Kia Sorento

[mpd340]

My wife is looking at getting a new vehicle. We are currently looking at a 2011 Kia Sorento. I figured I would ask for some feedback from anybody who has owned one. The safety ratings are good and it has recieved good reviews, but since when can you trust those. Any feedback would be appreciated.:tu

[Gophernut]

Never driven one myself, but have a friend who owns one and really likes it.

[tobii3]

It's a crapshoot, really. Kia Sorento = Hyundai Santa Fe. If you're set on it, go for it - just know that going into it that the resale values are absolute sh*t...so unless you are buying it outright, you'll be upside down financially as soon as you sign the dotted line.

Best of luck!

[JaKaacH]

It's a crapshoot, really. Kia Sorento = Hyundai Santa Fe. If you're set on it, go for it - just know that going into it that the resale values are absolute sh*t...so unless you are buying it outright, you'll be upside down financially as soon as you sign the dotted line.

Best of luck!

:tpd:
Look for a low mileage certified used Chevy Equinox.
Just one mans opinion.

Good luck brother, having to deal with car salesmen..;s

[fhrblig]

The current Chevy Equinox is a decent vehicle. It is, however....erm, unfortunate looking, shall we say?

The Sorento is a good choice, and has a better warranty. The Hyundai Santa Fe is similar, like Tobii3 said, but I think the styling of the Sorento is better. Hyundai and Kia resale values are starting to climb with the quality levels.

Does she absolutely need an SUV? Normally I wouldn't suggest a different type of vehicle, but while you are at the Kia dealer, take a look at the 2011 Optima. It's a beautiful car, probably the first Korean car that I could actually say "I want that" about.
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[tobii3]

take a look at the 2011 Optima. It's a beautiful car, probably the first Korean car that I could actually say "I want that" about.

You need help. :D

[Ogre]

Not to knock any car company, but 2 years ago I received a letter from my bank stating they will not finance any KIA sales. The resale is nothing and the bank was losing to much money on repos.

[fhrblig]

You need help. :D

Have you seen it? Gorgeous. Why any one would buy a Camry or Accord after seeing it, I have no idea. They finally got around to building real cars.
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[fhrblig]

Not to knock any car company, but 2 years ago I received a letter from my bank stating they will not finance any KIA sales. The resale is nothing and the bank was losing to much money on repos.

I think that's changed a bit. I know my credit union wouldn't finance Suzukis still, but Hyundai and Kia were not on the bad list anymore when I went in to finance my Ranger. Which I love dearly, but come on. If any vehicle should be denied financing it's the Ranger. It's 2 years old and has 26k miles on it; what's it worth now, a quarter?
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[Ogre]

I think that's changed a bit. I know my credit union wouldn't finance Suzukis still, but Hyundai and Kia were not on the bad list anymore when I went in to finance my Ranger. Which I love dearly, but come on. If any vehicle should be denied financing it's the Ranger. It's 2 years old and has 26k miles on it; what's it worth now, a quarter?
Posted via Mobile Device

Its funny you say that. The Ford Ranger is actually made by Mazda. It seems everyone has parts made by so many companies its coming down all cars will be built under one name.

[OLS]

Those Rangers are TOUGH to sit in, with two people it's like having sex without the actual touching.
I am also looking at a new vehicle, lucky that I have drinks and herbal incense with my local Chevy dealer.
Why can't he be a Ford dealer?

[357]

My sis had a Sante Fe, ended up rolling $6K into her next vehicle just to get rid of it.

She had it for 3 years, was up to date on her payments, but needed a bigger vehicle (lots of kids). The low resale value screwed her over big time. Granted she could have done it differently like selling it rather than trading it in, but she needed to get it done quickly.

[fhrblig]

Those Rangers are TOUGH to sit in, with two people it's like having sex without the actual touching.
I am also looking at a new vehicle, lucky that I have drinks and herbal incense with my local Chevy dealer.
Why can't he be a Ford dealer?

It's cramped, it's noisy, you feel EVERY bump, and it's an old design. I LOVE IT! It feels unbreakable, and I usually get 27-32 mpg. The cab is so small you can leave the A/C on the lowest setting and it keeps you nice and cold in summer, and in winter you can leave the heater on the lowest setting and be toasty. And every person who told me RWD is bad in the snow are dirty, dirty liars. I've never had so much fun in winter driving. You just have to know how to drive. Oh, and the $4000 rebate was also awesome. It needs a wash and smells like a herf, but I never want to get rid of it.
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[mosesbotbol]

I'd look at Ford since you are kicking tires.

I'd put Hyundai above Kia in quality and in a few years the Hyundai name will be better than Kia. Hyuandai is on the up and up big time. Look at the Sonata!!! Does a US sold car get any sexier for that price point?

[JaKaacH]

The current Chevy Equinox is a decent vehicle. It is, however....erm, unfortunate looking, shall we say?

The Sorento is a good choice, and has a better warranty. The Hyundai Santa Fe is similar, like Tobii3 said, but I think the styling of the Sorento is better. Hyundai and Kia resale values are starting to climb with the quality levels.

Does she absolutely need an SUV? Normally I wouldn't suggest a different type of vehicle, but while you are at the Kia dealer, take a look at the 2011 Optima. It's a beautiful car, probably the first Korean car that I could actually say "I want that" about.
Posted via Mobile Device

OK lets try a Certified Pre-owned Ford Escape, great vehicle made in Kansas City.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v624/jkach/fordoval.jpg

[mpd340]

We have looked at several different SUV's. We are trading in a 2006 Dodge Charger and would love to buy another one, but they are a little out of our price range for what we want. I do like the Equinox, but it is hard to beat the 30mpg estimated on the Sonata. My wife drives close to 60 miles round trip daily so we are looking for something to haul kids and not need to be refueled every two days. And for anyone wondering why were getting rid of the Charger is because the miles are high (122000). I made a first time car buyer mistake and bought a used car with high miles.:confused:

[fhrblig]

OK lets try a Certified Pre-owned Ford Escape, great vehicle made in Kansas City.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v624/jkach/fordoval.jpg

The Escapes are pretty nice, but if we're talking used, I'd be willing to bet a Mercury Mariner could be found cheaper since Mercury is dead. Plus, they'll be serviced by Ford dealers. I wonder if the Mazda Tribute might be cheaper too because they haven't been able to sell as many as the Escape.

Badge engineering may be distasteful, but at least it can result in bargains.
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[Ogre]

The Escapes are pretty nice, but if we're talking used, I'd be willing to bet a Mercury Mariner could be found cheaper since Mercury is dead. Plus, they'll be serviced by Ford dealers. I wonder if the Mazda Tribute might be cheaper too because they haven't been able to sell as many as the Escape.

Badge engineering may be distasteful, but at least it can result in bargains.
Posted via Mobile Device

:tpd:

[tobii3]

....trading in a 2006 Dodge Charger and would love to buy another one...getting rid of the Charger is because the miles are high (122000). I made a first time car buyer mistake and bought a used car with high miles.:confused:

um...

if you bought it used, you're still paying on it, right?

Trade in value on a "regular" Charger (non R/T, non Hemi) is maybe $6,500 - $7,000...which is probably less than what you owe, right?

Just pointing out some options instead of eating MORE debt rolled into another 5 or more years of car payments, that's all.

Repairs will ALWAYS be cheaper than taking on more car payments.

[HK3-]

Sorry but kia is krap. :2 I would suggest the explorer or escape as a good vehicle.

[mpd340]

um...

if you bought it used, you're still paying on it, right?

Trade in value on a "regular" Charger (non R/T, non Hemi) is maybe $6,500 - $7,000...which is probably less than what you owe, right?

Just pointing out some options instead of eating MORE debt rolled into another 5 or more years of car payments, that's all.

Repairs will ALWAYS be cheaper than taking on more car payments.

I understand that, Ive come to the realization and am perfectly fine with the fact that I will probably have a car payment until the day I die. This is being purchased for my wife and I want something that I dont have to worry about taking to the shop. Dont get me wrong the Charger is a great car and we've had no problems with it, but I know its just a matter of time. We are planning on paying whatever negative equity there is on the Charger.:tu

[Dave128]

I have a 2009 Highlander and I love it.

[JaKaacH]

:xxx Car payments suck.. :bs
Avoid if you can..IMHO

[fhrblig]

Sorry but kia WAS krap.

Fixed that for you. :)

Kia and Hyundai have made massive leaps forward in the last 5 years. They make real cars now, not the tinny crap they used to put out.
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[dannysguitar]

I looked at the Sorento and the Sportage. I like the look of the Sportage a litte more, but I like the space in the Sorento. I say go for it! America's best warranty!

[Steve]

When my truck was stolen a few months ago, the rental car lady told me she was putting me in a SUV. We walked out to a Kia Sorento. Their definition of a SUV and mine were contenants apart.

Overall it drove ok, and considering what I normally drive, gas milage was great. Interior quality was lacking. I would hate to get hit by a truck like mine while driving a Sorento.

My :2:2, YMMVG

[DBall]

Wife's got one... it works good, zero problems... plus there's a killer warranty.

We got hers last year... it was an 09 w/ 11,000 miles on it. List was 28K, I talked him down to 17K (with all taxes and everything included).

[floydpink]

I have a 2009 Highlander and I love it.

I have a 2008 Highlander and also love it. 2nd one I've had.

We're talking apples and oranges, or Toyotas and Kias. Not a fan of Kia at all.

Although for me it's worth it, the Highlander is probably 10k more.

Personally, I don't buy cars, I lease them for 3 years and turn them in for a new one. Always a Toyota, and test drove the Venza yesterday and mmight take it home.

[fhrblig]

http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto_shows/new_york/2010/1003_112_2011_kia_optima/32822841+w750+st0/2011-kia-optima-side-view.jpg

For those who might have an outdated view of Kia, this is the kind of vehicle they're making now. This is the 2011 Optima.

[Ogre]

Bob, if you dont mind me asking. Do you work for KIA??? You have been upselling them the entire thread.

[neoflex]

My in-laws have one. They wanted a slightly larger car with a low payment and that is the route they went. Overall they have never complained to us about it although they had a Sante Fe prior and they have said they wished they spent a little more to get another Sante Fe as it didn't ride as nice. When they go out with us in my wifes 4Runner they always say they wished their car road as nice as hers so I would definitely take it for a test drive and maybe do it on a little rougher of a road to get the true feel for it. It's been in for a few recalls & TSBs and at one point had been brought in for an issue with the transmission. That was last year and they haven't mentioned it being a problem anymore and the TSBs seem to be more and more common nowadays. I know my 2010 Tacoma has had three done recently and they never really phase me.

[HK3-]

http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto_shows/new_york/2010/1003_112_2011_kia_optima/32822841+w750+st0/2011-kia-optima-side-view.jpg

For those who might have an outdated view of Kia, this is the kind of vehicle they're making now. This is the 2011 Optima.

Is that a BMW? ;)

[Ogre]

Is that a BMW? ;)

No Where Close!!!!

[floydpink]

what do they say about putting lipstick on the pig?

Hey, drive what you like.

[fhrblig]

Bob, if you dont mind me asking. Do you work for KIA??? You have been upselling them the entire thread.

No, I'm an auto industry nerd though and I give credit where credit is due. I don't remember the last time I saw an automaker make such huge leaps in quality and style in such a short period. If you look at Kia's lineup 5 years ago it was utterly bland and boring. They were starting to be built better, but there was no cohesive design language, and everything had a kind of knock-off feel to it. Have you seen the Subaru "2011 Mediocrity" ads? The car in the ads is the first Kia Optima, and they were not wrong to use that as the basis for it. Now, their designs are starting to have personality; Kia hired Peter Schreyer (he worked for Audi and VW, and styled the Audi TT) 5 years ago to head their design and it looks like that was a good decision.

Same goes for Hyundai. Look at the new 2011 Elantra compared to the last one. The last one was not a good looking car IMHO. The new one looks like a shrunken Sonata, and that's a huge improvement. And the Sonata, that's a great car too.

[MajorCaptSilly]

I just got my wife a Mazda CX-7 and really like it. Turbo-Charged 4 cylinder really goes fast! It's very comfortable for a 6'5'' guy and was very reasonable in price for the crossover market.

MCS

[fhrblig]

Is that a BMW? ;)

http://www.vaiden.net/bmw_isetta1.jpg

No, THIS is a BMW. :r

[mpd340]

Well we ended up buying a 2011 Sorento. I will say I was skeptical going in, but was impressed with the vehicle. It rides like a dream and you cant beat the standard safety features. 30 mpg is nice on the highway. It came standard equiped with rear sensors along with a back up camera. They also gave me $3000 over blue book for my Charger, which was a huge selling point along with a $2000 rebate, which almost wiped out any negative equity we had. Overall I am impressed with the Sorento so far. Ill try to get some pics posted as soon as my wife lets me near it. Thanks everyone for the feedback.:tu

[mpd340]

http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto_shows/new_york/2010/1003_112_2011_kia_optima/32822841+w750+st0/2011-kia-optima-side-view.jpg

For those who might have an outdated view of Kia, this is the kind of vehicle they're making now. This is the 2011 Optima.

These actaully are better looking in person. I looked at a few, but was set on the SUV route.:tu:tu

[tobii3]

These actaully are better looking in person.

Looks are one thing. Reality is another.

Anyone over 5'8" can tell you that car was built ridiculously too small.

Driving is interesting considering the "panoramic" roof drops the ceiling 2 inches...which means your head is jammed against the ceiling while your knees are stuck on both sides of the steering wheel.

Your knees end up in your face and your head ends up in the ceiling if you even attempt to maneuver into the backseat.

The Sorento is a much better choice over the Optima!

[JaKaacH]

http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto_shows/new_york/2010/1003_112_2011_kia_optima/32822841+w750+st0/2011-kia-optima-side-view.jpg

For those who might have an outdated view of Kia, this is the kind of vehicle they're making now. This is the 2011 Optima.

Chevy Malibu...Nuff said...

[fhrblig]

Well we ended up buying a 2011 Sorento. I will say I was skeptical going in, but was impressed with the vehicle. It rides like a dream and you cant beat the standard safety features. 30 mpg is nice on the highway. It came standard equiped with rear sensors along with a back up camera. They also gave me $3000 over blue book for my Charger, which was a huge selling point along with a $2000 rebate, which almost wiped out any negative equity we had. Overall I am impressed with the Sorento so far. Ill try to get some pics posted as soon as my wife lets me near it. Thanks everyone for the feedback.:tu

Enjoy, and hope it gives you lots of trouble-free miles! :tu

[dannysguitar]

Awesome! Keep me updated if you don't mind.

[tobii3]

Ill try to get some pics posted as soon as my wife lets me near it.

So...still in the doghouse??

:np

:r

[mosesbotbol]

Enjoy, and hope it gives you lots of trouble-free miles! :tu

Sounds like he made out like a bandit on his trade-in too!