Thanks for all your comments on the Sedona-greatly appreciated.
I have just read "What Car" review for the 2.9 diesel.Their main moans were that it is very noisy, poor steering and lack of security. Have any of you had any problems with these?
It's fair to say that the handling (when not towing) is not particularly sure footed - it's a bit tank like, but if you want better handling then you'll have to find another £5K + for the equivalent in any other marque - it is incredible value for money and very powerful.
Just a bit more insight into the towing capabilities of the Sedona 2.9CRDi.
I've just returned from a 1100mile round trip to Paris, towing a drilling rig on a trailer. The rig weighed around 1.25tonnes, the trailer itself weighed maybe half a tonne, and then there were a few augers and heavy bits of metal too. add four adult passengers and luggage. The whole trailer load was around the 2 tonne mark, maybe a little less. The kerbweight of the Sedona is over 2100kg's. Add the weight of the passengers, and luggage, and the whole thing adds up to a very reasonably matched outfit. Also the trailer was a short twin axle jobby.
The Sedona was faultless in its towing capabilities, it's ride, handling and fuel consumption. we averaged around 75-80mph most of the time. Indeed, we drew a few startled looks from the french traffic police! (Everything about us was legal in France)
This car just goes from strength to strength, and I fall in love with it all over again each time I drive it!
Those of you who are in the market for a solid towcar, underestimate the Kia Sedona at your peril!
You know after reading these testimonials, I can say goodbye to the idea of getting a 4x4 and say hello to a future kia sedona to replace my vauxhall zafira. I need power, space and good mpg and this looks to be exactly what I am after. Thanks members of UK Camp Site....
sorry to put a dampner on things here but our sedona is a 99 model. Towing wise it is an excellent car, as others have said, you dont know you've got the van on. My first moan really is the steering - its total pants!!! If you've got a tight turn (with or without the van) you cant do it in one move, the steering just doesnt turn round enough (get my technical speak!). The other moan, as ours is getting on a bit now we have had several things go wrong with it and ................THE PRICE!!!!!! Genuine Kia parts are extortionate and you can very rarely get a cheaper make. In our experience, whatever has gone wrong, in order to fix it, everything else has to be moved or taken off to get to the original part.
Having said all that, all cars have problems and cost the earth so, as regards towing, I'd go with the sedona! (so really there was no point in having a moan was there??)
Ange
------------- why is there so much month left at the end of the money?
We brought a pre reg'd 2.9cdi sedona L last year for £12500.
I drive it during the week and my OH does the towing. We think its a great tow car for the money, we would have spent thousands more on a new galaxy or espace!
I love the high driving position but must admit the low handbrake has taken a while to get used to. Seats are very comfy and I don't notice any noise (perhaps I'm used to it)
OH says tows like a dream.
Only thing I think could be improved is the weight of the seats if you want to remove them they are very very heavy! But you gets what you pays for!
I have the KIA Sorento and never have I towed with a better car .I took the van out at the weekend and it was a pleasure to tow it .The power is fantastic and it is so stable I wouldn't consider any other car now.
Bought a 02 Sedona 2.9 LX diesel in March and took delivery of a new very heavy caravan - Coachman VIP 530 - MTPLM 1575kg plus motor mover in April. Being a novice tower I wanted to apply the 85% ratio rule. Apart from 4x4 or expensive people carriers, the Sedona fitted the bill. The advice in write ups indicated that the post '01 2.9 engines were the best for economy and performance.
Have now been for my first holiday break. Fantastic, no problems with hills etc. only my inability to reverse around corners! Thank goodness for the motor mover.
For everyday driving I have removed the back three seats, much to the dog's delight. My worst problem is remembering that the indicators are on the right, having driven Peugeots for 20+ years. I am o.k until it starts raining!
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Topic: Kia Sedona as a tow car
