- A year or so ago, I bought my wife a new 2020 Kia Sorento. It’s got 25,000 miles on it, and I’ve noticed the gas mileage I am getting is not as good as it used to be. It’s off by 4-5 mpg. Furthermore, there is a noticeable hum noise at highway speeds that began about 6 months ago and has gotten progressively louder. Took it in to the dealer, and they said it was out of alignment. So I got the front and rear ends aligned, issue not fixed. I took it back to the same dealer that acknowledged the noise previously and had me pay for an alignment, only for them to tell me there is nothing wrong with my vehicle.
The wife wants a new minivan. Should I trade in the Kia? Which minivan will last long past my car loan, a Toyota Sienna or a Honda Odyssey. Our kids play travel ball and we drive 100s of miles out of town a couple times a month. The Sienna seems more economical, but will the Honda give us more worry free, stress free road trips with longer life?
I'd get rid of that thing before it totally implodes on you. A Sienna would probably be the best bet though an Odyssey should be a good choice as well. (The latter used to have weak transmissions according to Scotty but that was years ago, I don't know if that's the case for new ones.)
I would sell it and get a Sienna. Only Sienna, nothing else.
Sounds like a bad wheel bearing or hub. That would also explain the poor gas mileage. The big deciding factor for me is does it burn oil? If it does by all means sell it. If it's a wheel hub or CV joint then you should get it fixed for free.
I made the dealer change the two rear hubs on my 2019 Sorento under warranty as part of the drive train. Took a lot of phone calls and threats. They wanted to sell me all this stuff I did not need. They don't get paid much for warranty repairs so they will try to sell you stuff they make money on. Fixing the car is secondary. I had one dealer demand a $90 deposit on warranty work just in case Kia failed to pay them. All the dealers are doing it. Tell them you want the hubs checked. You can narrow it down which one by having someone in the back seat while you drive. They can listen to where the hum or whining is coming from. If this dealer can't find a noise at high speed then find another Kia dealer. Your getting hosed. They should be fixing a 2 year old car with no questions asked.
I have found a bad review in https://www.dealerrater.com will some times get their attention. Another is Kia Motors America in Irvine CA. https://ksupport.kiausa.com/ConsumerAffairs . KMA does not like angry customers.
As far as a new car I would hold off. Honda raised their prices 20% in the last two years and Toyota dealers have been gouging customers for years. Cars are just not a good investment right now. But if you have run out of patience and I know the feeling watch some of the Kevin Hunter videos on how to buy a car.
Responsible spokesmen with opposing view points are welcome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-6RhBfZaKo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcG30MtJVUE
Definitely the Sienna, but do keep in mind that the new model year comes in hybrid only. A Toyota hybrid is good because of how long they've been making hybrids, but if you don't want hybrid then you have to go for a used one. Or if you want new and you're fine with suv too then take a look at the Highlander since it has gasoline only option too.
