Kia Sorento, Keyless or standard key?

estrelada

I’m looking to buy a used Kea Sorento, up to three years old. They come in four trim levels. KX-1 to KX-4.
KX-1 and KX-2 come with a standard key.
KX-3 and KX-4 with keyless entry.
I’ve never had a keyless entry vehicle. Should I be concerned about the fact that vehicles with keyless entry are frequently targeted by thieves and go for a lower spec one?

Supersonos

estrelada wrote: »

I’m looking to buy a used Kea Sorento, up to three years old. They come in four trim levels. KX-1 to KX-4.
KX-1 and KX-2 come with a standard key.
KX-3 and KX-4 with keyless entry.
I’ve never had a keyless entry vehicle. Should I be concerned about the fact that vehicles with keyless entry are frequently targeted by thieves and go for a lower spec one?

Cars of all types are frequently targeted by theives, so if you're that concerned about your car being stolen, don't buy a car.

Alternatively, buy the car you want and take some basic precautions (ie a faraday wallet to keep your key, park in a garage etc.) to lessen the chance your car is targeted.

AdrianC

Yes, keyless cars can be more easily stolen. But that can be easily mitigated.

Somehow, though, I don't think a used Sorento is going to be a high-priority target.

Brilley

..would never go keyless if I had the choice..too much risk of forgetting about the keys, (my OH left them in the car for 3 days once!!...if it had been stolen I am not sure that the insurance company would have been very sympathetic!!
I prefer to open and close the car with the key fob, and it's easier to remember when you have to stick the key in the ignition and the "physically" turn the engine off?

estrelada

AdrianC wrote: »

Yes, keyless cars can be more easily stolen. But that can be easily mitigated.

Somehow, though, I don't think a used Sorento is going to be a high-priority target.

In the last few months I've received at least three email alerts from neighbourgood watch about stolen keyless entry vehicles in the neighbourhood. Apperntly thieves target them more than vehicles with standard keys.

bigisi

estrelada wrote: »

In the last few months I've received at least three email alerts from neighbourgood watch about stolen keyless entry vehicles in the neighbourhood. Apperntly thieves target them more than vehicles with standard keys.

Yes but they were probably desirable cars. You're talking about a Kia.

Thieves target the "Premium" brands.

Supersonos

Brilley wrote: »

my OH left them in the car for 3 days once!!...if it had been stolen I am not sure that the insurance company would have been very sympathetic!!

How is this anything to do with the car being keyless? Leave the keys in any car and the insurance company wouldn't be sympathetic.

Robisere

I think that the Kia probably has the same key as my Hyundai, as they are now merged into the same company. My key has keyless entry, but an ignition key springs out of the fob when a button is pressed, so no keyless start involved. I have a Faraday wallet to keep my key fob and bought another for the spare fob. I also keep bank cards in the Faraday.

Anyone who cannot be taught simple precautions such as not leaving the keys in the car, has a problem retaining information.

Bigphil1474

OP, I have a keyless fiesta. On mine, there's a button on the door handle to unlock if it detects the key, same on boot, and a push button ignition. Key stays in my jacket pocket all the time which is hung up at the back end of the house overnight. Not that anyone would bother pinching my car as it's getting on a bit. Never had an issue. Can't leave my key in car as it won't lock if it's in there. Not sure if Kia system is same, but for me I much prefer it to having an actual key. Depends on your set up, but I think the risk is minimal unless you have a flash motor.

DigForVictory

Holds hands up - I like a key I can bite.

I work with the wonders of technology, but I have spent happy decades with a key on a ring with a bit of leather so I can spot mine at a distance & it looks like a less-favoured dog toy.

It may be I have to learn new ways, but I think I'd rather have a car that worked with my vices than have to learn too many new tricks!

AdrianC

Robisere wrote: »

I think that the Kia probably has the same key as my Hyundai, as they are now merged into the same company.

Well, since 1998...