Buffalo, NY (WBEN) As the rash of Kias and Hyundais being stolen in Buffalo and beyond continues and municipalities launch lawsuits against the carmakers, some wonder if this will all adversely affect these automakers' images in both the near and long term.
The Car Coach tells WBEN the answer is both yes, and no.
Lauren Fix believes the image of Kia and Hyundai should be fine as far as new cars are concerned. "The new products from the last four or five years have not had this bypass. So I don't think it's going to affect current product," notes Fix. "They're selling as many vehicles as they can possibly make, they have the longest warranty."
On the other hand, the used cars, especially those affected, could take a hit. "I think it's going to impact the resale of used vehicles, especially ones that have not been fixed," says the Car Coach, and she adds that criminals don't know what cars had been repaired and what cars have not, making those cars vulnerable to theft.
Why would anyone want to buy a Kia or Hyundai?
"The new product is fantastic, and their sales are there and their ... reliability is there," says Fix. She adds their people are well trained and they can address these issues. Also, Fix notes, the criteria for a customer to buy has changed. "It used to be a loyalty to a brand. Now it's about value. It's about insurance, it's about longevity, people are keeping their cars ... for at least 15 years old. So with that happening ... they're usually looking for value," says Fix.
To keep your car safe from theft, Fix says the best thing you can do is keep the car secured in a garage. If you can't, "you can buy wheel clamps that lock your wheel," she says. "The Club that goes across the steering wheel, anything as a visual deterrent, is a great way to help people that don't have the opportunity to park their vehicles inside," advises Fix.
