Anyone have experience with the newer Kia Sedonas?

"mazda616" (mazda616) 03/12/2019 at 11:49 • Filed to: Minivan

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My wife is determined that our next vehicle will be a minivan. I’m determined that it won’t. So, we’ll likely compromise and get a minivan. See how that works? :)

I do not like the Grand Caravan because of its ancient design and its terrible small overlap crash test score. The Odyssey and Sienna are WAY too expensive, and the Pacifica is a new FCA product which I inherently distrust. They’re expensive, as well.

That leaves the Kia Sedona. I’ve reached out to a former Kia salesman, and he had nothing but good things to say about them (and him being a former salesman means he has no ties to the company now).

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I can get a used and even a certified pre-owned Sedona for a decent price. I have zero experience with Kias, though. Anyone here have more insight?

I like the looks of it (considering it’s a van), and the higher up trims come with a surprising amount of features. Crash test scores are good, as well.

I’m just not sure I am ready to give up on life and get a van, though. We only have one kid right now but will be trying for number two at the end of this year.

I personally want to consider continuing our Mazda ownership tradition and upgrade from our CX -5 to a CX-9, but oh well.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 12:02

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No opinion on Sedonas but a Ford Flex is a good minivan alternative

mazda616 > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/12/2019 at 12:03

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She says most 3-row SUVs don’t have the space or practicality that a van offers. And, she’s right. I just don’t want to be a minivan dad.

Future Heap Owner > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 12:04

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Minivans are marvelous at creating and using interior space. If you have any plans beyond the second kid, they make a lotta sense.

But if not, wait until they have shuttling requirements & gear that needs to go with them. Think of how much safer a van you buy six or seven years from now would be!

mazda616 > Future Heap Owner 03/12/2019 at 12:08

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We’re going to keep our little CX-5 as long as we can, as it is a 2013 with 62,000 miles and it is paid off. But, even I have to admit having two kids and the required stuff that comes along with them will be a bit of a  tight squeeze in the CX-5.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 12:11

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If you have 6 people then nothing beats a minivan, whenever we rent as a group on trips I always go for the minivan over an equivalent 3 row crossover. If you have multiple older kids fine, but really don’t see the point for 1 younger kid and one future baby where a midsize crossover would do.

How about a Sorrento, this was posted right before your post. Has 3rd row you could use in pinch

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/2019-kia-sorento-feature-rich-boring-looks-1833231971

functionoverfashion > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 12:13

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My kids are 4 and 6 and we get everything we need 99% of the time into my 325 wagon. We also have a Volvo wagon and have yet to reach its capacity except when also bringing our two dogs with us.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 12:16

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Counterpoint: Minivans are cooler than CUVs because they’re not sliderless minivans trying to be cool. If you buy a CUV you’ve already given up on life.

If you’re looking for a van that’s still enjoyable to toss, check out the Transit Connect passenger .

It’s a little more compact than most modern vans, with far better fuel economy, and far better driving dynamics. The only real downside is the 4 cylinder is a little anemic at highway speeds, but it’s decent 0-70 and makes fun noise.

After that the Grand Caravan GT is a great driving van, with the Pacifica close behind.

The Sedona/Sienna/Odyssey/Grand Caravan ( non GT ) all drive like hippos on rollerskates.

E92M3 > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 12:18

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You don’t need a minivan for just 2 kids, I’d get a CX-9. Unless you plan to haul granparents around too. Even then it’s probably only 4 or 5 times a year, they can drive their own vehicl e and meet you there.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 12:22

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I have no experience with them but I firmly believe they’re the best looking minivan on sale right now.

Maxima Speed > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 12:23

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Also, what sort of reasoning does she have against SUV’s? Saying they don’t use the space as well is just a broad generalization until you can actually show the numbers. Think about why you don’t want one, and why she wants one and make a logical decision instead of just saying “happy wife, happy life”.

Minivans have good space and good fuel economy, but you don’t need anywhere near that kinda space for 2 kids. Even with 4 kids you can get away with an SUV or crossover for a loooong time.

SUV’s probably get less fuel economy but get the advantage of better all road capability with plenty of space. There is absolutely no need for third row seating.

Anyways thats my take away.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/12/2019 at 12:23

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Ford Flex is a minivan......

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 12:24

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My sister and brother in law just bought a CPO Sedona. And my brother in law is a really risk averse person who makes really thoughtful decisions so I’d assume that they are probably safe and reliable. They like it so far but in the way people like vans; “it drives, holds people and stuff, and stops.” I think it is pretty lacking in techhcnology.

Could always look for a Mazda 5 with a stick.

fintail > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 12:24

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Lots of Siennas and Pacificas in rental fleets - if that doesn’t scare you, could be some used deals out there.   Plenty of Sedonas in the same service, which could make deals.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Maxima Speed 03/12/2019 at 12:25

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I want to know more about that woody.....

Maxima Speed > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 03/12/2019 at 12:26

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LOL I pulled it off the inter webs somewhere. L et me check I think I still have the page up.

Maxima Speed > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 03/12/2019 at 12:27

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http://classiccardb.com/dodge/149370-rare-survivor-one-owner-low-miles-clean-se-woody-wagon-mini-van-no-rust.html

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 12:29

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Here was my take on it: https://oppositelock.kinja.com/my-most-recent-rental-dadlife-1830562859

It was amazingly practical and not bad at all to drive. If you need the space, I think it'd serve nicely.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Maxima Speed 03/12/2019 at 12:29

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That is gorgeous.

Wonder what the bidding is at.

Maxima Speed > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 03/12/2019 at 12:30

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Why do I feel like your wallet is about to get significantly lighter?

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 12:30

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Ah, they don’t need all that stuff. But I remember back when we just had two and had the whole back seat and hatch of our Q7 full of crap for the boys. But other than a stroller and the diaper bag, the rest of the stuff is just taking up space. But I’ll second the others here and say don’t buy until you have to. We have 4 kids under 6 in our Pacifica. We love it. But we waited till we were staring down the barrel of number 4 before we pulled the trigger. But minivans are awesome! I just wish Audi made one. I miss the way that Q7 drives.  And I would like AWD.  But minor gripes.  Also we rented a Sedona for a week vacation and it was nice, not great, or as nice as the Pacifica, but nice enough.  I’d actually go CPO Pacifica if we could do it again now.  The resale is so bad on the Chrysler’s that you save a bunch.  The odyssey(the other van we cross shopped) was one that we would’ve bought new because the deals on used aren’t that great.  But I had one for an extended weekend test drive and had to return it because it was soulless.  At least to me.  But it was nice as well, just lacked something.  Intangible.  The Kia was the same way.  Perfectly acceptable, just not anything special.      

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Maxima Speed 03/12/2019 at 12:35

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Depends where the bidding is at......

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > Maxima Speed 03/12/2019 at 12:38

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3 kids, a suv is okay, but 4, in car seats and nah, that suv gets pretty cramped. Once they have to use the back seats, it gets tough for child seats. The vans are nicely setup for that though with the seats that fold up without pulling off a child seat, makes it much easier.  

We did fine with 3 in our Q7, but 4 meant we had to put one in the back and then you add all sorts of logistics to get them back there. And you lose the cargo space from the back seat being up as well.

And you’re missing the best part, the sliding doors. No more banging doors into things when you’re loading and unloading.

Now once they aren’t out of child seats, then it’s not so bad, but that’s still a ways off for us, and now they want them in boosters till age 8 or some goofy thing like that.  

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Maxima Speed 03/12/2019 at 12:39

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Can’t seem to find the bidding!?!?!

Aremmes > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 12:41

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I drove one as a rental last summer. It could swallow four adults and three children with their baggage all day long. Fuel economy wasn’t great but better than bad and probably in line with its class. F rom the driver’s seat the only gripe was the infortainment system that seemed ancient, everything else seemed decent. I’d too prefer a CX-9, but a Sedona will provide good value.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 12:43

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I would love to have a van! Amazing for road trips, camping, any outdoor activity, home depot runs, etc. As a single guy in my 20's though, I don’t want to look like a creeper haha

Get the van and embrace it. The only thing worse than going full dad mode, is pretending you are not.

Ash78, voting early and often > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 12:45

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I tested one of them when they first came out. The material and build quality of a $22k base Sedona were better than our $35k Odyssey. I wouldn’t hesitate, especially since these are slow sellers to begin with.

The driving dynamics are fundamentally crap, but they more than make up for it in comfort. Every new car I test (for myself) feels like a penalty box. Minivans will spoil you on space and comfort. But -- and I’m completely honest here -- the drive can be so boring, you will actually feel like nodding off behind the wheel. It’s not just something I experience, even my wife (a “car appliance” person) feels drowsy most of the time.

412GTI > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 12:51

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Wow, usually it seems the husband wants the van and the wife opposes it. Minivans are great even with just two children, especially as they get older and bring friends/stuff/etc. However, for two little ones, it probably is a bit overkill unless you want to be future proof.

The Sedona is a good van. I drove quite a few when I worked for Enterprise and they rarely gave us any issues. Nice powertrain and decently comfortable interior. 

Arrivederci > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 03/12/2019 at 12:55

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Looks like it was from 2016 , comments there are dated.

Maxima Speed > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 03/12/2019 at 12:58

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It is not a real listing. It is a compiled listing based on old listings on the internet. A search for the VIN on the internet shows up only one other ad which itself seems to be a compil ed database for cars listings. The comments below that listing are of people as far back as 2015 asking questions about it and not receiving any responses. “ The Dalles e-Auctions” doesn't show any results other than a Dalles Oregon based auction company of a different name. A check of their previous and current auctions shows only a 1995 model that is in much worse condition and that was sold a long time ago.

Arrivederci > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 12:58

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Should we need a van anytime soon, it would be my first choice - we’ve had great luck so far with my wife’s Sorento and the value proposition offered by Kia is about the best in the industry.  Be forewarned, their dealerships generally suck.

mazda616 > Arrivederci 03/12/2019 at 13:05

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The dealer I bought my 6 from used to sell Mazdas and Kias before selling their Mazda franchise, so at least I’ll have had some prior experience with them.

Arrivederci > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 13:07

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The Mazda franchise might be their saving grace - the ones (yes, plural) I’ve had bad experiences at have all been stand-alone Kia stores.

syaieya > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 13:08

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Flip side, how bout a mercedes metris? All the compromise of buying a van with the bonus of telling your coworkers that you got a benz?

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 03/12/2019 at 13:43

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The Miata is a 2 door minivan without sliding doors.

OPPOsaurus WRX > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 13:45

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get her in a Flex first.  it could be the compromise. 

BigBlock440 > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 13:46

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I do not like the Grand Caravan because of its ancient design and its terrible small overlap crash test score. The Odyssey and Sienna are WAY too expensive, and the Pacifica is a new FCA product which I inherently distrust. 

Wait, one is out because an 11 year old platform is too old, and the other because a 3 year old platform is too new?

mazda616 > BigBlock440 03/12/2019 at 13:53

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Correct!

404 - User No Longer Available > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 13:58

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I’ve driven it once on my trip to Vegas about 2 years ago. They’re okay. It was a basic one and it was pretty darn loaded already, first ones to have both CarPlay and Android Auto.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 14:27

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If you do end up going Kia would buying new be an option just so you get the 10 year warranty? Don’t believe it’s transferrable...but maybe CPO gets it back for you?

Agree with others on waiting as long as possible so you end up with the newest and safest option within your budget when you actually need it. Can definitely commiserate on CX-5 though. Our Crosstrek was a no go with one kid - it was fine for just the 3 of us, but whenever grandparents visit we’d be packed like sardines. Maybe reach an actual compromise to have an in-between while the 2 kids are still pretty small, and then get a minivan when you actually need to shuttle 2 decent sized humans and their stuff around? 

for Michigan > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 18:12

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“ I’m just not sure I am ready to give up on life and get a van, though.”

I’ve been having this argument with a friend of mine for months now and I cannot understand this mindset. Buying the best tool for the place you find yourself in life is so far from giving up on it. You got married and had a kid. You’re planning to have another. That is who you are now. Why would you shy away from making the most of this wonderful situation by confining yourself to a vehicle that doesn’t fit your needs?

For Sweden > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 18:25

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mazda616 > For Sweden 03/12/2019 at 18:55

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I wish. She thinks they’re ugly. And they have bad small overlap scores, too. :(

For Sweden > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 19:05

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Tell her it takes ugly to know ugly

Amoore100 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 03/12/2019 at 20:39

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STATION WAGON

Chariotoflove > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 20:39

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I just now saw this. We’ve been rocking one of these for a couple of years now. We’ve road tripped it a lot too. We love our Trixie, and highly recommend one . I’ll tell you anything you want to know.

Atthew765 > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 20:43

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I have a ‘17 Sedona LX+. I bought it preowned last year, coming off a troublesome Chrysler T& C... I love it. I’ve put about 12 K miles on it, including two road trips.. no issues to speak of. It has good power, drives more like a SUV vs. the T& C, gets about 25mpg on the highway. I didn’t want another minivan either, believe me . With the power doors, and more 3rd row and truck space than most SUVs ( unless you go Expedition or Suburban) for the money , minivans   beat most SUVs in convenience. I wasn’t going to pay top dollar for a Toyota or Honda either ( although I do own a Toyota sedan too) .. and the Odyssey’s trannies have had probs in the past. Watch YouTube  review on the Sedonas. Read reviews, join and survey on   KIA message boards. I t hink you’ll find the Sedona is the unsung hero of the segment.

Chariotoflove > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 03/12/2019 at 20:43

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CPO gets you a year of bumper to bumper and the remainder of the 10 year drivetrain warranty.  At least it did on my K900, and I believe it’s the same across all Kias.

Chariotoflove > for Michigan 03/12/2019 at 20:43

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This.

Chariotoflove > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 03/12/2019 at 20:45

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The tech on them is pretty good.  You get lane warning, radar cruise, CarPlay...whatever you want.

RacinBob > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 21:12

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I rented one for a 300 mile trip. Seemed competent. I use the comments from Edmunds to evaluate cars https://www.edmunds.com/kia/sedona/2016/consumer-reviews/?sorting=created%3Adesc

Seems like nearly 80% loves them except the guy who which had their engine blow. Win some, lose some, buy a certified vehicle.

gmctavish needs more space > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 21:41

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My dad never got anything bigger than a Taurus wagon my and my sister’s whole childhood. He only replaced one Taurus wagon with a newer one, and eventually got a roof box when we could use a bit more room. You don’t need a minivan, unless you’re planning on two more kids, and a big hockey bag for each of them or something.

Not saying that a Taurus is the epitome of fun, just that a mid size wagon or SUV is plenty of space for a family of four.

HAM79 > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 21:48

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I have a 2015 Kia Sedona Sx that I purchased new. Only one issue with the power sliding doors not closing all the way (KIA replaced motors). With two young children, my  interior still looks new. I would highly recommend.

random001 > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 21:57

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A minivan tells the world that you get to have the sex.

Mark > For Sweden 03/12/2019 at 21:57

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Just bought a kia van & I have no experience with kia either. Theres a ton of features in & even 2 sunroofs. My mom just bought a new toyota van & the kia has so much more to offer. I've only owned mine for 2 weeks so far but they also come with a great warranty. So 2 weeks in I would saw its awesome & comfortable. I am not a van guy but if I was going to be one I would want the one I bought.

Zoe > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 21:58

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I absolutely love my Sedona SXL. The interior is so comfortable and well designed. I looked at a lot of cars and surprisingly, the Kia had my favorite design as far as what the interior looked like these days. The ride is so comfortable, it’s got more pep than my Sienna. I love the SXL trim package and all the fun extras that entails. And I love that you don’t see them ALL over the road like the Pacifica. Go test drive one of the higher trim level Sedonas and I bet your mind will be made up :)

Under_Score > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 22:46

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I think every vehicle before 2010 had a bad small overlap score, though. My mom’s minivan only had an Acceptable for the Moderate Overlap (the one every new car does well on) and no side airbags. With that being said.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/762543765/overview/

Depreciation and close to you. Yummy yummy (I googled Cincinnati zip codes because I don’t know northern Kentucky).

Jardel > mazda616 03/12/2019 at 23:11

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I do own a Sedona 2015 se trim, is very practical I have 35k miles on it right now.  Nothing to complain so far except the headlights are halogen which is not very good,  the new ones I believe they come with led . Other then that the fuel mileage you are looking at 20mpg.  Overall is a great vehicle.  

Rjericksonaz > syaieya 03/13/2019 at 00:27

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Stay far away from the Metris. Have had ours for 2 years and worst decision ever. Been in the shop for over 90 days, and Mercedes still fighting me on lemon law. Their dealers are the worse. Actually bought a 2018 Sedona SX-L to replace the Metris and my wife loves it! So do I. Twice as comfortable, and the seats fold for my trips to home depot. Pulls a large trailer with 6 kayaks like a dream. Mercedes Metris was a cool idea, but so was the gallon challenge. If you are in AZ anytime soon, come on by and borrow either for the day. We even bought a 2012 sedona for the nanny to use. $45k sticker, and got it out the door for $38k in December with warranty extended till 100k bumper to bumper.

syaieya > Rjericksonaz 03/13/2019 at 00:32

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Thats an honest bummer to hear. I know how mercedes dealers can be though . Ill drive an hour to the one the next town over for anything more than a parts run.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > mazda616 03/13/2019 at 00:34

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You don’t have to leave the Mazda family, and you could complement Jolen with a period van . We had a 91 MPV (not ours pictured) as the family truckster growing up. This was the vehicle Mazda has to delay the Miata to develop. Derived from the 929 chassis, legit RWD (also available as a 4X4, with a locking center diff and low range), rated to tow 4500lbs when fitted with the load leveling suspension , does donuts in the snow like a champ, bulletproof reliability, Japanese bubble era engineering and build quality. My father would probably still say the 91 they bought new was the best vehicle he’s ever owned (although certainly not his favorite). Granted, they were seriously expensive when new and didn’t sell in big numbers, but if you could find one still in good shape (or at all)...

Lifecast > RacinBob 03/13/2019 at 01:00

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That’s interesting because since 2008 he should have had:

The Kia 10-year/100,000 mile warranty program* consists of:

10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty

5-year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty

5-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty

5-year/60,000 mile roadside assistance plan

The warranty program applies to 2008 and newer Kia vehicles. Each warranty provides coverage until the year or mile total is reached, whichever comes first.

-

I wonder why they didn’t cover it. Maybe he thought the maintenance free battery applied to the oil also.

CGJT > mazda616 03/13/2019 at 01:41

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We have a 2018 SXL and I love the van. I dropped my 2016 Odyssey Elite because of a terrible rattle on the rear hatch lift arm. Honda refused to do anything about it, and after three attempts, I got rid of two Odysseys (07&16) and a 16 Accord. Royal Kia in Tucson was pretty good and got the deal done quickly with Navy FCU financing.

We usually shuttle our 4 year old daughter around and use the van for a lot of Masonic functions and it doesn’t disappoint. The motor is mundane around town and incredibly responsive once you need the power. The features are plentiful for the price point and the appointments elegant and very refined for a van.

The fuel economy could be better, but that is a Hyundai/Kia 3.3 liter issue. Our Odysseys did noticeably better on fuel than the 3.3 liter engine from Korea.

The transmission is smooth even under the strain of towing a boat or moderately sized cargo trailer.

The SXl is missing a moonroof, but I’ve gotten over that when I factor in the price, quality of build, and personal disgust with the way Honda treated a 15 year customer who bought multiple vehicles. Kia has treated us exceptionally well at the corporate and local levels and I do not anticipate further issues. 

Zabando > mazda616 03/13/2019 at 02:46

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I own a 17 sedona lx, bought it preowned about a year ago. No problems to speak of, comfortable and quiet ride. Powerful engine that is also pretty good on fuel economy for a minivan. Only negative thing about it is that the 2nd row of seats are non removable and only fold forward against the front seats. Other than that it is perfect. Y ou can get a good price for a used one. Its a great value considering what you get on even the lx trim level. 

Duke30458 > mazda616 03/13/2019 at 03:00

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I bought a new 2017 kia sedona SX. I did it due a lot of reasons for ease of entry, comfort, and safety. And WE LOVE IT. 2400o miles and NO ISSUES. The fully equipped car is Wonderful. Great ride and very comfortable. I wish we had the very ecpensive radar cruise package - my wifes CADENZA does. That radar controlled separation and auto braking is wonderful. This Sedona has ALL THE SENSORS though and   they are grest. They make up for the lack of the ultra expensive auto braking.

Anthonybruce > mazda616 03/13/2019 at 03:07

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I own a kia sedona, in the sxl trim level, and its hands down one of the best vehicles ive owned. The build quailty is superior over the honda odyssey, and it just feels better than a sienna or even a Pacifica. It has great fuel economy and customizable drive modes, sport, eco, ect. The throttle response, for a minivan, is really quick. The only downside I have is that the turning radius, because its a larger vehicle, is not that great. If you are not used to driving a larger vehicle, that can become an issue. Maybe another downside to it is that there is no physical ignition, so if the battery on the key fob dies, then thats a concern. But all in all, it feels and looks like a luxury car. I think it tops out my old A-class to be honest. But again, I do think, out of all the minivans I’ve driven, I would prefer my sedona over all of them.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Amoore100 03/13/2019 at 06:54

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Whatever you gotta tell yourself to sleep at night. ;)

Chrissy Cupcake > mazda616 03/13/2019 at 07:25

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Minivan Mom here who never ever ever wanted a mini van. We have a pre-owned 2016 Kia EX. I love it. I drives better than my Ford Focus and the Hyundai Tucson we used to have and the space. Holy heck it’s amazing. We managed to transport a unrolled king size mattress and one kid home from Ikea. We have done a cross country trip from FL to WI in it. We have two kids now and just the convenience of being able to just have a little constant changing station in the back plus enough space for their Stroller and groceries is amazing.

I never wanted to give up my manual but I embrace the Mini Van life now. Also no door dinging on other people’s cars when you get out with a two year old is awesome. Bonus as we all know people park like assholes most of the time, buckling babies in, in t ight spots is super easy with sliding doors. 

Luko > mazda616 03/13/2019 at 07:32

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I just bought a used 2016 Kia Sedona SXL. I test drove every make and model of minivan available and decided the Kia was the one I wanted. No issues so far, and I do not regret the purchase one bit. Ideally, I wanted the SX with the tech package, but I didn't have unlimited choices.  The only knock against the SXL is the highway mileage is 22mpg vs 25mpg for all other trims.  I do consistently better than 22, so I'm not so worried about it.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > BigBlock440 03/13/2019 at 07:45

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IMO the Grand Caravan GT is the best choice. It’s been out long enough to work out the kinks and it’s one of the best driving minivans on the market other than the Transit Connect.

RacinBob > Lifecast 03/13/2019 at 08:06

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Yep. I don’t know what to think about this guy. I am sure he’s a joy to deal with at the service counter . I tend to look at these using the Olympic system, toss out the highest and lowest scores and whatever is left is what it probably is. Which in this case is probably a pretty good van......

TMARIE > mazda616 03/13/2019 at 09:40

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Ive driven a Ki a Sedona Van for the last 12 years and i love it. I have 3 kids. Im able to haul them and there friends easily. It seats 7. But back seats can easily be taken out if you just want more back space. Take one for a test drive.  

Robin > Arrivederci 03/13/2019 at 10:42

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Agreed! I really like our 2019 Sorento LX but the dealership was horrible.

Pipacs > mazda616 03/13/2019 at 10:50

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Guys with the similar mindset as you have, are typically looking for AWD as well . Why don’ t you put this feature onto the table ?

mazda616 > Pipacs 03/13/2019 at 11:04

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I live in w estern K entucky and it snows around once or twice a year here and usually less than 3-4 inches. AWD is an added expense that just isn’t worth it. Our FWD CX-5 does what we need as far as that goes, so a heavy FWD minivan would too.

Kelsey > mazda616 03/13/2019 at 11:51

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Well, I’m a young mother of 3 sons and I had a Chevy Captiva which is a mini SUV. It was stolen and my husband asked me to think of the future when looking at another vehicle. We plan to have more kids, at least 2 more, so we definitely  need the space. I was close to getting a Dodge Journey but when I happened to lay eyes on the Kia Sedona, it was love at first sight. Then, once I opened the doors to see the interior I fell in love even more. Tan trimmed in black leather seats. With so much space I couldn’t help but buy it. I bought mine from Hertz car sales. I paid $ 18,500 for a 2017 with only 32,000 miles. I drive for Lyft and everyone loves my van! Pretty awesome on gas too. Never in a million years would I had imagined being 27 yrs old driving a minivan. But I made the best choice ever.

Ipa > mazda616 03/13/2019 at 15:39

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I had to get a mini van because I have four kids. I owned the Odyssey before. I currently have a Sedona. What I did was go to the autoshow with my wife and kids and we all took turns sitting in the backseat. W e didn’t like the Dodge or the Nissan that much. With the Kia yo u can use all the seat s and still have room for luggage. The back seat sits 2 large a dults comfortably - my son is 6'1", my daughter  is 5'4" and her boyfriend who is 6'2". E verything with Kia has been a great experience even with the dealer and Kia financial.

Greg > mazda616 03/13/2019 at 19:12

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I also compromised and bought a 17 Kia Sedona LX. 1 year old with 36k miles and was a former rental. The only problem, and I’ve done nothing to look up why it happens, is that the sliding doors don’t always want to shut either with the remote or the buttons on the inside when the car is off . Bluetooth disconnects randomly sometimes too. That being said we saved a TON of money not buying a Sienna or Odyssey, or buying a brand new one, and it’s been great in the 11k miles we’ve put on it in the last 9 months. We’ve done 2  road trips with it and it’s been great for traveling

Carlos N > mazda616 03/13/2019 at 20:26

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Hey man, don’t sweat it I was there too. In 2014 I bought a Kia Soul for my small business. In 2017 I sold it with almost 300K. Never had any issues, I did maintain it as per factory request and did have all service done at the Kia dealer with Kia parts. So when we realized we were going to have another child we started to look to a minivan. My wife really liked the Chrysler Pacifica, in 2017 they were fetching a premium being new design. There was no way I was going to dish out close to 40 k on a van I would never get money or enough life out of to off set the cost savings. Having such great luck with my Soul I looked a the Kia’s and though they were close in price new I still thought it would be better than the Chrysler product. Then I saw the used ones... In November of 2017 I bought a 2017 Kia Sedona SX for 24,380.00 with 16K miles on it from CarMax. We love it, and now we are expecting another baby in September and it has 36k miles on it and everything works. It’s comfy, quiet, and reliable great for kids and for long road trips. I love technology and it has everything I would ever need. The value is the best part of the deal. We still have MFG warranty to 50 or 60k miles and with all these dang kids tearing it up it won't put a hurt on the wallet. If you need the van and plan to run it till the wheels fall off this is the vehicle for you. But if you see yourself getting rid of it in 3 to 4 years, spend the money and get a Toyota or a Honda; this way you'll get something for your money. 

Kidman > mazda616 03/13/2019 at 23:33

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I just got a used 2016 Sedona sxl last week. I researched to the death and for me what it came down to was the layout of the ”cockpit” and the warrenty for peace of mind. The inside doesn’t remind you that your driving a minivan. It does what it does well and for the price and it being completely loaded, except for the sunroof. I’m happy with it. I came from C hallenger V8 hemi and SUVs, so having a comfortable place to drive in is important. Power is smooth and just enough. Got 2 babies, so it was needed. Sliding doors are an awesome benefit. I wish my SUV had them. My next ride I probably get a K 900 or Telluride, used of course. Kias have came up.

Tim > mazda616 03/13/2019 at 23:44

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Wife and I just leased a 2019 Sedona for $340 a month. It’s the o nly 8 seater van where you can forward face a car seat in all seats, even the rear. Best warranty. She’s done research. We traded in our 2016 Kia Sorento for it, also a lease. That was nice with 3rd row, but not the easiest climbing back there, and no extra storage space. We can pull over in the Sedona, and the 3yr old has ton of space for emergent potty breaks in the travel seat, lol. Especially with the middle center seat out. Power doors are excellent too, especially doing Walmart grocery pick-up. Very smooth ride with wide wheel base. Also, climate control panel in the rear to control their own. All the features are awesome, Android Auto as well. Go check one out!

Mykeytea > mazda616 03/14/2019 at 08:22

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I came from an 09 Odyssey into an 18 Sedona.. a loaded sxl no less. Vans in general pros : sliding doors are not gonna damage neighboring cars when the kids climb out, cheaper insurance, all the space you will ever need (compare behind the back seats), probably heavier than the crossover you are thinking about so likely safer. Cons eventually you’ll see yourself air drumming the steering wheel on the reflection of a car next door.

Kia specifically: great reliability, I got it new for over 10k off MSRP (a Honda trade rebate was involved), it had all kinds of the safety te ch I wanted, and it looks good - even for a van. The Honda we were also considering was bigger in the inside, but it has had issues with reliability of the infotainment stuff which must work to keep the kids in check.

Best feature I didn’t know I needed was the 360 view camera which makes it a snap to park.

Everything so far so good four months in.

KcMutchLove > mazda616 03/14/2019 at 10:15

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We have a certified pre-owned 2016 Kia Sedona EX & LOVE it! We were considering the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey as well, but everything in our budget was a little higher mileage than we wanted. I decided the Kia was a great value because of the fact that similar to the Toyota (and unlike the Honda), it uses a timing chain, NOT belt. We paid $22k for ours back in November and are super happy with it. It was a leased vehicle so we knew maintenance was done and it had 32k miles  on it. I seriously have 0 complaints about this vehicle, which says a lot because I’m picky! Normally I’m all about Honda (we also have a 2008 Honda Element, which we adore, but it was too small for our growing family), but after doing some serious research on Kia’s, I think they’re a hidden gem. Hope that helps and good luck with expanding your family :-)