Air Conditioning on Base Rio

ndb · 08-28-2007, 02:22 PM

Can Someone help?

Shopping for a quality new car for my daughter. A local (DFW) Kia dealer had a teaser Rio Base for $6999. I noticed it did not have air conditioning.

The salesman told me it was IMPOSSIBLE (no way/ no how) to install AC. I find that hard to believe but he swore by it. Is this true? Is there some kind of engine/dash/warranty problem with installing AC?

Are there aftermarket parts for installing the AC? I have a mechanic who can do anything, but I don't want to mess with the great warranty or break a new car. I can get an AC Rio, but it is thousands more. AC in TX is a must.

As a sidenote, does anyone know if the $5888 Rio deal is still to be found somewhere?

2004riotuner · 08-28-2007, 04:00 PM

In 2004 when I bought my Rio.. There was an option to buy the Rio with a/c, just not in a base model.. Though you could have had a dealer installed A/C into a base Rio for somethinglike $1500.. Now because they have introduced the new Rio model they may not be doing that anymore.. Try calling around to a few dealerships and see what they say.. But I know when the 1st and 2nd Gen Rios were the newest style it was available.

KIAMARK69 · 08-28-2007, 04:06 PM

I work in the service department and I can tell you it would be over 2k to install ac, there is no "kit" available like in other car lines and no aftermarket kits that I have heard of, so basically you have to order each individual part and install it from scratch....not worth the base models savings at all.

2004riotuner · 08-28-2007, 07:00 PM

Not sure about the US but I can 100% tell you in Canada there is a dealer installed A/C option..

KIAMARK69 · 08-29-2007, 09:47 AM

looks like ndb is from Texas, there is 100% no dealer installed option on AC in the US.

hollywood · 08-29-2007, 03:52 PM

It looks like there is a kit for the Hyundai Accent, so you would think either this would fit or KIA would have one that they are just not advertising...

Hyundai Accent Air Conditioner

tmkassab · 06-29-2010, 04:27 PM

I just bought a complete A/C Retro Fit Kit with everything for a 2010 KIA RIO from a company in Greenville, SC called Kascar - The complete a/c kit included everything except the freon! LOL! The instructions were some of the best I have seen. I'm almost done installing it. I'm sure they have kits available for other years. I talked to Keith at Kascar. I'll let you know when I get it done. Just putting the dash back together now.

swicher · 07-17-2010, 02:20 PM

Could I have some more info on the retro fit kit please? I'm very interested. How much?

fasttimes · 07-20-2010, 08:58 AM

i have a 2009 base model and have been looking for the same thing. so far i have found that Hyundai has a AC install for the accent that will work and there is a company(Auto Air Co.) in St.Louis MO that has a retro fit installed $2150.00+ tax there phone is (314)534-8080 they should be able to answer any questions that you have on it.