Used 2010 Kia Rondo

"It's a keeper!"

"I had never heard of a Rondo. While shopping for a Kia Sportage I spotted the Kia emblem nearly hidden behind other vehicles on a lot.. I wasn't having much luck finding a Sportage within my price range so I hurried over to see what this one was. When I saw the name Rondo, I was stunned. But interested. Why hadn't I seen these before? I didn't buy that one. It was the 2.4 and didn't seem to have enough energy but now I had an alternative to look into. I wanted to pay cash because payments would put a strain on my limited monthly budget. I'm not the kind of person that buys things I can't afford just because it can be financed. With the cash I had saved I could purchase somewhere in the 00 to 04 range when I came across the 08 Rondo in Freemont CA that was actually affordable, a 2.7 LX and would move me up a few years newer. There is always a catch though. The mileage was a little high at 170,000. Something told me to check it out any way. As soon as I drove it, I wanted it. Although it looks small on the outside, it feels like a bigger SUV on the inside. Kia calls it a crossover. Nah, it's an SUV in my mind. I love the way the engine is designed. It makes it easy for a woman to do her own minor maintenance. The panel on top of the dash can be removed to get access to the Sound system and Air controls. I added a signal booster because I live in the Mountain range, and also added one of those Shark fin antennas and a backup camera. My Rondo has never failed to start up and go. It jumps in and out of busy traffic with ease and has no problem quickly entering a freeway. It turns on a dime. Completely comfortable on trips. Even for the rear passengers who also have their own air vents , cup holders and accessory plug ins. There are hidden compartments everywhere. I like to carry tools and emergency supplies like 1st aid , extra oil, a sleeping bag , maybe a couple of beach towels and some flip fops. All of that is hidden from site. I've had my Rondo for 4 years now and have no intentions of getting rid of it. At 200225 miles now, it's still going strong. I must warn you though. Parts are hard to find for the 2.7. I usually have to order them and wait. And they are a bit pricey. But nothing I can't live with, even on my tight budget"

"Above and Beyond What I Expected"

"NOTE: See comments below these ratings for more personalized info on my experience and history with the 2009 KIA Rondo. On a 0-5 star rating scale w/ 5 being excellent and 0 being horrible here is how I rate the 2009 Kia Rondo: Safety: 5/5. Enough air bags to wrap you in a safety bubble in a rollover which is not likely in this car; I used the jump seats for grandkids so, I would have preferred just a little more protection in that area. The experts give it a 5 star rating on front and side collision and I absolutely agree with this rating based on personal experience. Driver Visibility: 5/5. Excellent in all directions. Versatility: 20/5. Seriously. It is a van! Its a wagon! Its a truck with a bed topper! Its a lean, mean road-trip-with-all-6-grandkids-laughing-screaming-gaming machine!!!! Comfort: 5/5. Especially the front seats. (see more in "interior Design"). Roominess: 5/5. Seats 7 people VERY comfortably with space left over behind the jump seats. Also, great for hauling large furniture pieces or a a load of carefully stacked firewood a little shy of 1/2 cord. Yes, I hauled firewood with tarps to protect my interior and keep my car neat and clean. Value for the Money 5/5. Gas Mileage: 5/5 for its size/class. Driving: 5/5 Excellent lateral stability and turn response time. Handling Against Centrifugal Force: 5/5 for its class and I drive no less than 80 on curvy WV interstates; hugs curves well for style/class. Turning in Tight Spaces: 10/5 This was a very impressive aspect, especially for the class/size. Reliability: 10/5 (above and beyond - She's 12 years old and still going strong). Performance: 4/5, but I was used to driving a Crossfire before the Rondo and I really like road speed. Exterior Styling: 4/5 Too many rounded corners for taste, but not a deal breaker. Interior Design: 5/5 Roomy, very comfortable seats even on 14-15 hr trips; power plugs EVERYWHERE to keep gaming device charged; netting on back of front seats for storage on trips; all kinds of compartments and cup holders; huge center armrest compartment with change holder; etc. Even had an ashtray for those who use such things. PERSONAL HISTORY WITH THIS RONDO: I bought my 2009 KIA Rondo new, drove the wheels off of it (not literally) because I commuted 110 miles a day 5 days a week plus it was our "travel" car and we travel. I absolutely loved this car and so did my sister. So, in 2017 after I hit a deer and it dented the passenger front fender/hood it triggered me to buy a new car because my sister REALLY needed a car. I had been thinking about buying her a car so I decided to just give her the Rondo. It was tough to give up that Rondo, but I love my sister a lot and that new Soul was as cute as bugs' ears :-) Initially, I wanted a new Rondo but KIA no longer sold Rondos in the USA in 2017. Just a little side note on the KIA brand, my husband was so impressed with all the aspects of my Rondo he bought a new KIA Forte when I bought my new Soul."

"Great car"

"I have the 2008 LX with V-6. Bought used with 22K miles. Now at 70K. One set of tires and front brakes is only service so far. Repairs were only one throttle sensor and door latch mechanism inside the door. Gets 23 MPG in town and 28-30 MPG highway. Very comfortable, lots of passenger and luggage room. Rides well and very maneuverable. Wish they still made them!"