I looked a Kia and was impressed with the design. However, I found a website with owner reviews of all types of vehicles. The reviews of the Kias were mostly pretty negative. That would not bother me if I had the time for some of the more radical modifications that many of the guys on this forum have done, but I want to buy something that I can use in pretty much stock condition. Reliability is #1. That is causing me some difficulty in my search. In my book, frills like electric windows, electric door locks, automatic transmissions, etc. are problems waiting to happen with a vehicle when it has fairly high miles on it. Based on owner reviews and vehicle specs I have narrowed the field to a Geo Tracker, Suzuki Sidekick, and maybe a Vitara, though I am not sure if they are available without the extra frills.