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Thanks,
The Sedona really has been a great van once we licked a couple of the typical, common, nagging "Sedona problems".
One of our reasons to change is warranty service costs. Facing the $400 30K check soon, and then that dreaded 60K someday with quotes over $800, we'd like to get out of THAT!
I'm thinking the 4 cyl will be fine for us - no heavy loads, don't tow. So, does the 4 cyl Rondo have the horrendous service costs of the V-6 Sedona? What about the oil change thing? Does Kia really demand 3000 mile oil and filter like our lying, cheating local dealer demands? If one DOES change to a synthetic, with changes more like 7K to 10K, what does Kia have to say about that and keeping the warranty active?
Any REAL argument in favor of the V-6 over the inline 4? (We'll probably go with the popular package and the third row.)
Tires. What's coming in on Rondos? The Hang-[non-permissible content removed] c--p we got on the Kia were just that. Couldn't keep air in one from the first day. Not a valve stem problem - the leak was through the sidewalls in many places. Another simply would not "balance", but was in reality out-of-round. What comes on Rondos?
Finally, it seems to me from reading these forums that maybe Kia has come way beyond their old self in design and component choices, and frankly, WAY beyond any American offering. The Rondo is unique and maybe an answer for us. Now, is there any consistent, nagging problem with Rondos like the Sedona brakes issues and struts issue? I don't see any patterns in these forums.
Like I said - we're almost there. I'm betting before the end of this month.
If the 7 seater EX was available with I-4 when I bought, I would have strongly considered it in favor of V6. Folks generally report the I4 as peppy and powerful.
EX comes with M&S Michelins, which squeal around tight corners. Otherwise, no complaints except the price - $200 to replace one.
The one problem I've heard about that I think I'm beginning to experience is rotor warp. I've read that this is common issue due to the over-torquing of the wheel lug nuts. I'm starting to get shimmy when braking at highway speeds. Will report after a trip to my local mechanic.
Best of luck to you in your Rondo quest!
I've gotten discoloration of the flat-black exterior trim around the windows from where I or the kids have grabbed the side of the door with sunscreen on our hands. Ditto with glove box - stains from the sunscreened hand that opened or closed it.
Interior stains came out no problem, but the exterior trim stains are still there after several car washes and spot cleanings.
Weird. :confuse:
I can't remember the tire type on the Rondo, but the EX comes with 17" low profile tires which have been great, but I dread replacing due to the cost. The Hankook tires on my Sedona went 46K miles and I didn't have a bit of problem with them.
The Rondo rides nice on good roads, but pronounced seams on highways are really annoying. Transmitted much more than the old Sedona.
I have had zero problems with the Rondo at 13K miles.
You don't have to buy OR get service from the local dealer. Buy somewhere else, drive back to the dealer with your new Rondo and tell them why you didn't buy from them unless you feel like you might have to grovel later when you need service.
The 3 K oil changes usually cost me about $25 at my dealer as I can usually come up with a coupon from the dealer. I usually manage 4K between changes.
They do have you over the barrel on the severe driving. If you live in the city, the dealer can say "how can you not have stop and go driving?"
If you have a mechanic that you trust, stick to the maintenance schedule in the book, keep every record of service & you should be able to keep your $$ out of the dealers pocket for the most part.
I'm thinking in the USA 7,500 miles is normal service and 3,000 for severe service.
And, you state that you're afraid of the $400 and $800 scheduled service points on your Sedona, but you're ready to spend thousands more on another vehicle. I really don't understand, as preventive maintenance is part of owning a vehicle. Changing oil at every 3K or 3 months is not a bad idea, especially if you do a substantial amount of stop-and-go driving. Oil, and coolant/anti-freeze, are the life-blood of your engine.
So, are any you Kia owners feeling that there are significant relaiably concerns with the 2.4L & 4 spd Automatic transmission or that there could be issues with the 10 year warranty if problems arise?
As long as the Rondo is maintained according to the manufacturer's service schedule and it's not abused, there should be no problems having the powertrain warranty honored.
We also go a few accessories with the vehicle: window visors; hood deflector; rear bumper protector; touch-up pen and all weather floor mats.
Thanks
I don't think a wiper that is a inch longer would work without hitting something else. I may have to look again, I've been wrong before.
http://www.canadiandriver.com/ctc/blog/?p=165
The reviewer was especially critical of the traction & stability control. Any owners out there have experiences good or bad with those functions?
I felt that the ESC worked very well, ABS worked well. Only driven in about two snowstorms this winter though. Comments later in the blog claim that the rubber on the stock tire is too hard and that reduces traction. We usually don't get much below 25 with snow where I live. If it is bitterly cold and slick, that could make a large difference.
When my wife and I purchased our 07 Rondo EX V6 Luxury in August, we negotiated into the deal a set of 4 Goodyear winter tires, mounted on steel rims, balanced and studded, for no extra cost (yes, I bargained for these after the price of the Rondo had been agreed upon). We installed these in late November, since no one in their right minds should be driving in my Province (Newfoundland) on all-season tires.
With these studded winter tires, the traction available is immense. We traded a Legacy wagon with AWD for the Rondo, and so far the Rondo's ability to get around in heavy snow or icy conditions is admirable. The traction control is a bit heavy-handed I admit, cutting power a bit too much sometimes, so I can understand how he dislikes the traction control when the all-season tires are still on the car. BUT HE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVING WITH THE ALL-SEASON TIRES ANYWAY!
All in all, a fantastic car that is practical and efficient.
I've been driving on roads ranging from slush , snow pack,good hard icy sow pack created by -30 weather, and I love this car.I still haven't installed my winter tires , but this car has yet to startle or surprise me. I was concerned such a small car would be unstable in slush, but this baby just tracks through with barely a twitch.The only problem I've encountered is with snow packing behind the rear wheel spokes and throwing off the wheel balance- anyone have a cure?
Interior heat is great. Drove 170 kms at below -30 temps in my shirtsleeves, I think this is the first vehicle I've ever been able to do this in!
The biggest thing the Rondo has going for it is value. I nearly bought a 4cyl, fwd Toyota RAV4, but decided to save about $5K and get the Rondo instead. I paid $16,499 plus freight for the LX with popular equipment. Having said that, here's the list.
Likes
Versatility of the cargo space - especially with the underfloor storage in the back, and the sheer volume of stuff that can be accomodated with the second row upright or folded.
Reasonable gas mileage - I've averaged low/mid 20's in a mix of driving, but gotten as high as 28mpg on a highway trip.
Features for the money - I especially like ESC and the standard allotment of airbags
Smooth engine and transmission - with caveat below.
Perfectly weighted steering - not great feedback, but the weighting couldn't be better.
Very roomy second row - one of my criteria for purchasing a car is that I have to fit comfortably "behind myself" - that is, I set the driver's seat where I'd be comfortable, usually all the way back (I'm 6'2"), then try sitting in the seat behind it. Rondo passed this test with no problem at all. Makes it easy to get the toddler in and out of his car seat back there.
Ergonomics - Pretty much everything is where it should be from the driver's seat. I'll add that outward visibility is great, since Kia eschewed the trend toward high beltlines. The big windows are even cut low enough that my toddler can see out of the car while strapped into his seat.
Warranty - this was the clincher when I decided to buy the Rondo over the Toyota (in addition to saving money and dealing with a less obnoxious dealership). My dealership (Cherner Kia in Vienna, VA) even gives free scheduled maintenance for 5Y/60K.
Competent handling - I think it was a Car & Driver review that stated the Rondo handles well for what it is. This is true - it's a tall wagon, not a sports car, but the handling is very predictable. It doesn't inspire the kind of confidence to drive the car at 11/10ths, but it's never frightening.
Dislikes
HVAC system - Should be totally re-thought. "Off" should be a setting on the fan speed dial, not the mode dial. I want to select the mode, even when the fan speed is off, for the draft that comes through at highway speeds. Also, the mode selection only seems to direct the majority of the air, not all of it - when I have it on "feet only", I still get air blowing at my face unless I manually close those vents.
Seat comfort - Kia seems to take "bucket seat" too literally. I'd love a tad more lumbar support. I also agree with comments that the headrests don't move back far enough - even at their rearmost setting, my head is tilted slightly forward. On long trips, I find myself squirming a lot.
Resale value - it must be said... if I'd bought the RAV4, I'd have a car that's still worth ~85% of what I paid for it. With the Rondo, the value is dropping much faster. Doesn't bother me that much as I prefer to keep a car for 5+ years anyway.
Stock tires - pretty standard complaint, most new vehicles come with disappointing tires. But handling in greatly diminished in the rain, and I'm nervous about trying it in any substantial snow.
Aux input jack for the stereo - this has also been widely commented upon, but it is one of the things that frustrates me. Fortunately, I hear it's been added for '08s.
Cold performance - on cold mornings, both the transmission and engine seem very upset to be awakened from their slumber. As noted above, everything is smooth once it heats up, but until then, shifts are very clunky.
No sportiness - this applies particularly to the transmission, which requires a very firm right foot before it finally downshifts. I wish that the auto box had a "sport" setting where it might downshift sooner, but at least the manual mode becomes particularly useful for some passing situations.
Summary
I'm very pleased with the value. I think the Rondo represents a great set of compromises between roominess and economy, features and value, performance and safety. The styling is inoffensive - I like the back end styling more than the front, which looks like a tall Toyota Matrix. Interior is well-designed. However, if you're a very sporting driver, you probably won't want the Rondo as your only car. Speaking for myself, it makes me wish I had a "weekend car" in the garage to fulfill the need for the occasional spirited drive.
The original all-season tires are complete rubbish on anything but dry road, so much to my dismay, I had to drop about $400 on 4 snowtires, I bought Dunlop Graspics. I have to say, they totally rock, I went out in 4" of snow today and had zero skidding, even where the road was plowed back to icy ruts. The car feels like a little tank in the snow now, which makes me very happy, because I like the fuel economy and the smaller payments than with my 4wd. Money well spent, as much as I hated to do it.
With these winter tires, the Rondo has about the same snowability as our 1998 Legacy wagon with AWD on non-studded winter tires (I have had AWD vehicles for the past 12 years, like you). Braking is smooth and predictable, accelerating from a stop on a snowy intersection is done without drama and the ESC/stability control rarely kicks in. A great winter car.
We just got back from a highway trip of 350 kms (about 220 miles), with two adults, two kids, and a load of luggage, and we did it using two notches short of a 1/2 tank of fuel. That works out to 33 mpg per Canadian gallon (which is 4.54 litres) or 28 mpg per American gallon (3.76 litres). Great fuel economy from a V6 with studded winter tires and a full load!
So far I haven't encountered much problems with the standard all season Hankook tires in snow (up to 4" deep). I have never had a 4wd and never had a vehicle with snow tires. However, I do make full use of the Steptronic manual shifting (great feature) under poor conditions and drive defensively.
2bigdogs (I have one) I don't know what engine you have in your Rondo, but in mine its the 4 cylinder. I have read in other forums about people having a lot of problems with the Rondo's in snow but the vast majority appear to have the V6. If the conditions are bad I start off in 2nd, but based on the gearing ratio for the 5 speed in the V6 they should be using 3rd to start off (where most people would have a tendency to start in 2nd), but never been able to find out if this helps.
I have not needed to use the Steptronic shifting, but it is a good idea I had not thought of, that I may need at some point. We have had 4 storms in 6 days, and another on the way. Right now, there is a little less than 4 ft of snow on my front lawn (not including plowed up snow).
I don't think we'll see that much snow you have in Newfoundland.
(I wish this forum would allow you to show details of your vehicle and your location in this new left column that was created not too long ago, like they do on other forums. It would make things that much easier for all memeber's- site HOST are you listening!)
I do have a question for you long term owners. I am considering a Rondo to replace my Malibu Maxx, and am impressed with the Rondo on every level. My only concern is all the plastic on the dash and the doors. My question is, Is the plastic holding up well, or does it scratch easily? I am afraid it will look all beat up in short order.
Regarding your question on the plastic, so far I haven't found a problem but then again have only owned the vehicle for 2 months. What bits I have scuffed cleaned off real easy. I do have a large dog so I put in a 4' x 6' piece of carpet in the cargo area (with the 2nd row down) and this also hangs out the back sill plate when loading so that doesn't get scratched from the dogs claws and also I got the optional rubber rear bumper cover for additional protection. I guess it all depends what you do with the vehicle and what precautions you take. Any vehicle regardless of the material will get "beat up in short order" if you don't look after it properly. But I'm sure long term owners with '07 models will be able to help.
I did consider the Maxx at one point, I believe that vehicle has now been discontinued by GM for the 2008 model year
1) does it maintain the temp well, or are you always fiddling up and down with the temp?
2) does it keep the window clear on auto mode, or do you have to keep switching to defrost mode.
And any other comments good or bad that you may feel like sharing.
And the difference in snow traction between a new set of tires and those with 10K (or 20K or 30K) miles on them was noticable. It's all about the tread pattern, depth, and "softness" of the rubber.........
True there are differences according to preference such as a soft floating ride or a tight, stiff sports car. But two vehicles of similar size and weight with similar suspensions, the car will always win. Draw an inverted "T" and if you wish put tires on the axle. Sit down near the axle and raise one side as if going over a bump. Notice the amount of lateral movement. Now sit up high on that "T" as if riding in a van, etc. and again notice the lateral movement. So, if you like being tossed side to side like a flea on a dogs tail, buy the non-car.
Yes full sized pickups get a decent ride with their fine suspension, wide wheel base, and heavy V-8 and heavy rear-wheel drive transmission, but don't expect much for gas milage. But then to be fair you would need to compare that ride to a Grand Marquis or Lincoln Town Car. (and they will get better gas milage).
Impact wrenches should be used only on rare occaison where it is necessary to break something loose that can not be done by hand.
After watching many a large SUV having slid off the road in bad snow & ice..I
believe the NO 1 Safety factor in bad weather is driver smarts!
believe the NO 1 Safety factor in bad weather is driver smarts!
The main reason why those people end up in the ditch is because they drive too fast and do not have the experience to drive a larger vehicle.