[NoCeilingsD]

Hello everybody, I'm looking to purchase a 2017 Sorento SXL AWD this weekend. It has 47k miles and looks like it's in great shape. It's a one owner and was owned by one of the managers at the actual Kia dealership.

After researching an hour or two here in the forums, I'm worried about the rear coupler. I took it for a test drive today, but didn't notice any sounds. How can I get this checked before I purchase? I don't want to purchase and then run into a bunch of issues that could have been avoided.

Also, is there anything else anybody could recommend me looking at on this vehicle before I purchase? It's a horrible time to buy a car, but my Optima was totaled in September and we need to replace.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Tripplec]

It typical shows up pulling away from lights or stop sign making a left or right turn. Clunking or thumping sound as well as vibration. You can also go into an empty lot. Do a couple of circle 8's, on and off the gas in the turns, note this is not done fast. The issue appears when there is power to the wheels as in mild acceleration or pedal on pushing you through.

You should have come across this if you really searched for it. Plenty of threads about it.

 

[missingcurlybracket]

Schedule a time to take it to a mechanic and get a pre-purchase inspection, that'll probably be most reassuring.

And if it helps, the coupler in 2016+ models has seemed like it'll continue to be reasonably stout. (earlier versions failed but they updated the part) Mine has stood up to going in circles in snow, sand driving, etc. And being a clutch I'm sure it'll wear out eventually but you probably will be fine. Granted, I have the weaker engine sending less power through that coupler.

 

[SorentoMan2016]

Just make sure you read up on the various stripped head bolts threads on here, since it's a V6. I'd want to know if there are any records at Kia of it having any warranty work done on it for that.

Good luck!

-SM2016

 

[NoCeilingsD]

It typical shows up pulling away from lights or stop sign making a left or right turn. Clunking or thumping sound as well as vibration. You can also go into an empty lot. Do a couple of circle 8's, on and off the gas in the turns, note this is not done fast. The issue appears when there is power to the wheels as in mild acceleration or pedal on pushing you through.

You should have come across this if you really searched for it. Plenty of threads about it.

Thank you for the info! I definitely did read plenty of threads on the issue, that's why I brought it up again, with MY specific situation.

So with that being said, say I do hear issues coming from there...would anybody advise on what to do next? Could I ask them to fix it prior to purchase? Should I purchase the extended warranty and fix through the warranty? Or should I stay away?

Like I stated earlier, I took it for a drive and didn't notice. But, apparently folks are having the issue without even realizing it...and they own the car. So I'm worried I might not notice because it's new to me, I have nothing to gauge.

Anyways, thanks again!

 

[NoCeilingsD]

Schedule a time to take it to a mechanic and get a pre-purchase inspection, that'll probably be most reassuring.

And if it helps, the coupler in 2016+ models has seemed like it'll continue to be reasonably stout. (earlier versions failed but they updated the part) Mine has stood up to going in circles in snow, sand driving, etc. And being a clutch I'm sure it'll wear out eventually but you probably will be fine. Granted, I have the weaker engine sending less power through that coupler.

I was thinking about going this route, now I definitely will take it for an inspection. Thanks for the info, I feel better about it now. I was up until 3am reading...talking myself out of buying it😄

 

[NoCeilingsD]

Just make sure you read up on the various stripped head bolts threads on here, since it's a V6. I'd want to know if there are any records at Kia of it having any warranty work done on it for that.

Good luck!

-SM2016

Nothing in the Carfax in regards to any service other than the standard routine maintenance. I will read up on the head bolts, thanks for the heads up!

 

[Billi]

Mine is a lesser trim, but very similar to that vehicle and similar mileage. Mine was probably just off of a 3 year lease... I bought it CPO back in 2020, too bad 2017s are now too old to be CPO, otherwise you could qualify for the 100k mile powertrain warranty to ease your concern...

Anyway, I'm still not 100% sure about the condition of my rear coupler, at least I hear no sounds. My transfer case was leaky, probably due to misuse on my part because I was towing while locking the 4WD. Again, I didn't hear anything... I only smelled something like propane, but actually burnt gear oil. Thankfully warranty took care of that.

My other issue was a broken rear passenger window shade. Thankfully that was also taken care of by factory warranty.

My current issue is a leaky windshield washer pump or tank... I'm out of factory warranty now so that's something I'll probably have to fix myself. This issue could again be self inflicted, by me adding only water, plus Seattle froze last year... maybe something happened during the freeze. This is something that happened this year I think... I don't recall this problems when I was in CA. So I'm sure it's probably also less of a concern in Florida.

If you really want peace of mind, find something newer that can qualify for CPO so that you get the extended powertrain warranty.

If you really like this vehicle, assuming it has a clean title and maintain properly and never got into accidents... it should be a pretty reliable and capable vehicle. I am very happy with mine.

 

[missingcurlybracket]

So with that being said, say I do hear issues coming from there...would anybody advise on what to do next? Could I ask them to fix it prior to purchase? Should I purchase the extended warranty and fix through the warranty? Or should I stay away?

Like I stated earlier, I took it for a drive and didn't notice. But, apparently folks are having the issue without even realizing it...and they own the car. So I'm worried I might not notice because it's new to me, I have nothing to gauge.

Anyways, thanks again!

That's between you and the dealer but ultimately the question boils down to "buy or don't buy"

You can ask them to fix it, either they'll say yes or no. Maybe they'll let you walk, fix it and sell it to someone else in a month. It might still be under the 5-year/60k mile factory powertrain warranty still - which they shouldn't have an issue with, but it's probably right up on the line if not over. (10 year/100k is for the original buyer only)

Purchasing a warranty may be sketchy if you discover a problem as it will be a preexisting condition and they probably have fine print banning that. and also one could say it's fraud. But any warranty may cost more than the price of just replacing it. (I wouldn't bother with this)

You could ask for a discount, you could ask for a $5 Chipotle gift card to be thrown in, whether they agree or not, you decide what you're willing to pay, they decide what they're willing to sell at.

Got a Subaru Outback inspected a couple years ago, drove nicely to the mechanic but it had a headgasket, cam carrier leak, stuck fuel gauge, etc. Dealer refused to discount it more than $1000 (roughly) so I walked, the sales guy said they'll send it to auction, but who knows what happened to it.

What I would not do is buy it first and ask them to fix it after if the promise was not already in writing.

I was thinking about going this route, now I definitely will take it for an inspection. Thanks for the info, I feel better about it now. I was up until 3am reading...talking myself out of buying it😄

I mean if you don't like it, you don't like the car. A lot easier to get rid of an imaginary car than an actual one. Compare with what the alternatives are. I didn't buy my Sorento because it was the best car out there, just that it fit my requirements (at the time) best. It's good your researching, but at the end of the day you only have so much information and while you can identify likely trouble spots, it doesn't mean any given car can't have a bizarre unheard-of problem.

 

[Billi]

I was just checking on carmax and found a another 2017 Sorento SX like mine, but with higher mileage.

Carmax is selling it at a higher price than what I paid for back in 2020. What a crazy market.

Anyway, yeah, try to get it inspected by another independent mechanic before signing the dotted line. Good luck!

 

[NoCeilingsD]

That's between you and the dealer but ultimately the question boils down to "buy or don't buy"

You can ask them to fix it, either they'll say yes or no. Maybe they'll let you walk, fix it and sell it to someone else in a month. It might still be under the 5-year/60k mile factory powertrain warranty still - which they shouldn't have an issue with, but it's probably right up on the line if not over. (10 year/100k is for the original buyer only)

Purchasing a warranty may be sketchy if you discover a problem as it will be a preexisting condition and they probably have fine print banning that. and also one could say it's fraud. But any warranty may cost more than the price of just replacing it. (I wouldn't bother with this)

You could ask for a discount, you could ask for a $5 Chipotle gift card to be thrown in, whether they agree or not, you decide what you're willing to pay, they decide what they're willing to sell at.

Got a Subaru Outback inspected a couple years ago, drove nicely to the mechanic but it had a headgasket, cam carrier leak, stuck fuel gauge, etc. Dealer refused to discount it more than $1000 (roughly) so I walked, the sales guy said they'll send it to auction, but who knows what happened to it.

What I would not do is buy it first and ask them to fix it after if the promise was not already in writing.



I mean if you don't like it, you don't like the car. A lot easier to get rid of an imaginary car than an actual one. Compare with what the alternatives are. I didn't buy my Sorento because it was the best car out there, just that it fit my requirements (at the time) best. It's good your researching, but at the end of the day you only have so much information and while you can identify likely trouble spots, it doesn't mean any given car can't have a bizarre unheard-of problem.

Awesome, great advice all around. I do like the vehicle, I'm probably just going overboard because of bad past experiences buying used. Thank you!

 

[97Tbird]

I can say that my current Sorento will be the last Hyundai/Kia product I will ever own. I'm hoping to get 5 more years out of it, then will look for a CRV or Rav 4. I had a 2011 Sorento that I put 300k on with really no big issues. Unfortunately the quality of my 16 is not to the level of what the 11 was. The more I read posts on this forum, the more I regret buying another one.

 

[Tripplec]

I can say that my current Sorento will be the last Hyundai/Kia product I will ever own. I'm hoping to get 5 more years out of it, then will look for a CRV or Rav 4. I had a 2011 Sorento that I put 300k on with really no big issues. Unfortunately the quality of my 16 is not to the level of what the 11 was. The more I read posts on this forum, the more I regret buying another one.

Thede maybe some bad years. 2016 was the transition year for Sorento generation. IMO Toyota's are no better and worst in many ways. There are plenty of owner with all sorts of problems. I am on the Highlander forum, as a former owner I still read there. Even in my HL at 120k the AC compressor quit the enter system needed to be gutted and replaced. Only the lines with reused. Many SUV's are going to CVT trannies. I wouldn't have one again. Tried one and no way again. Their warranties are a lot lower hence extended warranty is a must on a Toyota to purchase.

PS: A good dealer is key. I believe I found one in Bowmanville! A 1.5hr drive though.

 

[DenverBrian]

I can say that my current Sorento will be the last Hyundai/Kia product I will ever own. I'm hoping to get 5 more years out of it, then will look for a CRV or Rav 4. I had a 2011 Sorento that I put 300k on with really no big issues. Unfortunately the quality of my 16 is not to the level of what the 11 was. The more I read posts on this forum, the more I regret buying another one.

Enjoy the smaller, more cramped, less finished interior of the CRV or Rav 4, along with the shorter warranty. <shrugs>

 

[97Tbird]

What warranty, I couldn't buy a new car if I wanted to. It will be used, likely 5 years old like the Sorento we bought last year. It will be for my wife who will be 72 years old by then. I drive a pick up and or a Thunderbird. I have worked the past 15 years as a flatbed tow truck service provider. The number of Hyundai/Kia products I have had to tow with engine issues is beginning to rival BMW/Audi/M-Benz unfortunately. I was mistreated so badly by the dealer I bought my 16 from, I regret buying this car.

 

[Billi]

German cars are probably never meant to be owned longterm… problem with Korean makers is that most customers are probably cheap like me… and there are probably lots of younger owners who tend not to take care of their vehicles as diligently as Honda Toyota owners.

if you’re American, I’d suggest you buy CPO so that you can keep the 100k mi power train warranty. However, since Canadians are not offered the same warranty, maybe it’ll be worth it buying Japanese…

anyway, as a former Honda owner, I’m pretty happy with my Korean cars. My local Kia dealer also offers free oil change for life and doubling the 10 yr/100k mi power train warranty to 20yrs/200k miles! Making it hard for me to resist another Kia…

anyway, for you, I think you at least need to try another dealership further away. Not all dealerships are alike…

 

[97Tbird]

Thanks for the comment, but if anything goes wrong with this car that my local guy can't repair, I will go the Hyundai dealer up the street from me. I know everyone there as I see them pretty much on a daily basis , can get a break on parts as they are one of my customers. The only other Kia dealers in my area are an hour drive west or east. The Sorento/Sante FE share enough parts that Hyundai can repair it, it will have to be a major issue however for my local mechanic to not tackle it. I actually bought the 2011 Sorento we had from the Hyundai dealer in 2013. We never had a serious issue with that car that required a dealership visit for repair.

 

[freddiec66]

Another thing to think about - for the cost of the warranty, you can also set aside money every month and self-insure any issues that go wrong.

I said no to an extended warranty on my 2018 SX AWD when I bought it two years ago, and instead saved about $2500 along the way so that when the warranty expires next March, I have a fund to cover the inevitable. So far it's been a great car, despite being third owner when I got it with 11k miles.

It's at 38k now after 2.5 years of ownership. Towed trailer plus belongings weighing a total of 4500 lbs from Florida to Michigan without any issues. I don't drive it a lot as I work from home, but it's reliable, smooth, powerful, all the tech you want, and looks good. It's been in the dealer for a few issues (sway bar bushings and a few other warranty items). But I love it and it's easily the nicest car I've ever owned.

Best of luck to you!