'Kia Poached Some of the Audi and BMW Designers:' Customer Wants Kia K5. Is It Worth the Monthly Car Payment?

"The kia k5 gt is actually really nice tbh."

Photo by: Unsplash.com

By: Alexandra Samuels

Sep 6, 2025 at 1:00pm ET

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A Florida car salesman has gone viral on TikTok for roasting customers who come in wanting Kia K5s—implying they’re in it for the flash, not the durability.

In his skit, Dayton Shupack (@daytonmichaelshupak) plays “that one customer” who marches into the dealership ready to buy a Kia K5. The fictional shopper gushes over a Nardo grey model with red leather interiors, calling it “everything” they wanted in a new car. Heated and cooled seats? Check. 360 camera? Check.

“Did you know that Kia poached some of the Audi and BMW designers, so it kind of looks like both of them, but neither one at the same time?” the “customer” says, trying to justify the pick.

Then Shupack, playing himself as the salesman, breaks the spell, warning that Kia K5 engines are known to be unreliable and “blow up before the [vehicle’s] warranty is over.” Still, he offers to let the buyer sign the papers for $950 a month.

“I’m sure I’m not going to regret buying this over something like a nice Toyota Camry,” the “customer” deadpans.

So, are Kia K5s really worth it? As of this writing, Shupack’s video has pulled in over 268,700 views, sparking plenty of debate.

Some Kia K5s Are Known for Having Engine Problems

According to CoPilot, the Kia K5 has been associated with engine problems, particularly in the 2021 and 2022 models equipped with the 2.5L turbocharged engine. (That’s not the exact model Shupack joked about, though he claimed the 1.6L versions had problems too.)

The 2021 K5 was hit with several recalls, including for loss of power and potential fuel leaks that could lead to fires. Some models also had improperly installed airbags, and there were reports of transmission oil pump failures. A separate recall covered 2021-2022 K5s with the 2.5L turbo engine over a fuel leak risk at the high-pressure fuel pump connection.

Newer models aren’t entirely off the hook, either. Specifically, with the 2025 K5, there have been complaints regarding high oil consumption, an issue that prompts some owners to check their levels more frequently, much to their frustration. Meanwhile, drivers of both the 1.6L and 2.5L engines have also reported knocking or odd engine noise, though they said Kia has sometimes brushed it off as “normal.”

The 2021 model year still draws the most complaints, with engine and electrical problems flagged by both owners and the NHTSA. The 2.5L turbo engine is most often tied to recalls, but the 1.6L isn’t entirely trouble-free either.

How reliable your K5 is largely depends on the year and engine type. If you’re thinking about buying one, check for open recalls and read up on reliability data for the exact model you want. In other words, do your homework and don’t just grab the flashiest model because it looks like a budget luxury car.

Is It Worth $950 a Month?

A $950 monthly payment for any car—let alone a Kia K5—is exceptionally high and rarely a good deal. According to NerdWallet, the average new car payment in early 2025 was about $745. That said, hitting $950 a month is unusual unless the loan term is very short, your credit score is low, or the dealer loaded on extras.

The 2025 Kia K5 ranges from about $28,365 for the base model to $35,865 for the EX trim. A $950 payment, even with a standard 69-month loan and good credit, points to a loan amount well above the car’s price. For comparison, the average new car loan this year, per Bankrate, was about $41,720—and that includes larger, more expensive vehicles.

If a dealer quotes you $950 a month, it may be due to a short loan term or a low down payment. Some dealerships also inflate monthly payments by adding extended warranties or service plans without making it clear.

Before agreeing to a deal like that, ask for an itemized breakdown of the car’s price, loan term, and every fee or add-on. And to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck, compare quotes from other dealers to be safe.

A Kia K5 can be a solid midsize sedan, but at $950 a month, you’re paying luxury-car money. Unless you know exactly why the payment is that high—and you’re comfortable with it—it’s not a smart buy.