2005 Kia Sorento

So, you’re looking for a Kia Sorento huh? This, for some, is a leap of faith in some respects. The Korean cars are a bit of an unknown in terms of reliability and driving dynamics. I’ll try to help you out on at least one of those two fronts.

Now, as far as driving dynamics it’s pretty appliance like, nothing exciting. The second generation Korean offerings were much improved over the earlier offerings. Seems they learned a thing or three from those mistakes. Now, that’s not to say these are without issues mind you, but without an unusual number of issues. Fortunately the repairs won’t break the bank.

There is an issue with the 2007 model year air conditioning compressor. If you hear a knocking noise from the front side of the engine, try to see if you can isolate the compressor. If that’s where the knocking noise is coming from, expect better than $600 to replace it. If you decide not to repair it, ask the mechanic to disconnect the compressor. That way you won’t have a catastrophic failure that could lead to other repairs. If you are looking at a 2002-2005 model and the air bag light is on you will need the diagnostic module. I have never replaced one of these; the only one I ever had come in my shop with this problem was still under warranty so I’m not aware of the repair cost. I would guess it would be north of $500 to replace the module. Be advised that if your air bag light is on, the air bags WILL NOT DEPLOY in the event of an accident. Some 2004 models with a manual transmission will hesitate quite badly after a cold start. This is a simple reprogramming of the control module and should be less than $100.

If you are looking at a 2003-2004 model with the V6 pay special attention to coolant or oil leaks. Some of these had a tendency for the blocks to leak from a crack in the block. To be honest, the only repair that may be financially reasonable would be a used engine. If that were the case, I would not get a 03-04 model engine. I’d pay more to get a newer engine to avoid the possible problem, and I’d also get the computer and wiring to go with it. This is quite an expensive proposition. This last note isn’t so much a warning for the Kia Sorento as it is a note for ALL AWD vehicles out there. You need to make sure you have 4 matching tires all around, and rotate them regularly. Failure to do this could result in premature tire wear at best, or expensive driveline failure at worst. As always, these are estimated dealer prices and will vary by state, dealer, lunar alignment and whim.