Opinion

mauleskyrocket · 10-16-2006, 07:00 PM

I have a chance to purchase a 2003 Sorento EX Auto with 49000 miles and one owner. Very clean and appears to have a very good service record. Is this considered high mileage for one of these cars or should I expect good service from it? Thx.

Schnauzer · 10-16-2006, 08:55 PM

That is about right for miles on a three plus year old vehicle. You will need to verify if the timing belt has been changed or not at 40k since Kia wants the timing belt done at that interval instead of the manual's 60k. If you are buying from a Kia dealer, they will have service records on the Sorento if service was done by a dealer. Otherwise ask for any and all service slips from the current owner. I am bias but I believe the Sorento engine and transmission will go easily 200k or more if you maintain it. Excellent SUV in my opinion.

riverider · 10-17-2006, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schnauzer

That is about right for miles on a three plus year old vehicle. You will need to verify if the timing belt has been changed or not at 40k since Kia wants the timing belt done at that interval instead of the manual's 60k. If you are buying from a Kia dealer, they will have service records on the Sorento if service was done by a dealer. Otherwise ask for any and all service slips from the current owner. I am bias but I believe the Sorento engine and transmission will go easily 200k or more if you maintain it. Excellent SUV in my opinion.

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In my service book from Kia for my 03 sorento with V6 engine it states inspect at 30K (replace at 60K) also noted is it's not required for Sorentos in Calif. This should send a message that the 60K change is just a real waste of money.

jserrent · 10-17-2006, 01:15 PM

If Kia has to back up a broken timing belt without it being changed at 40k in Cal. , but doesn't have to in the other 49 states and rest of the world, something is radically wrong here. For those of us in the states, shame on us for not having federal legislation to protect consumers from this kind of expensive joke.

Consumer rights groups should be notified and hop on this one real fast before other "extented warranties" have more and more holes punched in them.

You have to figure this kind of cost in when thinking about buying the vehicle in the first place, or make sure that it will NOT be part of your property beyond the 40k limit. I would also use it for leverage in negotiating the price of the car at purchase !!!!

Puffnstuff · 10-17-2006, 02:00 PM

It's my understanding that toyota says their belts need to be changed at 90k so take it for what its worth. I wonder why kia says 40k unless the belt is substandard or they want to line the dealers pocket.

Schnauzer · 10-17-2006, 04:42 PM

Perhaps the Sorento has been changed back to 60k but nobody in Kia Korea is aware of it. Kia issued signs to be used in service customer wait stations (rooms) a while ago. I also agree that there is something fishy with the California belt situation but routine schedule for various brands have like guidelines under California law even if the change mileage is different as in Toyota and Honda. Keep in mind that the timing belt is a sore spot for many brands' owners.

gee6 · 10-18-2006, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schnauzer

Kia issued signs to be used in service customer wait stations (rooms) a while ago.

... but only in the USA it seems.

Regards

Schnauzer · 10-18-2006, 08:31 AM

Hi gee6, I don't know about all the markets and how timing belts are listed for changing. What is it in England today? Thanks.

I am frustrated with many of the things brought up on this forum as much of the frustration is with some dealers not following procedures or not being trained well. I truly believe the Hyundai Motor Group is working to address the dealer problems with better selection, training and follow up. It just takes time to implement the programs and then make sure things are working. There are lots of good dealers out there that we never read about on this forum.

gee6 · 10-18-2006, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schnauzer

Hi gee6, I don't know about all the markets and how timing belts are listed for changing. What is it in England today?

As far as I am aware it's still 60K miles, certainly no notices or advice from dealers to contrary where I visit.

Regards

Schnauzer · 10-18-2006, 11:11 AM

I was informed this morning that in the U.S. dealers are backing away from the 40k interval for timing belt change and going back to the 60k interval. Why? Internal records show that timing belts are not a wide-spread problem below 60k as first reported and to bring things in line across the board with dealers everywhere. If your U.S. dealer tries to get you to change at 40k, it is not corporate telling him to do it!
Other markets are using 60k as traditionally required by Kia and that is why gee6 did not see signs in his dealer's service/wait station areas.

I had reported that Kia was still using the 40k mark to change timing belts as this was still in the documentation I checked. It is no longer the case UNLESS you drive on dirt roads or in severe situations. Those require 40k service for timing belts. I am sorry I didn't get the concrete answer until this morning. I thought I had it.

Those new engines have timing chains and will be inspected at 60k and should not need servicing until 120k or later. This of course will raise some interest as the new 2.4L, 3.3L and 3.8L engines all use timing chains.