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Comments
txblue, I think you're right about letting the 'newness' wear off
jenifern, thanks for sharing your thoughts! Yes, it's definitely a delight to hear from a lady! I'm curious (but mainly too lazy to walk out to the garage and read the manual)...in what way is the manual wrong about the defrosters? I think I've figured out how to use all of them, but maybe I'm overlooking one of the features. I haven't had a chance to test the front wiper deicers (doesn't get cold enough out here in California), but everything else seems to work fine...and quickly too!
Glad to hear you're getting over 20 mpg. I'm stuck slightly below that (highest has been 19.8). Guess I need to ease up on gas...or leave for the office at 3 am!
Well, actually, I think this is exactly what the ACC is doing...at least ours seems to work this way:) Whether the auto function is engaged or not, as long as the 'OFF' button hasn't been pressed, I've found the ACC unit to maintain the temperature I've set. When set to full-auto, the ACC automatically: 1) changes the fan speed, 2) sets the direction of the air, 3) and maintains the temperature. As I've previously mentioned, I rather set #1 and #2 manually, but #3 still functions regardless. The ACC on our Infiniti works the same way. I hope yours does also.
lok888 - what you describe is exactly what hear, or rather feel. I have the EX 4WD, but no T.O.D. I really don't see it as an issue and I swear I read somewhere that it has something to do with the speed sensitive steering mechanics, but I can't find that info back. My recollection is that the LX demo car did not have it.
By the way, if anyone has the tow package on their Sorento, can you tell me if it accepts a 2 inch receiver, or 1 1//4 inch (basically what size is the hole)? - thanks.
Anyway - happy motoring!
Dave
With regards to the oil, I used 5W30 because it remains more fluid (less viscous) which, during cold weather starts, helps reduce engine wear because it takes less time to warm up the oil and make it fluid. When we go down to -15 C a 5W30 will be less 'solid', if I can use that term, than a 10W30 oil. An oil that warms up easier is working faster at coating the cylinder walls. However, I switch back to 10W30 for summer driving for the exact opposite reasons. I want a thicker oil during the summer.
As for maintenance, Canada is considered severe.
I guess the weather extremes contribute to this.
lok888: I know the Compustar is more expensive but I swear by it. When I traded in my CRV, I told the dealership, "You can keep the mags, CD changer and sound system but I want my Compustar."
If you do go with Compustar make sure the installer knows what he's doing. It took me and Fred, the chap who installed my system, close to 4 hours despite the fact that he's an electronics genius who's installed thousands of car alarm/starters. The Sorento is a new vehicle and few people know the ins and outs of this SUV compared to a Chevy Cavalier or Honda Accord.
As you mentioned, the compustar allows you to add features like being able to roll down your windows etc... . I didn't opt for anything extra because all the functionality I want is present in the base installation.
Cheers!
I was wondering if anyone had purchased the bra for the Sorento. I checked into getting one, but they are $137. I'm thinking it would look really good on the Sorento, as well as giving it a sporty look. Mine is the gold beige with tinted windows, and I think that would add that extra touch. Does anyone know where you can get them besides through the KIA accessory store, and maybe for a little less dinero?
One more thing...on my way from the garage into my office building, I was stopped by a gentleman so he could tell me what a nice looking vehicle I had. He was curious about it, and wanted to know if I liked it. I told him that it's been great and it's lots of fun to drive. I think people are getting more curious about these things...
I've never used a bra on any of my cars, so I can't comment from experience. Maybe doing a search for 'cars & bras' will direct you to first-hand comments from actual users.
Car front end protective bras
Steve, Host
Schip1: Sorry, I thought your 0W30 was a typo for 10W30. I am utterly clueless about the 0W30 oil. Personally I wouldn't go to 0W30 unless I was driving to Alaska. :-) What's next -5W30?
txblue: I too am considering getting the bra but only for extended highway driving. Schip1 is correct. All those nasty things can occur with a bra if you're not careful. I had one years ago on a CRX and never left it on for extended periods. Sure looked good though!
Cheers!
Anyway, on their website (http://www.mobil1.com), this is the claim that caught my eyes: "Enhanced Fuel Economy Formula...Delivers the best fuel economy in the Mobil 1 line." I didn't notice it during my first visit to their website, but they even have a 0W-40 grade....recommended for European models, so I guess the Sorento doesn't qualify! I think I'll go with 5W-30 for my first Sorento oil change in a couple of weeks.
Supposedly, the Sorento is capable of towing more than the rated 3500 lbs. The weak link is the hitch- and after looking at how it is attached to the frame, I can see why. It wasn't an issue for me since my 5 X 8 box trailer is only rated for 2000 lbs.
So far, my wife and I are pleasantly surprised at how trouble-free our Sedona has been. We're about 10.5 months and 13,600 miles into ownership of a loaded Sedona EX. In basically 50/50 highway/city driving, our Sedona has averaged about 19.6 MPG.
We've had 2 trips back to the dealer, for a few very minor items.
We like the engine a lot and it works well with the 5-speed automatic. I was a little disappointed to hear that Sorento would have a 4-speed instead of a 5-speed automatic.
Re: the 4WD system in Sorento, I think this Torque-on-Demand (TOD) system is the same system as used in the 1998-2002 Isuzu Troopers. We own a '98 with TOD and have had no problems with the drivetrain at all. From what I've heard from other Trooper owners, the TOD system has been fairly reliable. I'm hoping that some of the concerns about troublesome 4WD operation dissipate as Sorento model year production progresses.
Sorento looks like a nice truck, both inside and out. The pricing shows it to be a good value, but I was slightly disappointed to see the well-equipped 4WD versions stretching to $25k MSRP and beyond.
Sorry to be so long-winded.
Just bought an Ex with Luxury package- my first car, largely thanks to this forum. For about $900
I can extend the 5 year drivetrain warranty to 10 years, and for about 75$ have it transferred to a new owner if I sell it. My goal is to keep the car for years, although I'm a sucker for safety technology (side air bags ie) and that could get me selling before 10 years if they come up with good stuff. Can I get some opinions as to whether that warranty is a good idea? (I believe it won't cover things like oil changes)
Sincerely
Steve
I meant I can extend the 5 year tip to tip to 10 years
STeve
Does anyone have the Kia accessory ski rack and if so, are the low rider attachments needed?
Happy Motoring!
Mike
On Mobil 1, I have been using Mobil 1 for 10 years now on many of our cars and intend to use it on our Sorento when its gets its oil change in a month. I usually do my own service but at my Kia dealer I get oil changes for free for 10 years as we purchase the extended waranty 100% bumper to bumper.
I prefer 5W30 as it is a good all around oil for my region. For those that care to know the first number is the oil viscosity before start up (5 wieght and W means Winter and the following number is the viscosity of the oil as it reachs engine running temperature) so using a lower winter number dosen't really hurt the engine especilly at start up. In fact many auto manufacturers are going to 0W20 in thier oils to improve the CAFE gas mileage that they have to meet. Personnaly I use 5W30 as it a all around good oil from Mobil 1. Read the back of the bottle to be satisfied and you will see the temperature range for the oil. Also just because its synthetic I still change my oil and filter frequently ( at about 3500 to 4000 miles between changes).
Ok... back to reading, lots of post to catch up. Have a nice day.
People were raving about the build quality (one fellow kept opening and closing the passenger door, in awe over the "solid" feel). I did notice people stopping cold at the mpg listed on the window sticker. Some immediately walked away. The demo was a 4X2 EX with Luxury Package, and the sticker read 15 city, 20 hwy...this seems awfully low...? Price was just under 26K.
The second demo was located a fair distance from the first. This was a 4X2 LX. I found the cloth seats more comfortable than the stiff leather on the EX. Again, there was a crowd around the vehicle, and I kept hearing how great it looked. I couldn't get past two large families reading the sticker, but I assume this one looked more reasonable, because no one was walking away
Is the moonroof only available on the EX model? And for those of you who have the 2WD, does it work well in bad weather? We like to visit Flagstaff on occasion, I'm wondering if the 2WD would be enough for the snow up there. I confess to being clueless about driving in snow, so any 2WD vs. 4WD information would be most appreciated.
#1589: steve281 - off the top of my head, I can recall at least 2 other Sorento owners who purchased the 3rd party extended warranty. I can't remember their usernames, but if you have time, do a search or scroll back.....and congrats also on your new purchase!
#1594: welcome back, hciaffa! We were away also, but not as long as you were
#1595: beezr, yes....the moonroof is standard on the EX and not available as an option on the LX. Regarding the Sorento's 'low' gas mileage: I haven't done a comparison, but other posters have said Sorento's 15-20 range is comparable to other SUV's. We have a 2WD. The nearest snow is 4 hours away in the Lake Tahoe region. We haven't taken the Sorento up there yet, so can't comment.
ACCESSORIES:
I finally found someone who already has Sorento dash kits available for sale!
http://www.wooddash.com/category/KIA_Dash_Kits_SORENTO
$197.00 doesn't seem bad, but I'm not sure I want to cover-up the brush metal with more faux wood.
In #1584, Steve_HOST referred us to the "Car front end protective bras" forum. Several people there referred to a product called X-Pel (http://www.xpel.com/index.html) Seems like an interesting accessory. I e-mailed them to ask whether it's feasible to install X-Pel on side doors, to minimize parking lot nicks.
Now...back to football!
Also, I had a couple of fellow engineers look over my Sorento the other day. Showing a new car to guys like this is like dropping your drawers - they are very critical - but I wanted their opinion. One guy used to work at Honda and is very knowledgeable about automotive design/build quality. He had very favorable comments all the way around. He looked for flash moulding on plastic parts, engine component and harness layouts, vibration clearances, suspension,etc, etc, and I came away feeling pretty good about what they had to say - not much to pick on really. Folks, we have a great car here.
Anyway - thought I'd pass that on to all current and potential owners.
Dave
Staff there says that Kia is currently testing 5 speed auto, from Sedonda?, in the Sorento and may be seen in the '04 model. Might take the MPG up to what 22 or higher?
There's also another set of notations, but I don't know what they mean. On the left side, it's "L<-->R" and on the right side, it's "R<-->L". For headlight alignment maybe?
Cheers!
Mike
shcip1 - Thanks for the info on the light bulbs. I am planning to replace the stock one with those H.I.D. look light bulbs.
lok888... the web site for X-pel is www.xpel.com, they offer many pre cut protective headlight covers and some you can cut yourself.
-mike
-mike
I think this is good when pulling car from mud or snow, or maybe some light off-roading. Thanks for the info.
-mike
I guess that I will buy a Yakima (Space Booster) or Thule (Frontier) cargo pod for about $230. At least they have multiple uses- skiis, cargo, lumber, baseball bats, etc.
What a great SUV.... :-)
Mike
Steve, Host
Any suggestions on increasing rear visibility?
Thanks
Steve