and requirements before you sign a contract for a car loan.  It will give you the knowledge needed to negotiate your loan terms and get the best deal for your situation.  Here are a few of the basics you should arm yourself with before going to the dealership: The car loan “term” is the number of months you will make loan payments. The “principal” is the amount of the loan needed to buy the car. The “interest” is how much you will pay the lender for the privilege of borrowing money. (often referred to as APR) Total loan amount is the principal and interest together at the end of the loan term. Get Pre-Approval For a Loan You can figure out what kind of buying power you have by filling out an online application for pre-approval.  Pre-approval is a good way to find out what your credit is like, if you aren’t sure whether you have good credit or not.  If you are pre-approved, you can come into the dealership with confidence to find a car and use our dealership financing.  If you are not approved, you can spend some time improving your credit score or figuring out an alternative method for buying your next car. Benefits Of Dealership Financing Many people prefer dealership financing over other sources of car loans because it makes it a “one stop shop” experience for buying a car.  You visit our St. Petersburg Kia dealership, choose a car, and fill out your loan paperwork at the same location.  You can often drive the car home on the same day.  The dealership financing department works with multiple lenders and can often find you a good deal even if other lenders have turned you down.  Stop in to see us and we’ll see what we can do to help you out!

Not everyone is in the market for a brand new car.  Whether you prefer pre-owned cars to avoid the potential problems with depreciation or you simply have a smaller car shopping budget, shopping for used cars at our Clearwater area Kia dealership is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.  Here are several vehicles currently on the lot with a price tag under $12,000: 2009 Kia Rio LX The 2009 Kia Rio LX is a four door vehicle with a 1.6 liter, 4 cylinder engine.  It has 50,287 miles on it and is available for $10,000.  The car comes with AM/FM radio, CD player, MP3 and SIRIUS audio system, has air conditioning, dual power heated mirrors, and a power package (power windows, seats).  The 2009 Kia Rio LX has gone through a 101 point safety inspection and is a certified used car. 2009 Kia Sportage LX If you’re in the market for a pre-owned SUV, the 2009 Kia Sportage LX is a 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder engine, manual transmission, and is available for $10,500.  The vehicle has 78,106 miles and is a black cherry exterior color with a beige interior. 2008 Kia Rondo EX Kia’s station wagon, the 2008 Kia Rondo EX has a 2.7 liter, six cylinder engine with an automatic transmission.  This pre-owned car is volcanic red on the exterior and beige on the interior, has just 11,721 miles on it, and is available for $11,995. 2006 Kia Sedona LX Need a mini-van under $12,000?  There is currently a 2006 Kia Sedona LX mini-van at St. Petersburg Kia.  It has a 3.8 liter, six cylinder engine and automatic transmission.  It is white and has 46,929 miles on it.  The mini-van is listed at $9,295. 2004 Kia Sorento EX A sport utility vehicle, the 2004 Kia Sorento EX has a 3.5 liter, 6 cylinder engine and an automatic transmission.  This pre-owned vehicle is an ice-blue color and has 75,784 miles on it.  It’s listed at $9,295. The Crown Kia Confidence Plan You can buy a pre-owned Kia with confidence under the Crown Kia Confidence plan.  Pre-owned vehicles go through a 101 point inspection.  You receive a Carfax report and are guaranteed a clean title.  Each Kia under the plan has a powertrain warranty up to 100,000 miles and we list the vehicle at the current live market pricing so you don’t have to worry about playing pricing games.  Drive a pre-owned car home and if you aren’t completely satisfied with your purchase within 7 days or 500 miles, you can exchange it without hassle.

The 2014 Kia Sedona EX is a modern minivan designed to meet the family traveler. While minivans may seem to be everywhere, quality automobiles like the 2014 Kia Sedona EX contain all of the features and benefits that make minivans so popular.  It has a very high level of family-toting efficiency which more than makes up for the lower miles per gallon rating of this vehicle than some of the compact models.  If you can’t fit your family and your belongings into a compact car, it’s time to look at larger vehicles like minivans.  If you are interested in test driving the 2014 Kia Sedona EX or wish to know more about it, visit our Largo area Kia dealership. 2014 Kia Sedona EX Appearance And Features The gray interior is a great match for the platinum graphite color of the outside of the car.  It has all of the roominess of this minivan's predecessors.  It seats seven people as well as offering an impressive 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space.   The 2014 Kia Sedona EX includes 17 inch multi-spoke wheels, leather-trimmed seats, and automatic climate control as standard options.  It also includes standard fog lamps and LED positioning lights.  The 2014 Kia Sedona EX has undergone a few design changes for its latest model, including a reworked bumper and grill.  There is a full sunroof.   On the inside of the car are individual storing units for iPads and tablet PC's to help keep each of your passengers organized and comfortable.  As well, this car comes with leather upholstery, an upgraded sound system, and a trip computer with a compass. Performance and Power The 3.5 liter v6 engine generates 269 horsepower.  This will lead to enough power when you need it to get out of tough situations while driving on the road.  It produces 246 lb-ft of torque.  The 2014 Kia Sedona EX offers average fuel efficiency for minivans, with 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.   The minivan provides a smooth ride, even when taking into consideration the size of the vehicle.  All of this is important when carrying loved ones as passengers. Visit our Largo Area Kia Dealership Stop by our Kia dealership near Largo and experience the 2014 Kia Sedona EX for yourself!  The best way to figure out if a car is going to meet your needs for transportation is to test drive a few you are interested in.  Think about how you will use your vehicle most often, and make sure you have enough room for passengers, sports equipment, luggage or anything else you tend to travel with frequently.

We are proud to offer you the 2014 Kia Cadenza Premium!  It answers the call of drivers everywhere for a larger sedan to fill family and other personal needs.  There is plenty of room for the safe transport of children to and from lessons, school or vacations.  Your adult passengers will enjoy plenty of leg room and a comfortable ride.  If you are interested in test driving the 2014 Kia Cadenza Premium, or wish to know more about it, visit our Tampa Bay area Kia dealership. 2014 Kia Cadenza Premium Appearance and Features The beige interior is roomy enough for any family outing or travel planned.  It is also a nice effect with the snow white pearl color of the outside of the car.  While it is very roomy and has a great deal of storage capacity inside of it, it is not what immediately comes to mind when you imagine a bulky family car.  Instead, the 2014 Kia Cadenza Premium has been designed with roomy functionality in mind.   The seats are ideal for long road trips, thanks to the heated seat functioning. The 2014 Kia Cadenza Premium also has a sunroof for when you just want to be closer to the outside.  For the sake of the safety of you and your family this car comes with a rear view camera, rear park assist, and front and rear side airbags. Performance and Power The Kia Cadenza Premium's 3.3 liter V6 engine generates 293 horsepower giving plenty of power clearance for one to keep their families and loved ones safe during trying times on the road.  The 6 speed automatic transmission leads to smooth acceleration and deceleration when the situation requires it.  The engine offers just enough power to feel strong on the roads, but not so much you are tempted to drive recklessly! Visit Our Tampa Bay area Kia Dealership The best way to find out whether or not a car will meet your family’s needs is to visit a local Tampa Bay area Kia dealership, like Crown Kia, and sit inside the vehicle’s you are interested in.  Driving the car around town will give you the best impression and help you make a decision as to which car meets your needs and for the price you are prepared to pay.  Schedule an appointment or just drop by the dealership to test drive a 2014 Kia Cadenza or any other vehicle on our lot.

Our St. Petersburg Kia Dealership is proud to offer you the 2014 Kia Forte EX!  This automobile is our answer to the growing consumer need for cars to be extremely fuel efficient while maintaining all the features and accessories found in larger automobiles.  The need for cars that fall into the compact rang yet still meet the desire for midsize comfort benefits has been achieved with the 2014 Kia Forte EX.  Not only is this automobile well priced and fuel efficient but offers amenities and features only often offered by bigger cars.  If you are interested in test driving this vehicle or wish to know more about it, visit our dealership. 2014 Kia Forte Appearance and Features This vehicle is roomy inside with a gray interior.  It also has well designed consoles made to not interfere with interior movement. It includes full electronic view of the rear of the vehicle from the driver's seat with a backup camera system for added safety.  Many car accidents are the result of blind spots directly behind the vehicle, and a backup camera can eliminate the blind spot.   For additional safety, the 2014 Kia Forte comes with 6 airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, and a tire pressure monitoring system.  Also featured is Flex Steer which allows the driver to switch between levels of assisted levels of steering offered by the car. Performance and Power The Forte's 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine generates 173 horsepower, giving it enough power to get out of situations that might arise on the road.  This is helped by the passing power that is created by 6-speed automatic transmission system.  You won’t get stuck behind a slow moving vehicle, again!  This amount of power is still delivered without creating any amount of reasonable sound inside the car.   The Kia Forte gets 28 miles per gallon of fuel consumption, which helps you save some money compared to vehicles that get fewer miles per gallon. Visit St. Petersburg Kia All of these features only add to the efficiency and comfort of the Kia Forte design.  It is a thing that should be seen by you in person!  If you want to come give this car a closer look or take the car for a test drive to see if it meets your needs for your next vehicle, feel free to come by our St. Petersburg Kia Dealership. You can look at the vehicle yourself and have any number of questions answered by any of our knowledgeable and courteous staff.

The 2013 Kia Rio is a subcompact car that doesn’t sacrifice style or equipment in exchange for its tiny size.  You can fit three passengers comfortably despite its small size, and you’ll appreciate the exceptional fuel efficiency of this vehicle.  To increase fuel efficiency even more, you can upgrade to the automatic stop and start technology.  In addition to fuel efficiency and comfort, the Kia Rio has performed well in various safety ratings and offers top of the line safety features to keep you and your family safe on the roads.  Your Largo area Kia dealer discusses the 2013 Kia Rio safety ratings and features: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Ratings The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) provides safety ratings for vehicles based on how they perform in high speed front and side crash tests.  They are an independent, educational and nonprofit organization that is on a mission to reduce deaths and injuries from car crashes in the United States. The ratings can be “good”, “acceptable”, “marginal” or “poor”.  The 2013 Kia Rio receives the following performance ratings: Right Leg/foot:  good Left Leg/foot: good Restraints: good Overall front: good Chest: good Structure/safety cage: good 2013 Kia Rio Safety Features The following safety features are included on the 2013 Kia Rio: Anti-lock brakes: if the tires stop rotating with the brakes pressed, the anti-lock brake system will engage and modulate the pressure on the brakes that allow the tires to rotate while slowing down.  This gives the driver more ability to maintain control and turn the car while braking and prevents uncontrollable slides caused by locking brakes. Stability control: if the handling limits of the Kia Rio have been exceeded, the stability control system will kick in and reduce power to the engine or apply brakes to help prevent the loss of control of the vehicle. Front-impact airbags: the driver and passenger’s heads are protected in the front seats with front airbags that engage when accidents involve the front of the vehicle. Side impact airbags: the driver and passenger will be protected from side impact accidents with airbags that protect the torso. Overhead airbags: airbags above the head will engage if the car is hit from the side or is involved in a rollover accident to help protect the driver and passenger’s heads. Seatbelt pretensioners: when necessary, the seatbelts will automatically tighten around the driver or passengers to ensure the individual is seated correctly to prevent injury during a collision. Anti-whiplash head restraints: the heads of the driver and passenger will be protected by anti-whiplash head restraints when the car is hit from behind to reduce the potential for whiplash injuries.

When the Kia Optima was redesigned in 2011 it was considered one of the best looking vehicles in the mid-size sedan class!  The 2013 Kia Optima maintains the sophisticated appearance and offers improved handling and new drivetrains.  If you are interested in test driving the 2013 Kia Optima or learning more about its features, visit your St. Petersburg Kia dealership. 2013 Kia Optima Interior Features and Appearance Inside, the Kia Optima has a classic appearance and a wide rectangular control area slightly turned toward the driver for ease of reach and use.  It has a somewhat minimalist appearance, like a cockpit almost. The backseat can fit three people, although watch your head getting in and out as the slope of the roofline can be a challenge for some passengers.  If you want to make your ride even more comfortable, you can upgrade to heated front and back seats. Performance and Power All versions of the 2013 Kia Optima have a four-cylinder engine, but the different versions each offer something different for different types of drivers. The base model offers a 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder engine with direct injection.  It provides 200 hp and rides quietly.  You can choose a 6 speed automatic or 6 speed manual. The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid combines the 4 cylinder engine with an electric motor and battery. All powertrains provide at least 33 miles per gallon in turbos on the highway, with the hybrid reaching 39 miles per gallon. With any engine option for the Kia Optima you will have a smooth ride that handles well, and the suspension offers a quick and lively feel as you navigate the roads. Features and Options In addition to the possible heated front and back seats, you can also choose to add a rearview camera if you would like to decrease your blind spots when backing up.  All 2013 Kia Optima vehicles come with a Bluetooth interface as a standard option, along with power features, satellite radio, a USB port and cruise control. The EX trim level adds dual-zone climate control and a smart-key system.  At this trim level, you have the option of leather trimmed seats, Infinity audio and a panoramic sunroof. Visit St. Petersburg Kia If you want to see the 2013 Kia Optima for yourself or even take it for a test drive to see whether or not it will reach your needs – stop by our St. Petersburg Kia dealership.  The best way to find out if a car is for you is to drive it.

The 2013 Kia Forte 5-door has a few new additions that come standard, compared to the 2012 model.  On the 2013 Kia Forte 5-door, you will receive power folding outside mirrors, LED daytime running lights and 16 inch alloy wheels on the SX trim.  There is a washer fluid light in the dash now, to help you avoid running out of washer fluid just as you need it!  The Forte 5-door is possibly being redesigned for 2014 and it is rumored that it will take on a more glitz and glam style.  If you like the current Kia Forte, now is the time to visit your St. Petersburg Kia dealership and take it for a test drive before it is redesigned. Power and Performance The 5-door hatch Kia Forte does not struggle with power.  There are two 4 cylinder engine choices, offering 156 horsepower in the 2-liter EX and 173 horsepower in the 2.4 liter SX engine. The EX trim can get 27 miles per gallon in the city and 37 miles per gallon on the highway.  The SX trim gets 23 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway whether you choose the 6 speed manual transmission or the 6 speed automatic transmission. 2013 Kia Forte 5-Door Exterior Appearance The Kia Forte 5-door is your basic hatchback vehicle and does not really contain any sportier looking design elements found on some of the competitors hatchback vehicles.  For people looking for a family vehicle with a hatchback, this is an ideal fit.  The door on the hatch provides easy access to loading all of your kid’s belongings, strollers, groceries or luggage for the family road trip in the cargo area.  There is 19.4 cubic feet of cargo space in the Kia Forte 5-door. The Kia Forte sits fairly low to the ground, which is great for small children to get in and out without too much assistance. 2013 Kia Forte 5-Door Interior Appearance The real strengths of the Forte 5-door are in the interior.  Many of the features are offered as standard inclusions, whereas other vehicles would charge extra for them as optional features.  Driver’s report that the center console controls are all perfectly placed and easy to use while the upgraded models offer keyless entry and push-button start. You can fit five passengers in the compact hatchback, but despite the limited seating the car does not feel small when you’re inside.  The driver has plenty of room behind the steering wheel and the backseat can comfortably accommodate children in safety seats or adults with enough leg room.  There are two cup holders in the front, two cup holders in the back, and even bottle shaped holders in the front door cutouts for your water or soda bottles.

Kia has a long and interesting history as an automobile manufacturer.  In fact, Kia was founded in 1944 in Korea, and was called Kia Motors Corporation.  In Korean, Kia means “to arise to the world from Asia”.  The modern company of Kia is part of Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, with dealerships all over the world – including your St. Petersburg Kia dealer in Florida.  American Kia vehicles are sold under the brand name of Kia Motors America (KMA). Kia is Worldwide Kia is found all over the world, with more than 1.5 million Kia vehicles produced each year in over 13 manufacturing facilities located in 8 countries.  There are Kia dealerships selling vehicles in 172 different countries. Kia Motors America In 1992, Kia Motors America was incorporated.  They opened their first 4 dealerships in Oregon and began with the Kia Sephia.  Soon after, Kia Sportage was introduced.  Every year, Kia grew and dealerships were added in other states and by 1995, there were over 100 Kia dealerships in 30 states. Financial Troubles for Kia Asia experienced a financial crises in 1997, and it was during this time that Kia declared bankruptcy.  Hyundai Motor Company purchased 51% of the company, winning in a bidding war with Ford Motor Company who had owned part of Kia since 1986 but Hyundai won out and took over in 1998.  Over the years that followed, Kia recovered financially and Hyundai now owns less than half ownership of Kia. Design Improvements Fuel Growth for Kia In 2006, Kia decided they needed some new designs if they were going to continue to grow and succeed in the marketplace.  They brought in a new Chief Design Officer who had won awards for his previous designs in Germany working for Volkswagen and Audi.  Peter Schreyer began working with Kia in 2006 and oversaw design activities in Kia design centers located in Los Angeles, Tokyo, Germany and Korea.  He was instrumental in the new look for Kia, and the establishment of the signature Kia look, the brand that is easily recognized by the “tiger nose” design of the front end of Kia vehicles. Test Drive Kia Vehicles You can learn more about any of our Kia vehicles and take them for a test drive to find the one that matches your needs perfectly.  Visit your St. Petersburg Kia dealership for a test drive appointment or to learn more about Kia.

It is possible to get a sporty SUV that is stylish and luxurious.  Take a look at the 2013 Kia Sportage, starting at $20,000 for the base model.  This SUV provides sports handling and more luxurious options than expected for an SUV.  If you want to test drive the 2013 Kia Sportgage, come to your Largo area Kia dealer. 2013 Exterior Features There is no mistaking the 2013 Kia Sportage for anything but a Kia because of the signature grille design across the front of all Kia vehicles.  The lines of this vehicle are all angular and masculine.  You can take this SUV off road if you like, because there is 7 inches ground clearance under the SUV. Interior Features On the inside, the 2013 Kia Sportage wows with LED lighting for both trim levels.  It also features surprising blue seats.  Passengers in the front and back seats can enjoy the panoramic sunroof – or can pull the included sun shade if it’s too bright of a day!  If you need more room for cargo and less room for passengers, the backseat can be folded down flat.  You will have 54.6 cubic feet of cargo space when the seats are flat.   The 2013 Kia Sportage comes standard with air conditioning, steering wheel controls, four speakers and satellite radio, and under floor storage in the back.  On the SX, you receive power-folding side mirrors as a standard option, and can add it on to the EX if desired.   At the SX and EX trim levels for the 2013 Kia Sportage, you can upgrade to a push button start system, a cooling box, infotainment system, and a back up warning system  to eliminate back up car accidents. Power and Performance for the 2013 Kia Sportage The Kia Sportage is an all wheel drive vehicle that offers a six speed automatic transmission as the standard option.  The base model allows you to switch to a manual transmission if preferred.   When choosing engines for your Kia Sportage you have two options.  A 2.0 liter turbocharged engine with 260 hp and gasoline direct injection for improved fuel economy and no reduction in power; or a 2.4 liter four cylinder with 176 hp that will pass cars and climb hills with no issues.   Fuel economy for both engines are decent, with the 2.4 liter offering 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway and the 2.0 engine offering 20 mpg in the city and a slight reduction of fuel efficiency of 25 mpg on the highway.

Many car buyers need to shop for a vehicle based on their budget.  With the average new car priced in the $28,000 range – and the average used car priced in the $15,000 range – it’s no surprise that many car buyers choose to purchase a pre-owned car.  Even if you can afford a newer, more expensive model, you may just prefer a used car since they have already depreciated rapidly and will maintain their value better than a new car. St. Petersburg Kia offers Certified Pre-owned Kia vehicles.  Here’s what you need to know about the Certified Kia Pre-owned program: Certified Pre-Owned Kia Vehicles Inspection Process All certified pre-owned Kia’s must go through rigorous inspections before they gain their certification.  In fact, vehicles undergo a 150-point inspection prior to being listed as a certified pre-owned Kia vehicle.  With this level of inspecting, you should feel confident that your used Kia purchase is just as reliable as a new Kia. Limited Powertrain Warranties You may worry that purchasing a used car instead of new leaves you unprotected, but all Certified Pre-owned Kia vehicles have a limited powertrain warranty. The limited powertrain warranty provides coverage for ten years from the date of purchase or until 100,000 miles. View the CARFAX® Vehicle History Reports™ Before you buy a Certified Pre-owned Kia, you can view a CARFAX report ™ for the vehicle you’re interested in.  The information contained in CARFAX reports is from an independent company and does not come from Kia itself.  You can find out whether the car has been involved in car accidents with previous owners or if it was used as a rental car, for example. While considered reliable, Kia does not take responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be in the CARFAX report. Additional Coverage Provided to Certified Pre-Owned Kia Buyers In addition to the peace of mind that comes from buying a thoroughly inspected vehicle with a powertrain warranty and CARFAX® report, Certified Pre-owned Kia cars come with roadside assistance and travel breakdown coverage. Roadside assistance – if you should break down, you have roadside assistance for ten years from the date of sale on a Certified Pre-owned Kia.  We doubt you will really have to use it, but if you do have a problem it is nice to know you’re covered and prepared. Travel breakdown coverage – when you’re on a road trip and traveling away from home, for ten years after you purchase a Certified Pre-owned Kia, you are covered for a variety of breakdown services under the Travel Breakdown Coverage.