Used Honda Odyssey versus new Kia Sedona

[Strawman]

Looking at a used one with 80,000 miles on it. If I buy this and drive it until it dies, how long do you think it will last? I should mention that I live in the pothole capital of the universe, Detroit.

Trying to decide between used Honda Odyssey and new Kia Sedona. The payment is about $100/month cheaper for the used Honda and the term of the loan is 4 years on the used and 5 on the new. The Odyssey is immaculate, power doors, towing package. The only concern is the mileage.

[Midlodemocrat]

1. What year is the Honda?

I have a friend who had a 2000 EX, fully loaded that was an absolute lemon. Other friends swear by them.

[Strawman]

2. 2002, EX

I know the owner and he's had it for awhile so I doubt it's a total lemon, but if it takes a crap and its used I have no recourse.

[Midlodemocrat]

4. JMHO, but I'd go with the Honda.

Honda is a proven entity. I think the jury is still out on the Kias, although my lawn guy swears by them.

And I guess it depends on how long you intend to keep the car?

[Strawman]

6. 5-6 years would be good

The Kia would have about 75,000 miles on it then and the Odyssey would have 155,000 miles.

[LeftyMom]

3. Well, let's see

My guess is they've got similar life left in them. Might still give the edge to the Honda.

Does it have warranty time on it? That's a big issue. The Kia gets the edge there, I'm sure.

Safety-wise, the Honda gets the nod, but both are very good.

Feature-wise, you're better off with the Honda.

The Ody gets better mpg. 20/28 vs 17/25 for the Kia.

Money? $1200 less a month is a lot. Plus a whole year less on the loan.

The idea of a new car is very alluring, but personally I'd go with the Ody. I've never heard anybody say anything bad about them, and people I know with the Sedona complain about the steering and ride.

Edit: Thought the Honda was newer than that. I'd try to track one down that's in the current generation ('04- present, I think?) They did some redesign and safety upgrades. If anybody's selling one the Sienna and Quest are pretty darn cool in the current versions too.

[Strawman]

5. Even though the Odyssey is spotting the Sedona 80K miles?

Wow. If it's even close in that respect, given the payment difference, I'd have to go with the Honda.

[LeftyMom]

7. With the Honda you pretty much know you're getting reliability

Kias? I know people who love them, I know people who have cars that live in the dealer's service center and visit home on the weekend. I'm risk averse when there's money involved, and after years of crappy cars growing up, reliability is my first priority in a vehicle.

Korean cars don't inspire confidence in me. I'd take one over a Dodge, but not over a Honda, used or no.

[Strawman]

9. Yeah, that's kinda what I'm thinking

But I will say that I read quite a few reviews of the Kia Sedona and kept waiting to read one that said "this is a piece of crap," and I still haven't seen one. Especially the newer models. The 2006 got the highest crash test rating ever. Korean manufacturers generally make quality knock offs. I'm not sure they're there yet in terms of cars, but I suspect they will be someday soon.

[LaurenG]

8. Stay away from the KIA

My coworker owns one and it has needed various repairs since the first month of ownership. I can't remember how many times she's had to call off because she had to take it to the dealer. It has been one horror story after another.

I would pick the Honda if it were me.

[Strawman]

10. Thanks

[Patiod]

11. How tall are you?

I rented a Kia Sedona last week out in Minneapolis.

It handled okay, but I kept having to hunch over to see the traffic lights, and I'm only 5'11".

[Strawman]

16. 6'1"

But my wife is 5'5" and she would be driving it mostly.

[Patiod]

18. If you're ever driving it, prepare to be smushed

What is it with these cars? Also rented one of those hideous box-like new cars (HHRs), and damned if I could see out of that windshield either!

[Burma Jones]

12. We have a Kia Sedona with 16K miles on it

We have had no problems with it. It drives very well. It is what a Minivan ought to be. We've driven it on several long (800 mile round trip) drives and it has performed without a problem. We take it on many short trips here in suburbia. I can recommend the Kia without reservation. OTOH, Hondas get 200K miles easily with routine maintenance......

On edit: I am 6 foot 1 inch and have no problems being comfy in the Kia.....

[tigereye]

13. even with mileage, I'd go with the Honda

most of the parents at my kid's school have em, and they are hard to beat. They are the goddess of minivans. My husband even lusts for one.

[Wapsie B]

14. I loved the Sedona I had.

It was very comfortable and the ride was very nice. Don't know anything about the Honda. I've never driven one of their vehicles.

[mcar]

15. Go with the Kia

I have a Kia Sedona with 60,000 miles on it. It runs great and gets better gas mileage than other vans. It is also the highest ranked minivan in the safety tests.

It's got a 300,000 mile warranty. Why pay so much for a van with 80,000 miles on it when you can get a new one for not much more?

[Strawman]

17. Yeah, I really liked it when we test drove it

And the safety rating is a big selling point.

But $100/month more for a 5 year loan as opposed to a 4 year loan is kind of the sticking point.

[RubyDuby in GA]

19. I'll just tell you that I have 230K miles on my Honda

It's a 97 Accord.

You cannot beat a Honda.

[LeftyMom]

20. Call your insurer, too.

If there's a big disparity between rates on them, it might make up your mind for you.

[Strawman]

22. yeah. the kia wasn't bad when I called on that

[Crazy Dave]

21. Personally knowing people who own both brands

Not necessarily the same model vehicle. The folks I know with Hondas never have any trouble and most are 6 years old or more. Friends I know with KIA's are 50/50. Some run good and some are in the shop more than on the road and I'd say the majority of them are less than 6 years old.

Edit - But....the KIA's are better than anything made by GM, Ford or Chrysler