Kia Sorento

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  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    Bravada (Envoy?)

    ???
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    None of the Triplets has an MT available. Not to mention the "auto-4wd" is barely even a full-time system. (no power to the front axle when there is no slippage)

    -mike
  • bigelmbigelm Member Posts: 995
    ... but in all, it's not comparable to a Sorento of Liberty, in my opinion. Maybe a RAV4, but none the less, I've known of people with lots of problems on the Sportage.

    Maybe there's a reason why they stopped making them. **Not flaming, just observing**
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    Hi Steve - Is it time to open up a new discussion on Kia Sorento problems? I spoke to one Kia dealer and told there is a minor problem with the Check Engine light and the catylst converter. They didn't tell what exactly the problem is. I properly test drive one soon. They also mentioned the Kia warranty which they do give loaners out. They actually rent the cars for work required over 6.5 labor hours. Kia provides the cost of the rentals. Yeah, this is not Lexus or MB, but at least you have the option. I don't know if Toyota or Honda can do it. Is the Honda Care provide rentals? BTW, Honda care is not come with the car. Any comments?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Sure, everything mechanical will break, so may as well make it easy for people to post their solutions. Here's the link:


    Kia Sorento problems


    Steve, Host

  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    Thanks Steven. Should I type the whole thing again on Kia Sorento Problems?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    If you like, you can cut & paste it there.

    Steve, Host
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The other one seems broken:


    Kia Sorento problems


    Steve, Host

  • sorentosorento Member Posts: 4
    I bought a KIA Sorento two weeks ago and like it a lot - I struggled with the stigma issue, but really like the vehicle and think it is rock solid.

    I have had it up the mountain to 11,000 feet - climbed like it only weighed 2,000 pounds (very impressed with the transmission and engine on uphill climb.)

    I am hoping it will be a reliable vehicle - but with the tremendous warrantly and recent improvements in quality - I feel pretty confident.
  • mikesfmikesf Member Posts: 84
    I couldn't agree with you more. The stigma was a little difficult at first but now, after people see the SUV, they say, "This is a Kia?" I really think this is the first in many upcoming vehicles that will help to elevate Kia's image.

    I wish the company all the best!
  • sgvanmetersgvanmeter Member Posts: 2
    Test drove the LX Sorrento last weekend -- salesman indicated that the reason Kia were so reasonably priced was because Kia did no R & D. Specifically the reason for the low price of the Sorrento was that it shared the same frame as the BMW X5. I checked the BMW website -- says the X5 has a unit body construction.

    Anyone else heard this pitch, or other inconsistencies???
  • schip1schip1 Member Posts: 97
    ...from mikesf and sorento! I think it was in this forum that someone mentioned Andre Agassi will be endorsing KIA starting in November. That should certainly boost KIA's image!

    Mikesf...is that an Aqua Blue LX in your Yahoo photos?....and is it still snowing? Hate to tell you this, but in northern California today (Friday), it was bright and sunny, in the low 70's (21 C). Right now, it's 10 pm and weather.com says temp is 59 F (15 C). Cheers!
  • jskhojskho Member Posts: 107
    Your salesman was smoking pot...
  • lavoie1lavoie1 Member Posts: 8
    Hi Mike,

    I live in NB, but I am from Quebec. I am in the military, as I believe you are.

    I am very interested in the Sorento. Probably the vehicle I will buy next April-May time frame. I love the finish and the look. The fact that it has a body frame make it an ideal veh to tow my hard top trailer.

    Are you towing anything with your Sorento? If yes, how does it feel?

    Can I ask you what you paid for it in Mtl? They are asking $31,900 something n F'Ton. With that, I would get remote entry, hitch and wiring and remote starter. This is the leasing price.

    Any problem so far?

    Rick
  • steve_onsteve_on Member Posts: 70
    Is it just the West Coast or are 4 x 4's hard to find right now?

    Looking around in So Cal for one with all the goodies including the auto leveling stuff and they don't seem to be around.

    Anyone with the autoleving care to comment on how it works for you?
  • carspy01carspy01 Member Posts: 137
    #562, sgvanmeter: I posted on the Sorento-forum, as well as on the KIA BL (that was the concept for the Sorento before), and in various other halls. Just now, when I read your posting, I've laughed soooo loud - I guess you guys heard it from NY to WA.... (jskho, #564, might be on to something...) But I really would like to know who that sales guy was at which dealership. That guy needs to be welded onto the Sorento-frame. No wonder that some of them try to rip the consumer off... Indeed, the R&D for the Sorento was - up to date - the most expensive project for Kia. Of course, it is not an X5-frame. The structure in design and layout comes closest to what you would see from a Jeep Grand Cherokee - is, however, a bit heavier.
  • PlacemanPlaceman Member Posts: 44
    Steve: I have autoleveling, but have yet to notice its operation. There is absolutely no mention of the feature in the manual. I know with some vehicles, you actually hear a little compresser pump up the rear shocks. I have not heard this yet. I actually started up the vehicle and my friend and I sat on the rear. Nada. Anyone else wish to comment? I would love to hear more about this $500 feature I have.
  • steve_onsteve_on Member Posts: 70
    Placeman,

    I think you have to put something heavy back there, I have a sister in law I can "loan" you....LOL.

    I actually like her, now my father in law is another story.
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    It is probably a climate thing. Since you are in a warm climate awd/4wd versions of suv's are hard to come by because most people won't need them as most don't go off roading in their suv's. However 4x2 is better for towing. I know here in houston about 80% of the trucks and suv's here that have the option of either 2wd or 4wd are 2wd. In chicago however 2wd was a death sentence so most were 4wd. try Nocal probably have better luck finding 4wd.
  • Jason5Jason5 Member Posts: 440
    Folks, PLEASE! I for one, love to hear about how much you like your Sorento in the first week. But many of us are itching for pricing information--how much did you pay!
  • carspy01carspy01 Member Posts: 137
    My experience so far is that they go for sticker. Period. Some dealers try to rip you with the bogus mark-ups they hide in the MSRP, and it did not help that the invoice pricing by KMA was chosen relatively close to the MSRP. Makes it more difficult for Edmunds and all... I think you will see much better pricing starting March 1, 2003... Still, imo, the Sorento is a good deal - if you can wait it'll be even better... :-)
  • sgvanmetersgvanmeter Member Posts: 2
    Responding to carspy01 and jskho -- pot -- or crack. Either way the truck seems very solid. The dealer is Holler Kia -- Orlando Florida.

    The next day drove the Lexus RX300 -- except for the wood and leather, almost the same truck -- down to the aluminum door sill kick plates.

    Even with the seriously flawed sales pitch, I am planning to begin negotiations, and am requesting pricing assistance with the Costco auto buyers program. Will post my find -- the dealer should have the "Costco member only" price to me within the next few days.
  • steve_onsteve_on Member Posts: 70
    Great news on CostCo pricing, I wanted to know if that was any good, i.e. could you get a good deal.

    Please do post what you find out.

    Cheers
  • mikesfmikesf Member Posts: 84
    That is good news (about Agassi). I'm meeting a close friend for lunch on Monday. He just happens to own a BMW dealership here in Laval (a suburb of Montreal) and I want to see how he'll react when he sees the Sorento. I'll keep you guys posted.

    As for the color, no my Sorento is Diamond Silver.

    As for the snow, no it stopped and melted, just a warning from Mother Nature, I guess. It is however, cold, wet, and plain ol miserable. It rained the whole weekend while I was on maneuvers and it's raining this weekend while my brother is on maneuvers as well. I'm glad to hear about your great weather. Sounds just right to me. Send some this way if you can... :-)

    Cheers!
  • mikesfmikesf Member Posts: 84
    Greetings Rick.

    Yup, you guessed right about the military - Reserve Officer, 16 years, CD, Peacekeeping, Timor medals - so don't hold that against me :-)

    The Sorento is a great vehicle. Great bang for the buck. I've clocked close to 2000 km so far and love it. I'm not towing anything so I can't comment on that but I've been doing lots of off-roading (on the roads of Montreal). The roads are in particularly bad shape this year (despite, or perhps due to, the construction).

    In any case I'm very happy with the vehicle. The only thing I don't like on the Canadian LX model is that there is no body side moulding making the doors extremely vulnerable to dings. Next time you see an MDX you'll probably see one with a dinged door. I'm going to look in to some possible solutions regarding this.

    As for the price, yours sounds just about right. In my case it was $31,700 (they threw in the mud guards, Sorento carpets, and cargo net). I got it at Kia Montreal. Good bunch of guys! What's your residual? ($13,800 in my case)

    Cheers!

    Mike
  • schip1schip1 Member Posts: 97
    Have received these quotes/offers from dealers in the SF Bay Area and in the Sacramento area:

    #1 won't budge from $2,000 above MSRP. Not surprising since their ADM is $6,000. At least 8 Sorentos on lot as of last Tuesday.
    #2 won't budge from $1,000 above MSRP. Don't know what their ADM is.
    #3 will sell at MSRP. Their ADM is $4,000. They had 14 Sorentos on their lot as of last Monday.
    #4 will sell at MSRP. 4 Sorentos on lot.
    #5 offered to sell their one and only Sorento for $650 UNDER MSRP. May be sales pitch, since offer was over phone.
    #6 also offered to sell either of their 2 Sorentos for $650 under MSRP. Also a phone offer.

    Dealer #1 (the one with $6,000 ADM and firm selling price of $2,000 above MSRP) is Fairfield KIA. Bad shopping experience.

    Dealer #2 is Redwood City KIA. Sales Mgr. argumentative, aloof, and uninformed.

    I've seen a real Sorento invoice and can confirm what others have already reported in this forum, that spread between invoice price and MSRP is $1,500.

    I totally agree with carspy01 and others, that the Sorento is great car and it's a bargain even at MSRP. But prices are falling as they continue to roll off the ships/docks and onto dealerships. I'm waiting to see an EX in Gold before deciding on Red w/beige, Diamond Silver, or Gold.
  • mbluffmbluff Member Posts: 3
    Bought a Ruby Red EX friday night. Seems to be a great SUV. Ride similar to the Lexus RX300, although a bit less smooth - expected since Sorento is on truck frame. In test driving did take it onto some pretty steep and wet dirt roads in the North GA mountain. The Sorrento handled them quite well. Hopefully the vehicle will hold up.
    MSRP on this was $26,955, including $495 freight. Dealer added side-bar sticker for prep and co-op of $1,798 (JUNK). Negotiated price of $26,250. From this board, I estimate the invoice at $1500 under MSRP so I think I got a pretty good deal @ $705 under MSRP.
  • vjovjo Member Posts: 10
    I have been watching 2 Kia dealers, one in Kent county and the other in New castle Delaware, neither have sold a Sorento in last week! They are not jumping off the lots here!!! Dealer in New Castle county is at least MSRP in his ads in the newspaper. I am looking to buy a Sorento, but not till next year, prices should be way down. I read where DC, GM, and Ford sales are off about 30% compared to last year for month of October!!! Big Discounts are coming for the whole auto industry!!
  • moose27moose27 Member Posts: 4
    Hello,

    I'm interested of purchasing a KIA Sorento pretty soon, but I would like to know from the new owners what they think of the Sorento's fuel consumption, every spec I looked at seems kind of high for the size of the vehicule.

    Thanks.
  • steve_onsteve_on Member Posts: 70
    Thanks for the update on prices in your neck of the woods, sounds like West Coast is still nuts.

    Were the ones up the 4x2's or 4 x 4's more fitting Northern California?
  • schip1schip1 Member Posts: 97
    In my post #577, I mentioned dealer #3 had 14 Sorentos in stock as of last Monday. On their website, updated Oct. 26th, they now show 24!!

    http://www.folsomlakekia.com/

    First one listed is a 4x4 EX for $30,104, which is strange, 'cause highest MSRP after adding all options is only $28,050. Wonder what the extra $2,054 buys? Pin stripes? Undercoating? Wax job? Oh wait, I forgot this is same dealer with $4,000 ADM. So they're actually giving us a $2,000 price break, right?


    mbluff....congratulations on getting such a good deal on your Sorento. Good to know those kinds of deals are possible!


    vjo....keep us informed about those 2 KIA dealers back East!

    mikesf....thanks for all your upbeat reports! Please keep 'em coming!

    steve_on....not sure what you're asking. Re-phrase please?

  • PlacemanPlaceman Member Posts: 44
    I bought mine here in St. Louis. I got the EX with the luxury package, ABS, Load Leveling and spoiler. The MSRP was 27,635 (including freight), but with no dealer add on stuff. I paid 26,404 (including the $70 paperwork fee).
  • carspy01carspy01 Member Posts: 137
    I know that one is a killer, but I wanted to give you guys the link anyway. It is not really a van according to North American definitions, but for Europe it will be a "little transporter". But let me explain:

    The Sorento Van is a special vehicle to be introduced in November 2002 in The Netherlands, Europe. The modifications take place in a seperate plant in The Netherlands. The extended roof is plastic and approx. 11 cm higher than the normal one. The rear side windows are plastic (solid) and only have the "glass" look. No see through. The rear seats are removed, plastic lining from floor to window in the rear.


    The link with European pricing is:

    http://www.kia.nl/nl/index_modellen.html?simple=&cat=sorentovan


    Click on the photo to open a larger picture in another window.

  • carspy01carspy01 Member Posts: 137
    Anyone still in doubt that we will see other versions of the Sorento in Northamerica over the next few years like my Sorento Sport (2 door), pick-up truck, etc.????????
  • schip1schip1 Member Posts: 97
    Here is the link with info about the Andre Agassi advertising campaign, Post #1551:


    /direct/view/.ef09a58/1639

  • stockeystockey Member Posts: 40
    The Sorento is clearly the best value on the SUV market,as good or better than most with attractive sheetmetal,the Sorento is definitly a big winner for Kia.
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    "... I've been doing lots of off-roading (on the roads of Montreal). "

    LOL!!
  • charlesm1950charlesm1950 Member Posts: 24
    Moose27,
    I have an EX with 2WD... snow is almost unheard of in Austin so I didn't go 4WD. I drive about 35 miles per day. Part of it stop and go and part of it expressway. I've had my EX for a month and my lowest gas mileage was about 17.2 mpg (7.1 km/l) and my best was about 18.2 mpg (7.5 km/l). My guess is the 4WD would get as much as 2 mpg (0.82 km/l) less.
    BTW, I love my Sorento.
    CharlesM1950
  • hciaffahciaffa Member Posts: 454
    About a week ago my wife and I were out to look at a house to buy and to go out and see what the Sorento was all about. So far I have read some very encouraging things about it. Went to a dealer and took a EX out for a test drive and my wife really liked it. Right now she has a popular cross over (no name mentioning for now)type SUV that has given us a lot of trouble. Any way, this dealer in central CT is selling them at MSRP and not discounting them. Ok I am not that thrilled but compared to the other 2 kia dealers they are tacking on anywhere from 1800 to 2400 ADM. Anyway my wife really liked it and we really gave it a test drive, highway back roads city roads and into a old tank trail in our area. Sold!!! But the color she wanted was just sold so the dealer is looking to track an Ivy Green EX for her. So she is excited and anxiously waiting for her Sorento.
  • hciaffahciaffa Member Posts: 454
    I just posted #590 and in it I wrote how we took it for a pretty good test drive on a old tank trail. To engage the 4X4 it shifts something like my Ranger. For the 4X4 HI it shifts on the fly up to 45 mph and for 4X4 LO you have to stop the vehicle foot on the brake and in neutral and it engaged. I also tried it in park and it engaged. Drove it for about a 100 yards on this old trail and it did very well. As mentioned in the posting above we were quite pleased about the Sorento. We ordered the EX in Ivy Green with the cargo tray, mud flaps and window shades ( the things that you can leave your windows open to prenvent rain from coming in). So now we wait.
  • jmaterojmatero Member Posts: 253
    They're discounting them here in NY/NJ... many have 'HOT DEALS' on the windshields and a lot instock here in Westchester. It attracts a lot of attention on the lot but the price seems to be what turns people away. I can accept $20k for the Sedona because of what you get at that price. But $26000+ for the Sorento is above that magic price that makes you say... "Geez.. that's expensive for a Kia!" While a lot of folks say the compettion is the Grand Cherokee, People I talked to on the lot were cross-shoping the SantaFe, Liberty and Escape. Oddly enough, a couple mentioned the Aztek and rondevous.

    I have to admit, seeing a Kia on the lot for almost $27,000 shocked the hell out of me.... and if you're like most people and don't drive off road, it's even MORE shocking as it's Rear wheel drive unless you're in the snow and turn the knob.... it's not full-time. That doesn't help me in the rain.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    You do realize there is an AWD version of the system right? The only ones w/part-time 4wd are the low-end ones. The TOD system on the others is outstanding and 25-26K for a mid-sized SUV is an excellent price IMHO for the content. Allothers are well over 30K

    -mike
  • mbluffmbluff Member Posts: 3
    In regard to posting # 578. The EX I purcased was part time 4x4 with ABS, Stabilizer, Leather and Trailer towing package.
  • bigelmbigelm Member Posts: 995
    ...Because I'm finding myself whether to justify paying so much for a Kia....and not necessarily a Kia, I should say an SUV that won't be used for off-road use. Maybe it's because it's early in the game and the prices are not convincing. Even if I lease this truck for my wife, is it still worth paying so much?!
    Now I'm thinking... my wife loves the look and the safety features like the curtain side bags... But now I'm looking at the Outlander, just for kicks. I know it's has a smaller engine, less HP but I don't know about the structure, i.e body on frame, etc. Fully loaded w/ AWD is at $20-21k with Shiftronic.... It's becoming more of a economic issue than admiring issue... I'm not happy now...
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    What's wrong with a Caravan or Sienna?

    They probably give you a whole lot more for the price.
  • bigelmbigelm Member Posts: 995
    There is no way in h*** you would find me in a minivan. And no offense to those who have them. Plus, my wife don't like minivans ;-)
  • saber86saber86 Member Posts: 128
    Have you read some of the reviews on the new outlander? The reviews are in and they are getting a lousy review. The person that reviews for usatoday said basically you can get run over when you are trying to merge in to hwy traffic. The engine is so weak even with 140 hp.
  • carspy01carspy01 Member Posts: 137
    I have to admit I like the Outlander, and created months ago the Outlander (Airtrek) hall here on Edmunds. The question is really how your CEO (wife, as I usually call myself the Executive VP of Garbage Disposal) would use it. Even in the base Sorento, the side curtain airbags are included, and as I'm a safety honcho, I always recommend it. If you load up the Outlander, you'll end up in the $24-25K area as well. The Outlander is based on the Lancer, which is a relatively small car. Check the rear seat space, if it would work for your wife, kids, in-laws, toys etc. Gas mileage is better with the Mitsu, torque is lower. You really want to keep an eye on the torque instead of hp, as this will give you a better indication. I always tell my friends to go to a test drive with 4 persons and a heavy loaded suitcase! Of course, let your wife drive it alone, and then with the whole bunch plus suitcase!
    You will be surprised!

    ...and, of course, everyone here knows what I would recommend...
  • bigelmbigelm Member Posts: 995
    I know the diff. in HP and I know TQ is the major plus in a SUV. I know side by side, the Kia is/has more features for the $$$. I guess I'm alittle disappointed in seeing the prices on the Kia. I guess waiting till Dec. (hopefully) will determine which company I'll go with... thanks for your feedback though.

    CEO and Exec. VP of GD... now THAT was hilarious!!!!!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    If you are going to lease or buy and re-sell w/in 5 years, go for the Outlander, if you are going to buy and keep it for more than 5 years, then go for the Sorento. The Sorento will likely have deflated re-sale value compared to Nissan/Toyota/Honda, but I believe the Kias especially with their long warranty will likely run pretty flawlessly for a good long time, same goes for Isuzus, resale is bad, but they will go the distance.

    -mike
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