KIA Sedona or Hyundai Entourage?

SuperjetMatt · 03-28-2008, 09:35 AM

I am about to buy a Minivan.
I've narrowed it down to either the 2006/2007 Sedona or the 2006/2007 Entourage.
From what I've read, they are just about identical and made in the same factory.
I've test-driven the Sedona a couple of times, but not the Entourage.
The reviews I have read stated that the Entourage's interior seemed to be slightly better made, with better materials. Supposedly, the road noise in the Entourage isn't as bad as in the Sedona. (It is quite loud in the KIA)
It seems that Sedonas are a bit easier to come by around here (WA) and with slightly better prices and better conditions. (Looking for 20k miles or less).
Any words of wisdom?

desy · 03-28-2008, 10:23 AM

Hyundai
As the parent company of KIA they want to outclass the subsidiary.
Not that the Sedona is too much different just that Hyundai tries harder with the Entourage

Fmr12B · 03-28-2008, 12:22 PM

I would branch out your search nationwide by looking on Autotrader & ebay. That way you get the exact options/color you want at probably a lower price that if you were to buy it from a local dealer.

Just get pre-approved from your credit-union and you should be set.

Oh, and Hyundai is the better value as the quality should be a bit superior over the Kia.

SuperjetMatt · 03-28-2008, 12:24 PM

I'm paying cash for it.
JDPowers has far lower reliability predictions for the Hyundai, which seems strange.

desy · 03-28-2008, 12:35 PM

http://usnews.rankingsandrevie...Entourage/Reliability/
I don't see anything that would scare me.
Most vehicles are well put together these days and it has a long warranty

SuperjetMatt · 03-28-2008, 12:49 PM

The warranty on the powertrain drops to 5/50k when it is sold away from the first owner.
Which is still pretty good I suppose.

Mursilis · 03-28-2008, 02:13 PM

We were looking at those vehicles in December, and they're nice enough vans; however, the one thing that really stood out to me was the resale value - both Kia and Hyundai got killed on that front. We ended up getting a Honda Odyssey, which holds its value really well, and was only slightly more. We initially thought most Honda dealers wouldn't deal (demand was so great, they didn't have to), but the minivan market's been pretty soft, and we were able to get about $7K off sticker for a higher-end model (EX-L). You might want to look into the Odyssey - great minivan.

SuperjetMatt · 03-28-2008, 02:44 PM

I have considered that, but there are a couple of good reasons why I don't want to go that route.

1. I don't particularly care about the resale value. I intend to keep this vehicle for at least 5-8 years, probably 10 or more (if it lasts!)
2. I am going to pay cash for it, and $17.5k out the door is my limit
3. The features and quality seem to be at least similar to Hondas or Toyotas. Yes, there are some downsides, but not enough for me to justify the extra money.