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Comments
To the space issue: How much is USEABLE space? I don't want to have to pile dogs on top of each other to take advantage of vertical space.
I also don't like where the spare tire is on the CRV and the fact that the CRV's back door opens to the right, instead of straight up.
The Sorento is much more comfortable, spacious and well laid out inside.
hency... thanks for the info... I'm going to chk with peoplefirst.
Check this out though (quoted from the lease board):
Ragsdale Kia in Shrewsbury, MA has a Sorento in today's Boston Globe with a $26K msrp and $4,500 off! That would be about $2250 under invoice. So there's no reason for you to pay invoice+anything in NJ. You aren't more that 5 hours from Boston.
It's like comparing the Sorento to a Chevy Tahoe and calling the Sorento cramped.
You are right, I have never walked up to the Sorento to see for myself and I am purely going by specs.
Everyone else,
Here is what I have noticed when looking for space in cars. Back in 98 I went shopping for a mini-ute. I ended up looking at the CRV and the Forester. My father, friend and I walked up to the Forester and the cargo space struck us as much smaller. Walked up to a CRV later in the day, we thought the cargo area was much larger, no comparison. I ended up with the CRV for many reasons more then the cargo space.
So a year later my bro's friend picks up a Forester brings over to my place and we ended up parking them next to each other. It was the strangest thing, the Forester cargo space seemed just as big when it was parked next to the CRV.
My point is, you need a side-by-side comparison because the shape of a vehicle can mislead one's perception of size. In addition bias to it being a larger SUV. Someone should park a Sorento next to the 2nd gen. CRV to compare. Specs are usually very accurate so I am not going to believe the Sorento has more Cargo and Storage space until I see it for myself.
BTW, I don't really care which one is larger, I was just surprised the Sorento is considered a mid size when the CRV specs say it bigger. If it is based on weight then I would think SUV's would be categorized mid-weight, mini-weight, etc.
Two dollars over invoice is unheard of. If it's a real quote with no hidden charges, jump on it!!!
Before I take a 5 hr trip, I'd like to play my cards here in NJ... we'll see. Still buying interest is in Dec. ;-)
As for your suggestion about a side-by-side comparison, I agree with you 100%. However, I didn't have the gall to test drive a CRV over to the KIA dealer. For all I know, my impressions about the differences in space may be illusions, just as yours was between the Forester and the CRV. Since you already have a CRV, maybe you could drive it down to the KIA dealer and do your side-by-side. I don't think the KIA dealer would object at all.
BTW, we've had our EX for almost 2 weeks now and it's still perfect in every way. Still have not found anything not working or any flaws in fit-and-finish. Northern CA had our first major rain storm last week. Everything on Sorento worked just fine: front wipers, rear wipers, all defrosters, heaters, etc. Winds were gusting up to 65 mph, but Sorento felt steady as a rock. Good/safe feeling to know I was surrounded by 4200 lbs and air bag curtains! Was surprised to read in owner's manual that front windshield has electric de-icier for wipers and that side mirrors are heated!
The all so famous "Too good to be true" phrase is present until it is known for sure that this deal is concrete without any 'hidden' mambo-jambo.
Rumor or Riddle, it's what was mentioned... take it for what it's worth....
Ragsdale Kia is about 20 minutes from me. They are pretty good. I went in there once. Also look at the Peter's dealer up in Nashua, NH. Tax free NH.
As far as classes, mid weight, mid size, whatever. I'd rather go by price classes (what makes the most sense for final purchasing decisions), and pick the most vehicle that I could get for that money. By "the most", that could mean size, features, or whatever. It sure sounds like the Sorento comes out with high marks in its price class!
THEN, take them out to the sandpits or woods and try them out, swapping for comparisons. THEN take them out on the highway, swapping for comparisons.
THEN, compare notes later, back at the coffee shop or whatever.
-mike
That is a good idea.
Since I am not in the market for a new car I am waiting to see a Sorento around town. When I do I will park next to it and take a look!
Mark ordered my EX 4X4 in Diamond Silver. He treated me and my family very good. He is a stand up guy. Others will enjoy working with him.
-mike
Thanks,
Jim d.
I'm going to Loman Kia tomorrow... I'll let you guys know about the price boxing then ;-)
Comments for jrdowney, #772:
1. Yes, it does resemble a Lexus RX300, exterior and interior. I never test drove an RX300, since a comparably equipped RX300 would cost approx $40,000 vs. $24,302 for my Sorento.
2. The 2003 Sorento is not really a first year model, since it's been selling in Korea for a year.
3. How well will it hold up? That's difficult to quantify. But I do know that in the 2 weeks we've had ours, I keep discovering little things that KIA included at no extra cost. This leads me to believe KIA's top management gave the engineers, accountants, and marketing people a mandate to build a superior car, which will last the life of the 10 year warranty. What little things?...you may be wondering... When you have time, scroll back to read previous postings. My newest discovery is that the power windows work for 30 seconds after the ignition is off. Not really a big deal, but another convenience for absent minded people like me!
Looking under the hood gives me the impression that a lot of thought and care went into designing this SUV. Why? There are no loose wires. Everything is wrapped in plastic tubes and clamped down. The inside of the fuse box looks like a mechanic's version of a jewelry box....lots of room between fuses, all clearly labeled, a fuse puller included as well as extra fuses.
Hope this helps, Jim D!
Engine power between the two doesn't even compare with the Sorento having plenty of power to spare whereas the V (even the new one) has just enough but no more.
Noise levels in the Sorento are MUCH lower when compared to the V.
Fit and finish is very similar between the two models.
I was thinking of trading up my 2001 V for one of the newer models and test drove the 2002 model on several occasions (but alwys left undecided). In the case of the Sorento all it took was one test drive and I was hooked.
Cheers!
Cheers from rainy California!
2003 Kia Sorento Midsize SUV EX 4WD 4dr SUV
Steve, Host
warranty: 100 pages of fine print? No thank you!
-mike
If you look in the back of the sorento brochure towards the bottom in fine print, I think it mentions something about getting a loaner if the vehicle is being repaired. It also mentions if vehicle breaks down during basic warranty period and owner is more than 100 or 125 miles from the primary residence, than kia will reimburse you up to $300 to cover food, lodging, and any alternate transportation you may need. This kind of Emergency Travel expenses benefit is usually offerd as a standard on high end luxury models only. I know we have this benefit on our o2 cr-v, but thats only because we purchased the extended warranty.
Good to be back. I've actually been doing a bit of both, maneuvers and driving the Sorento (like going for a cup of coffee 60 miles away from home).
I showed the Sorento to my close friend who owns the BMW dealership. I made sure my Diamond Silver was nice and shiny both inside and out. I think he was a little disappointed that I didn't get a used X5 (I was contemplating doing it but found that my budget would be strecthed to the breaking point). However, he did seem impressed with the overall fit, finish and look of the SUV. I did notice him looking at a couple of the plastic parts (the panel where the window buttons are) but he did seem impressed with the quality (the mags really help out with the Sorento's pricey look). In fact he's going to help me install some body-side moulding from the X5 on my LX's doors. I dread getting dinged and right now there is no protection whatsoever. I did some mock-ups in Paintshop and I think I'll get a distinctive look. I'll post some pics once completed.
Cheers!
Mike
I've flipped through the 112 page KIA Warranty Manual. It's not really that long, because pages 47 through 112 consist of nothing but State specific disclaimers, for all 50 States. I couldn't find any references to free rentals or to free lodging in the warranty manual. However, there is a separate small brochure explaining the features of the 5-year unlimited miles roadside assistance program. Under "Trip Interruption Policy", it does say warranty related breakdowns 150 miles from home are eligible for reimbursements for food, lodging, and transportation, up to $300, if repairs take more than 24 hours.
brebh......so is Ragsdale selling an LX for $16,667 or $16,667 PLUS $3,500? Your EX 4x4 looks like it lists for $27,125, which means you're paying $1,225 under MSRP. Seems like a very good deal.....congrats!
lok88: I don't know if Ragsdale can sell at $2,250 under invoice. Someone posted that and all I did was ask if that's a typo or the deal of the decade. Your info on 'ordering' is the same as mine...that dealers can't order from Korea, but 'order' from Regional offices, after the cars are unloaded at the docks.
-mike
-mike
all the vehicles that were compared are pretty curvy vehicles. Actually I bet the Sorento is curvier then the CRV.