I'm 43 years old have always had a 60 mile plus commute currently 70 miles round trip, I have yet to pay over $3K for anything with 4 wheels.

If you want a cheep ride, a jeep wrangler is not it. Nothing else fits it, meaning parts are high, if it is a rag top, you can't buy enough heat to fill it in the winter where you are.
I like the looks of them too, but I'm waiting for the first million...

To each his own.

BTW: On the KIA deal, I understand that to keep that "great" warranty valid, you have to let them $ervice it. Ask about the service price before you buy.