New Owner - 2011 Kia Sorento EX

[mcp6530]

Hi Everyone,
I recently purchased a 2011 Kia Sorento EX and have a couple questions. The vehicle only has 25k miles on it, but wouldn't start this morning. The dealer towed it in and told me I needed a new battery, so they are replacing that now for $168.00. Seems kinda steep to me, but whatever.
Anyone else think it's premature to replace at battery on a car with only 25k miles on it and is only 2 years old???

Second question:
Anyone know if I can access the vehicles service history? The dealer said, "no, only if it's been serviced here". I don't think that is correct. They have to have a database that can be searched by VIN for the service history somewhere, no? If there is such a thing, anyone know where I can find it?
I used to be able to get my infiniti's service history online, regardless of who owned it or where it was serviced.

Many thanks.

[mogulman]

The only way you would be able to see the service history would be if Kia had a way for users to keep track of it on their web-site. They don't. Otherwise, they will only see service at the Kia dealer.

I just replaced the battery on my 2011 EX with 50k miles. So it may have been time for a new battery. I think battery is more related to age than miles.

Also, FYI.. a 2011 is probably almost a 3 year old vehicle, not 2. Kia started selling the 2011 in Feb/Mar 2010.

[mcp6530]

OK - just used to my mb and infiniti that went 5-7 years before needing a new battery. I guess you get what you pay for!

There is a kia website called kia global or something like that, which I am on right now, which appears to be able to show service history for vin numbers....however, the site isn't functioning properly - go figure. I'm not impressed so far, with this vehicle or kia in general...again, you get what you pay for....tough times called for a cheaper car and now it's costing me.

[Nikmal]

Actually it depends on how long a battery has sat for. If it was taken out and stored on concrete, if it sat in the cold, if it was let to crank out until dead repeatedly. If it was not cared for. This is ALL part of a batteries life and ALL can affect it.

It DOES not depend on the cost of the vehicle!!
So please stop with the implied "you get what you paid for speech" eh.. it is bothersome and a tired old argument when applied from one vehicle to another. The OWNER and the way THEY take care of the vehicle makes the maintenance important and how or when the parts need to be replaced.

Go back to the Infiniti then if that is what you want to pay for. But trust me it is not about cost of the vehicle.. it is how it was taken care of.
Good luck

[Nikmal]

Oh and By the way.. you can track any and all maintenance on the internet these days as long as it was done at a certified mechanic.

[Sauron]

Originally Posted by mcp6530

OK - just used to my mb and infiniti that went 5-7 years before needing a new battery. I guess you get what you pay for!

There is a kia website called kia global or something like that, which I am on right now, which appears to be able to show service history for vin numbers....however, the site isn't functioning properly - go figure. I'm not impressed so far, with this vehicle or kia in general...again, you get what you pay for....tough times called for a cheaper car and now it's costing me.

zzzz...seems to be a rash of folks that "bought a used kia" and were "unhappy" then make a couple of petulant posts here and are never heard from again. Coincidence?



I haven't had any trouble with mine. Buying a used car is always a crapshoot with the battery. You only need to let the car sit for a couple of weeks to have the battery fully discharge and sulfate. Then it will never take a full charge again.

[2011AWDV6]

Originally Posted by mogulman

Also, FYI.. a 2011 is probably almost a 3 year old vehicle, not 2. Kia started selling the 2011 in Feb/Mar 2010.

My 2011 is not even 2 yet, manufactured 3/11.

Also batteries usually last from 2-5 years depending on size, conditions, quality.
You can check carfax somtimes they have info sometimes they dont.

[Izzy]

Unfortunately, Safaron is right. If the car stood at the docks/dealership, etc., after a few weeks the battery would be discharged because of all the power needed to keep the internal interfaces on line 24/7. A few times of that and the battery will start to sulfate, thus a shorter life before needing replacement.
If you look at dealers' (all Manufacturers) new car lots you will probably see a few new cars with their hoods up- getting their discharged batteries charged. Also, some of the newer smaller batteries offer a quick hot initial surge of power to turn the engine over on start up, but do not have long cranking times- which requires a normally heavier battery, and companies try to reduce weight where ever possible (also less expensive).

[RentoEX]

You sound just like another troll again. Most likely paid by Toyota or Honda to come on here and make up fake problems just to make possible new owners who may be going through these forums scared.

If you think 'you get what you pay for' just because your Sorento has a bad battery, then you're going to have a bad time owning a car. If you don't have the slightest clue as to how a battery or charging system works, please dont jump to conclusions. You sound stupid and make these things look bad.

[CrazyforYeshua]

I have that car, same miles, same year, no problems with battery or anything else. Troll....