39,000 mile report on my 2005 Sedona

[Martythed]

I had the post below under another thread (the one about drilling a hole in the Sedona firewall) but I think that it might be of general interest so it is again.

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I'm looking to install some high-power electronics in my 2005 Sedona LE and need to run two #10 cables through the firewall to power the stuff. Has anyone out there drilled holes in the firewall, and, if so, where did you do it? I'm looking to put in two 1/2" holes but can't seem to find a place where I can do it without the risk of hitting something. Thanks for any help.

Also, since I'm here, I'll let everyone know what's going on with my Sedona with 39,000 miles on it.

1. I had the modification done to reduce the infamous "strut noise"...... it took around four hours to install and didn't do a thing (at least it was free).

2. Gas mileage in the city is around 14 to 16 mpg and around 22 to 23 on the highway.

3. Just had the front brakes changed out at 39,000; the original rear brakes are still there. I see where some of you are eating brake pads, so I guess I've been lucky here. Oh yes, I do get vibration when braking --as many of you have reported -- but it seems to be a function of how many hours I've been driving and not a function of how hard I apply the brakes. (Yeah, I know, it makes no sense to me either).

4. The A/C is, at best, barely adequate for summer in Philadelphia.

5. I put on a Hidden Hitch 3500 pound hitch and it was a very easy job to do. I also did the wiring for the trailer lights........ it was a real dog.

6. Thus far, I've had no unexpected trouble with the Sedona and it runs OK.

7. One final comment and I'll let you get back to what you've been doing.

Would I buy another KIA? I think KIA has come a long way in the world since I purchased mine in September of 2004, and they're starting to put a hurt on U.S. car makers. From what I've read, their quality is going up and the pricing is still reasonable. The down side seems to be a lower resale value than other makes (this may change, though) and there may not be a KIA dealer on every corner; if you're in the sticks you may wish to consider this and how comfortable you are having a general mechanic servicing a car that he may not be familar with.

So, would I buy another KIA? If the price is right and I had a nearby dealer, I can't see any reason not to buy one.

Good driving to all from........ Martythed