Anyone own a 2015+ Kia Sedona?

[Huie83]

Hello-

I'm looking for some honest reviews from anyone who owns a 2015+ Kia Sedona. There are a few Kia forums I have been reading through but always like BIOTG members reviews.

We have been searching for a while and the Mrs and I decided it's between the Grand Caravan and Sedona. We will be keeping it for 8-10 years. While the Sienna and Odyssey are nice, they are out of our price range.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Wolf359]

What's wrong with a used one? I'm driving a used Mercedes. Way nicer than a new Toyota or Honda.

 

[Huie83]

From my searches, used minivans with 30-60K miles really aren't a good value. Since we are going to keep it long term, it makes more sense for us to buy new with full warranty etc. New Kia's come with the 10 year/100K warranty, used is 5/60K. Same idea with Dodge.

Plus, 99% of used new model Sedona's and Grand Caravan's are prior rentals, that's something I don't want to mess with.

My other issue is that my wife and I both work split schedules, I work AM, she works PM. Finding time to search for that needle in a haystack used minivan that hasn't been beaten to [censored] is pretty tough.We went and looked at a bunch of used minivan's over a weekend. Even after only 30K miles, most looked well used on the inside. I don't want to spend $16-18K+ on someone's mess

Appreciate the inquiry though.

 

[CKN]

Originally Posted By: Huie83
From my searches, used minivans with 30-60K miles really aren't a good value. Since we are going to keep it long term, it makes more sense for us to buy new with full warranty etc. New Kia's come with the 10 year/100K warranty, used is 5/60K. Same idea with Dodge.

Plus, 99% of used new model Sedona's and Grand Caravan's are prior rentals, that's something I don't want to mess with.

My other issue is that my wife and I both work split schedules, I work AM, she works PM. Finding time to search for that needle in a haystack used minivan that hasn't been beaten to [censored] is pretty tough.We went and looked at a bunch of used minivan's over a weekend. Even after only 30K miles, most looked well used on the inside. I don't want to spend $16-18K+ on someone's mess

Appreciate the inquiry though.




Saw many rental Sedonas in Yellowstone National Park last year. I don't blame you for staying away from the rentals. The drivers driving those (Sedona) mini vans were less than careful.

 

[2010Civic]

Just because Kia/Hyundai come with a 100k mile/10 year warranty doesn't mean that when you actually need to use it they will help you without a lot of fuss and headache. I was talking to someone about a year ago that bought a new Hyundai suv and the engine failed after a few hundred miles. They wanted to put a re-manufactured engine it in. Needless to say she did not want a re-manufactured engine in her week old car. They refused to put a brand new engine in it.

 

[CKN]

Originally Posted By: 2010Civic
Just because Kia/Hyundai come with a 100k mile/10 year warranty doesn't mean that when you actually need to use it they will help you without a lot of fuss and headache. I was talking to someone about a year ago that bought a new Hyundai suv and the engine failed after a few hundred miles. They wanted to put a re-manufactured engine it in. Needless to say she did not want a re-manufactured engine in her week old car. They refused to put a brand new engine in it.


Maye be true. However-I have heard horror stories about every auto manufacturer.

BTW- educate me-is there a difference (performance/or substantive issues) on a re manufactured motor verses a factory new one?

 

[Huie83]

Originally Posted By: 2010Civic
Just because Kia/Hyundai come with a 100k mile/10 year warranty doesn't mean that when you actually need to use it they will help you without a lot of fuss and headache. I was talking to someone about a year ago that bought a new Hyundai suv and the engine failed after a few hundred miles. They wanted to put a re-manufactured engine it in. Needless to say she did not want a re-manufactured engine in her week old car. They refused to put a brand new engine in it.


That is a bummer and i'm sure every manufacturer has cases like this. I have read similar stories about Ford and Dodge. If it's a factory reman, i'm sure it's fine.

I owned a Hyundai (parent company to KIA) for 5 years and 117K miles. It only needed one warranty repair (sway bar end link) which went smooth, even got a loaner for the day.

Anyways, this is all off topic. Just looking for anyone that has owned one and can give me a review.

 

[2010Civic]

Originally Posted By: CKN
Originally Posted By: 2010Civic
Just because Kia/Hyundai come with a 100k mile/10 year warranty doesn't mean that when you actually need to use it they will help you without a lot of fuss and headache. I was talking to someone about a year ago that bought a new Hyundai suv and the engine failed after a few hundred miles. They wanted to put a re-manufactured engine it in. Needless to say she did not want a re-manufactured engine in her week old car. They refused to put a brand new engine in it.


Maye be true. However-I have heard horror stories about every auto manufacturer.

BTW- educate me-is there a difference (performance/or substantive issues) on a re manufactured motor verses a factory new one?


I could be wrong but I believe a re-manufactured engine was one that was used and they tore it down and went through the whole thing and replaced everything to make it like new again. A new engine is obviously one that is 100% new.

A re-manufactured engine would probably be just fine but I wouldn't want it in my brand new car. In fact I would want a new car. When you take an engine out and put it back in you have a good chance of not getting everything just right.

 

[JTK]

$18K will get you a brand-new Grand Caravan if you can live without power sliding doors and whatnot.

 

[Huie83]

Originally Posted By: JTK
$18K will get you a brand-new Grand Caravan if you can live without power sliding doors and whatnot.


We looked at the American Value package, its missing 2nd row roll down windows which is a requirement for us. Power doors don't matter.

I can get the SE model which has power 2nd and 3rd row windows but no power doors for $20,500 (maybe cheaper if I haggle). I've been reading about a lot of issues with the 62TE transmissions though so adding a factory extended warranty out to 100K would make it more expensive than the KIA. I don't think i'd buy the dodge without a extend warranty.

I can also get a KIA Sedona L trim which has power 2nd row windows and no power doors for $20,900.


The past few days I've been toying with the idea of getting a used Suburban or Expedition XL. I want to get a fish-n-ski boat as well as some dirt bikes in the next few years before the kids get too old. I don't want to be stuck in the situation of needing to buy a truck to tow our stuff around. I also have a duck hunting boat that would be nice to use again.

A decent used Suburban with under 60K miles is in the high $20K's, the Expedition is 3-4 grand less. I'm thinking this may be a better long term solution. Minivan's look great for the family but I don't think they would tow too well.

 

[JTK]

I've been following these vans since ~2012 and haven't heard of any big time issue with the 62TE at all. Out of the 3 different MVs we've owned since 2003, it's the best I've had.

IMO, 2nd row windows that roll down aren't all that great. Obnoxious buffeting noises or wind noise when rolled down and if you open the doors while they're open, they're locked out from opening fully so kids can't get their limbs or melons sheered off.

 

[Huie83]

I've been browsing the Grand Caravan forums and they are riddled with transmission issues. Mostly banging going into reverse and rough 3-2-1 down shifts. I guess updated programming sometimes corrects it. A handful of transmission failures under 60K too... But, you know how the internet exaggerates everything, I'm sure a majority of them are 100% trouble free.

Thanks for the info on the 2nd row windows, I had no idea they did that. I'll run it by my wife and see what she thinks, our kids love to ride with the windows down so not sure if that'll fly with her.

 

[cptbarkey]

Originally Posted By: Huie83


The past few days I've been toying with the idea of getting a used Suburban or Expedition XL. I want to get a fish-n-ski boat as well as some dirt bikes in the next few years before the kids get too old. I don't want to be stuck in the situation of needing to buy a truck to tow our stuff around. I also have a duck hunting boat that would be nice to use again.

A decent used Suburban with under 60K miles is in the high $20K's, the Expedition is 3-4 grand less. I'm thinking this may be a better long term solution. Minivan's look great for the family but I don't think they would tow too well.


you are all over the map. good luck in your vehicle hunt.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: Huie83
I've been browsing the Grand Caravan forums and they are riddled with transmission issues. Mostly banging going into reverse and rough 3-2-1 down shifts. I guess updated programming sometimes corrects it. A handful of transmission failures under 60K too... But, you know how the internet exaggerates everything, I'm sure a majority of them are 100% trouble free.

Thanks for the info on the 2nd row windows, I had no idea they did that. I'll run it by my wife and see what she thinks, our kids love to ride with the windows down so not sure if that'll fly with her.


I belong to one of the busier GC forums and there isn't much in terms of 62TE issues reported that I've seen.

My points on the power windows on the sliding doors are based off the 2008 Honda Odyssey LX we owned from 2008-2013. We never used them because of the wind noise and buffeting and the fact they wouldn't hold open or open fully on this van if the windows were even open slightly. It was a safety mechanism. I'm not 100% sure this is true for the DGC. Like I've said before with these vans, they're not the best van, but they are a lot of van for the money.

 

[Huie83]

Originally Posted By: cptbarkey
Originally Posted By: Huie83


The past few days I've been toying with the idea of getting a used Suburban or Expedition XL. I want to get a fish-n-ski boat as well as some dirt bikes in the next few years before the kids get too old. I don't want to be stuck in the situation of needing to buy a truck to tow our stuff around. I also have a duck hunting boat that would be nice to use again.

A decent used Suburban with under 60K miles is in the high $20K's, the Expedition is 3-4 grand less. I'm thinking this may be a better long term solution. Minivan's look great for the family but I don't think they would tow too well.


you are all over the map. good luck in your vehicle hunt.


You are spot on about being all over the map, it's a hard decision to pick something that will last us a long time and fill multiple roles. I think I'll have to sit back down with the wife and make a list of needs within the next 5 years to base the purchase off of.

Of course initially a minivan was the natural choice with 3 kids to haul around. But then you start to think a few years down the road and add in possibly hauling a boat and some toys around and it makes you second guess yourself.

 

[Huie83]

Originally Posted By: JTK
Originally Posted By: Huie83
I've been browsing the Grand Caravan forums and they are riddled with transmission issues. Mostly banging going into reverse and rough 3-2-1 down shifts. I guess updated programming sometimes corrects it. A handful of transmission failures under 60K too... But, you know how the internet exaggerates everything, I'm sure a majority of them are 100% trouble free.

Thanks for the info on the 2nd row windows, I had no idea they did that. I'll run it by my wife and see what she thinks, our kids love to ride with the windows down so not sure if that'll fly with her.


I belong to one of the busier GC forums and there isn't much in terms of 62TE issues reported that I've seen.

My points on the power windows on the sliding doors are based off the 2008 Honda Odyssey LX we owned from 2008-2013. We never used them because of the wind noise and buffeting and the fact they wouldn't hold open or open fully on this van if the windows were even open slightly. It was a safety mechanism. I'm not 100% sure this is true for the DGC. Like I've said before with these vans, they're not the best van, but they are a lot of van for the money.


Thanks for the insight, always good to get info from multiple sources.

Did the Odyssey have 3rd row windows that open? Since the GC has the 3rd row that pop open I bet that would help with the wind buffeting. Regardless, we'll need to test that out when we go on our test driving spree again.

 

[supton]

We have only 2 kids, but we've had a number of times where we needed to move two extra friends. Obviously driving a bus around is a foolish option; at some point someone else has to drive too. But if you max out the backseat with just your own then you can't take friends along.

Which may be a good thing now that I think about it...

 

[Huie83]

Originally Posted By: supton
We have only 2 kids, but we've had a number of times where we needed to move two extra friends. Obviously driving a bus around is a foolish option; at some point someone else has to drive too. But if you max out the backseat with just your own then you can't take friends along.

Which may be a good thing now that I think about it...


Good point, we run into that a lot now and have to take 2 vehicles. a 8 passenger minivan or suburban, Expedition etc that has more room behind the back seats would be great. I'm thinking a Expedition EL with the EcoBoost is looking like a good fit. In a year or so I think they will be in our price range.

But, still need to discuss with the Mrs and make a list of positives and negatives.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: Huie83
[Did the Odyssey have 3rd row windows that open? Since the GC has the 3rd row that pop open I bet that would help with the wind buffeting. Regardless, we'll need to test that out when we go on our test driving spree again.


No, the 3rd row glass was fixed on the Odyssey. The swing-out 3rd row windows on our 2013 Grand Caravan SE are OK. You don't even notice when they're open while driving. My kids (4 of them) have left them open over night because they're easy to forget. Not a huge deal, but still an open path for water, etc. I've only driven or ridden in the front passenger seat though. I can't say how much air the rear windows move.

I'm one of the few that's not a huge fan of the 2nd row sto-n-go. We rarely fold them and therefor have stuff in the in-floor storage. It's ALL got to come out to fold the seats. My kids have broken off some of the spring loaded plastic guards on this system. Tons of moving parts on it. Dirt and debris easily falls into all the nooks and crannies of the system as well. Tough to avoid it on a busy kid mover. I've got 4 rows of Husky liners for it, along with OEM carpeted mats.

 

[Huie83]

Thanks for the info. What is your average MPG?