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Comments
-start the Sorento
-arm the alarm
-set off the panic alarm (all alarms sound)
-unlock the doors
-pop the rear tailgate glass
-set the car to start automatically every hour (for those reaaallly cold nights)
-set it to proximity mode (everytime I get within 15 feet of the car it automatically disarms and unlocks the doors)
There are a couple of other functions like valet mode, etc... as well.
Hope this helps.
Anyway, I feel very comfortable in my Sorento. But I wish Kia can make the valet key for the car. (Host - How about a new topic like things need to improved for Sorento based on the owners' experiences? And the Kia folks will read.) The automatic headlamps are not so sensitive to me like some posters said. They did turned on when I drove underneath a highway overpass. The fog lamps are on only when the headlamps are on. This doesn't matter to me. I properly replace the light bulbs for those PIAA super white bulbs. I also noticed the seat belt light was on (so as other check lights) when I turned the key to "On" position. But I don't the seat belt light on once the key is on ignition position and when the driver's side seat belt is not bundle. It should be on to remind to bundle up.
Any answers on this?
Lok888.. glad to see you enjoying your Sorento. What color did you get. I know you got the EX with Luxury as ours is. At first I was not to crazy about the chrome trim on the door handles but now I think they make it stand out. Our color is the Ivy Green.
schip1.. I also played around with the spare tire to check the air pressure and see whats under the back end. I noticed that when I cranked up the spare it was crooked and then I noticed that the bracket has a pin that aligns to one of the lug bolt holes or to one of the wheel casting openings. Upon adjusting the tire cranked up evenly and snug to the underside. Something to keep in mind.
A word on this, while I had the rear hatch open the dome and rear lights were on and I had turned on a map light. After about, I think 20 minutes the battery saver shut off the dome lights but the map light stayed on. I tried this again and sure enough it didn't shut down. Just to inform everyone that the battery saver may not shut all the lights down. Would someone like to try this to confirm it. Hapy motoring.
-mike
schip1 - I am interested to learn how to get the spare tire. My salesman showed me the way and the tools. But I afraid I will not put it back where it came from. I will call roadside assistant and let the tow truck guy figure it out when I need it. BTW, anyone know the mileage for tire rotation on this full-time 4WD? And did I hear this pitch protection sunroof thing on Sorento?
I think this topic is general enough to include discussion of desirable improvements. Feel free to sound off! BTW - what makes you think the Kia folks don't read these messages? :-)
tidester, host
Getting the spare tire down is very easy just use the wrench and long round bar in the back and slide the 't' end of the long rod in the slot in the rear and then turn CCW to let it down and CW to bring up the tire.
-mike
hciaffa - Thanks for the info. I ordered the mud flap and will be arrived next week. For rubber mats, beside the universal one or newspaper, they simple suggested and showed me just to flip the factory mat over. And I will get the rubber side. Also, I will try to unload and load the space tire when the temperature is getting warm. Not a good outdoor recreation at this time of year.
Anyway....some replies and comments:
lok888: I've only seen one other Sorento while driving around. Since Kia has sold 5,494 thus far, where are they?? I don't think anyone said the auto headlights are overly sensitive. I think I said on a very overcastted morning, the headlights kept turning on and off, as the Sun was playing hide-&-seek with the clouds. Not sure what your question is regarding the seat belt light. Glad you're thoroughly enjoying your new Sorento!
hciaffa: I made the same mistake the first time I tried raising the spare tire. But like you said, as soon as I realized where the pin goes, centering it was easy! Did you notice how the spring works? Don't you think it was a nice touch by KIA...something they didn't have to do? Regarding the interior lights and the battery saver feature - the manual says the parking lights and the interior lights should turn off after 10 minutes. I haven't timed it, but 10 minutes seems about right. The manual also explains how to over-ride the 10-minute auto turn off. You need to open/close the door, then turn off/on parking lights. The map lights are always on, just like the visor lights. I wish the glove box light is like that....always able to be turned on, that is.
DISAPPOINTING NEWS ABOUT RUNNING BOARDS: the Parts Dept. Mgr of my dealer finally tracked down the scoop about availability (or lack of...) of the running boards. He had to call KIA Corporate and the word is that although they are shown on the KIA website, they won't be available until mid-February!! If anyone hears otherwise, please let us know.
Stay warm and drive safely!
A couple of thoughts- Why is finding a vehicle (esp. EX w/Lux Pkg)with ABS such a problem. It seems Kia would do better to supply ABS instead of curtain airbags as standard equipment. After all, isn't it better to AVOID an accident with ABS than rely on side airbags to save your butt (maybe).
I heartily agree with another poster regarding the phony wood trim, I dislike it. But, it kind of grows on you (no pun intended!) as you get used to looking at it. Wouldn't it be great if someone offered carbon fiber trim to replace the wood? I feel that wood trim inside a vehicle is as ridiculous as wood trim on the exterior door panels. Anyone in New England with an LX want to swap their black trim bits for plastic wood?
I don't get it. People spend $20 to $30 large for a vehicle and don't read the owner's manual? Why does anyone respond to these posts? Perhaps they enjoy "helping" others. Money doesn't care who owns it- that's what my mother used to say.
As far as the headlamp washers go, Kia probably didn't want to install them due to cost. I (like another poster) own a Saab (actually 2) and can tell you that those little wiper motors cost more than $250 each to buy new.
I never thought that I'd buy a Kia- it was just not in my universe of vehicles to consider (kinda lke the Dodge Durango!). However, I wasn't going to buy another Jeep Grand Cherokee (156,00 miles of problems- replaced engine, transmission, rear axles). Trailblazer LS looked okay and had a great engine, but build quality was not up to the Kia and the dealer wanted to deeply discount in stock vehicles only- and couldn't understand why I wanted a locking rear differential (standard on the Sorento).
As far as the relatively low fuel mileage for the engine, both the Trailblazer and Pilot get greater efficiency (HP and economy) through the use of variable valve timing. My guess is that Kia is saving that for 2004 or later.
If you went Honda you would be in heaven compared to the vehicles you have chosen in the past and presently.
tell kia's credibility. remember, honda's first few years in the market were a joke. the going joke at that time was that it had a lawn mower's
engine, then it turn racist with "buy american".
bottom line,where u put your faith is your buziness, popular or not.
You are right but here are my thoughts and experiences...
I honeslty think Jeeps up until 2001 have been awful! I don't necessarily think they have improved in 2001 and 2002 but I will give them the benefit of the doubt.
I think both Kia and Hyundai have come a long way since their introduction, a lot further then Jeeps and Fords have come since the same time.
I bought a 98 CRV in 98 for MSRP at $19,500. I traded it in just over three years with 67,000 miles for close to $14,000! To depreciate that little in such a little time is amazing! I love Honda because of their extrodinarily well refined machines and for their high reliability (not a single problem except for one windshield wiper!). NOW you see them at the VERY TOP for safety for their class of vehicle! Oh, and they are considered the "greenest" company!
he was selling me a honda. believe me i don't have
a blind love affair with the sorento. i also told him that in 3 years it won't be worth half of what i paid 4 it. i hope 4 the best with the sorento and the price was right. recently sold my 95 accord only because it was broke into twice and it psychologically mess me up.
Kind of judgmental and critical for a first time poster, don't you think?
Our HOSTS have stated previously that the purpose of this forum is to share and exchange info, experiences, and opinions about the Sorento, not about each other. If I, or anyone else, say something you don't like, do what Steve_HOST suggested....use the scroll button and move to the next posting.
BTW, your 7 paragraphs are not exactly bulletproof. No, I'm not here to pick an argument with you, but I do hope that after you take delivery of your Sorento, you'll ask a question or two. It would be interesting to see if you will be totally ignored or be told to go read your manual.
mwitt58714 - I'm sorry to hear the airbag light. That's properly some lose connectors. I am also interested in those aftermarket auto alarm with the car starter. Anyway, the car warms very fast. And I don't feel cold even I went to store for few hours.
brooklyn1951 - I also paid for the same thing on Sorento. The MSRP is $27720. I think that's the best they can do. Some paid full MSRP. Almost all Sorentos EX 4WD in my dealer (possible in northeast region) are equipped with luxury package (some come with T.O.D.) and ABS. Few LXs with alloy wheels ($450). BTW, I hope you enjoy your Sorento and feel free to ask questions. Have fun with your owner's manual.
schip1... what spring I must have missed. Is it attach to the bracket that holds the wheel. I was mostly oggling at the undercarriage. Your right my lights went off in about 12 minutes, I had to recheck them. You have a glove box light? I checked ours and we don't have one.
Sorento sales: it's actually more than 5,494. That's just for October and November. I forgot to include the 241 sold in Sept., so total is really 5,735.
lok888: my seat belt light turns on momentarily whether I buckle before starting the car or after starting. It seems like yours is malfunctioning; better have it checked before warranty runs out
Post #1319: if any KIA reps are browsing this forums, here is my wish list of improvements: 1) retractable antenna, 2) locking gas cap, 3) auto locking doors upon startup, 4) add reverse scan button on steering wheel audio controls, 5) glove compartment light on without key (just like map lights), 6) light under the hood, and 7) slightly deeper storage spaces in luggage compartment.
Ours does have a glove box light, so yours should have it also. As I mentioned in my previous posting, this light doesn't turn on unless the key is in the accessories position.
Glad to hear you were also marveling at the undercarriage! I was fascinated by it, even though I had no idea what I was looking at. I assumed much of what was unrecognizable has to do with the ABS and the auto-load leveling. Again, I am so impressed with how neat and orderly all the wires, conduits, and components are.
Thanks!
BTW: Speaking of close calls. Driving home after we purchased our new Blue, EX, 4x4, TOD, Lux Sorento, there was a sudden downpour. Keep in mind this doesn't happen too often in So. Cal. Anyways, a "streetracer" was going a little too fast for the conditions and spun out right next to us. Luckily, the moron didn't hit anyone. The Kia had no problem in the sudden floodlike conditions.
And how is "carbon fiber" (in quotes, because it is usually NOT carbon fiber, but the same plastic as the "wood" trim, only with a different print (like wallpaper) on it) any different than the "wood" trim? I saw a cool Grand Wagoneer down the Cape a few years back with REAL wood trim on it, brass (bronze?) screws and all. The guy did it himself out of maybe oak or birch.
"As far as the relatively low fuel mileage for the engine, both the Trailblazer and Pilot get greater efficiency (HP and economy) through the use of variable valve timing."
That, and the fact they are cars, or glorified minivans, the Pilot more so than the Trialblazer.
"dlb14frost: I was even gun-shy about driving ours in the rain!"
Why, for heaven's sake?
#1344: jbrew7 - good to hear from someone else on the West coast! WOW!!..what a narrow escape! I can't think of anything worse than to be hit while driving home from the dealer in a new car. Northern CA is supposed to be hit with another rainstorm tonight, so maybe you'll get wet tomorrow.
#1345: lok888 - the side mirror heater button is the same as the rear windshield defroster...to the left of hazard
#1346: anon - very good questions for brooklyn1951. That's why I said his posting wasn't 'bulletproof', but I didn't want to ask him anything, for fear of starting a war of words. ABS comments also off-base from economic and technical point of view.
#1348: as a skittish new car owner who had just waxed his car, I didn't want to get it wet...hanging on to the fantasy that it will retain its showroom sheen forever!
I have e mailed Kia twice about it,,, and no response yet. Fisrt e mail is almost 2 weeks old. I'll let ya know if I hear anything.
Thanks for the insight, Placerman!
Here's a nice article from Car and Driver on the Sorento:
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/home.xml
Do a search for 'Sorento' in their December issue.
mikesf - that's our color in the first photo! (you have the Diamond Silver also, right?) That strange green stuff in the background is called grass
When sitting in the back seat, you'll see a little plastic clip attached to each of the pillars. It looks like the seat belt should slide into it when it's not being worn, but it doesn't quite fit. I've shrugged it off as a minor design flaw, but I think I've finally figured out why it's there.
When the rear seats are down to expand the cargo area, the seat belts hang approx 3 inches away from the side pillars, getting in the way as you slide things in and out, etc. That's when those clips are used! With the seats down, the seat belts fit perfectly into the clips, flush on the pillars! (ok...ok...maybe most of you already knew that, but yeah, it took me this long to figure it out).
KIA could have saved a few pennies per car by not including this feature and very few people would have complained or even noticed, but by including it, I think it just adds to the conviction that they are selling an upscale car at a terrific price.
I have enjoyed reading the postings and have decided to post my own experience so far with Kia.
I never thought that I would purchase a Kia or Hyundai because I always go for the best value--quality, reliability, and price...
I have bought toyota and mazda in the past 10 years. I have never had any problems with either company. NONE. I was happy with both cars, but I needed something bigger.
I researched for several months. I looked at Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander to name a few...
I was very much impressed with all of these vehicles. I don't think you could go wrong purchasing any of them. All of them drove very nicely. However, I didn't like the price and the attitudes of the dealers that sell these vehicles.
This drove me to look at something else. The Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe.
I chose the Sorento over the Santa Fe because they are designed totally differently and engines are completely different.
The Sorento is something new for Kia. A vehicle that has APPEAL and has some serious cahones in the off roading department.
I paid 500 over invoice, 25,500 for my EX with Luxury Package and ABS and Spoiler. I didn't want the Spoiler, but I took it because the Silver with Gray two tone was a great color.
When comparing this to other vehicles with similar amenities, this was approximately 6K-7K less than a fully loaded Highlander or Grand Cherokee or Pilot. These were the Sorento's main competition.
The only thing that scared me was the question of reliability. Right off the bat, I had problems.
I'll go into this in my next post
However, I got concerned when I kept seeing these spots accumulate over the next 3 days.
I kept it for one week and called the dealer disgusted.
It turns out that the power steering and oil were leaking.
They replaced the whole power steering rack and oil unit. It turns out that these things were hand tightened incorrectly in the factory.
They swear to me that my Sorento has been the only one with a problem so far. They have sold approx. 50 the last 2 months.
Anyway, all is well now with the car. I really love the CD changer system and the speakers kick butt. I didn't want leather seats in New England, but if I wanted the Torque on demand 4 wheel drive, I had to suck it up and get the luxury package.
I hope with the next model Kia gives an option to get cloth or velour and Borg Warner 4 wheel drive system.
I have been getting used to the Heated seats however.
I'll keep folks updated on how things go with my Sorento.
I was worried about the reliability and my decision to buy an extended warranty looks like a good one.
I got 10 years 100,000 miles, which covers the electronics ie even parts not dipped in oil.
The Kia basic limited is only 3 years 36,000 miles bumper to bumper. It doesn't cover electronics the last 2 years. This was very disturbing when I learned this from the dealer. The advertisements would have you believe otherwise.
I wish Kia would clarify this with their MARKETING DEPARTMENT.
Anyway, so far so good.....I tested the 4 wheel drive in the snow and it worked very well...
I'd like to hear if others have had any problems with their Sorentos so far.
By the way, I was very unimpressed with Boch.
They didn't budge on price and were selling these vehicles at 2% above MSRP. They are crooks and I'll never recommend them to anyone.
As an aside, Herb Chambers has been very responsive to our needs. I'd recommend them to anyone.
Happy Motoring!
Anyway, I hope that I won't have to use the warranty,,but it is there in case.
Hey, Lok888, if you are from the North East, a company that works with the dealer installed a remote start system with my Sorento. I like it because when you move the car from Parking to Drive, the doors automatically lock.
That is a feature that is programmable with the remote start. I think there are a bunch of features that can be programmed in.
I believe the remote start is called Automate, but I'm not sure.
I am familiar with the auto car starter. I have one on my 93 Accord. It has almost 10 years now and works fine. It's made by Avital. There isn't any harm to my engine or any parts. BTW, my Accord don't have to be totalled.
Anyway, I hope that I won't have to use the warranty,,but it is there in case.
Hey, Lok888, if you are from the North East, a company that works with the dealer installed a remote start system with my Sorento. I like it because when you move the car from Parking to Drive, the doors automatically lock.
That is a feature that is programmable with the remote start. I think there are a bunch of features that can be programmed in.
I believe the remote start is called Automate, but I'm not sure.