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"Used Kia Sedona Overview And How To Buy At The Best Price!"
Even without the brand name pizzaz of top competitors, the Kia Sedona minivan was a hit right out of the gate. With its solid build quality, long list of features, comfortable ride, excellent crash test scores and abundant storage space, the Sedona offered what consumers wanted in a minivan at thousands less than similarly equipped rivals.
For shoppers seriously considering the purchase of a used Kia Sedona, here's some background information about this upstart minivan to help you identify a year and model that may best fit your particular needs.
The most current version of the Kia Sedona is its second generation, produced for the 2006 through 2010 model years. This newer Sedona added power (an additional 50 horsepower) and shed 400 pounds compared to the earlier model. The result was a Sedona that could keep up with worthy competitors such as the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, while already offering similar amenities, comfort and safety ratings.
2007 and newer Sedonas are available in either short-wheelbase (SWB) or long-wheelbase (LWB) forms. The longer versions come with a 60/40-split fold-flat third-row seat as opposed to the short wheelbase's 50/50-split removable bench. Under the hood of all Sedonas is a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 244 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque.
The SWB Sedona is only available in the base model. The LWB is available in a choice of LX or uplevel EX models. Both the base and LX models are well-equipped with standard features including full power accessories, cruise control, second-row captain's chairs, tri-zone air conditioning, keyless entry, an 8-speaker CD audio system and a fold-flat third-row in the LX.
The EX then adds upgraded cloth upholstery, an 8-way power driver seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, MP3 compatibility and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Used EX models can also be found with popular options such as leather upholstery, power-sliding doors, navigation, a rearview camera, a power liftgate and a DVD entertainment system.
All Sedona models come standard with a full array of safety features, including antilock disc brakes (ABS) with brake assist, stability control, traction control, front seat side-impact airbags, full-length head curtain airbags and active front headrests. And in government crash tests, the Sedona has swept all categories with perfect five-star ratings for both driver and passenger protection.
The long-wheelbase (119 inches) Kia Sedona is almost the same size as a Honda Odyssey. There's ample legroom in all three rows, however, the third-row is best suited for children due to its low cushion and tighter headroom. Cargo capacity, while several feet less than its top rivals, still comes in at a huge 142 cubic feet. The short-wheelbase Sedona is 5 inches shorter.
And while prices increased for this new generation, overall comparisons are still $2,000-$4,000 less than similarly equipped competitors.
Used Sedona shoppers should also note that the short wheelbase was not offered in 2006, while satellite radio, a USB audio jack and the optional navigation system became available for 2009. For 2010, standard features included a back-up camera for the EX and rear parking sensors for both the LX and EX.
The first-generation Kia Sedona was produced from its debut in 2002 through the 2005 model year. Kia's strategy with their new minivan was to offer the most features for the dollar. But as it turned out, the new Sedona also featured solid construction quality, excellent safety ratings and a smooth performance (although not particularly powerful) from its 3.5-liter 195 horsepower V6. This generation was also offered in well-equipped LX and more uplevel EX choices.
Over the years, the first-generation Sedona also earned positive reviews for its spacious cabin, comfortable seating and quiet ride. Only minor changes occurred during this production run, including minor revisions to the grille and taillights.
Overall, a used Kia Sedona is a solid minivan choice for those seeking a lot of features, comfort and safety for the dollar. And we can make a number of suggestions to help you save when buying one.
How To Buy A Pre-Owned Kia Sedona At The Best Price:
There are actually several different ways to buy a used Sedona at the lowest price, even at wholesale.
ONE - Car Auctions:
ou can go to Public Car Auctions in your own geographic area ... no license required. While this will take some additional time and effort on your part, there are indeed some truly excellent opportunities for those who shop these events, especially given the current economic climate and the big increase in late-model repossessed vehicles.
TWO - Spot Wholesale Opportunities On Dealer Lots:
The technique explained here is incredibly effective and involves learning how to identify high quality but "price-distressed" used Sedonas for sale right on dealer lots, ones they are extemely desperate to sell and potentially ready to unload.
THREE - Set Up A Dealer Competition:
Another excellent method involves getting several used car dealers to compete for your business. See the details in this Used Car Buying Guide. It's just amazing what happens to prices when you force dealers to fight among each other for your sale.
Also ...
If you're interested in a "Brand New" Kia Sedona, there are some great deals to be had right now if you know how.
People swear by this well-proven method for getting the absolute best price on a new Sedona. This method is particularly effective in the current slow economic environment.
