Kia Sedona (2005 and Earlier)

bnhbucks

To everyone in this town hall I want to say thank you! I gave into those haunting buying voices telling me that now is the time and the Sedona is the van. I purchased an EX 2002 this past Saturday. All of your comments have been bidding me to go for it, but when the financing finally went to 0% for 60 months I could refuse no longer.

Edmunds articles and reviews and the buyer comments drove me (no pun intended)to this decision long ago, but I was just waiting for the right moment.

I drove away from my local dealer, who only had four 2002's left, with an EX model. It is two-tone midnight black and platnium silver. It has all of the gadgets minus leather (my wife did not prefer leather), so I opted for the ABS instead. It is running like a dream and I am excited to have made the best decision with very good information provided to me. Edmund's TMV enabled me to get it for just $100 over invoice.

I immediately waxed it, but did not want to take it out. I parked away from everyone at Church and was very afraid that a tree would fall on my garage when the storms/tornados blew through Northeast Ohio on Sunday night. Thankfully it is still in tack and no trees fell in my yard. Am I paranoid or what?

Anyway - thanks again and I hope to frequent the discussion group and hope to be much less winded (again, no pun intended).

99windstar

bnhbucks,,
Welcome aboard! Enjoy your new van. Yes, you're paranoid, but you're entitled. My wife won't even drive our Sedona in the rain!

stenson,
We bought our 02 EX about 6 weeks ago and everyone loves yet! Especially my wife (primary driver). No problems whatsoever. Much better fit, finish, ride, handling, performance, you name it - than our previous 2 Windstars. I found the steering to be precise and balanced, the brakes feel fine for such a heavy vehicle. But, then again, I'm comparing to a Windstar.

You may want to drive more than one to make sure you didn't drive one that had problems. We drove an LX and were impressed. Then drove an EX and were sold!

We don't worry about resale or reliability: the Sedona has a great record of both in other countries. We just enjoy the van and the money we saved.

I highly recommend the Sedona.

parm

I'm interested in leasing a Sedona EX w/ABS & leather for a 48-month term w/15,000 per year mileage allowance and to include taxes.

I would appreciate any feedback to find out the typical lease payment for this vehicle.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

mcperr

Thanks for the info on the Macneil mats. Just to make sure before I order a couple of pair, did you buy the Classic Premium Rubber Mats? We also have the beige interior and finding mats that fit has been difficult.

minivanfrank

Good luck with the Sedona bnhbucks. Don't worry - you will get over that paranoid feeling in time. At just $100.00 over invoice you got a great deal. The midnight black is great-looking! We almost purchased that color. ENJOY!

signed,
MVFrank

bnhbucks

Just an additional thought on the floor mats. I just went to K-mart and Walmart and purchased some very nice "All-weather" (ie. really for the winter) floor mats that matched the grey interior of our Sedona. I bought two for the driver/driver side and then some smaller ones (6 to be exact) for the second and third rows. They fit well (not interlocking) and were much less expensive than these at the recommended website above. These are very good mats too - the types that catch the debris and stay in place. I'd take a look around before I go for these, but if convenience is the issue then you want to go ahead. Just an opinion.

bvolks

Mcperr, yes...the MacNeil mats I have are the Classic Premium Rubber Mats. I am happy with them. Colorwise, the match is very good with the leather beige interior. I mention the leather specifically as it appears to be darker than the beige cloth. However when calling them about a return (on CRV mats), they indicated that color mismatch was a legitimate reason for a return. You'd be out money for shipping though. Sizewise, they could be about an inch longer and an inch and a half wider to accomplish an exact fit. Although they interlock, they don't snap into place but one mat has ridges that align with ridges on the other mat. This hasn't been a problem as they stay in place. They do a good job catching debris with solid ridges/channels. They are on the expensive side, but personally I am happy with them. The Classic Premium Rubber Mats for the front seats, fit well except for a small area near the center console where they are angled away from the console too far, but still allow sufficient coverage. The only other thing missing is an ability to cover the space in the middle for foot traffic between the driver's seat and 2nd row as well as between the 2nd row and 3rd row. In other words, they are all weather foot mats only. I am also still looking for a cargo liner for the back hatch. I haven't come across one. McPerr if you or anyone else has, please post the information. Thanks.

jcrider2

To anyone intrested: Helm Inc now has the Sedona Service Manual in stock. I have ordered one and will order the Electrical Manual which is out of stock at present as soon as they have it. Price of Service manual is $59.00 US + S/H

vanphan

Has anyone been having trouble with their '02 driver's seat becoming loose? It was fine when it was new but not too long afterwards it started rocking frontwards and backwards about a quarter inch or more. Its not in the seat back. Its in the base. We particularly notice it when starting out and stopping. The dealer has tightened some bolts on two occasions with no luck. I haven't examined it too closely but the problem may be in the tracks. This may be just a remote problem but I was wondering if anyone else has had this happening to them. Mine's the EX with power seat.

bluedevils

vanphan, our EX power driver's seat has the same problem. The seat was tight when new, but within a couple months I had noticed some fore/aft play just as you are describing.

This type of problem seems to be a tough one for dealers to solve. My guess is there's not much, if any, warranty reimbursement provided by manufacturers for such a fix, which is why dealers are reluctant to resolve this type of issue. We have the same situation with our other vehicle, a 1998 Isuzu Trooper. It bothered me for a while, but I learned to live with it.

One of these days I'll have a dealer look at the seat in our Sedona and see if they can do anything about it.

bnhbucks

What does Kia charge for the towing package on the Sedona? An approximate price would be helpful. Thanks.

bluedevils

The Sedona is pretty heavy-duty as far as minivans go. If I remember correctly, the towing capacity is rated at 3500 pounds. Sedona comes with an auxiliary oil cooler. I don't think Kia offers a factory- or dealer-installed 'towing package.' Unless you are into SERIOUS towing, you are probably fine with a stock Sedona for towing purposes.

vanphan

bnhbucks, last years' Sedona did not offer a hitch from the manufacturer, but this and the wiring harness is all that was needed for towing needs. The new '03 Sedonas offer a tow hitch and I presume the wiring harness as a $350 option. But you can buy one off the web like from etrailer.com or similar and pay about a third Kia's price or locally installed for about half Kia's price. I would assume Kia's hitch is a 1 1/4" receiver.

vanphan

My thermometer display in the overhead console has been reading about 7 degrees higher than the actual outside temperature. Has anyone else noticed similar readings? I'm wondering if there is an adjustment that can be made or if the sending unit is just faulty and has to be replaced. I'm going to ask my dealer about this next time I'm in.

tchanter

I was all ready to purchase a Sedona but our local dealer in N. IL said their best price was MSRP - and they didn't even mention the rebate! (perhaps they wanted to pocket it!)

bnhbucks

"I have an EX-2002 Sedona , two tone black and silver. I purchased the mud-flaps and was going to install them myself, but they do not appear to fit. The dealer tells me that they gave me the right part number and checked it twice, but the flaps indicate that they are for the RIO (maybe the same part #). They are part #'s KL000-51-840 and KL000-51-870. On the two tone the front appears to have molded mud-flap as part of the side and there does not appear to be a place for the mud-flap and neither part seems to fit the back.

Anyone else had this problem or have advice regarding this problem?"

bluedevils

Talk with another dealer. Are you looking at 2003 or 2002 Sedonas?

bluedevils

vanphan, based on what I've heard on this forum, I think 'they all do that.' Not sure what the cause is, but a few folks have reported the same situation. Our 2002 EX reads about 5 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the actual external air temperature. This is not ideal, but I can live with it. If you pursue a fix with your dealer, keep us posted.

jeepster4

There is no rebate on the 2003 Sedonas. Only offer from the manufacturer is special interest rates for qualified buyers.

lok888

Isn't it the 0% finance or $1000/$1500 cash back also apply to 2003 Sedona among other Kia vehicles except Sorento?

jeepster4

NO rebate; only an interest program. See;

http://www.kia.com/clearance/index.shtml

tinman08

I had my Sedona in for repair,(rust around grill). On the paper work it says reprogram ECM per Bulletin TSB005. My wife took it in and did not ask questions. Before I go back and ask them. What is TSB005 for? Has anyone else had it done? I dont have alldata, yet.

mittowe

THE FRONT BUMPER HAS LARGE OPENINGS WHICH EXPOSES WIRES, HOSES, ETC. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT WEATHER DAMAGE AND VANDALISM. IS THERE A GRILL MISSING?

bluedevils

Summary info available for free on alldata.com (details cost extra) shows a TSB number 2EN005, DEC 2001 - Engine Performance - Hesitation On Cold Drive Away. This is probably the TSB you are describing.

This engine hesitation when cold has been discussed quite a bit on this board. For more info, search back through the old posts. Sorry I can't give you details, as our 2002 Sedona EX has not exhibited this problem.

grandtotal

Sounds like your dealer is on the ball. Most of them seem to deny the existence of TSBs and yours appear to be going out of his way to apply one.

bluedevils

Proactive dealers are truly rare.

I had to mention the airbag reprogram to my dealer twice, and the procedure was not done until the vehicle's 2nd service visit.

excelent3

I have posted many times previously regarding the incredible towing vehicle this van is. At the time I purchased my Sedona in Feb 02 the only hitch available was the Class II. I recently ordered a Class III from E-Trailer.com for $119.00 The old hitch came off in about 10 minutes, the new Class III wnet on in about 20 minutes and allows me to go up to 5,000 lbs. The Sedona is rated for 3500lbs but I can tell you at 4700 lbs this can will tow 4-4500lbs with ease with a properly set up weight distribution hitch. I had a custom made Class II weight dist. hitch fabricated and have towed over 40 different trailers (I sell travel trailers) since then, some 25' trailers weighing in at 4000lbs+. I bought the Sedona primarily because it's weight, torque, and power, and was very impressed with the fact the tranny cooler was standard!. The Sedona also has 15" tires, makes a difference. My temp gage is also about 5-6 degress on the high side. My left middle seat does not want to stay back, it continually slides forward and pops down, can't seem to get it to engage. My engine service light for some reason goes on and off from time to time. It runs fine so I am not concerned. I will have it checked over when I take it in for its 30K check up. I am approaching 17K miles now, Hankook tires holding up very well considering I tow as much as I do, rotation and air pressure is the key. At 20K it should be well broke in and that's when the synthetic oil will be used. All in all one fine van for the money, it can only get better. I would like to see heated seats in the future, and more front leg room. My ABS has saved me from the ditch already a couple times too! EX3

bnhbucks

Bluedevils,
Please clue me into what the "airbag reprogram" is all about. I have not seen this discussion previously.

and EX3 - did you install that hitch yourself or have some else do it? I am searching for a good hitch to install on my 2002 EX Sedona. And what was the cost on your new one?

bluedevils

This was something Kia implemented in response to a Sedona's airbags deploying in an low-speed bumper collision during an NBC Dateline TV program several months ago. Kia claimed the test was an anomaly and not representative of real-world conditions, but they did implement this airbag reprogram campaign which supposedly tweaks the sensors or computer so any such low-speed airbag deployments, however unlikely or flukey they maybe, are less likely to happen.

bnhbucks

Bluedevils - thanks for the info.

EX3 - also - did you do the wiring on that hitch? and if so what was the difficulty factor?

arjay1

I have installed the hitch from e-trailer.com as well as others. I also purchased the wiring kit from them.
Both were very simple to install.
The hitch is easier if you have a second set of hands to assist. My 12 year old son and I installed it in less than 30 minutes. You will be amazed at how easy it is. On a scale of 1 to 5 I would give it a 1.
The wiring kit was fairly simple as well. You will connect to the tail light assemblies so you have to remove panels to access them. Again the instructions were good and it probably took 30 minutes. Rate this process as a 2 on the 1 to 5 scale.
By the way, a trailer retailer will charge you double what you will pay by installing it yourself and ordering through e-trailer.

bluedevils

which hitch are you folks discussing?

dplachta

With 1/2 of the rear bench removed, could skiis fit inside the Sedona? Skii length is 190cm.

Doesn't look like skiis could fit under the 2nd row of seats. Don't know if they could fit between seats with the captains chairs--they couldn't be angled in as much.

Thanks!

bnhbucks

Dplachta - I would recommend that if you want to move skis then secure a car top carrier that is made for that. The Thule Black Mountainer box is specifically made for this and you can easily place it on your rack. I got one (damaged by a bear) from my sister, but still plan to use it.

Bluedevils - the hitch we are discussing is the Class III draw-tite from etrailer.com. I also found similar ones at hitches-forless.com. They fit the Kia and appear to be fairly easy to install. etrailer even had pictures of the Sedona and the placement of the hitch and wiring - very helpful.

dplachta

Hmmm. I just thought they sold ski racks. A carrier like that could be used with skiis sounds good. Could it be used with other gear--like camping in the summer, or is it too narrow?

Does it lock?

bnhbucks

Yes it has locks and it holds 6-8 pairs of skis. My sister's family actually used it for camping gear on a West Coast Road trip from Ohio and it worked very well, save for that bear in Yosemite. It is quite roomy. See more at this site:

http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/product.asp?dept_id=11&sku=669

arjay1

I installed the class II Hidden Hitch. I don' think the class III hitch was available when I ordered mine.

R. J.

hoyahenry

Well, 5 of us went to the airport just as you described - 3 with skis, one half rear bench missing. Piece of cake. The skis stack up right between the middle row seats. The luggage goes in the space available with the removed seat.

The lone person in the rearmost seat can still load and unload by moving the middle seat forward, folded.

carspy01

In this issue you will find a comparison test between the Honda Odyssey EX, Dodge Grand Caravan eX, and Kia Sedona EX....
Have fun!

navyair

Steve, et al,

Haven't seen much on what folks are paying for 2003 Sedona EX's. Dealer I've been negotiating with claims KBB, Edmunds and Carpoint are all incorrect for Invoice. Fairly common claim I suspect. Haven't bought a vehicle in awhile, but was the same song I got last time from the dealer.

Quoted from the dealer's e-mail: The actual invoice on the vehicle is $22,663 which is
$573 more than you beleive it to be. This is not unusal as none of the services have the correct invoice because Kia does not show the complete invoice cost on their site."

My calculations showed invoice @ $22090 as configured, Kelley Blue book, MSN and Edmunds.

This is the "deal" he is offering:

2003 Sedona EX Emerald Green over beige:

Installed Options
> > > AB 4-WHEEL ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
> > > LE LEATHER PKG
> > > SR PWR GLASS SUNROOF

SALE PRICE $22,546.00
PRICE W/OPTIONS $22,546.00
DEALER LIC. & TAX $42.84
TITLE TAX $680.25
TAGS TITLE & PROC. $167.50
TOTAL DELIV. PRICE $23,436.59

Believe this to be about an "average" deal for sale price, based upon the previous postings here.

I offered his price above if he would include the front bug guard, moon roof shield and mudflaps.

This is the response I received:

"We want to do what ever we can to put this deal together. To do this we have to be on the same understanding regarding the figures. The actual invoice on the vehicle is $22,663 which is
$573 more than you beleive it to be. This is not unusal as none of the services have the correct invoice because Kia does not show the complete invoice cost on their site. In addition to this, $82.50 in additional costs are required to make the vehicle ready for sale.That is, the total dealer cost on the vehicle is $22,745.50. This does include the Virginia state inspection as this is a part of the $82.50 that the dealer is required to do.

Would appreciate anyone's thoughts on this deal.

hoyahenry

Our total delivery price on a 2002 EX with the same options, except Homelink and single tone paint, was nearly identical, in VA.

I'd say that since the base cost of the van and its popularity went up slightly, this looks pretty reasonable. I think the easiest way to do better at this point is to find a dealer with the same car willing to go lower.

Good luck with it.

navyair

Thanks, Hoya,

Closed the deal with PenceAuto in Midlothian, (suburb of Richmond) VA last night. Emerald Green 2003 EX with all options except hitch. Will add class III later. Relatively painless transaction with one minor exception...think they inflated the cost of the accessories. More later as this unfolds.

mismith356

I need a van for my wife and boys. Currently have a 2001 honda civic which while roomy for a civic (new design in 2001 made it so)...is quite cramped for my two 17 month old boys and mommy, plus the double stroller, plus diaper baggs etc. I have a 2001 hyundai elantra. These were the cheapest, most dependable cars I could afford when we decided mommy would be staying home and I had to get out of two much more expense vehicles payments totaling close to $1000 a month.

As we are a single income family, I will be trying to trade both cars (honda and hyundai) in for one new / used van or suv. After tradins, I will be driving my 87 s10 full time (has been a project truck till now).

Has anyone dealt with 2 tradins at a Kia dealer?

Also, I am a little concerned about full ecconmomy in the Sedona...What are some real world gas mileage numbers?

Thanks in Advance All!

hoyahenry

Have you determined that the trade-in value on the two cars will pay off the notes that I presume are still outstanding? I think you would be able to sell the civic for much more, quite easily, on the open market.

Use 18mpg to calculate annual Sedona fuel cost.

Final thought: Need or want, need or want, need or...?

bluedevils

Yours sounds like a pretty decent price for a 2003 Sedona.

bluedevils

Through the first 11,xxx miles our 2002 Sedona is returning about 19.5 mpg in 50/50 city/highway driving. Our highway driving is approximately 75 mph.

mismith356

Thanks bluedevils and hoyahenry.

We NEED a van. I suspect I am upside down on the hyundai...the honda may be a wash or we may see just a little bit of cash.

I mention trading in both cars only because the last two times I tried to sell vehicles outright, I had little or no response although it may just have been the vehicles. Also, it is real easy to finance a new car where as to get a loan for a used car people seem to feel it is harder...

I know I would be better in both cases selling the cars directly and paying them off...

Does anyone have thoughts on 2003 sedona being offered for 0 percent 60 months as the 2002's are right now?

Looking to buy in January / Febuary unless you all think now is the best time to act.??

Thanks!

bluedevils

My opinions:

1) no reason to act now for a 2003 Sedona. Only reason to act fast would be if you are looking to find one of the last remaining 2002s and get a great deal.

2) If your Civic has been well maintained, and maybe even if it hasn't, and is in good cosmetic shape, you should have no problems selling it. As much as I like the Elantra, you are likely to have a much tougher time selling it. My preference is to sell privately. Why not list the cars, see how much attention they get, and trade them in only as a last resort?

bnhbucks

Missmith356 - I think you may be able to still find a new 2002 Sedona out there. I bought mine two weeks ago and they still had four EX models left. It may be doubtful that you will get a new 2003 at 0% financing. That is why I moved on the 2002 year end because they offered it at 0% for 60 months. The vehicles are virtually the same if not the exact same, but the 2003's are more expensive. with 2500 down and a $500 trade-in my payments are right around $340/month for 60 months. If that is doable, then I would move on it now if you can.

mfbono

FYI.. just checked the Kia website and they are offering 0% financing on the 2003 Sedona for 3 years, 1.9 for 4 years and 2.9 for 5 years.. still an excellent deal for financing...:>)

P.S. getting close to 10k miles on my Sedona, love the van , no problems.. just wish the mileage was better, still glad I bought it.