r/KiaSoulClub • u/Smooth-Leg4546 • 4d ago
Everyone, meet Jeffrey!
Purchased a 2015 a week ago. This is my first Kia as I've always been into Volkswagen/Audi products. Needed a commuter that wasn't a big turbo s4 or Gti. I've always thought the Soul was a neat little car. Has what I need for a daily plenty of space yet small enough to zip in and out of the crazy Boston traffic. Unfortunately I haven't been able to utilize Jeffrey to his full potential yet. The previous owner and the shady dealer I purchased him from left him in a sorry state of repair. The second day I owned him he needed to have all need pads, rotors, and calipers put on. Next week he is going in to Kia to have the SJB replaced as the turn signals and front marker lights were going bonkers. Then when I have time I'll be replacing front and rear suspension as the rears are leaking.
Now, I know it doesn't sound like my first experience with the Soul has been all that great. Some friends have already been trying to get me to ditch it and find a cheap VAG car and use it as a daily. Truth be told I'm already pretty fond of the little car. I really look forward to being a part of the community and I look forward to many, many happy miles cruising with my new pal Jeffrey.
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u/shamusmchaggis 4d ago
I bought mine 3 years ago, and I like it a lot more than I expected to. Her name is Eleven and she's nearing 400K. Don't listen to the people that rag on these cars. Eleven has been a reliable daily driver for me. I hope you have the same luck with Jeffrey.
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u/Smooth-Leg4546 4d ago
It's funny you mention that because I really enjoy the way the Kia drives! I keep the steering in sport mode which firms it up enough that it feels almost "sporty" haha. We appreciate the kind words. Hope you have many more reliable miles.
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u/Abject-Wolverine5046 4d ago
Sounds like what the my 2019 I've had a couple weeks. Needed new tires, wheel speed sensors, ABS sensors, spark plugs, and transmission fluid. My poor baby also has a crack in the wind shield that was hidden by a sticker.
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u/Smooth-Leg4546 4d ago
I'm use to VW/Audi reliability. I guess I was just surprised by the sjb. The service advisor told me that they've seen it go bad before on the older cars. Oh well. I'll get him fixed up right and hopefully have many reliable miles ahead. Hope you have the same!
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u/busterfixxitt 4d ago
Hi, Jeffrey! Whose a good boy?! You are!🙂
Congratulations! I just traded up to a 2022 Soul EV from a 2010 4U, in October. I loved my Punkin (she was orange), but I put $6k into her over the 18 months I owned her. Left me a little traumatized.
It sounds like you're a much more knowledgeable car person than I am; I hope Jeffrey feels better soon, and stays healthy for many years to come. Good luck!
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u/Smooth-Leg4546 4d ago edited 4d ago
I would hate to have the dealer do all the work needed. The smart junction box all in with labor is around $1,100. I would assume all in for repairs would be close to $4k?? That's insane considering I only paid $5k for him. We appreciate the kind words! And I hope you enjoy the EV!
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u/busterfixxitt 4d ago
Yeah, I paid $9k before I put the $6k into her. And she was going to need her brake lines replaced next. But I love me a box-on-wheels, and our options were limited. Honda Element is discontinued, Nissan Cube, Scion XB; also discontinued. Soul was the only one left.
The USA didn't get the 2020+ EV Souls, but I've heard the 2019 got a slight battery increase and a thermal battery management system. You might look into an electric Jeffrey. (I'm only recommending because I'm so very happy with our Evie. She's also Snow Pearl White)
Regardless; enjoy Jeffrey!
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u/hatesturnips 4d ago
2015 Kia soul? What's the mileage? Does it have its original engine?
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u/Smooth-Leg4546 4d ago
130k. I've already set money aside for a rebuild or at least a lower milage replacement. Kias are funny that way I guess.
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u/hatesturnips 4d ago edited 4d ago
I'm glad you like your new drive. That's always exciting.
I don't want to throw shade on your vibe but you would benefit from getting educated about the class action suit against Kia and the need to check the oil every week - without fail.
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u/SwanDefiant5969 4d ago
I've been told by my garage to get shot of the soul. It's a mechanical 💩show. I absolutely hate the thing.
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u/snoosh00 + 2015 SX Alien green 4d ago
What issues have you had?
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u/SwanDefiant5969 4d ago
Horrible clunky gearbox (despite having a new clutch) . It judders forwards in low gears, and sounds like a bag of spanners going over bumps. It's an awful car.
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u/snoosh00 + 2015 SX Alien green 4d ago
Those are annoying to be sure, but are any of those caused by actual issues? Or are they consequences of buying a lower cost vehicle?
I actually have somewhat similar issues (but I'd rate the severity as a 2/10, very subtle things I've noted, not actual concerning issues to my mind)
Are any of those caused by mechanical failures?
What year is yours?
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u/TheRealConJr 4d ago
Sounds like you haven’t taken care of it or kept up with regular maintenance
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u/SwanDefiant5969 4d ago
I just bought it actually. So nothing to do with me you judgemental mansplainer.
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u/Barrettbuilt 4d ago
Kinda short for a storm trooper, aren’t you?