Ah great! I presume you are speaking of the f/3.5-4.5; if so, don't even bother with the kit lens. Or, you may be talking about the 28-80 f/3.5-5.6, in which case, its a toss-up with that kit lens.

I actually suspect that the salesman wasn't blowing smoke, he probably just didn't know, finding a helpful and informed salesmen is a rare occurrence, especially at chain stores (the Ma and Pa stores usually have very informed people though).