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Kia Rondo

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Comments

  • sra1sra1 Member Posts: 20
    That may have a lot to do with it. it is imperative to check any "pulling" problems on a level surface (side to side, up hill or down hill don't really matter) !!!
  • e_net_ridere_net_rider Member Posts: 1,380
    Thanks. Also put my thoughts in letting them know it is not only V-6.
  • e_net_ridere_net_rider Member Posts: 1,380
    Thrust angle and more important is the offset, both will effect the cambor measurement. There are no adjustments for cambor or caster.
    Just because the toe spec is correct for front and rear does not mean vehicle is aligned. To properly align the centerline must be found.
    When the vehicle is being driven straight, the offset is the distance one wheel is ahead of or behind the opposite wheel on the front.
    Assuming the vehicle is perfectly assembled, and the wheels are set for straight ahead, drawing a line through the two front spindles, the line should be exactly 90 degrees to the centerline.
  • e_net_ridere_net_rider Member Posts: 1,380
    As you imply via the Civic it has a lot to do with vehicle design. And tires! And vehicles can be aligned to non-factory specs to perform as desired. Unfortunately this KIA seems to be aligned for running on a round left curve track.
    Sitting high makes it harder to perceive the amount of crown, but sooner or later you will find that flat piece of road.
    Even if it means a bit more tire wear, any properly aligned vehicle should not react badly to wear grooves from big trucks on the road.
  • e_net_ridere_net_rider Member Posts: 1,380
    Fix torque steer (handling safety issue).
    Fix alignment issue (handling safety issue).
    Create a real ESC system, not just kill power (safety issue).
    Lower entire vehicle about 6", inclusive of roof line (better ride, mileage, & safety).
    Lower driver seat at least 4" (better ride, comfort).
    Allow better adjustment of driver seat (comfort).
    Increase steering wheel diameter at least 2"(comfort & fatigue).
    Put speedometer in location it can be fully viewed, perhaps top of dash, linearly(much easier to monitor speed creap because of puny engine).
    Put some padding on the hard surfaces, include steering wheel (comfort) !
    Fix headrest (comfort).
    Fix curve of backrest (comfort).
    Current manual adjustment of seat height - not enough range (comfort).
    Stop putting the dang coating on the windshield (inside) that distorts vision at night. Bet you did not know it was there? You can not clean it off with anything I've tried. Using a very powerful solvent I managed to get some of it mixed to a gooey mess. Stayed foggy until next day when sun dried it again. Glass and plastics have different refractory indexes (night vision safety).
    Whatever it takes to improve wind impact of a passing tractor trailer causing sway (safety).
    All I could think of in a few minutes and sure there are more.
  • bgwbgw Member Posts: 116
    E_net_rider,
    Yes, my 91 Civic SI, which I bought new, would never ever keep a straight line, but would always pull strongly to the right. The whole steering rack was eventually replaced near the end of my warranty, which cured the problem. Then I sold the car promptly, as the final problem of many was fixed and I could sell the car with a clear conscience.
    As for your points above,
    - the ESC system in my 07 Rondo EX V6 does cut in too strongly and kill the power. However, I have found that lifting off the gas defeats it immediately and I can continue on as I was doing. But I do agree with you!
    - If the designers lowered the vehicle 6", then it would be a station wagon. Personally, I love the current design, as is.
    - Driver's seat height - again, I love the height of the seat. Coming from a 1998 Legacy wagon, which had a really low seat, I enjoy the forward vision the Rondo's seat allows. My driver's seat has 8 way power, so height adjustment is a snap.
    - The steering wheel diameter is just fine, as is the thickness. Now, my 1998 Escort's steering wheel is a little too small!
    - Speedometer location? I can see it fine, as can my much shorter wife. And I don't know about the 4 cyl, but my Rondo's V6 is more than up to the task of hauling 2 adults, 2 kids and a load of stuff around.
    - Padding on the hard surfaces? I have 2 kids, and the hard surfaces are a blessing, let me tell you! They wipe off easily and do not (so far) seem to scratch or mar easily. Plus, I really like the surface on the steering wheel. It is momentarily slippery when first gripped on a cold day (like today, which is currently -2 celcius or about 29 f) but warms quickly and gets grippy.
    - The headrest is lovely, and meets the back of my head just where I want it to (I am 5' 10").
    - The backrest, indeed all the seats, are quite comfortable and I would not change a thing. Maybe you have the cloth seats and they are a different design?
    - Inside coating on the windshield that distorts at night? Must only be on US Rondos, since I have not seen this problem on mine or the Rondos of people I know. My windshield cleans nicely with regular ammonia-free Windex.
    - And I feel that the Rondo behaves very stably when a tractor trailer passes by - I don't notice any more sway than in any other car I've had - actually, the Rondo is more stable in cross-winds than even my 1998 Legacy AWD wagon. The Rondo just never gets tossed around.
    I know these are your opinions and as such they are neither right nor wrong (just like my opinions), so I am not taking you to task on these items - I just wanted to offer another perspective, that's all.
    I feel that the Rondo could be made better by offering a manual transmission (which both my wife and I prefer) though that is not likely given the target demographic, and AWD should be at least a stand-alone option (we would definitely have bought that), Along with using a better, less intrusive ESC program like you say, the Rondo then would be darn near perfect in my books.
  • irismgirismg Member Posts: 345
    I for one LOVE the height. I'm tired of killing my back and knees for low-riding cars. I'm in my late 40s and can't do that anymore.

    Anyway, the Rondo V6 was one of three cars I test drove at CarMax yesterday.

    Now, my impressions were that I didn't realize it was so big! I was expecting a Ford Focus-sized wagon. It's smaller than the CR-V, barely, whose mileage figures aren't that great, either.

    The dashboard layout was nice. I was a LITTLE disappointed with the amber lighting - I prefer blue like Hyundai. I took Luther Vandross with me in the CD player, and he sounded VERY nice after I adjusted the stereo.

    Being spoiled by my Toyota, I was pleasantly surprised to see velour on the seats. I'm a very large woman, and the seats were comfortable to me.

    This car had ABS, which frightened me, but they weren't as touchy as the ones in the Nissan I drove later.

    The price for a car this size and this well appointed was incredible, $14,500 for a car with less than 15K miles on it.

    But doggone it, that mileage! I've never known of any V6 to get great mileage, but unless it has a peppy 2.5 liter 4 like the Nissan I'm afraid this car will eat me alive in fuel costs. But I loved the seat height, the light-colored interior (in a black car, no less), it did well over our sorry roads, and in the constant Oklahoma wind.

    And, I think it's cute! :)

    Overall it was a pleasant experience, except for smashing my finger in the door after I got out of it! Ow!
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    Fix torque steer (handling safety issue).
    Fix alignment issue (handling safety issue).
    Create a real ESC system, not just kill power (safety issue).
    no problems in this area everything works great

    Lower entire vehicle about 6", inclusive of roof line (better ride, mileage, & safety).
    KIA already has this in the form of the Spectra 5, would kind of defeat the purpose of the Rondo

    Lower driver seat at least 4" (better ride, comfort).
    certainly not comfort in my case I like the higher seats and the fact you can step into the vehicle without stepping "down", if I wanted that I would buy a different vehicle

    Allow better adjustment of driver seat (comfort).
    would like a bit more front to rear travel than what is offered but still found with playing around with the manual adjustment we have found a comfortable setting for both myself and my wife. Now my wife only has to move the seat forward when she drives.

    Increase steering wheel diameter at least 2"(comfort & fatigue).
    this I find puzzling, maybe its what you a used to in other vehicles, but I find that the steering wheel diameter ideal and can't see any reason to increase it.

    Put speedometer in location it can be fully viewed, perhaps top of dash, linearly(much easier to monitor speed creap because of puny engine).
    another puzzle, both myself (5-11" and my wife 5'-3") have no problem seeing all the instruments at all times, can't figure out why you can't view it clearly

    Put some padding on the hard surfaces, include steering wheel (comfort) !
    steering wheel is fine, but a bit more cushion wouldn't go amiss. I guess you could pad more of the hard surfaces like the door panels, but it does make it easy to clean

    Fix headrest (comfort).
    wouldn't want to change them, we find these well designed and very comfortable - actually a headrest you can use!

    Fix curve of backrest (comfort).
    we find them comfortable, but an adjustable lumbar support would be an improvement. The best seats I've ever come across in a vehicle I have owned was a Volvo

    Current manual adjustment of seat height - not enough range (comfort).
    There is a power seat on the top model, but more height adjustment would be welcome but not critical

    Stop putting the dang coating on the windshield (inside) that distorts vision at night. Bet you did not know it was there? You can not clean it off with anything I've tried. Using a very powerful solvent I managed to get some of it mixed to a gooey mess. Stayed foggy until next day when sun dried it again. Glass and plastics have different refractory indexes (night vision safety).
    no idea what you are referring to, mines fine

    Whatever it takes to improve wind impact of a passing tractor trailer causing sway (safety).
    don't find it that unusual for the type of vehicle (you should expect something on a vehicle this tall), but I do find that I have less problems on my Rondo with wind impact that my previous vehicle which was 10" lower and 10" longer

    anyway thats my input on your requests with another point of view.
  • donaldo1donaldo1 Member Posts: 1
    I drive a 2008 EX V6, 5 seater, with cloth seats.

    I am not being nasty or critical. Everyone has their own opinions, but the Rondo is
    the best equipped, handling, looking, convenient, seating, accessories and anything else you can mention, car for its price that I have ever driven.

    There is NO torque steer, it has a cargo light, no glove box light, but with the map light on, no problem. The ESC and ABS are a bit scary at first, if like me you have never driven with them before, but they do not stop in the middle of an intersection and on an icy road, they kept me on the straight and narrow. Every one who rides with me comments, first, on the perfect height of the seats for easy access and 2nd the quality of the cloth on the seats.

    We have 6,500 miles on it, mostly highway. We get approx. 23 miles per U.S. gallon. The V6 is as smooth and powerful as you could want. After driving 4 cyl. Toyotas for 17 years, I love getting back to a V6. On the 4 lane highways, we drive at 65 to 75 mph. You can put 8 ft. 2 x 4's in with the front seat folded. It has far more cargo capacity than its competitors and they ALL cost more.

    In Europe this is the third generation Rondo (Caren), would any of you complain about a third generation model of most cars?

    There, I said it and I'm glad!!! :)
  • e_net_ridere_net_rider Member Posts: 1,380
    You said 08! Did they redesign the driveshaft issue so they are both the same length?
    Did they add adjustments for alignment of caster and cambor?
    Quality of cloth not bad, but did they redesign the seat back so that you did not need to be a hunched over blue hair to match the curvature of your back?
    ESC or ABS should never be scary. ABS might seem odd if it pumps the pedal as some do, but remember it will always do a better job of braking than you can, if it was designed correctly. As to ESC, I'm a bit confused because it has been said the method employed on this vehicle just kills power. And my first thoughts of it were that it was like traction control which I have on other vehicle. It does reduce power, but more importantly employs auto-braking to keep vehicle going straight.
  • tmurphytmurphy Member Posts: 10
    If I believed everything e net rider said, I wouldn't go near a Rondo. To each his own I guess.
    I have a '07 EX V6 ... it's fantastic! I agree with conwelpic (post #317).
    My only complaint are the headlights ... not used to the sharp line between light and dark when driving down an unlit road at night. The light isn't "defused" enough.
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    thanks, tmurphy, I too was a bit nervous about the low beam headlights at first (based on peoples comments I had read online before my purchase), but now having lived with them for for over 5 months, I find them excellent. I have not had one single person flash there headlights at me for glare, and I work nights so I use them a lot. If the road is that dark just switch to high beams, problem solved! I find that on high beam, it easily lights up the stop sign at the end of my street, which is a kilometer from my driveway. If there is reflective signs around that low beam is not as defused as you may think it is.
    I like the wide spread for each side of the road, which in my case with living out in the country, helps pick up any possible critter coming out of the ditch - which has happened a few times!

    drive: 2008 Rondo EX, 5-seater, 2.4L
    location: Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada
  • bgwbgw Member Posts: 116
    Exactly, conwelpic. The headlights are fantastic. The headlight cutoff appears sharp but I think that is only because the headlights are so powerful that they light up the roadway intensely. Other (lesser) headlights are not as powerful or do not light up the roadway as intensely, so their cutoff is less sharp, and thus those headlights "appear" to have a better spread of light, which in actual fact they do not.
  • sra1sra1 Member Posts: 20
    Headlights are pretty good, but would be better if the low beams were HIDs. Most of the ones I've rented would be better at spotting owls with the high beams, but, they are pretty easy to adjust with the proper sized Torx screwdriver.
  • vannervanner Member Posts: 47
    With our '07 LX we developed a tiny annoyance at about 700 miles. The right rear window quit working.

    We took it to a local dealer, not where we bought it. They got us in right at the scheduled time, and fixed it inside the time they estimated. (less than an hour) Loose Molex-type wiring connector came off the motor, pretty much what we had "diagnosed". They snapped it back on and it's fine and functional now. No rattles or squeaks from the door panel, either.

    Gotta praise the Louisville Kia Store East for fast and efficient service. We've found that the service departments at the various Louisville Kia Stores to be pretty darned good over the time we had our Sedona. It's just tough to make a deal here, and we went over to Lexington for that reason, and for selection.
  • vannervanner Member Posts: 47
    If I had that big a list of complaints. I'd have bought something else or would soon.

    Headrests should be clear now - they adjust. Well. No one in our family and none of the handful of adults or big kids who have been in our '07 LX have found them to be a problem. Read the manual.

    Seats are as comfortable as nearly any car I've sat in. I was in it more-or-less for 10 hours each way on a recent trip and can't fault the shape, adjustment, or cloth material on ours. One small cola spill cleaned up while still beaded on a seat surface, so I'm pleased and our son survived. Kids claim great comfort "back there" in the second row, and they rode as long as we did.

    My wife drives "straight up" and close. I drive laid-back and straight-armed. We both find the seats just fine. (A note here: with airbags, you really, REALLY want the bag to fully inflate before you make contact on your way forward. Farther back is safer. Telescopic columns are going the way of bag cell phones for that reason.)

    Can't find a position where I can't see the gauges. Orange color is great for me because it causes less eye-strain for me at night. Blues and greens irritate heck out of my eyes. I turn the lights to about 1/2 at night and enjoy it.

    Steering wheel diameter? I just measured our old Aerostar and our aging Tracker and they're within fractions. Rim thickness? Perfect for us. The old Sedona had WAY too thick a rim and it was slippery. This one has good grip.

    I really don't see the front-end adjustment issue as being much unless you wreck one or hit one of our spring potholes, hard. I still insist there is some "adjustment" for minor changes, and bet they're banking on parts replacement for big changes. You're going to see a lot more of this from most manufacturers because it is economical to build. If you look, you're going to find this in every brand soon or now. Collision shops straighten horrendous front-end bends and twists every day, and they come out fine. Hunter makes some great equipment these days!

    We have no pull at all under any conditions, but I can see where a run of cars may have come off with the wrong front end for the engine size. It could be possible to mount the V-6 in the I-4 subframe I guess, it could happen during a run changeover, and it might change the ride-height and thus the geometry of the front suspension - maybe even the caster angle. Small changes in caster angle make BIG changes in handling! Any manufacturer has made some run errors in assembly. I've done a heck of a lot of high-volume assembly engineering, and it happens not matter how you guard against it. Might pay to compare part numbers of what you have versus what it should be. I think the struts are different parts with different spring rates, and I'd bet that subframe is, too.

    ESC has an "off" position on the switch. If you don't trust it, turn it off. I think there is a combination of controls here involving brakes and engine power. I drove a friend's high-end Corvette "family car" a while back, and it would be otherwise uncontrollable without ESC. He uses it religiously, and he has raced for many more years and miles than I have. I lived in the Western New York snow belt for 36 years, and I would have loved it if I had it. It only comes on when the car might do something that would cause it to skid or roll, and it's quicker and better than I am. I'm still better than most.

    Lights are superb. They just aren't "blue" if that means much to anyone, and they apparently don't irritate other drivers. I find them refreshingly like expensive accessory lights I used to put on my "performance" cars years ago. Yes, they have a sharp cut-off. You'll like that in rain, mist, fog, and snow. Less back-glare. I just drove about 400 miles in heavy rain at night and I never really desired any more or different lighting. It was very nice. I also like the side-lighting on high beam, for how seldom I end up using the highs.

    Roof height, vehicle height, seat height are all reasons I chose this Rondo over many sedans and five-doors I could have picked. I want a high, roomy vehicle, with great visibility, otherwise I'd have bought a sedan. I just traveled through some of the wickedest weather and strongest wind gusts I've driven through in years and only parked off a ramp for a few minutes because of zero visibilty. (Most areas along this route got over 8" of rain in one overnight storm system. It can be hard to drive through that sort of downpour at night!) The Rondo was rock-solid and never once did I feel fear from cross-wind or semi draft. I even remarked many times that it is one of the most stable and secure-feeling passenger cars I've ever driven.

    I don't know what in heck someone has found smeared on the inside of any windscreen, but there's nothing but glass on ours. I have no idea what any car manufacturer would put there, since NHTSA highway safety regulations pretty well spec what can or can't be there. I had to take a razor blade and some strong window cleaner to clean off the glue from the lot sticker that the detail crew missed. I would have found any slushy stuff or any stick-on layer there I'd think. There is the usual "scum" from the ABS plastic elastomers that "evaporate" and leach out in the heat and sun that invades every car every day. It's the smoky haze you find on every window, even if you don't smoke. We don't, we get the haze. Windex seems to work fine. (The windshield always gets more because of the surface area of the dash under it. It's there in any modern car.) Is there some form of applique for a wndshield de-icer or wiper de-icer on some model packages?

    My only minor gripe to date is the lack of front overhead or courtesy foot-well lights upon opening the front doors. I susect some "package" on the EX has this? Also, in the cargo area, unless I'm too dumb to find the right setting, the overhead light only comes on if there's a door open - it's not connected to the hatch lid. There is one tiny courtesy light back there and it doesn't light much.

    We like the washable surfaces but we have pets and kids. We also play hard. We got a lot of beach sand and salt-water residue inside this last rip. Cleans easily. We don't like leather for any price, and attempts to even "write it off" the price tag won't sway us.

    Again, lots of cars, vans, mini vans and SUVs have all the answers to the complaints. Sometimes even in one vehicle. The price will be much higher. If I had this much I didn't like, I'd avoid the Rondo if you don't have one yet, or bail out while they're still scarce and desireable and buy something I liked better.

    We're prejudiced. We love this car!
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    well said, vanner, you expanded well on my comments. I haven't been in some of the rough downpours you mentioned, but I've been up to the floor boards a lot in snow this last winter and haven't run into any real serious problems.

    you stated: "My only minor gripe to date is the lack of front overhead or courtesy foot-well lights upon opening the front doors. I susect some "package" on the EX has this? Also, in the cargo area, unless I'm too dumb to find the right setting, the overhead light only comes on if there's a door open - it's not connected to the hatch lid. There is one tiny courtesy light back there and it doesn't light much."

    I agree on this, I have the EX model and it does not have that (I had floor lighting on my previous vehicle and liked that), also the rear overhead courtesy light not working with the hatch is rear dumb when they removed the side cargo light on the '08 model (at least in Canada). I'm in the process of trying to improve this with some auxiliary lighting.

    But on the whole (a no vehicle is perfect regardless of price) we enjoy the Rondo very much and more so each time we drive it.

    Drives: 2008 Rondo EX, 5-seater, 2.4L
    Location: Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada
  • starzzguitarstarzzguitar Member Posts: 8
    This is silly. You are talking about creating a whole new car. The thing is fine the way it is. This vehicle has it's purpose, which is hauling five to seven people around in a package that is not too large. You screwed up the coating on the windshield. Now that was dumb. Why would you do that? Some comfort issues might have merit, but I wonder if you have a Rondo or just sat in one for 5 minutes.
  • e_net_ridere_net_rider Member Posts: 1,380
    You have not been paying attention. And in my 42 years of driving many different vehicles this one I have is possibly the worst vehicle I've driven in the categories of handling and comfort. I might put it in a three-way tie with a '47 Chevy dump truck that the company only used in emergencies back in '68 and a '65 Chevelle my wife had when we got married. But that Chevelle had 225K miles, worn out sector gear, tie-rod ends, ball joints, wheel bearings, bad brakes, and got 20 MPQuart of oil. The big Oshkosh 16 Yard dump from that era actually handled better and did not ride bad with its air seat.
    As to the coating on the glass, no I did not screw it up, just wish I could get the rest of it off. I suspect this is something they put on the glass to protect it till the vehicle is delivered or manugactured, but it needs to be removed because of the way it scatters light. It reminds me of the goop that is left after peeling off after-market tinting. Professionals, I'm told use steel wool with solvents to remove it, but I'm almost certain that could scratch the glass. My one experience with that goop was to use lots of brand new single edge razor blades till there was so little of it left I could get the rest of it with solvent soaked toweling.
  • e_net_ridere_net_rider Member Posts: 1,380
    First line is high on agenda. I guess if you are a van diehard then it is different comparison and will be until everyone decides they want the superior gas mileage of a sedan.
    Your driving positions, close and laid back are the only positions I can see speedometer well. Close as you know is dangerous because of the airbag. Laid back is not a choice for me either which you might learn as you get older or develop back problems because of driving like that. Driving injuries are never a good trade in life.
    I appreciate your thoughts on wrong parts. But to get the excess caster the wheels would be moved forward meaning weaker springs, not stronger, on this I-4. It would seem that the lighter I-4/tranny combo would have not enough caster if V6 parts were used. Someone wrote the I-4 had plenty of power and no down-shifting through mountains. I can not say that the V6 combo with the extra gear in transmission would not have done the same thing, but crossing one ot the smaller local bridges yesterday it did downshift. Speed limit 45 and could be combination of available torque at that RPM. But what drew my attention to the speed was a gusting wind. Winds are usually very low in this area, to the point erecting electric windmills is not practicle. At 45MPH the vehicle was trying to go all over the place and I slowed down. If road had any slippery elements the safe speed would probably have been 30MPH. (Maybe I have a lemon?)
    I know the film you mention, but this is something different. With the high power solvent and elbow grease it lathered to a white translucent goop. Once the solvent evaporated it turned clear again.
    GM did a superior job of implementation on high end cars for stability/traction control, which makes me wonder of the complaints associated with this vehicle.
    Washable surfaces such as arm rest do not need to be brick hard to impart more injury if something happens.
    An aside to I4/V6 discussion. I know of one line of vehicles, Cavalier style, where insurance is much cheaper for V6. I questioned agent on this point and it had two points. The heavier engine and sub-frame imparted more of the kinetic energy to the other vehicle and thus less to your passengers. Smaller hospital bills under medical. The other part was less damage to your vehicle because of the heavier sub-frame, reducing that component of your insurance.
    I'm curious which tires came on yours? And why no leather? In only one vehicle have I found a steering wheel that came close to matching a leather one and it did not have a hard plastic finish but something that resembled a velvet texture and as gripable as leather. Only downside was it collected any goop from hands and needed monthly thorough cleaning. I'd rather do the frequent cleaning.
    Finding the correct switch setting for the rear area takes a small effort for both the overhead one and the lower one on the side. Separate switches and they do work.
    I find it annoying that the doors do not autolock upon putting key in or starting engine. Yet if you unlock from outside, close door, they will lock in a few seconds. Seems totally backwards, if an attacker approached it might lock just as you seek the interior for safety and once in it would stay unlocked for intruder entry.
    For those who don't know, the first rule of stability is a low center of gravity. And for comfort of ride the lower your head/body is, that is the closer to the height of the axle, the more comfortable a ride is. Those are starting points and although you can play with tires, suspension, and wheel base those are only trade-offs to correct the initial problem. I would not suggest using a cattle car to haul kids. ;)
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    I've been driving for 47 years, and if your Rondo is as bad as you say it is, why are you driving it and not getting it corrected by the dealer, as this is certainly not normal, as I find it totally opposite with superior handling and comfort.
    Also the coating on the windshield sounds like the PDI was not done very well, again it should be returned to the dealer to have it removed.

    Drives: 2008 Rondo EX, 5-seater, 2.4L
    Location: Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada
  • starzzguitarstarzzguitar Member Posts: 8
    You have the most esoteric comments I have ever read. What the heck are you talking about? Wheel caster and windshield film? Who ever thinks about this stuff? And the changes you would make would turn it into a totally different vehicle! This is not a standard four-door car, and it's not a van! Deal with it. Your totally erroneous comments about the ride, performance, the effect of the wind are so off the mark that I do not believe for one minute that you actually HAVE a Rondo. It's okay to comment on this vehicle, but to lie about owning one when you don't is not right. To anyone reading this, don't pay any attention to e_net_rider because he doesn't have a clue as to what he is talking about!
  • tmurphytmurphy Member Posts: 10
    You hit the nail on the head about e net rider.
  • meandmymaxxmeandmymaxx Member Posts: 134
    Ladies and Gentlemen of the Rondo site I would like to introduce you all to a forum troll " e_net_rider" There only purpose in life is to make outrages statements in an effort to engage the forum members into arguments. And as with most things that have earned the name troll, they are best ignored.
  • dannon35dannon35 Member Posts: 1
    Hi,
    I have had my 08 Rondo for about 4 hours and I love it !!! The exterior color is Black Cherry and the interior is black. However, the floor mats are a medium gray. Does any one know if this is the "right" color for the black interior. It kinda looks OK, but I guess I would have expected black mats with the black carpet. Just want to make sure I got what I should have. Thanks in advance !
  • ramblinmoramblinmo Member Posts: 38
    Turned on the AC the other day to cool down my sun warmed vehicle and there was no cool air. Hmm, turned on max air/recycle still nothing. I could not hear the compressor kicking off and on. After a short inspection at the dealer, they determined that a rock had punctured the condenser coil. As it was a road hazard and not a failure of equipment, it is not covered under warranty. $800 and some odd dollars for the repair. My comprehensive insurance might pick up the cost over my deductible, I'll have to wait and see what they say.

    After the repair my first stop will be at the hardware store to buy either galvanized or stainless steel hard ware mesh that I will mount in the openings where future rocks could potentially drain my wallet.

    Doing a bit of research turned up many Honda civics and Scion's that have had this happen much to the dismay of their owners. I've yet to look at my Yaris to see if the vulnerability exists also.
  • 204meca204meca Member Posts: 369
    2007 Rondo, I4, 4,700 miles. There are two things that I am wondering if anyone else has experienced these or has any ideas.

    1. Brake squeal. Occurs after car has sat for a few hours. Most noticable when backing up, but not exclusively. After apply brakes once or twice it ceases until it is parked again for a long time. Present for most of the time have had car. Dealer says that brakes are still breaking in. Not sure I buy this.

    2. When put in reverse there is a low slow clicking / ticking sort of noise that arises 70% of the time.. It cycles about 120 -180 clicks per minute. Present most of time, loudness varies. As soon as I give it a little gas, the noise stops. Seems to be more of a harmonic sound that is related to engine RPMs. Transmission seems to function normally, ATF level is fine. Could not reproduce when took to the dealer. Any ideas on this?

    These do not appear to be serious problems but are annoying for a new car. :( Thanks!
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    1. Brakes, the dealer could be right but it could be a bit of rust build up on the disc brakes I noticed people in more humid or wet parts of Canada have encountered the similar problem, but it always goes away. I haven't really encountered it much.

    2. This maybe the ESC doing a automatic system self-check. This is mentioned on page 5/20 in your manual and also on page 5/19. I haven't noticed it, but the radio usually comes on as soon as I start the car, so wouldn't be aware of it doing it.

    Drives: 2008 Rondo EX 5-seater, 2.4L
    Location: Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada
  • starzzguitarstarzzguitar Member Posts: 8
    So...you are not blaming Kia for this problem...?
  • ramblinmoramblinmo Member Posts: 38
    Update - Final total was $685.

    Blaming Kia? It could have been designed better to prevent rock punctures. Kia didn't throw the rock and puncture the AC.

    The same problem has happened with other makes of cars. Designing and building bullet proof products isn't economically feasible. Few will be able to afford the product. You have to weigh the costs vs the remote chance of failures from uncommon occurrences.

    The posting will hopefully help others to take measures to prevent this from happening. $5.00 worth of hardware cloth is cheap insurance.
  • acwangacwang Member Posts: 1
    I bought a Kia Rondo last year in Buffalo, NY. The all season tires weren't very good in the snow so I purchased a set of 4 Blizzak WS-60 snow tires.

    These work great but now I'm relocating to California and won't need the snow tires any more. They have only 1k miles on them. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to sell these tires locally in Buffalo.

    Let me know. thanks.
  • bgwbgw Member Posts: 116
    Hello all!
    We bought our 07 EX V6 Luxury in mid Aug 2007, having traded a 1998 Legacy AWD wagon on it.
    After 11 months and 16,000 kms (10,000 miles), we have to report that the Rondo has been the MOST reliable vehicle we have ever owned (out of a Honda, Subaru, 2 Fords, a Chevy, a Dodge and a Mitsubishi). Only a stubborn Check Engine Light when the car was new (just needed to tighten the gas cap more).
    Fuel economy remains 33mpg highway (Imperial gallon, 4.54 litres) with 2 adults, 2 kids and a load of luggage, and 25-26 mpg Imperial around town.
    It went through a snowy winter quite well, but we did fit it with studded winter tires on steel rims.
    All in all, a great car for a family!
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    In the C/D September issue, it says that the Rondo will get the same power increase on the 2.4L engine as the 2009 Optima is getting--up 13 ponies to 175. Also, this engine on the Sonata with 5AT gets better FE than the 162 hp engine on the Optima (also with 5AT), so maybe the Rondo will benefit there also.
  • coolmazda5coolmazda5 Member Posts: 525
    Hey guys, FYI. If it has been posted somewhere else before or is not relevant to your model, just disregard

    http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=132087
  • go59go59 Member Posts: 9
    Just purchased an 08 EX V6. One thing I've never been able to pin down is if the US models lack the traction control system (TCS), which is advertised on the Canadian side, or if it is simply considered part of the stability control system (ECS).

    Thanks.

    - Greg -
  • go59go59 Member Posts: 9
    They report the 2.7L will have 192 HP, 184 Ft/lbs torque. This goes along with the previously reported increase on the 2.4 to 175 HP.

    They also noted a navigation system as an option. Don't know where that would slot into the dash.

    - Greg -
  • shannyzshannyz Member Posts: 3
    Hi - I realize that this is an old post.....but wanted to get my 2-cents in. We also purchased an 08 Black Cherry w/Black interior - and the mats are BLACK.....so, my assumption is that you somehow got the wrong mats.

    We first purchased an 08 Urban Grey for me......we loved it so much, that we bought the Black Cherry model only a couple of months later. We are very, very happy with the Rondo!
  • bgwbgw Member Posts: 116
    My 07 EX, which is Urban Grey and very classy looking, has the grey/black interior with black carpet. The floor mats are grey.
  • go59go59 Member Posts: 9
    As near as I can tell:

    07 to 08

    - "fingers" in front cup holders
    - cargo light
    - side clips for 3rd row seatbelts
    - front ash tray (at least photos of 07s have a plastic cover in front of the up holders which could conceal one. Never bothered to check when I looked at one. Seamless plastic on the 08s)
    + audio-in, 12v socket in center console
    ~ parking brake release changed from hand to foot operation

    08 to 09
    + more HP, torque in both engines
    + second row seats recline 180 degrees (see Canadian brochure)
    + Sirius radio
    + DVD, nav options

    Anything I missed? Got wrong?

    - Greg -
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    depends on which country you are comparing, as there are different standard features between Canada and the US. Also depending whether its a LX or a EX. For example the Canadian LX '09 has alloy wheels, but in the US it has steel rims and hub caps. This was based on a comment from another forum who has driven a rented '09 LX Rondo in the US.

    Its hard to check specifically as the US website still has '08 info only. The US is way behind on '09 info, in Canada there is many '09 on lots and very little '08's left. My dealer had only one left a week ago.
  • ramblinmoramblinmo Member Posts: 38
    Wondering how pervasive this problem is. I'm skipping the long story of me ending up with the tan/beige interior that I didn't really want.

    I know that nothing has been spilled on the seats, but the slightest rain drops seem to leave a grayish stain on the "premium" cloth seats as if something is soaking through from the padding underneath.

    Anyone else have this problem?

    07 EX 4 cylinder 5 seat.
  • crewzincrewzin Member Posts: 76
    It probably won't help you now but I have the same cloth seats on my 07 EXV6 and as soon as we bought the car I sprayed the whole interior with Scotch Gard. I used two cans and covered everything twice. To this day, over a year of ownership, nothing has stained the seats including spills from my grandsons juice box and coffee from my wife.

    I use an auto upholstery cleaner and everything wipes right up. The interior looks as good now as the day we bought it.
  • tsm280ztsm280z Member Posts: 30
    Does anyone have a problem with the inside of the windshield fogging/icing up?
    I've played with different settings on the controls including the on/off switch for the air recirculation. During a humid summer day the inside will fog up ... on a cold winter day it will ice up.
    Any help will be appreciated.
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    seems to me that the "defogging logic" is turned off, you can reset it and see if that helps. Check your manual for details, its on section 4 page 80 in my '08 manual (Canadian model)
  • tsm280ztsm280z Member Posts: 30
    Thanks but I tried that already. My manual says when thet switch is "on" the light will be lit and it recirculates the inside cabin air. When it's off the light is off and it gets the air from the outside. Either position I still have the problem. Have tried playing with combinations with the rotary dial for heater controls and the switch.
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    not sure whether you have manual or auto air, mine is manual and a/c light only comes on automatically in the foot/defrost or full defrost position - the recirculating light does not come on, unless you press the button. The a/c light can be turned off in either of these positions by pressing the button or it will turn off automatically if you turn the knob to any of the other positions on the dial.

    I've had the problems you mentioned but its always cleared up without much problem. Make sure the air filter (cabin) is okay as it may require cleaning or replacement depending on the conditions where you live. Check all your outputs as indicated in your manual and make sure you getting full air flow with each one.

    (this forum is a pain when it makes no provision for you to provide your location or details on what you drive so that it shows with each posting, also not providing any signatures or avatar - way behind the times - they keep saying changes are coming but nothing materializes)
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    FWIW, I can see your location and some other info by just floating the mouse pointer over your name in your posts. And I can see details on what cars you drive by just clicking on your name. Personally I prefer that approach to having all that info with every post, and I think signatures and avatars are clutter that get in the way of the content of the discussions. But it's easy to copy/paste a signature and even an image with your avatar into each of your posts, if that is something you like to do. Just proves the old saying, "You can please some people some of the time..." etc. :)
  • tsm280ztsm280z Member Posts: 30
    Thanks ... I'll give that a shot.
  • autowriteautowrite Member Posts: 226
    If I purchased a Canadian 2009 Rondo V6 would I have these similar featues of my current 2002 Honda Odyssey EX? namely, front & rear heaters and controls for the rear passengers for the heat & A/C. Hit cement post when backing up with no depression, just a few scratches (2 kms/hr). Good for 500,000 kms. I have 215,000 on Odyssey. Do not have fog lights; but would want separate switch as they blind coming at me. A friend has 3 Rondos in family. Our daughter just bought one (4cyl).
    Would want factovr tint. The BIG problem would be the squeezing the large storage space I currently have.for exanded trips. (2 people & piles of luggage including 2 sewing machines {not business}). Maybe I'll have to stick with my current size vehicle for next purchase. Retired senior.
  • autowriteautowrite Member Posts: 226
    Headlights stay on (as a running light) when motor is running for all Canadian vehicles; this is the law; not so in the USA.
    My headlight bulbs have never needed replacing in the 214,000 kilometers I have had my 2002 Honda Odyssey. Will this be the same for the Rondo?
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