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If you are thinking Georgia Kia then know Gwinnett Place Kia. You will find a comprehensive vehicle description including multiple photos of every KIA Rio, Spectra, Amanti, Sedona, Sorento, Optima, and Sportage in stock. For your convenience, our online dealership enables you to apply for financing, contact our sales team and view our Internet specials from the comfort of your home.
Reviews (28)
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Laura W.
Jun 30, 2022
Do not buy a Kia. it is the worst car that was ever made. My Kia Soul had a problem with the catalyt converter. It took them a month to fix it. we've had the car back for a month and it is back in the shop again. it has problems starting intermittently. call Bulldog Kia and they didn't have Anything available to bring it in for a week. brought it in they have had it for three days and still don't know what's wrong with it. they don't communicate or return phone calls. I can't wait to get it back so I can get a Toyota.
Madeline Hill
Jun 15, 2022
DO NOT VISIT THIS PLACE. They try to take advantage of women by adding on services not asked for. I recently visited Kia to get a simple oil change, and my final bill was $100. The worker rudely stated that the price of their oil change has increased. He then took off the expense of a tire rotation charge, but took off no other charges. They seem very deceitful here. I will NOT be visiting this place again and I recommend you don't either.
Joellen O.
Mar 17, 2022
My boyfriend and I went out looking for a car with three seats for our combined family. We stopped at the Kia dealer and checked out the Telluride. The sales person Charles was very nice. But that's about all. Kia had one Telluride new in stock. With fake leather seats. Unfortunately the one they had they want over $5,000 MORE for it than a manufacturer selling price of $32k.

They wanted $38. ( Yep and that's why they still have it ). The excuse I was given was well. it's a popular car so we can charge more for it. Not. So we continued to look. We really wanted a Chrysler Pacifica due to the room and the 3rd Rowe seating but no new ones were available at the Chrysler dealership. Kia had a 2019 Pacifica limited edition loaded very nice, very clean one but they were very, very expensive. 10k less than new with 42k miles on it with a ridiculous interest rate of 18.99% and we had to put $16,000 DOWN. THAT WAS NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN. so we decided to leave.

On the way home we seen the Nissan of Athens dealer on Atlanta highway so we went to the Nissan dealer and was shown a Chrysler Pacifica touring a 2019. Mint, clean. Great price. They gave us the car max information. without asking for it. 1 small fender hit which was repaired. We test drove it. They ran our credit. And we purchased it. A Chrysler Pacifica touring for $24,000k with 42k miles and we only put $2,000 down which was our tag and title.

We got the best interest rate a 7.99% and drove it home. We couldn't believe what Kia wanted. Ridiculous. Sorry but I would never recommend Kia dealership in Athens. At all. My recommendation for anybody who's looking for any kind of vehicle new or used go to the Nissan dealership in Athens on Atlanta highway right behind the waffle House. You can't get a better salesperson. You cannot get a better price, a better intrest rate or a better car. So go to the Nissan dealer in Athens. Stay away from Kia.
Laureen Niehaus-Beckner
Feb 25, 2022
This review is a systemic complaint and NOT solely directed to Bulldog Kia. My UVO connect expired and I was in no hurry to purchase a plan during Covid and decreased activities. I have been trying to purchase a plan for months now. The car will not connect via the car setup menu; it states uvo is expired. The website states I can't purchase a Kia Connect plan without the car being connected; I have submitted the website "driver request" to connect multiple times through the portal.

No response. Every time I try connecting the car, it tells me the plan has expired. I am able to manually update service info on my phone app while sitting in the running car. The 800 customer service rep referred me to the dealership (Bulldog) stating they could help. Everyone was polite enough but neither the service dept nor sales could help beyond referring me back to the 800 customer service number.

I found a different number to call on my car sticker. Guess what? They are not permitted to help me on the telephone and referred me back to the website where I started. I do feel more of an effort/energy could have been applied by Bulldog to help me resolve my dilemma. I have never worked so hard to TRY to give my money away. I will stay with old school WAZE and AAA and skip the other bells and whistles.
Amanda Letzgus
Feb 23, 2022
I didn't have an appointment today, but came in to the service department to get my daughters recall done on her car. I spoke to Ryan Bassett on the service drive. He was very knowledgeable and helpful and got us in and out in a timely manner. I highly recommend using Ryan as a service advisor as he was highly professional and very understanding!
Samantha Peeples
Dec 23, 2021
I am honestly shocked at the good reviews for this place. A month ago my husband and I went to Bulldog Kia hoping to upgrade to a family car with our first baby coming this Christmas. When we arrived a salesman by the name of Doc Dean came out to ask if we needed help. My husband stated we had seen a Kia Soul online that we were interested in test driving but also while we were there wanted to get trade in value on my 2019 Honda.

We test drove the Soul and when we returned, was not even in the building 10 minutes when Doc asked for my husbands social to run his credit to start the process of purchasing the Kia Soul. WITHOUT HAVE GIVING US ANY NUMBERS OR PRICES ON ANYTHING! We didn't even know what was going on. My husband said wait we don't even have a price or a trade in value on our car. Salesman Doc immediately turned on us and started to argue with my husband as to why he was not committed, threw his hands up and was unbelievably rude.

My husband stated we needed to obviously have a number, trade in value AND we both needed to discuss it over. We were completely caught off guard by how rude he was. We thanked him and left as normal. We will NOT BE BACK to Bulldog Kia EVER AGAIN! We had SEVERAL people tell us to not go there as they were rude but we didn't listen and went anyway hoping for the best.
Craig Shores
Dec 05, 2021
Took my car to Bulldog Kia today for service and had a wonderful 5-star experience thanks to: 1). Beau; 2). the service department; and 3). a very helpful guy in the parts department that Beau took me to see for my keys. I've never been treated better at any dealership than I have been treated at Bulldog Kia. Thank you all so much!
Pamela Sauls
Nov 29, 2021
First, I only take the time to write reviews for individuals and/ or businesses who go above and beyond to provide exceptional service. Doc Dean is one of those people! Let me be real, we can take our hard earned money ANYWHERE. I highly recommend you consider your next car buying experience with Doc Dean! I'm loving my new Kia Soul! Here's a few reasons why. - Car Seat can be installed with ease and not an act of God like my Chevy which makes my #GiGiandBlakelyTime spend the nights easier. - Great sound system for my music therapy - Ease of syncing cell phone w/ Apple car play - Cargo space w/plenty of room in the back for my #YourBirthHelper Doula fun: birth stool, inflatable birthing / peanut balls, etc. and will definitely make my frequent 2-4hr trips one way to help birth babies more enjoyable!

As educated consumers, even in such a unique market where inventory is slim picking, there are still plenty of choices of where to buy a new or used car. I am happy to say, Doc Dean is the reason I chose to purchase my new car from Bulldog Kia in Athens, Ga. Above all, he made the car buying experience FUN and RELAXING which is quite unique in his occupation.

Do your homework if financing: Rebates and interest rate homework. One thing that attracted me was Kia was offering 1.9% financing and had rebate options, as well. Being a Dave Ramsey girl, I am highly opposed to interest charges. However, being self employed through two years of pandemic and all its trials, well it left me in a position to consider financing a vehicle (which pained me bc my last car purchase was 0% finance).

Do yourself a favor, if you need a new or used car or truck, go visit my former salesman who I now call friend, Doc Dean. Oh and he smells good too. P.S. Doc, I'll be back for my Kia Telluride after I publish my first NY Times Best Seller :)
Kylah Q.
Aug 31, 2021
I would give 5 stars for their finance department employee Glen. But for their sales 0. Who interrupts a coworker in the middle of talking with a customer to be rude and condescending. Maybe the older gentleman could use a lesson in etiquette as best to handle situations. If a customer is standing up nearing the door, the conversation is ending. Why this older man didn't understand this and that it appropriate to interrupt and reprimand his coworker, seemed quite distasteful. Don't even want to get started on the perceived racial tones and how problems that was.

So Kudos to Glen! However, shame on you Greg! I was going to purchase a package for you as I was discussing with Glen, but Greg's way was quite off putting and cost Kia a sale.
Michaela Heide
Aug 28, 2021
Joe Miller helped me find the perfect car. He is so professional and really cares. He listened to exactly what I wanted and helped me find it! I would recommend him to ANYONE looking to buy. He made purchasing my first car so easy and stress free. Visit Joe Miller at Bulldog Kia of Athens LOVE my Kia 2022 Sportage.
Betty Ann Obert
Aug 14, 2021
Great dealership! Not the normal sharks I've come across. I went back in September and was just looking to see what Kia had to offer and Ryan was patient while listening to my needs and knowing I wasn't buying that day. Months later I finally bought my Forte, since then I've had my first service. The dealership as a whole has been a pleasure to work with. I'm definitely recommending them to everyone! Even started getting the company I work for fleet cars serviced here.
Craig Shaffer
Aug 05, 2021
I've had my work vehicle serviced here and they were great! Ryan is also assisting in finding another for us. He is knowledgeable and always ready to help with anything. Very appreciative for the service he has provided and continues to provide. If you need anything Ryan is the one to ask for!
Olivia Blake
Jul 17, 2021
I had the best experience buying a car from Bulldog Kia! I knew exactly what I wanted and they made it happen. The process was quick, easy, and they took all the pain and hassle out of buying a car. The sales team, including Michelle my sales rep, Seth, the general sales manager, and Steve in finance were all friendly and helpful. I love my new Kia Forte!
Madison H.
Apr 18, 2021
I just bought my dream car thanks to Bulldog Kia. These guys went above and beyond to help me find exactly what I wanted. Mind you it took months but they worked with me everyday. Danny is the best please go to her!
Ronnie W.
Dec 08, 2020
Watchout from the holy talk aboit honesty. Thier cars are not checked out and oil leaks are camouflaged. They add charges to contracts that they do not explain before sighing. Ronnie 7065401010
Kim C.
Nov 11, 2020
I WILL NEVER BUY FROM BULLDOG KIA AGAIN! I purchased my Kia Soul from Bulldog Kia 2 years ago and now I am having issues with oil consumption at 75,000 miles. Bulldog Kia is not standing behind the warranty. They have pushed it off as GMA, the company they use for the warranty, and that they refuse to replace my motor for oil consumption. However, if the motor blows then they will replace it.

I purchased my car from BULLDOG KIA, not GMA. It is not me who chose to have a warranty company that will not cover the warranty. I HOLD BULLDOG KIA RESPONSIBLE! I am told that because of the oil consumption I now have a blown piston! It will cost 7-8K to fix (for a small block replacement) I paid 16K for the car! If the warranty company will not pay for the replaced engine then the owner, David Kernall, of Bulldog Kia should!

They have made money off of my purchase and now they are NOT standing behind the product they sold me! I will never use Bulldog Kia again. This is my 3rd Kia and I have never had a major issue like this that was not taken care of. That's what a warranty is for! I have always taken care of my car and I have always made sure the required oil changes and maintenance are done as specified. I have done my part and now Bulldog Kia should do theirs and stand behind the product they sold me!
Jessica I.
Aug 26, 2020
I don't mind waiting a long time or if things don't go as planned but wow, my experience with Bulldog Kia went beyond terrible. Although I am a relatively healthy and medium aged adult, I take COVID-19 very seriously because I don't know what an infection could do to myself or my family. I went to Bulldog Kia on 8/24/20 to find zero employees in masks and about 20% of the customers wearing them.

While it is frustrating for customers to not wear masks, it is unacceptable for a business that interacts with customers to blatantly ignore the CDC recommendations to wear a face covering any time you are around others. I was so concerned for my own safety during this visit to Bulldog Kia and had extreme anxiety the whole time. So, I wrote a Google business review saying just that - this business is not observing mask recommendations and I wish I could leave with my car ASAP.

I also wrote a mask review on an Athens Facebook Mask score group. The business saw my review while I was waiting for my car and near the end of my visit the masks appeared on the faces of service technicians and sales people. I had a feeling they'd seen the review because it seemed like a quick turnaround. Well, job done, right? No. This business cannot take constructive criticism that could save a human life. Instead, the customer care manager (ironic title given what I'll tell you) found the mask review on Facebook and proceeded to claim I was making the whole thing up and that everyone had on masks, they reviewed the video.

She listed all of the safety procedures they're taking - none of which I experienced- but I did see the signs telling customers they're taking precautions. Instead of "the customer is always right" Bulldog Kia took to bullying online and making excuses for their actions. If I was so wrong about this situation, why did everyone that worked there start wearing masks 2 hours into my visit?

I will stay far away from Bulldog Kia in the future and I suggest you do too. They don't seem to understand that when you as a business screw up, it's ok for people to leave bad reviews. It was a really shocking situation and I would not trust them.
Peggy C.
Aug 04, 2020
The "men" I had to deal with at this dealership are VERY NARCISSISTIC. I had an appointment to see a vehicle there and they sold it before I even had my appointment. No communication from any of them. They want you believe they railed me. but they didn't. The salesman and the sskes manager are buddies and defend each other like true NARCISSISTIC men do.

Then tried to make me look bad. Please choose a different dealership. ANY KIA is better than this one. RUDE RUDE RUDE. ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN. I rates it ONE because there was nothing LOWER
John G.
Oct 06, 2018
THE WORST CAR DEALERSHIP EVER HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE WHOLE THING IT IS TERRIBLE AND WOULD NOT SUGGEST ANYONE DEAL WITH THEM have made phone calls to deal with a problem and always sent to the voicemail of the person that i am suppose to be talking to and never get a return call and they added things to my contract that i did not ask for and they never asked me if i wanted them and then they have not paid my trade in off and i cannot get any answers about this just overall BAD DEALERSHIP i would give less than 1 if it was possible KIA CARS ARE GOOD JUST LISTEN TO ME AND FIND ANOTHER DEALER,
Jason M.
Jan 12, 2018
The communication and overall customer service in their service department needs improvement. After filing numerous complaints and posting negative reviews from a two month endeavor, the owner of Bulldog Kia resolved my issue.
Sara M.
Nov 21, 2017
In 2015 my parents bought me a 2013 Kia Soul - which I absolutely love! The salesmen, Brandon I believe, was great. He made sure I was happy with every car we looked at. But the service department is lacking, big time. The car does seem to have a lot more "technical" issues lately, for instance, about 12 months ago Bulldog Kia had to replace the radio controls on my steering wheel because they stopped working correctly.

Well now my cruise control controls don't work either and my usb port - that I have never used - isn't working. I took my car to get an alignment done about 6 months ago and they came back and told me they had to do a more extensive alignment because it was so messed up, they never came and got my approval and I got charge an fee for them to update my information - I can't remember the exact name of the charge.

And to make matters worse, once I got home I was looking at my car - which I already had damage to the back end, I am aware of that - I noticed a new scratch and paint missing. And they didn't even tell me that they hit something. So, I will not be using the Bulldog Kia for anymore repairs or service on my car.
Tracie S.
Dec 28, 2016
I am very upset about this place. I purchased a car last year from here. Biggest mistake of my life. I have had so many issues first after just 4 months the car started having issues. They kept the car for 2 weeks then they returned it and I started having more issues. My mom warned me not to buy it but it was so nice. The. After about 6 months I had to replace all the tires.

I come here for my oil change and the service is horrible they have you waiting all day and they try to add extra things. I wish I had of kept my Kia that I purchased through Toyota. At least they had great service and never mad me feel this way. My car had a lot of issues when I bought it and they hid it, they also got upset every timeI brought it to them to look at.

I would never buy a used or new car here again. I wish I never would have came here! Please don't waste your time or money cause they don't care about you car they just want your money!
Heather A.
May 17, 2016
Worst car buying experience I have ever had. Extreme waste of time. After wasting 3 hours here at Bulldog Kia, after the price we negotiated was not the price that ended up on the sales order (jacked up $7,000 from original price discussed) my husband and I left and went to Hyundai of Athens down the street and bought a car there instead. My boss had a similar experience with Kia as well and had warned me as she and her husband had picked out a vehicle, agreed on the price, and arranged for financing through their local bank.

It was when they arrived at Kia to pick up the car that they realized the price they had agreed upon was not what they sent over to the bank to be financed. In fact it was over $5,500 more. Their explanation was fees. Seriously $5,500 worth of fees on a car that only costs $11,000 to begin with. I guess I should have listened to them. Next time I am looking for a new car, if a Kia is something I am interested in buying, I will drive to Atlanta instead. Anything to avoid dealing with these people at Bulldog Kia.
Brittany K.
Feb 24, 2016
Amazing experience! Such nice people and beautiful cars! We are driving home in a 2016 Kia Sorento! It's an amazing vehicle and the people here worked with us! It's was such an awesome day after being have been mean to us today. We were blessed and we happened to be working with a deacon!
A. H.
Feb 19, 2016
This was my 1st purchase from bulldog kia and I can honestly say it won't be my last! Austin helped my husband and I pick the perfect car! I had NO intention of purchasing a car when we went to look but found exactly what I had been searching for! Austin was great! Don't let his young looks fool you! The man knows what he is talking about!

He was absolutely great from the test drive to the final signing! In no way did we feel pressured or obligated to do or buy anything! The service department also installed a back up cam on my car as well! Everything was delivered as promised sparkling clean and on time! Thanks guys for all of your hard work!
Vj M.
Nov 05, 2014
Bulldog Kia assisted with a purchase of a car I was arranging for my sister who had totaled her car and was in the hospital. They were having a large sale and in fact that's how I ended up going with Kia. They were open on Sunday when every other dealer on car row was closed. Things I liked: -Cars had prices clearly marked. -Sales staff was friendly and interested in my needs. -Personal sales attention: Justin, the sales rep, was able to bring the paperwork to the hospital to close the deal and get my sister's signature. -Home delivery - Justin and another sales rep, followed me home to deliver the vehicle because I was managing the sale on my own. -Financing staff offered clear details about finance options. Things that need improvement: -Not enough sales staff.

I spent approximately half my time at the dealership waiting on one thing or another. -Long wait time for hand over. On the day of the handover, I waited some 5 hours as detailed were worked out and delivery set. Luckily my flight home was very late, because I was forced to leave Athens 2 hours later than I had planned to head to the airport - you know how unpredictable Atlanta traffic can be. -No female sales reps.

No complaints about the way Justin treated me as a female customer but frankly I would prefer to do business with a woman. You can imagine how it may feel that the sales staff might be abusing your lack of experience in car purchasing as a woman - not that women can't rip you off too, but one likes to cling to the chance you might be treated fairly at a car dealership.

I would feel better if there were at least some female sales reps. Overall, positive purchasing experience. Not sure the price was as lean as one might hope but they did provide the personal touch I needed in making a deal under the especially awkward situation.
Jackie B.
Sep 13, 2013
One of the worst experiences I've had with a dealership so far. Went online and filled out the pre-approval form on their web-site for their "Big Sales Event" (which is another joke, but we'll get to that in a minute). I got a call from some guy named Mike who after a few phone calls told me that I was "approved" and that I could head down there to look at their selection.

I SPECIFICALLY asked him if there was a down-payment and was told "No, that's not something that we'd require, you are good to go!" I told him I would go ahead and leave work early and head down there, as I really needed to get something done today. I leave work 2 hours early, I drive an hour and a half to get there. I pull in, get out, ask for the gentleman Mike referred me to, Mr. Hammond.

The sales guy, Chris Wright says "Well, Mr. Hammond is busy, so he'll just tell me to help you. So what can I do for you." I tell him that I spoke with Mike at the office, and that he told me that I was pre-approved, no down payment required, blah blah blah. Chris tells me that he'll have to pull that up in the system. He goes and gets his laptop, then he doesn't know how to log in, so he goes and finds someone who can tell him the wi-fi password, and then he proceeds to ask me the same questions that I already filled out on their "pre-approval" form.

I give it all to him and then he says "well, it says here that you were told that you have to have a co-signer." And I explain, that no, Mike called and asked me if I had one, and I said no, but they pulled my credit file from the other bureau and they said it looked good and they could do it no problems. Chris tells me that Mike is just the "internet guy" and that he "doesn't always know what's really going on with finance".

He says he's going to go ask someone about something a couple of times, and both times comes back trying to bully me into a down payment or a co-signer. I tell him no, and leave. I call and e-mail Mike the next morning. Explain what happened, what I was interested in, blah blah blah. He apologizes for the bad experience and says he'll go ahead and send the information over to finance and see what they will do.

He finally calls back at 3:00 that afternoon and tells me that he can't get me approved at all. REALLY!?! You went from "you're pre-approved 0 down!" to "screw you, we won't finance you at all!" overnight. I've wasted at least $50 between leaving early and driving down there and back, not to mention several HOURS of my life dealing with these scum.

And other dealerships have approved me, no problem, but suddenly Bulldog Kia can't. It's all just a big bait and switch. They will tell you anything you want to hear to get you on the lot. Once they have you there they will tell you that someone screwed up, they can't do that, and try to bully you into handing them a huge downpayment or getting a co-signer. ADDITIONALLY, and possibly even MORE IMPORTANTLY: Their cars are WAAAAAY over priced.

They are anywhere from $2000-$3000 ABOVE what Kelley Blue Book list them at. So I would highly, highly recommend avoiding this dealer at all costs. But if for some reason you do decide to buy your car there CHECK YOUR PRICES AND YOUR CARFAX! This dealership is a joke.
Chase M.
Mar 26, 2013
This is by far the worst experience I've ever had. I bought a used car out right they had it for two days said it would be cleaned an serviced. When i went to pick it up it had a cigarette butt laying on the floor in front and cookie crumbs in the back also they left gas tank so low check engine light was on an told me deal with it. I got home stuck my hand under driver side n there was a broken blood veil.

I emailed gm to let him know of the problems i encountered he didn't seem to care one bit an instead of apologizing he defended the wrong his employees did. I would never ever tell friends or family to buy a car from here! I suggest you don't either!