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Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I am about to purchase EX in Chicagoland area with abs,sunroof,homelink. I got an offer of $300 over invoice which gives me total with rebate -> $19,910.00. Not including tax, title,doc fees... Is this a good deal ? Since, it's so closed to the year end for the 02 models. Would Kia come up with more rebates near the 08/2002 when 03 model comes out ? I am not in a hurry to buy the van. By reading this forum, I have not found any price info in recent days. Any advice on anything before purchasing this van.
Thanks in advance for any input,
skoo10edm, as someone who paid $18,900 for an LX with nothing 5 months ago, I'd say that's a GREAT deal. It's all relative - right now that sounds like a price that would be hard to beat. Since you're not in a hurry, you may find a little better price on an '02 a month or two down the road as the '03s hit, but keep in mind that most shoppers have had a hard or impossible time obtaining an EX with ABS, but without having to pay for leather. Hopefully ABS will be standard on the '03s.
We only have about 200 miles on it thus far and are very pleased with the exception of the A/C. We often experience 90 plus degrees here and in the middle of the day the air conditioner seems to really struggle. The recirculate button doesn't help much. I've talked to the local dealer and he suggested that possibly the a/c heater control isn't closing properly. I plan on taking it in after we've driven it a little more to see if anything else needs to be adjusted. If anyone else has had their a/c problems resolved please let me know how. Thanks!
Thanks in Advance!
Sorry to hear about the A/C problems many are having. It's been 90+ here and our van's A/C has been great. In fact, the only issues we have with the van are the keyless entry being flaky and an annoying rattle coming from the back seats.
Last week, a strange clicking noise starting coming from the AC/fan. Long story short, the AC blower motor needs replaced (technical word for fan???) Part is on back order (not a good sign) and it will be about a week til we get the van back.
On a different note, the dealer gave us a 2002 Kia Optima as a loaner. Nice little car.
Hok
Thank you that link was all it took to find out the production date. Thanks! Here it is again: http://www.kiausaparts.com
My spouse has grown weary of shoe-horning three kids (two in car seats) in the back of our very dependable '93 Camry, so the time has come to take the minivan plunge. I've sort of narrowed the search to a new Sedona EX or a used (shudder) Toyota Sienna (2000-2001, preferably XLE). I'm well-aware of the Toyota engine oil sludge/gel issue, and I really don't need any additional commentary on the subject.
While the Kia warranty is a plus, I find having a vehicle in the shop to be frustrating, at best, especially when you're paying ~$400 a month for the privilege to do so. So, owners, what are your experiences with respect to the dependability of Sedonas? Also, please state your odometers, so I'll have an idea for how you're holding up. Kindest regards.
* a definite left pull (I keep the tires at 35 psi, but the van pulls left even in the right lane of an expressway)
* cracked plastic strip in cargo area floor , just inside the tailgate. I dropped one of the seats while removing it, and I'm hoping the dealer will fix it as a warranty item.
* would like to get the potential low-speed impact airbag deployment issue resolved by having the computer reprogram that was mentioned in a letter to Kia owners a couple months back.
I think that's it. Our 2002 Sedona EX, green/tan outside and tan leather inside, with all options except rear spoiler was $1,000 off MSRP-- $23,930 - $1,000 = $22,930. No trade-in involved. It seems that prices are now even better than a few months ago. Even though we were paying far less for this van than for competing new vans, and even though I was expecting to really like this vehicle, it has exceeded our expectations.
The van is a great value. It has lots of nice options and performs quite well. Smooth, quiet, and comfortable. We are doing just fine without power rear doors, and I doubt that the absence of traction control or all-wheel drive will be a big deal here in Michigan winters. We don't need a rear-seat TV/VCR/DVD system yet, plus I wouldn' have paid the inflated price for a factory-installed unit anyway. Those are the 3 biggest features that minivan buyers won't find on Sedona but will find on certain competitors.
Good luck with your choice. The Sienna is an excellent van, but for my money I think I'd take a new Sedona instead of a 2 year-old Sienna. Not to belabor the sludge issue, but that would concern me more than the relatively unknown Sedona reliability.
From what most folks are reporting here, the Sedona is well put together with relatively few problems in the first year of ownership. Only time will tell how reliable/durable the Sedona is in the long-term, but I am becoming more optimistic with each passing mile.
I have 13,000 miles on my EX now and only trips back to dealer have been for oil changes. Mine was built Aug 2001 and the build date is in the drivers door sticker. My only rattles are slight ones from the rear seats when empty, which is probally somewhat normal since all the seats are removable. The van steers straight as an arrow down the road and with three trip from Virginia to Flordia has been a joy to drive. Airconditiong seem to do a pretty good job. Mileage has been in the 23- 24 MPG range on the highway.
Rio $2K
Spectra forgot
Optima/Sedona/Sorento are $3K
Too bad, i just bought my 2nd Kia few days ago, which is a RIO with AT/AC for $6995 after all rebates, including $1K fatory rebate and $1K loyalty rebate.
We even have Ody01 on board with us now...good luck with your decision..... :>)
I guess Honda may as well stop making minivans then.
Extensive research on Edmunds led me to the Sedona (which I had never heard of before). After taking a test drive, the entire family fell in love with this van. The last week in April we bought a Ruby Red EX with leather, sunroof and Homelink for $22,000 (a little more than $1000 off the sticker).
To date we have 2200 miles and our only problem has been that the power passenger seat will no longer adjust (probably just a short in the switch). I will have the dealer address it when I take it in for an oil change next week. The other problems discussed on this message board have not been an issue for us. AC works great, no seat rattle, no pulling to the left or right. Customer Service has been great so far (overnight delivery to our house of a missing floor mat). I hope the dealer service is as responsive.
So far our experience has been very positive and the entire family still loves this van. My only regret is that I didn't get the rebate (was not offered in April). If I were you, I'd forget about the used Sienna and buy a Sedona before the rebate ends.
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/low_speed_vans.htm
Repair costs appear much higher than most other vans. I've noticed the sheet metal is thinner than most vehicles I've seen.
As mentioned earlier, it may be a little tight for a family of more than four. For trips, we fold the rear seats for plenty of cargo room. With a third child in a rear seat, this compromises some of this room for there is not much room behind these seats. Also, the roof rack is rated at only 100 lbs.
But we love the van. No regrets yet!
All problems thus far (big and small):
1. Leaking windshield wiper fluid pump: pump replaced, no further problems
2. Check engine light 3x: each time, the dealer said it was a "loose gas cap".....don't really believe that story, but never caused a severe problem other than the annoyance
3. Front tires have needed balancing 2x
4. As of last week, AC blower motor needs replaced.
5. rear seat rattles: self remedied. Long story ("system" change). Just secured the seat back to the frame with a strap.
Other issues:
Power steering pump has a considerable whine....similar to GM p/u's of early 90's.
Overall:
Good van at great price. No regrets.
Good luck.
Hok
Averaged about 23 mpg about 85% highway miles. Would definately recomend this van, especially at the prices available now. Make sure you buy it from a place that you trust will take care of you. That's propably as important as anything.
Anyone have any skinny on the '03 Sedona model? Other than the Aug date to dealers, I've heard nothing, and have found nothing on the 'net. For less than 2 months away, that is pretty tight.
Still looking, but getting ready to jump in.
Host-how about you?
Toyota Tops Vehicle Quality Study
Thu May 30, 5:21 PM ET
By Michael Ellis
DETROIT (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp. (news - web sites) scored the best marks ever on a benchmark survey of vehicle quality, while General Motors Corp. climbed to third place, the highest ranking ever for a U.S. automaker, people familiar with the study said on Thursday.
Toyota again dominated the annual J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey, which polled more than 65,000 buyers during their first 90 days of ownership about their initial impressions and problems with 2002 model year vehicles.
Among major automakers, Toyota averaged 107 problems per 100 vehicles, down from 115 last year. Honda Motor Co. (news - web sites) Ltd. followed in second place again with 113, down from 133.
Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. improved to 156 from 192, followed by Subaru at 157 versus 183, Isuzu at 195 from 192, Suzuki at 210 versus 234, and Kia at 212 versus 267.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20020530/bs_nm/autos_quality_dc
Disagree darthpecker comment Toyota quality. Read too many Toyota problem Town Hall and newspaper last few years. Sienna quality much lower old Toyota.
Odyssey LX nice van but $6000 more Sedona LX. Sedona best buy.
I think you mean under MSRP.
Unless need Magic Seat and lots room, Kia Sedona best buy for $6000 less.
Large, comfortable Odyssey most power, most space luggage, almost best mileage still have waiting list to sell at MSRP.
Calling the Sedona a risky or poor choice based solely on a cumulative brand-level JD Power initial quality survey is doing the other participants here a disservice.
BlueD/all: How did your Sedona do in the snow?
I know the FWD will help, as well as the weight of the van.....but still wish to ask.
I grew up in the Northern US, so I am experienced with winter driving.
Pls advise
Hok
I've heard others-- I think mcperr-- mention their Sedonas are very snow-worthy.
'preciate your concern.
Fires are about 10 miles from Denver.
Certainly a concern that we will weigh heavily.
But.....duty calls.
Hok
On winter highways the vehicle is extremely sure-footed, especially in bad conditions. This is the best vehicle in cross winds that I have ever driven. Absolutely rock solid.
So, no worries, Hokum. You have a great winter vehicle.
My question I'm wondering about is,that I think Atlanta where we live must be to into their Odysseys,Siennas and keeping up with the Jones because that is ALL you see around here.I have not seen 1 Sedona! The Kia dealer near us are selling the LX for $14,495 with a $2000 rebate and 0% financing! I don't think they can get rid of them here.We are interested in the Ex and will probaly purchase one in August.We really like them and it sounds like you all do too.Thanks for making it easier for us from your firsthand knowledge.
Natalie
After driving:
- a couple of new Sedona EX's (moonroof, leather, H/L, two-tone),
- a Toyota-certified 2001 Sienna LE (18K miles),
- a new 2002 Nissan Quest SE,
- and a 2000 Honda Odyssey EX (35K miles),
we chose the Toyota for its ride quality, flexibility for our intended use, fit-and-finish, and the certified warranty.
I still have my doubts regarding the Sedona's longevity (5+ years), plus the wife simply found the interior too confining and "cheap" feeling. The A/C wasn't particularly inspiring in either of the Sedonas that we tested, though I suppose its inadequacies could have been corrected. It was also somewhat disconcerting to learn that BOTH vehicles that I selected to test drive could not be started due to an alleged problem with battery drain caused by the driver's side power lumbar adjustment; other vehicles had to be substituted. Not to mention that the local dealer likes to play the dealer-installed phantom options game, and that he's the only game in town.
All that said, there's no doubting the apparent value of the feature content of a new Sedona compared to its competitors. I wish all of you good luck with your vehicles. I would not be disappointed to see the Korean products' continue to improve with respect to long-term reliability.
PS: I was, frankly, disappointed with the Odyssey. Though it was by far the most roomy of the vehicles we tested, I was unimpressed by the road noise, ride comfort, and the "twitchy" power doors. Plus the example I drove had apparently been "ridden and put up wet", so to speak. The local dealers are still playing the new markup game on Odysseys, as well, not that I would have chosen or could have afforded a new one. There's not a particularly big used market in my locale, either.
The dealer had 2 vans for us to choose from and I found out there IS a difference in the A/C units. With all the dials on full blast and the RECIRC button on, the first van cooled off, but it took a while and the force of the air coming out wasn't very strong. I started the 2nd van and the air coming from the vents was powerful and the van cooled off quickly! I would never have guessed to check the A/C if it wasn't for y'all!
As far as the price, living in a large city has it's advantages. I called all 6 dealers here in Houston and told them what I wanted and what price. Only 2 of them would meet my offer. The dealer we wanted to do business with, came down to match the other dealers when I gave him a signed price offer sheet from one of them. He had the 2 on the lot today, so we bought it from him.
All of the dealers I called wanted to work with me and they all did come down in price, 3 came down to our offer,so they will work with you.
We put the 3 carseats in the van with no problem. We purchased car seat protecters from "Babies r Us". Those are simply rubber mats that protect the seat and keeps the carseats from sliding around and damaging the leather.
Sorry,that ringlord went with the Sienna. Maybe the next time.
Hokum, enjoy Colorado! I'm sure you'll miss the Houston heat!
Hey Bluedevils, GO WINGS!!!!!
We'll keep y'all informed on things that are happening!
The only thing I find surprising is that your wife felt the Sedona's interior looked/felt 'cheap.' To me, the interior has a pleasantly upscale, though not totally luxurious, look and feel.
We must have one of the Sedonas with adequate A/C, because on a 90 degree, high-humidity 2 hour trip yesterday, we were plenty cool with the A/C on, recirculate button on, front fan on the lowest speed, and rear fan on the lowest speed. Actually, I had to change the front HVAC to the bilevel setting instead of just the upper vents because my wife was too chilly in the 2nd row. This good performance is in spite of the fact that our chocolate lab generates quite a bit of heat with her panting in the 3rd row! She never seems to settle down.
Good luck with your Sienna and make sure you change the oil at fairly short intervals to avoid any potential headaches with Toyota and the sludging issue. Toyota makes great reliable vehicles, but my personal gut feeling is that there is a design problem(s) in that 3.0L V6 and the engine is more sensitive to deteriorating oil than other engines.
The Sedona was a much better tow vehicle compared to the Chrysler Town & Country with the 3.3l v6 that we traded. The extra weight of the Sedona makes it much more stable and that engine pulls very well. It was a great day except for me driving my 2 sons crazy about staying out of the van with their dirty clothes after riding. I would not even let them change clothes after riding inside the van, as usual. I made everyone strip down and change outside to keep the van clean. Try convincing a modest 12 year old boy to drop his drawers out in the open, not an easy sell. Don't remind me of how that will change in 4 to 5 years!
I have been watching this board for a while, and I'm sure he drools, and dreams Silky Beige Sedona at night.
There is always the Trade In, (The Honda Crapesy, with it's extraordinary Resale Value).
There will always be light at the end of the Tunnel, Bored
Drove a Sedona and loved it. Just having a hard time reconciling the "Buy American" attitude. After reading what many have to say about the domestics, though, it is getting easier to imagine myself in a Korean made vehicle. I feel very reassured of the quality and dependability after reading your posts.
Does anybody know if there are any changes planned for the 2003? We don't need to buy right away, although my husband would very much like it if we did.
The nearest dealer is 90 miles away. Has anybody purchased from either of the dealers in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
Thanks again for all your information!