A comparison of two cars I would like to own: a 2012 Kia Optima and a 2012 Jeep Patriot… Presented by: Ben Muller Project 15: Buying Your First Car

The Kia Optima is a great family car that still has a lot of class and style. All models also have a stop-start system, which helps towards average fuel economy of 57.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 128g/km. In addition, this car drives very well and smoothly. It can be purchased for under $20,000.

The safety rating of the 2012 Kia Optima is five stars. Below are some of the important safety features this car has: Frontal Crash: Five stars Side Crash: Five Stars Rollover: Five Stars No Recalls of Car No Investigations of Car

Keyless Start Front Wheel Drive Aluminum Wheels Tires - Front Performance Tires - Rear Performance Automatic Headlights Fog Lamps Heated Mirrors Power Mirror(s) Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors Variable Speed Intermittent Wipers AM/FM Stereo CD Player Satellite Radio MP3 Player Bluetooth Connection Auxiliary Power Outlet These features are extremely important to me. I tend to lose things, so the keyless start is important to me if I happen to lose my keys. I need to have the AM/FM stereo to listen to music, and I would want the Bluetooth connection to connect my devices to the car.

First off, for a mid size sedan, this is one good looking car. The wheels are something that is getting mixed reviews though, when the person sees them, they will either love them or hate them. Once the person sits in the car they are going to find that they really like the luxury level that is being put into this car. And there is plenty of room for anyone that decides to ride in this car. The ride quality that the Kia offers is something that most people are thrilled about as they are finding that it rides rather quietly. With engine options that are going to give the person around 162 horsepower, they will still find that they are getting a ton of power for such a smooth ride. The 2.4 liter engine is going to give the person ample gas mileage as well, getting around 24 miles in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway.

City MPG: 22 Miles Highway MPG: 34 Miles Cost to fill the tank: $56.28 Average miles I drive a week: 200 miles Total weekly gas bill: $101.00

The Patriot is a compact sport utility vehicle featuring classic Jeep styling in an affordable package. While it will spend most of its life on city streets, the Patriot includes components that provide it with off-road capability unparalleled by other vehicles in its class. The Patriot shares its small-SUV platform with the Jeep Compass, but provides off-road capability that its sibling doesn't. Redesigned last year, the Jeep Patriot carries over with minimal changes for A new Limited trim joins the lineup, providing value-added features such as leather upholstery, automatic climate control and satellite radio.

The safety rating of the 2012 Jeep Patriot is five stars. Below are some of the important features this car has: Frontal Crash: Five stars Side Crash: Five Stars Rollover: Five Stars No Recalls of Car No Investigations of Car

Keyless Start Garmin GPS Sirius XM Radio Front Wheel Drive Automatic Headlights Fog Lamps Heated Mirrors Power Mirror(s) Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors AM/FM Stereo CD Player Satellite Radio MP3 Player Bluetooth Connection Auxiliary Power Outlet These features are very important to me. I really enjoy to listen to XM Radio instead of FM/AM, so that feature is important to me. I also would like to have a Garmin Navigation System.

The Patriot is a compact sport utility vehicle featuring classic Jeep styling in an affordable package. The front-wheel drive Sport and Latitude trims are powered by a 158-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while all other models get a 172-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (optional on the FWD Sport and Latitude). Available transmissions include a five-speed manual and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with manual shift mode. Building on the Sport trim, the Latitude adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, heated front seats, fold-flat passenger seat, air conditioning and a leather steering wheel with integrated audio controls, as well as power mirrors, windows and door locks. The Limited is further equipped with a power driver's seat, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, satellite radio and a 6-disc CD/DVD player. An available Freedom Drive II® Off- Road package enhances the Patriots capabilities with a 4-wheel drive off- road mode, hill descent control, all-terrain tires, skid plates, tow hooks and a brake lock differential. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability control with roll mitigation, traction control, side-curtain air bags and tire pressure monitoring. A new Limited trim joins the lineup, providing value-added features such as leather upholstery, automatic climate control and satellite radio.

Cost to fill the tank: $61.57 Average miles I drive a week: 200 miles Total weekly gas bill: $ City MPG: 23 Miles Highway MPG: 29 Miles

Final Costs Starts at $15,995 Starts at $19,500

Thanks for Viewing!