Good Day Scotty! 😊
My wife and I have a 2012 Kia Sorento EX, 3.5L V6, with approximately 147,000kms on it. We would like to sell it, but there's a problem.., an electrical one.
Approx. 2.5 years ago, we had to replace the Kia's alternator, then approx. a year ago we noticed the headlights started going on and off (along with gauge indicators in the cabin) while stopped at a red light, or while parked. Certain functions (i.e. heated seats) would immediately click off if engaged. Oh, and the engine light came on. We had the battery checked (had a good charge), and we knew it wasn't the alternator (put on by a trusted mechanic).
My wife took it to Canadian Tire (because she happened to be shopping near by and was nervous), and they did a scope on it and said it might be the catalytic converter, and quoted her thousands of $ to repair. Never one to trust C.T., I took the Kia to my local trusted mechanic. He did a scope too, but he said his reader couldn't identify the issue (for sure) He laid it out for me: 1) O2 change - $ (and then check), 2) full tune up-$$ (and check). He said if those don't fix the problem, then it's most likely the catalytic converter-$$$. So far, we have changed out the O2 sensors, and had the tune up. And while my mechanic reset the engine light, after a few kms of driving, it will go back on.
I want to sell the Kia with a provincial safety, but it won't pass without getting the c.c. replaced. My mechanic says he could replace the c.c. for about $2100. My in-laws have a trusted Hyundai mechanic, who (site unseen), could probably do the job in his home garage for about $1700. Funny thing is, both mechanic say replacement isn't worth it, and I should sell the Sorento, "as is." Lol.
What should I do Scotty.., replace the catalytic converter to pass safety? Sell it, "as is?" Or is there another reason my electrical power seems to fail, and the above assessments just didn't seem to find it? I want to best $$$ on this sell that I can, and other then this electrical issue, the vechicle is in excellent shape inside and out!
I would appreciate your help.
Thank You😁
I would sell it right now. Hyundai products cost a fortune to repair.
Thank You.😊
It's 10 years old and displaying the telltale signs of encroaching Hyundai/Kia-itis. If left to run its course this can result in catastrophic draining of wallet. Time to move on.
Thank you for responding.😊
Replacing the catalytic converter for mucho $$ is still no guaranty that it will fix the problem. I would sell it as is where is and get the Korean Nightmare behind me.
Thank You.😁
What kind of alternator did you use? Brand new? Rebuilt with guarantee? Rebuilt as-is?
Anyway, listen to the others & don’t throw good money after bad..
Not sure. It was done by a mechanic I'd use many times before, and always had good work done. He biffed once on the type of oil his guys put into my old Honda Civic.., didn't even hesitate to flush it, and put the proper grade in, on his dime and an apology. Even let take his car to go shopping while he did it. The bill for the alternator/with servicr indicated he probably put in a new one. Plus, it would have come up on the check from my other mechanic if it was the alternator again, no?
Appreciate the advice from you, and others on here! 😊
Fair enough. It’s still a relatively low mileage vehicle, and if it doesn’t act up when you go to sell it, somebody might still pay a pretty penny for it.
Don’t Kia’s have a 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty?! If it is the same warranty in Canada as the US, I recommend bugging Kia about the problem. Odds are, they wrote something in the warranty to cover there ass. But on the chance they didn’t, you may be able to get an under warranty repair. It doesn’t hurt to ask them.
I believe it was a 6 year/100,000 kms comprehensive warranty. I found something online that I could go after Kia up to 8 years for replacement costs for emission/environmental issues, but sadly I was too late.😔
Not sure what the warranty is in Canada, but in the U.S. it's 10 years/100K miles coverage on the engine and drivetrain to the original owner. I don't know if it covers electrical system problems, typically it's invoked when the engines blow up.