my my my my sorento!

I think I’ve been very open about my feelings for the Kia Sorento since we were first introduced earlier this year. We’ve gone out together several times over the past few months and, each time, I’ve just found more to love.

Yesterday, I decided to take the plunge and commit.

The Sorento is now mine!

Michael and I did a lot of research and we knew exactly what we wanted (a 2014 EX with the touring package) and what we didn’t (white or cherry red). We also knew what we wanted to spend – and that would require a dealership that was honest, flexible and willing to work with us.

We reached out to Costco who referred us to Ball Kia in National City. That’s kind of a trek for us but we made an appointment and headed down there.

The trio of guys we were lucky enough to work with were awesome. There was Jerry, the Costco liaison; Jorge, the salesman; and Christian, the manager. Edith, who I liked immediately because she shares my mom’s name, led us through the paperwork, explaining every line so it was easy to understand.

After spending hours with these down-to-earth people, listening to their stories and sharing our own, we consider them friends. We laughed with Jerry, congratulated Jorge on the birth of his baby girl and admired pictures of Edith’s two handsome sons. We were blown away by Christian’s obvious love and respect for his kick-boxing daughter – who I can’t wait to interview.

I’m writing about these people rather than the car for a couple of reasons. First, I have professed my love for the Sorento so often that you all probably think I’m nuts already (although, for the record, it does seem that every blogger who has tested that car feels the same way).

More importantly, though, I can tell you this is the first time we’ve felt so comfortable buying a car. It is usually a really stressful experience where we’re sure we’ve been cheated in some way. There are dealerships we will never go back to – and because of them, we have stopped buying those cars. That’s something car manufacturers should be aware of and take very seriously.

The Sorento may have sold itself but, ultimately, we were only going to hand over a check to a person we trusted.

After hugs and handshakes all around, Michael got back into his car and Jorge set up my Bluetooth (no more tickets for talking on the cell phone for me). I plugged in my iPod and turned on my heated seat.

I then happily headed into the sunset, safely ensconced in my Sorento cocoon, with those amazing lights on my mirrors detecting potential blind spots and that one bright spot on my nav system leading me home.