Kia Parts - Southlake Kia

For residents of Merrillville, Indiana, and the surrounding regions, Southlake Kia serves as an authorized Kia dealership, encompassing not only new and used vehicle sales but also acting as a crucial "Auto Repair Station" through its dedicated parts and service departments. Located prominently at 4191 E Lincoln Hwy, Merrillville, IN 46410, Southlake Kia is a destination for those seeking genuine Kia parts, professional vehicle maintenance, and the purchase of new or pre-owned Kia models.

As a modern car dealership, Southlake Kia typically features a multi-faceted environment. The primary showroom would showcase new Kia vehicles, designed to be bright, clean, and inviting for potential buyers. Adjacent to or within the main facility, there would be a dedicated parts counter and a service center. The parts department, as an "auto parts store," would be organized to display and store a wide range of genuine Kia parts and accessories. The service department, functioning as an "auto repair station," would consist of a professional garage with service bays, lifts, and diagnostic equipment specific to Kia vehicles. This comprehensive layout aims to provide a seamless experience for customers, from purchasing a vehicle to maintaining it throughout its lifespan.

Southlake Kia, under the platform category "Auto Repair Stations," offers a wide array of services and goods, primarily centered around the Kia brand. These include:

• New Kia Vehicle Sales: As a franchised dealer, they offer the complete lineup of new Kia models, such as the Kia Soul, Seltos, and other popular vehicles, providing various trim levels and customization options.
• Used Vehicle Sales: Beyond new cars, they maintain an inventory of pre-owned vehicles, often including certified pre-owned Kias that come with additional warranties and benefits.
• Genuine Kia Parts Sales: This is where they directly function as an "auto parts store." They stock and sell authentic OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Kia parts, crucial for maintaining the vehicle's integrity, performance, and warranty. This includes everything from engine components and brake pads to filters, batteries, and body panels.
• Authorized Kia Service and Repair: As an "Auto Repair Station," their service department is equipped with factory-trained technicians who specialize in Kia vehicles. Services include:
  • Routine Maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations, fluid checks)
  • Warranty Repairs (utilizing Kia's comprehensive warranty programs)
  • Advanced Diagnostics (for complex electrical or engine issues)
  • Brake Service and Repair
  • Tire Sales and Installation
  • Battery Testing and Replacement
  • Air Conditioning Service
  • Engine and Transmission Repair
  • Recalls and Software Updates
• Financing Options: They provide various financing and leasing options to assist customers with their vehicle purchases.
• Trade-In Services: Customers can trade in their current vehicles towards the purchase of a new or used car.

The emphasis on genuine Kia parts and factory-trained technicians ensures that vehicles receive service that adheres to manufacturer standards, which is particularly important for warranty preservation and vehicle longevity.

A significant feature of Southlake Kia, as an authorized dealership, is the access to the full range of Kia models and the backing of the manufacturer's warranty. The ability to purchase genuine Kia parts directly from the source is a major advantage for owners who prioritize original equipment. The presence of specialized technicians trained specifically on Kia vehicles implies a higher level of expertise for complex repairs and diagnostics specific to the brand.

However, customer reviews highlight a mixed experience, particularly concerning the sales department. While one customer expressed love for their purchased Kia Soul, both provided reviews heavily criticize the customer service and attitude of some sales staff. Specifically, an "obnoxious" Hispanic sales guy was reported for rudely telling a potential customer (the reviewer's mother) that she would never find a car dealer or a car payment under $500 a month. This led the potential customer to another dealership, where she successfully purchased a fully loaded new car with a payment of $383.00 a month, highlighting a significant failure in customer relations and an apparent lack of understanding of financing options. Another review describes the manager at Southlake as "very arrogant and pushy," leading that customer to purchase a new Seltos from a different Kia dealership (Highland) due to a more "helpful and pleasant" experience there.

These reviews collectively suggest that while Southlake Kia offers the full suite of authorized Kia products and services, customer experience in the sales department can be highly inconsistent and, at times, detrimental to business. This underscores the importance of the human element in customer service, even in a well-established dealership setting.

Southlake Kia, like most dealerships, would engage in various promotional activities including online advertising, local media campaigns, and offering incentives or special financing rates on new and used vehicles. Their location on E Lincoln Hwy, a main thoroughfare, provides constant visibility to potential customers. For existing Kia owners in Merrillville, the parts and service departments are promoted as the ideal choice for maintaining their vehicles with genuine parts and expert care, particularly for warranty-related work. While promotional efforts would aim to attract new car buyers, the negative customer feedback regarding sales experiences might impact their ability to convert leads into sales and build long-term relationships for future business and referrals.

Customers can contact Southlake Kia at (219) 947-1527 or +1 219-947-1527 for sales inquiries, service appointments, or to order genuine Kia parts. While they serve as a comprehensive resource for Kia owners, potential customers are advised to approach their sales experience with informed expectations based on the varied feedback.