Midlife at the Oasis

Where living an amazing life never gets old

my bout with empty driveway syndrome

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Kia Sorento

My daughter was home for the summer, and just went back to college. My son was home for the holiday weekend, and just went back to New York. And “my” Sorento was home for a week and just went back to Kia.

So, it’s not enough that I have to deal with empty nest syndrome. Now I’m also suffering from empty driveway syndrome.

It’s no secret that I have a major crush on the Sorento. I made my feelings very clear here, and quickly discovered that I’m not the only one who feels this way. Unfortunately, our time together was short-lived and I’ve been pining away for it ever since.

When my son’s ten-year-old car died recently, it left us short a car since my daughter wasn’t going back to school for another week and still had to get to work every day. I shared this sad story with my friend, Josh, for whom I regularly review cars.

And that’s when my Sorento miraculously came back to me. Oh, Josh, you matchmaker, you. You will always hold a special place in my heart for this act of random kindness.

Kia Sorento in Wave Blue

I have to admit I was a little nervous about seeing my Sorento again. My feelings had been so strong that I worried the passion would be gone, that the features I had swooned over might not live up to continued scrutiny.

Ha! The minute my Sorento took its old spot in my driveway, it was like no time had passed. Actually, my feelings were even stronger because, this time, it came in a more-suited-to-me Wave Blue. Beautiful.

While I was busy grinning stupidly, my daughter grabbed the keys and took off. For the next week, we drove the Sorento every time we went out. We would get in, see the Welcome message and start gushing over how much we loved it, and discussing how weird it was that we felt so strongly about a car. And everywhere we went, we got high-fives from people who owned a Sorento themselves, and compliments and questions from those who want to own one.

You may remember, the other day, I confessed I had trouble coming up with my favorite body part. Well, I have no trouble coming up with the Sorento’s.

I am still enamored with the blind spot detection system (AWESOME), the panoramic sunroof and power liftgate but here are some of my favorite new discoveries, which prove you can always find something new to love about the object of your affection.

* The fuel reminder. You may recall that I ooh-ed and ah-ed over the Kia Forte’s low fuel reminder. Well, the Sorento has it, too! I never realized that the first time I had the car because I was careful about not reaching that point. This time around, fuhgeddaboudit. We drove that baby everywhere. I was actually thrilled when the reminder came up because it’s a fantastic feature and I was really hoping the Sorento had it, too. Note: This is the picture I took in the Forte because, by the time I remembered to take a picture in the Kia, I had already filled my tank and moved on.

Kia Low Fuel Warning

* The sound system. My iPod sounds better in the Sorento than it does anywhere else. The Infinity audio system, which I’ve raved about before, is worthy of additional praise. I could happily sit in the car all day, listening to my music. And this nice big screen with the easy-to-navigate menu makes the whole experience a joy.

Kia Sorento sound system

* The bottle shelf. I just discovered this space on the doors that’s dedicated to holding bottles! I always have half-full water bottles rolling around the floor of my car (my cup holders are usually filled with iced teas), which make a lot of noise and are totally annoying. Kia is so good at paying attention to little details, and this made my car cleaner and my nerves calmer.

Bottle holder in the Kia Sorento

* The remote holder. Again, it’s the details that make the difference. Because the Sorento is keyless, the remote has to be kept somewhere other than the ignition! Sure, it could go in the cup holders but, like I said, mine are usually full. Because I didn’t want to use my fast food cups to demonstrate that point here, I tried to make a more elegant arrangement. Doesn’t this look like one of those nice valets they sell for men to keep their watches and cuff links in? Sort of Downton Abbey-ish?

Kia Sorento

Anyway, these pictures are all I have left of the Sorento now because my former friend, Josh, had to take it back.

My daughter said we should have made a video so you can see how we talk about the car while we’re driving.

But, in order to do that, I will need to borrow the car again for at least another week …

Kia Sorento

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. wendy says

    I don’t think I’ve ever felt as strongly about a car as you do, however I can certainly see why you’d fall in love with a vehicle that wants to help you search for a gas station. Does it also help you find house keys, lost socks and pens? Sounds like the ideal car to me!
    I think Josh needs to return it to you so you can get the video made. Given all the things you adore about it, I think it’d take about a year to produce, maybe more?
    : )

    Reply

    • Lois Alter Mark says

      Honestly, I’ve never felt strongly about any car before either. This one is really special. Maybe the 2015 will help find all the lost stuff — I have faith in them!! And I will pass your comment along to Josh, and hopefully there will be a video in the near future! xo

      Reply

  5. Michelle says

    I need that gas tank warning feature. I am on empty way too often!! Does it talk to you also? That would be even better! Thankfully, I have only actually run out once…but as luck would have it, it was about 100 meters short of the gas station!

    Reply

    • Lois Alter Mark says

      Ha ha! It is such a great feature — it doesn’t talk, it just gently reminds you. Glad you didn’t get stuck in the middle of nowhere!

      Reply

  9. Pam says

    Great post! Too cute. My Durango is 10 years old and although my mileage is low for a 10 year old car (60,000) I probably will be in the market in the near future to replaced it.

    The Sorento looks very interesting. Thanks for the info.

    Reply

  11. Amber Edwards says

    This car is awesome!! WOW, Josh sounds like a sweetheart to let you playing in the car again! I would be in love with this car too! We have a sad sad little car at present, with no working AC, and none of the fun new gadgets that modern cars have. This Sorento would be the coveted car of our neighborhood!

    Reply

    • Lois Alter Mark says

      It seems to be the coveted car in every neighborhood! I hope fall comes fast for you so you don’t have to worry about AC. Meanwhile, I’m fanning you from here!

      Reply

  13. Brooke says

    I just fell in love with a similar car by another manufacturer and it breaks my heart that it’s not in the driveway. I just fear that they’re a little too long for me to drive when I’m so used to my little Corolla.

    Reply

    • Lois Alter Mark says

      I don’t like driving long cars either — the Sorento is perfect. Roomy but not uncomfortably big to drive or park. I think you would love it!

      Reply

  19. Donna says

    When I’m in the market for a new vehicle, I’ll definitely look at the KIA. And I love how you refer to Josh as your “former friend”… 🙂

    Reply

    • Lois Alter Mark says

      Next time! The car just looks cute by itself, though, doesn’t it?! I had to fight my husband and daughter for it all week!

      Reply

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