Dealer visit checklist
2020 Kia Sorento checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2020 Kia Sorento problems to check
- Theta II 2.4L GDI engine oil consumption and potential seizure risk — check for outstanding NHTSA recall notices and verify the engine has been inspected or replaced under Kia's extended warranty
- Transmission shudder or hesitation reported on some units with the 8-speed automatic, often addressable with a fluid flush and software update
- Infotainment screen freezing or Bluetooth connectivity drops, typically resolved via software update at the dealership
- Panoramic sunroof rattles at highway speeds, a known TSB issue that dealerships can re-seal or re-cushion under warranty if still active
- Rust or corrosion around the rear liftgate and wheel arches in high-salt states — inspect carefully on vehicles from the Northeast or Midwest
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- TRAILER HITCHES: Kia America, Inc.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $23,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away