Kia Sedona 2009?

[Maleficient]

Can anyone tell me about this van? We are looking at long wheel base model and only other option we are thinking about is the Honda Odyssey. Kia does just as well in Consumer Reports for safety, and Hyundai/Kia have great warranties. anyone have one and can tell me their thoughts? TIA

 

[BigTigger]

I've had the 2009 Sedona for rentals at MCO for two one week periods in 2009. It is a twin of the Hyundai Entourage. It is a competent and spacious vehicle with a great (100K miles) powertrain warranty. You will not find an Odyssey anywhere near the Sedona and Entourage for the features and price. You may be able to find a leftover Sienna (the 2011 model re-design is out now) or Dodge Grand Caravan with similar feature for a price close to the Sedona/Entourage. If you will keep the van for more than five years, then the Odyssey is worth the premium over other vans. A new Odyssey is due in September 2010, so if you can wait a bit you can get a good close-out deal on an Odyssey as well.

Do not buy a car based on Consumer Reports ratings. Data is from self-reported owner samples and is not statistically accurate or reliable. The same can be said for JD Power or RL Polk surveys. Anytime you both rate manufacturers and take money/consult for them, your data is suspect. There are plenty of car boards for each make and owners on these boards do tell the truth. Google can be your friend - search for each car and read all pages of results, not just the first few sponsored link pages.

Best of luck in your search.

 

[Maleficient]

Thanks BigTigger - my brother sells Hondas and he always says the same thing re: Consumer reports! We are kind of in a hurry to buy, as we would like to have it to drive to Disney March 31....everyone says the same thing about the 5 year mark. If you're keeping it more than 5 go with the Honda, less than 5, the Kia is better. No history with longevity as we've always had company vehicles....I'm starting new job with car this month, DH is not so taking opportunity to get the van which we would really like for space. REALLY hate to pay the premium price for Honda but do know how the resale and reliability is....any thoughts on getting a model right before a new one comes out? Good/bad?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Do not buy a car based on Consumer Reports ratings.

I don't completely agree with this, but they certainly missed the problems with Toyotas.

 

[BigTigger]

I don't completely agree with this, but they certainly missed the problems with Toyotas.

Yep and the Maytag appliances quality debacle in the early 2000's. CR doesn't react well to downward trend changes and in the age of the internet, emerging issues can be found much more quickly.

 

[BigTigger]

any thoughts on getting a model right before a new one comes out? Good/bad?

You certainly will know how reliable a vehicle is by the end of its model life. You will take a bit of a hit on initial depreciation as everyone wants the new model. This can save you money on the purchase of the old model as dealers will want to clear them out before the new models arrive.

Sounds like you'll be buying off the lot if you want a vehicle by month end. Also take a look at the CUV 3 row segment (Pilot, Traverse, Flex, etc.) and make sure one of those won't also fit your needs. Your brother may be able to get you a Pilot for less than an Odyssey and they are built on the same frame.

Best of luck!!

 

[Maleficient]

Yes on the Pilot and that's what he was steering us to initially, but then realized with the drive that we plan on making frequently to Disney, he thought the van would give us more space and a more comfortable drive. His wife has had a Pilot and loved it - we have another 4WD vehicle, so we don't really need two. I posted this on Community as well and its about split Kia - Honda. I relaly don't know what to do! Thanks for all your insight

 

[darkroom]

Another poster called the Sedona "competent and spacious", I think thats the best way to describe it. It is very much like a Toyota Sienna in controls, size, and seating only less expensive. I'm not sure I have ever seen a review of the Odyssey that calls it anything less than the best minivan on the market. It isn't cheap though.

Fair warning: The Sedona WILL rattle and squeak like nobody's business. I've driven dozens and dozens of these things, they aren't unreliable, but the noises are bound to get irritating.