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Need your help to make a decission

4K views 21 replies 8 participants last post by  Hudsoner 
#1 ·
As I wrote earlier, I just bought a brand new 2014 Sorento SX-L, Upon delivery inspection it was found that the check engine light came on. Today I was informed that they got a Kia factory specialist looking at the car and he decided to swap the engine for a brand new one. Which means, if I agree to the deal, my brand new vehicle would have a new engine already. They told me that this would not reduce resale value of the car because it was done prior to being titled, and the paperwork would be changed accordingly.
What do you guys feel, shall I agree, or shall I get a different car (they have one, but I don't like the color that much).
 
#2 ·
That's some major work to be done to a brand-new, not-even-off-the-lot-yet car. I would be inclined to insist on another vehicle altogether, but I understand you're quandary as to the color. This is a LOT of money you're spending and (I assume) you plan to have it a long time. Therefore, you A.) want it to be dependable and trouble-free, and B.) something that you will enjoy the entire time you have it.


Is there any possibility that another dealer in the area has a similarly-equipped vehicle with a color you like that they could transfer for you?
 
#6 ·
What would be the argument count that this engine swap would bring me a brand new 2015 engine vs a 2014 engine. Did they improve the engines during the last year? Did manufacturing them get better over this time? Little improvements that were not made public?
Does this mean anything?
 
#3 ·
If it were me, I would get a different car. Too many chances for a tech to mess something else up while changing engines...Also, I can't believe you opted for a 2WD on a fully loaded SXL in MN!! I can see someone going for a base model LX without AWD to save money, but if you're already paying over 40k on an SXL and you live in MN with lots of snow, AWD seems like a no-brainer...but again, that's just me.
 
#4 ·
I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee for the Minnesota weather. I needed a 2WD because I want to pull it behind my motorhome (on a dolly). I used to have a manual Subaru Outback, I was able to flat tow this. But they don't make them anymore in the more luxury versions. AWD vehicles cannot be flat towed (except some Fords and GM vehicles that allow a fuse to be pulled for flat towing). I need a station wagon/SUV vehicle because I have two large dogs that I need to transport quite a bit.
The 2WD Kia seemed to fit the bill. Decent comfort, enough room for the dogies, and towable.
 
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#5 ·
As I wrote above, even the best AWD Sorento cannot compete with my Grand Cherokee (with a 4 inch lift, and bigger tires). If I can't get to a place with the FWD Sorento, I can fall back onto the Jeep. Anybody who has a Jeep GC does not consider fuel efficiency to be a deal breaker. :)
For me, 2WD vs AWD has nothing to do with fuel or money, but everything with towability! 0:)
 
#7 ·
I would get another vehicle. I don't like cars with gremlins. The dealer can probably source out another vehicle brand new for you with similar trim level and colour. It may just take some time to locate one for you. I would personally wait and get another vehicle...

Unless the dealer is willing to give you a substantial deal on this car...then maybe I would consider it.
 
#8 ·
I got a very good deal already, but I have them to check with Kia and their management what they would do to sweeten the deal for me.
I am currently driving a brand new loaner car from the dealership, and I would be provided with a free vehicle until all work is done. I certainly will want to have it in writing that I get a free loaner whenever the Sorento is in for warranty work!
 
#9 ·
get a different one
Since the car is not yours it is still theirs, then let them play with it, while you get another one that is all OK.

Eventually, agree to a much better deal. Get the price knocked down, or maybe some extra accessories... your choice.
If you plan to keep it for long - you might not care about new engine going in.

However, sometimes there is a problem with the labor part. But then again - you got 5 years warranty.
 
#10 ·
That's what I try to negociate now. What will Kia (factory) do to sweeten the deal for me, and what will the dealer do. I have all the accessories one could ask for, including the trailer towing package, mud flaps, cargo cover, cargo net. I don't know what else one could get with a SX-L, any suggestions?
I would keep the car for at least 5 years but would not want to go much longer than the power train warranty.
 
#11 ·
Sorry, didn't even think about the possible towing scenario. That makes perfect sense, and I completely understand your desire to have the best model, but still needing to be able to tow it. So you can disregard my previous 2WD bashing :) As for the engine swap, I don't think a 2015 engine would be any different. I haven't heard of any specific changes between 2014 and 2015. I doubt they will be able to find another 2014 SXL 2WD, so if you do decide to go with a new vehicle, they might just have to custom order a 2015 for you (I had my 2014 ordered, so I know they can do it).

And just a reminder...powertrain warranty for Kia is 10 year/100k miles.
 
#12 ·
I think I'd consider taking it with a new engine if KIA would through in the best extended warranty KIA offers. Then if any issues come up because of the swap your covered. Also if the swap shows up in Carfax or something like it the warranty would go a long way toward making it a non issue.

Bus-Man
 
#14 ·
They told me that it would be done by a Kia mechanic coming specifically in to do this car. They seem to want this engine for a tear-down at the factory.

My problem is that I sold my old car already. Currently I drive a loaner from the dealer, but if I walk out of this deal (or the dealership), I am left with my lifted Jeep as my daily driver, not necessarily a pleasure for daily use
The Jeep is great for crawling over rocks, but not that fun to go grocery shopping with.

I am asking the sales rep to see if Kia will give me a token of some sorts.
 
#15 ·
Hmm. Tough decisions.

I dunno, I expect a new car to perform flawlessly or near flawlessly out of the factory. I don't want to own the proverbial "last car built on a Friday". Every car manufacturer will have 1 out of 100,000 that is a lemon. Even with stringent quality checks...every so often a bad one gets out.

I am nervous of any car exhibiting major issues (engine or electrical systems related) when new. What other gremlins are in that car? Even if they fly out a tech to do the engine swap...it is not the same as having a new car engine being built at the factory. More possibilities of something being missed. Who says the engine swap fixes everything? Besides...what happened to the engine in the short span between the factory to the dealer floor that make it require a complete swap???

If KIA gives you a SUBSTANTIAL discount...I am talking >$5,000+ I would MAYBE consider it again. Otherwise...if they are giving you some minor bonuses (some free warranty for a few extra years or couple hundred dollars in accessories)...I would walk away. No thanks.

Personally, I waited almost a month to get our Sorento in the right colour and trim. All the other Sorento's on the dealer lots were the wrong trim or the wrong colour. The wait was annoying...but now that we have our vehicle I am happy. I would recommend you doing the same. I had even considered flying out to another province (state in your case) to get a vehicle and driving it back as well.
 
#16 ·
Some very valid points here! I am pondering back and forth. They gave me a very good price for the car to begin with. I don't believe the dealer has more to give, anything else would have to come from Kia.

This would be my first Kia, I do not now how eager they are to please customers. When I had a critical situation with my first VW Touareg, VW bend over back wards to help me. They had even the head of the specific department calling me from Germany to make sure they understood my problem (windshield wipers not wiping properly.).
 
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