Long-Term Update 4: 2011 Kia Sorento

When it came time to get our long term Sorento serviced, we had a number of choices here in Southern California. It seems you can't throw a rock without hitting a Kia dealership. I live in Huntington Beach but work 30 miles away in El Segundo, I decided to go with Car Pros Kia just one off-ramp down the 405 from our El Segundo office in the city of Carson. Once we found out that we could book an appointment online, we were sold.

The number of dealerships serving the area meant we could schedule an appointment for the very next day, first thing in the morning. Dropping off the car was painless, with the service advisor running through the list of procedures done during the 15,000 mile service. For the most part, it's an oil and transaxle fluid change with a few other pokes and checks throw in for good major. While we were there, they also took care of Technical Service Bulletin, TSB, that had been issued for Sorentos. It consists of installing dust boots on the front struts to keep debris out and things operating smoothly. The TSB was performed free of charge, and made no noticeable difference in the Sorento's performance.

Besides the regular service, our service advisor asked if we were having any other problems with the vehicle. After going through our list of complaints, we were told that the iPod interface problem could likely be fixed with a proprietary cable available through the parts department. For a mere 45 bucks we would finally be able to gain full control of our iPod through the Kia's infotainment system. We will cover the functionality more in a later update after more testing. Upon doing a little research, we found that aftermarket cables can be found online for half the price of what the dealer charges. We can't however comment on how well they do or do not work compared to a genuine factory part.

Our Sorento's servicing was finished earlier than promised and came through with flying colors. While we didn't take advantage of the dealership's shuttle service, it was offered to us. Our only complaint with the whole process was the collection of oily handprints all over the front of the car when we picked it up. While most of dealerships offer courtesy car washes with any service, Kia or at least this particular dealership, decided to skip it. The important thing is that the Sorento left clean where it matters most, on the inside of the block.