I am headed to Maryland tomorrow to look at and test drive both the Satin Metal and Ebony SX Premium with Tech Packages. I have read all about the engine chatter (something about solid lifters or something) and about the pulling to the left. When I take these out for a drive before deciding which one to purchase, is there anything specific that you have learned about your car that you wish you had paid closer attention to before buying? Anything that I should do during my drive to ensure I get the most out of it and can see if any issues can be highlighted and brought to the forefront?
I am looking for serious input since we all typically don't find out about issues until AFTER we purchase and I would like to best understand what I should look for in all of your professional opinions during my drive. As an example, does the pull only happen on certain types of roads or will this be VERY noticeable on any road I assume I won't hear the cold start engine chatter since it will be >85 degrees F and the dealer will have likely started the cars before I show up to get the washed and shiny.
I greatly appreciate your input and thank you, in advance, for your thoughts and recommendations
Open and close the sunroof a couple of times. Keep an eye on the rubber trim along the side of the panel on the roof as it closes. On my SX i noticed that the gasket rolled under as the roof dropped down into place as it finished closing. I caught it right away and was able to get it back into place on my own before it rained and possibly leaked. I am going to have this looked at this afternoon when I get the first service done. One thing that I would do is make sure you drive them on the interstate to check for the "left pull" issue. My car did not do it but I have heard that it is more apparent at 60+.
well here's what I told the service manager when I took my car in for its first service:
1. Infamous left pull
2. gas cover won't open with button
3. possible gas level recalibration
4. smart key recall
5. driver-side window rubber gasket rolls out of place
6. engine rattle (was told it's normal, which is unacceptabl!)
There is a recent TSB to check out (from on the Kia Global Information System (KGIS) website) calling for a positive battery terminal replacement for cars built between May 17, 2011 and June 22, 2011.
There is also one out today for special procedures on servicing the fuel system on the GDIs.
Lots of experience with left pull here. Still trying to get it resolved.
Take it on the highway, 60-80 mph, drive in all lanes, left, middle, right. On mine, it's most prevalent in the middle/left lanes. It tracks straight or relatively straight in the right lane because the lane itself is banked a bit to the right.
Driving around town, this is barely noticeable, but on interstates, you can't miss it.
Check the build date, sticker is on the "B"pillar by the drivers side door latch. Cars built before 4/2011, have an oil reminder gauge that is useless; you can't set the miles to less than 6000, and the turbo reminder should be 5000. Cars built after 4/11 have the corrected settings.
See if they will put on Hancook tires, in place of the Nexens, which are very noisy. Hancook tires come on hyundai's.
Drive over various road surfaces, i.e., take the route you take to work...or something your familiar with, to see how the car manages it.
Do what everyone else has said, and the Kick test. Gotta kick the tires!
On a serious note test the ABS braking, get it up to 35ish and slam on the breaks. The salesmen might be a bit surprised so should give him a heads up. I noticed mine from time to time will slip on the tires allowing me to slide a little, nothing bad just skips. Not used to it as my 08 Ranger would take a mile to stop anyway (Optima is a lllooottttt better).
Yes, do check the fuel door as I am now having trouble with mine opening on demand. Also, check both inside plastic door panels, where the seatbelts tie into by your head. They tend to rattle, at least on mine they do. And on my wife's 2011 Sorento, they had to order two new interior panels as they have a rather loud and irritating rattle!!!
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