Suggestions for my mom regarding her car

[Unka-Boo]

Might it have been the same car? Silver Anniversary, some black spray paint on the rockers?

No...theyre down in CA...moved there in the late 90s...by choice!
Been trying to get them back up here, but they are stubborn.

 

[the apprentice]

She has chosen to get it repaired and to keep it until she dies apparently

I can see if she is very comfortable driving this car it might make it safer for her be a good son and work with the brother to get it repaired .

 

[jamesfaiman]

Sorry to hear that. I would be inclined to find the same car in running condition and sell her on that. Not only would it be cheaper, you could sell her old one. The biggest thing is it likely won't be problem free when she gets it back. Trust me something will by wrong and you'll be pissed she spent so much and still have issues. Just my 2 cents, good luck

 

[nwslopoke]

For all the talk about KIA quality, I have to admit to spending zero for 160k miles outside of basic maintenance. Wear and tear items. My Ram 1500 has been reliable but 3 or 4 items have cost me about $12k over the years. I think it's around 220k miles right now. Running like a champ but it hasn't been cheap.

 

[Traskriver]

My opinion, which I have a feeling will be unpopular with your mother, is to get a new to her but certainly not very new at all economy import. Somewhere in the 96-06 range where any Joe Shadetree can work on it and parts are cheap, available at any auto'reilly. They do not tend to come with many luxuries or curb appeal but they sure do get you to the grocery store and bingo.

Bingo!

 

[WAYNO]

Interesting to hear all the Hyundai and KIA bashing here and elsewhere. I suspect much of the bashing is just repeating internet hear-say from folks that have never owned them.

I can own any car I want, and after many years of owning them all, we stick to Hyundai and/or KIA exclusively. And they have been great vehicles.

And yes, I know I can google and find lemon engines from every manufacturer ever.



.

 

[made in china]

Interesting to hear all the Hyundai and KIA bashing here and elsewhere. I suspect much of the bashing is just repeating internet hear-say from folks that have never owned them.

I can own any car I want, and after many years of owning them all, we stick to Hyundai and/or KIA exclusively. And they have been great vehicles.

Nah, we just make stuff up:

The primary issues center on the 2.0L and 2.4L Theta II GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engines.
Commonly Affected Models: Hyundai Sonata (2011–2019), Santa Fe (2017–2022), Tucson (2014–2022), Kia Optima (2011–2020), Sorento (2012–2020), and Sportage (2011–2022).
Expansion: Recalls have expanded as recently as February 2025 to include over 130,000 new vehicles, covering engines made up to 2023.
Major Engine Problems
Connecting Rod Bearing Failure: Manufacturing debris in the crankshaft oil passages can cause, which disrupts oil flow, leading to rapid, catastrophic engine failure.
Oil Consumption & Sludge: Improperly manufactured piston rings and poor oil lubrication can cause severe oil consumption and sludge buildup.
Engine Fires: A failure of the connecting rod can rupture the engine block, allowing oil to leak onto hot surfaces and cause fires.
Symptoms: Warning signs include a distinct knocking noise from the engine, oil warning light illumination, and reduced engine power.
Impact and Response
Recalls & Fines: More than 4.7 million vehicles were recalled in the US. Hyundai and Kia were fined over $200 million by the NHTSA for delays in addressing the problems.
Warranty & Service: Many dealers are still replacing these engines regularly, sometimes under extended warranties or class-action settlements.
Repair Approach: In some cases, a software update (KSDS - Knock Sensor Detection System) was installed to detect bearing failure, but many vehicles still require full engine replacements.
It is highly recommended to check for open recalls on any used Hyundai or Kia from this era using the NHTSA website.

That's just the Theta series engines. They have other problematic engines too.

However, to be fair, in the last several years, other formerly reliable brands have had serious issues too. In 2026, I don't think I'd say "buy a Honda instead of a Hyundai". Several years ago? I'd definitely say that.....

 

[eldbillbo]

Sounds like the car is a lemon. There is no way going over 10k on an oil change would burn up a motor. It must be leaking or someone poured the wrong stuff in it. Like many said put $13k into a 9k car is just silly. Naturally a rebuild may fix whatever caused it to croke in the first place but if you mom has those issues just find a low mileage older Honda or Toyota and be done with it.

 

[CamoDeafie]

Sounds like the car is a lemon. There is no way going over 10k on an oil change would burn up a motor. It must be leaking or someone poured the wrong stuff in it. Like many said put $13k into a 9k car is just silly. Naturally a rebuild may fix whatever caused it to croke in the first place but if you mom has those issues just find a low mileage older Honda or Toyota and be done with it.

It seems that these specific engines have a reputation for excessive oil consumption of more than a quart per 1k miles. So if the engine oil fill is 5-6 quarts, it's possible to burn through that in under 10K miles if it only burns 1qt every thousand mile.

Edit, of course, it is also possible that they underfilled it at last oil change, and also there's a leak somewhere which we've never seen in the garage

 

[made in china]

It seems that these specific engines have a reputation for excessive oil consumption of more than a quart per 1k miles. So if the engine oil fill is 5-6 quarts, it's possible to burn through that in under 10K miles if it only burns 1qt every thousand mile.

Edit, of course, it is also possible that they underfilled it at last oil change, and also there's a leak somewhere which we've never seen in the garage

An engine that burns too much oil can still have a decent amount of life left. But, it needs to be checked often, which means not a good choice for someone who is mechanically negligent.

The Kia probably had a few years left if the oil was checked every 3rd fuel up.

 

[Joekxman]

Anyone have recs?

Context;
Kia Sorento, 2018; just hit 67K miles

But

Because the last time it had its oil changed was sometime in 2024 according to Power Kia; it's engine is seized. Dipstick burned, zero oil. Way overdue for oil change by like nearly 10k miles

Mom (in her late 60s) refuses to admit she has memory problems

My brother is figuring things out; options are as follows
Pay Power Kia to install new engine and stuff, $10K or more, $3k in labor estimate

Pay Car Doctor in Dallas Oregon to install reman engine; and fix anything else, maybe less money


Use excellent credit to get newer pre-owned car; or lease

What say you?

Sorry your Mom is having memory problems. Been dealing with this recently also. My mother is about 15 years older than yours but, some things to take into consideration. How is her driving? Starting to ding up the car, fender benders, run over curbs(high center), hitting the house or garage door? If her driving is starting to digress then a used engine in a paid off car would keep her from increasing her budget with a car payment and increase in licensing and insurance. If she can still drive safely and has the financial ability to pay for the new car costs, refer to the dream car post on this sire. High 60's, she deserves it!

 

[CamoDeafie]

Sorry your Mom is having memory problems. Been dealing with this recently also. My mother is about 15 years older than yours but, some things to take into consideration. How is her driving? Starting to ding up the car, fender benders, run over curbs(high center), hitting the house or garage door? If her driving is starting to digress then a used engine in a paid off car would keep her from increasing her budget with a car payment and increase in licensing and insurance. If she can still drive safely and has the financial ability to pay for the new car costs, refer to the dream car post on this sire. High 60's, she deserves it!

Her driving has been pretty good so far, and she doesn't drive further than 15 miles one way, and not at night. She just celebrated her 79th birthday, so I was 10 years off didn't feel that long ago that she was in her 60s .wow

Edit my brother informs me that she is starting to forget more things and that some of her long term memories are fading away

 

[Joekxman]

Her driving has been pretty good so far, and she doesn't drive further than 15 miles one way, and not at night. She just celebrated her 79th birthday, so I was 10 years off didn't feel that long ago that she was in her 60s .wow

Edit my brother informs me that she is starting to forget more things and that some of her long term memories are fading away

At least she's not getting into accidents getting hurt or hurting someone else. Not at the point of taking her license so she's good to go. If she has the monetary means, get her the car of her dreams!