Kia Sorento-- Anyone have one?

[ekatiel]

So, in the next few months, we'll be in the market to replace my minivan (a 2005 Saturn Relay that now has over 100,000 miles on it, and the electrical system is freaking out). DH has a KIA Rio as his commuter car and he seems to like it. Anyone have a KIA Sorento? We'd be looking at the model that seats 7. We don't have 7 people very often, but sometimes my parents like to ride along with us places, and that makes six of us. We use the "extra" seats in the minivan just enough to need them. I've also looked at the KIA minivan, but I think I might be mini-vanned out . Besides, the Sorento seems to get better gas mileage. I'd love to hear people's experiences. Also, we don't usually buy new, so we'll probably buy a 2011 with under 20K miles on it. Thanks for any input! --Katie

 

[disgal26]

So, in the next few months, we'll be in the market to replace my minivan (a 2005 Saturn Relay that now has over 100,000 miles on it, and the electrical system is freaking out). DH has a KIA Rio as his commuter car and he seems to like it. Anyone have a KIA Sorento? We'd be looking at the model that seats 7. We don't have 7 people very often, but sometimes my parents like to ride along with us places, and that makes six of us. We use the "extra" seats in the minivan just enough to need them. I've also looked at the KIA minivan, but I think I might be mini-vanned out . Besides, the Sorento seems to get better gas mileage. I'd love to hear people's experiences. Also, we don't usually buy new, so we'll probably buy a 2011 with under 20K miles on it. Thanks for any input! --Katie

I have the 2011 SOrrento and love it. The third row is tiny and you can not expect to get adults back there. But for children it is fine (even teenagers). Like you I only use it occasionally so it works for me. Another thing to consider is that when the third row is up there is virtually no cargo space. I usually travel with the third row down and love the room in the cargo area like this. I really have no complaints.

 

[nilseks]

I have a 2011 Sorento. After having the WORST Dodge Caravan in the world, I absolutely *LOVE* my Sorento. It is now 11 mos old and has 11,000 miles on it--not a single complaint. My stereo light went out after a few months but Kia replaced the entire unit without batting an eye.

I don't have the 3rd row and I kind of like it that way. I need the cargo space for DS's baseball gear. I don't think we would have much use for the 3rd row but if you do, it's only about $800 more.

The Sorento has such a high safety rating, my insurance went down about when we bought it, even though our van was 7 years old!

 

[griswalds]

What kind of gas mileage are y'all getting? I'll prob trade my Explorer in the next 18 months and was leaning toward the Sorento.

 

[ekatiel]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I'm glad to hear you like your Sorentos! Now we've just got to pay-off DH's car before we get me a new one (we have a one car payment at a time policy around here )! In other news, my van's automatic sliding door is working slightly better after I removed the plastic easter egg half that was on the track . --Katie

 

[DeltaDiamond001]

Our neighbors just replaced their leased 2008 Acura MDX with a new Sorento. They absolutely love it so far.

They were looking at leasing another MDX, but the monthly payments would have been over $600.

They found that the Sorento offered the same type of technology and luxury amenities as the MDX, at a much lower cost. Needless to say, they did get a top of the line model, but I'm sure the more entry/mid level models are more than adequate.

Good luck on your car search!

 

[nilseks]

What kind of gas mileage are y'all getting? I'll prob trade my Explorer in the next 18 months and was leaning toward the Sorento.

I'm getting about 22/31. Pretty much right in there with what they claim for estimated mileage.

 

[aclov]

My friends have one and also love it, they had a Saturn Vue which they ended up keeping. I had to sit in the 3rd row on a 2-hour trip and it was very small and my legs cramped up. I would definately not recommend an adult sit back there as it was quite uncomfortable!

 

[labdogs42]

I'm thinking about a Sorento for my next vehicle, too. My 2002 Grand Caravan can't last forever! The only thing I found weird about the Sorento is that they don't offer a DVD player as an option! Or am I just missing it somewhere? What model does everyone recommend?

 

[Miksma]

We bought ours new last year and we're having issues with the transmission. DH drives about 10 miles to work and not much else besides the kids sports events, so the car is not driven excessively. We're in So.Cal. so no extreme terrain or weather. When we get back from the dealer, I'll post what they end up doing about it.

 

[Kathi OD]

My sister has a 2011 Sorento that she purchased in September. It was just in the shop to have both the "arms" that are attached to the front wheels replaced. (her words, not mine; I am thinking she means the tie rods)

Fortunately the repairs were covered under the 100,000 mile warranty, but the guy at the dealership who repaired her car told her that the reason they went bad is because they don't use grease any more on the moving parts of a car.

 

[figment3258]

I love my Kia sorento can't wait till next year to get a new one with a third row!

 

[WDWAurora]

Very happy with our 2011. It DOES have a DVD player. We did the single overhead, but there was an option for 2 in the headrests. We have the 6 cylinder automatic. The 3rd row is only good for kids or short trips to get food, etc.

 

[labdogs42]

Very happy with our 2011. It DOES have a DVD player. We did the single overhead, but there was an option for 2 in the headrests. We have the 6 cylinder automatic. The 3rd row is only good for kids or short trips to get food, etc.

Hmmm...so perhaps I need to get a used 2011 then. it is definitely not an option on the new ones I keep looking up! So weird!!

 

[VroomVroomLightning]

Hmmm...so perhaps I need to get a used 2011 then. it is definitely not an option on the new ones I keep looking up! So weird!!

I just looked all over their site and did a bit of online research. It looks like the 2012 does not have the option of a DVD player! So if you want that I would get the 2011!