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Comments
I have never been one to give a RAT's Behind on what others think and that is part of the reason that I chose KIA in the first place....
Hopefully, with the Kia Sedona engine, the Sorento should be reliable....
The other interesting thing is ...I'm always looking for other Sorentos and it seems like I never see one on the road....Oh well...
Trust me, I know. My dad said the same...
That alarm system you mention sounds interesting can you find out the name of the alarm this way I can track it down and see if they are in Ct. as well. By the way welcome to the forum.
I then went to check with several locksmiths and because the model is to new they can't make any keys as well. I know that when my dervice dept gets the cutters I will prbably get 2 or 3 keys just in case.
If you visit the Herb Chambers website, they have a phone number for the dealerships in your area.
Call the local dealer and find out if they install the Automate Remote Start alarm.
Good luck
I used my cruise control to break-in the car in the following manner. I decided to drive several hundred kilometers for a cup of coffee (meaning a longish trip). I started at 80 Kmh set the cruise and took off. At every 5 kilometers I clicked the accelerate cruise button once. This increased my speed by 2 Kmh. I did this all the way up to about 120 kmh and then started the same procedure, this time decreasing as I went along.
(I know, I know very anal behavior)
Schip1: Thanks. I can't stand the thought of all that road salt on the Sorento. I did the same thing on my CRV and after 2 years there still was no rust UNDERNEATH the car. In fact i paid a little over $25 K (Canadian, eh) and traded her in for $19.5 K after 2 years (to the day). As for the -28 washing I don't think I'll do it again. Everything (including the windshield froze up and I had to scrape the ice off). -10 is my limit now!
Cheers!
Mike
We're in the middle of a mild rainstorm here in CA, temperature of 58 F (14.4 C). Driving into the office, passing a multi-car pile up, it was a good feeling to be in a sure-footed, safe vehicle. The hood is so smooth from waxing that water was actually being blown UP the windshield, mixing with the falling rain!
This is my first SUV and I'm surprised as to how easily the rear windshield becomes obscured by rain (and how easily it gets dirty). Must be something about the aerodynamics. Good thing the rear wiper works well.
hciaffa, thanks for the tip about not obstructing the sending unit. Here's one from my almost unfortunate experience. While cleaning the rearview mirror with my right hand, I held it with my left hand, so as to not change its position. I advertently pressed the garage door button and it started to close!! Good thing the entire car was inside the garage. Otherwise, I would have damaged my own, brand new car
:-)
Hmmm....cars are investments??
2. "...I feel that they should be discounted at least 10%."
Why do you think a comparably equipped Honda or Toyota costs thousands more?
A quote from jmpats2000, #1357: "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."
I came up with the same numbers when I was researching before purchasing. FYI, we paid $500 over invoice for ours.
Uh yeahhh...unless you can afford to flush $20,000+ down the drain.
There are usually expectations of asset appreciation when making investments. The cars we're talking about do not appreciate in value. Enough said....enjoy your forum hopping.
My Sister has 2 accords, one full of problems , the other not. As long as the Sorento gets us to past the 130,000 with or without problems it will be worth the same to me as the other brands i've had.
The Sorento is an inviting vehicle to drive it. Drive it and it is so comfortable, you do not want to stop driving it. Ours is an EX AWD TOD 900 miles no problem mostly "city" driving with an average 14 mpg.
For now I'm trying to figure out how to afford a 2nd one, Yes, I want another one.....
How about the motor used in the Sorento?
I am in the market possibly for next spring/summer time, and checking around now.
Thanks.
tidester, host
You're taking the word "investment" into a literal sense. Play all the semantics you want; a car, regardless of what make or model, is an investment. The only time when it's not is when you can clearly afford to waste $20,000+ and not care about it.
I still stand by my "ABS not side airbags should be standard equipment on an EX" comment. At a sticker price of about $500, ABS is a proven adavantage in almost any slippery situation and represents less than 2% of the vehicle cost. It would pay for itself when it helped the owner avoid ONE minor fender bender.
As for the fake wood trim, I realize it is a matter of taste. But its use is not artistically honest(nor is phoney carbon fiber or leather grained plastic for that matter)- how much different is that from chrome plated plastic alloy wheel-looking wheel covers? I think many of us purchased the Sorento based upon its honest value and quality- not as a status symbol. In fact, I'm sure several of you have already justified your choice of the Sorento to others- when you got that sideways look and remark, "You bought a Kia?". As a owner of Saabs for 24 years, I know the feeling. Like the TV commercial says, "When you get it, you get it". If you don't, fine, buy what YOU think is best for YOU.
What I really wish all car manufacturers would do is provide greater technical detail in their sales brochures. Saab did a great one in the 80's and 90's called "Engineering Features". It was a full color booklet of about 40 pages that discussed all the important systems in the car. Chevy provides a CD-ROM with the Trailblazer brochure- great Bob Seeger tune and QuickTime video but not much in the way of technical details.
I have two questions regarding the Sorento body panels- Is galvanized steel used and if so, where? I haven't found any info in the Sorento brochure, Kia website or any reviews. Other than a description of the rust perforation warranty, there is no mention of measures taken to prevent corrosion of the vehicle.
Steve, Host
I don't mean to sound flip, but does this mean I'm investing in my vacumn cleaners and my other "commodity" items?
Steve, Host
1. The act of investing; laying out money or capital in an enterprise with the expectation of profit.
2. Money that is invested with an expectation of profit
3. Outer layer or covering of an organ or part or organism.
To say that there is no expectation of profit in investment is to go against the accepted usage of the word. However, some people do use the word euphemistically to refer to various purchases which are obvious money losers so that Steve does indeed invest in vacuum cleaners and Krispy Kremes! His "profit" is the pleasure he derives from the use of those products. :-)
tidester, host
On the rear window getting messy. not to be anal but this is a SUV and with any rear window that is almost verticle to the rear bumper (as in SUV's, hatchbacks and station wagons to which I have owned a few of these in the past years ) the back window will get dirty from the overspray from the rear tires.. the dirt and rainny road crap will come back onto the window. Make sure that if your window is dirty, that you wipe with the washer on to help wet down the window. Sometimes it could scratch the rear window when it isn't wet enough. Aslo most auto manufacturers offer a rear window air deflector to grab the air coming across the top of the vehicle and bring it down across the rear window. Kia dosen't have one yet for the Sorento and the spoiler is just for show and slight function. Next time when you see a Lexus RX300 check the spoiler. It is a combo spoiler and deflector allowing the air to flow down the window.
lok888 ...If and when I can get info the homelink on their accessories I will post.
jmpats2000.. thanks I will try their site on the Auto mate alarm
Again, it's a great service and pleasant experience there. They are very serious about the Sorento. No problem at all.
I have purchase a black EX AWD Sorento last week, I have only driven about 300km so far but the fuel gauge is already at 3/4, which seems to be a lot of fuel consumption, would anyone like to share comments, I'm just wondering if I have a problem with my vehicule.
Today I saw another one on the road... good looking too...
On the keys I was told the same by my service and parts people about the key not be able to rotate to the off position in the ignition. But I think some one else on the forum mentioned that they were able to get a set made form a hardware store. Go back and read the posts. And there is no chip in the key as in GM and Ford.
I still don't understand the problem of the seatbelt light. You mean it does not come on at all. I will have to check out ours tonight when my wife returns from work, but I could swear the indicator light comes on and stays on till you buckle up and if not it will remain on for a few minutes then go off. I will check ours out.
As far as the power seat switch, actually there is more room on the Sorento then on other cars I have owned. I can get my hand down in between the door and seat with no problem.
Happy motoring.
Spare key - I read the posts. I am not sure. What if I can turn to back and can't remove the key. I'd better listen what the owner's manual suggested. And I still want to it from Kia.
Seatbelt light - Yes. Mine won't come on when seatbelt is not worn. They tried one Sorento and did the same thing. I will go to the sales to see it myself tonight. Last time, the service just called the sales and had someone try it. I will keep you guys post it.
Power seat switch - I feel more comfortable with the switch on Odyssey. A power passenger's seat will be nice too.
In fact, the engine in the Sorento is the only weak link I can find (besides a rattle in the drivers side window area). My problem is the engine has less power and uses as much gas or more than the others. I looked at the timing belt cover (the other SUV mentioned use a steel chain) and it looks very hard to replace myself.
The transmission was just OK. It did not "snap off" shifts, it seems to make the engine stay at higher RPMs for a moment during the shift. I did not like it, but I could get used to it.
The price was good for the amount of equipment, but the dealer would only come off MSRP by a few hundered. The Chevy dealer will sell at invoice and less a few thousand dollar rebate or give 0%, 0 down, 0 payments for 3 months. No deals at KIA, yet. Not sure what to do, I guess I will keep the Blazer for another year.
You`ll have to shop around and use the 'but the other dealer is only charging this much'
Good luck!
Cheers!
During the break-in period you can expect the mileage to be quite poor. You will, however, notice that as the engine breaks in mileage should improve. I'm close to 4,700 KM and have noticed better mileage since first getting my Sorento.
One thing to keep in mind though... Don't hold your breath waiting for stellar gas mileage. The Sorento is quite the gas guzzler (compared to my CR-V). For me, however, this is a small price to pay for a much better vehicle. With my V I use to dread driving long distances (noisy interior, uncomfortable seats, under-powered, etc...) Now I can't wait!
:-)
Cheers!
Seems like a hit or miss proposition.
Cheers!
Mileage: I'm at about 2,500 miles now and I've checked mileage 4 or 5 times. From memory, these are approximate figures - first one and lowest one was 17.7 mpg; highest was 19.9, and twice at 18.8. I have a 2x4, commute driving only thus far.
abc246: I feel the same way about the engine and transmission. My trans. hangs on for a long time between 2 and 3rd and somewhat between 3rd and OT. It is starting to annoy me somewhat (the 2-3 shift) especially when accelerating. The engine is smooth, but definitely could have used some more HP's and tourque for the poundage of the vehicle. Mind you, I liked it alot better than some others I test drove (try the Santa Fe!!), but for this weight of vehicle and the 3.5l size, I think KIA has room to improve...
Mileage - I'm at about 1500 kms (940 miles?) and it still loves the gas...I believe it was about 420km per 80 litre tank = 19 l per 100km!!!= 12.5 mpg US (your numbers may vary). Actually I forget what mileage the sticker listed (mike help?) but I think it was only marginally better. It may improve, but I knew that was the downside when I bought it, so I'm not complaining.
Plastic wood trim: you know, I HATED the stuff on my first test drive, tolerated it on my second, kinda liked it on my third, thought it looked good on my final drive before buying. It really does grow on you if you see it in perspective with the rest of the finishing touces.
SNOW and TOD: see next post
First, the TOD seems to work best in keeping you from getting stuck. On a road, normal straights and curves, you can hit snow or slush etc and you won't get pulled into the ditch or centre lane slush/snow pile. i.e. it keeps wheel from slipping or losing power. Additionally, the weight of the vehicle holds you to the road well. However, in town, when turning some corners, I was quickly reminded of the "truck" nature of the Sorento - major fishtailing!!!. A couple other sharp curves in slush and snow and I felt as if the truck wanted to slide in the rear. This should be expected because it is a truck (high CG, short wheel base, frame based, light rear end, etc), and it does not have traction control. And furthermore, I believe everyone has to be aware that the TOD system isn't going to prevent the rear from sliding out either. I guess that's I want to say - when you get into snow and slush, you may not get stuck thanks to the TOD (and of course, where need, the 4XLOW), but TOD isn't designed to answer all of winter's road conditions. And furthermore, the Sorento, because of its short wheeled, truck-SUV design, definitely seemed to want to slide more than I expected, TOD or not. I know paisan knows lots of info on TOD, so I'll defer any errors in my assessment to his expertise.
My other observation (that is all any of this is so don't bother flaming me, eh?) is that on these snowy and slushy roads, the ABS sure seemed overly sensitive. I would hardly brake and it would start pulsating. On one stretch of snowy road (no one around) I braked hard (e.g. a "panic" many do) Again, major pulsating, a rather long brake distance I thought, and, lo an behold, more sideways slippage, with the drivers side rear heading out into the oncoming lane. Is this to be expected? Any one with similar tests or experiences? What I found last night is the best braking seemed to be if you pushed with your foot just until you felt the pulsing ABS kick in, and no further. Pushing harder seemed to increase the distance and start the slide. Could be a Sorento "sensitivity" or perhaps others with more experience can confirm it is "normal"...
Of course, maybe this all is just because I'm a bad driver......