[alaxgoaly8]

Good Afternoon Cadenza Owners,


I'm looking at a 2014 Cadenza Premium with 36k miles on it. I loved how it drove and the interior. I've read some posts on here and other sites about the Cadenza engine issues. Are the engine issues common or is the Cadenza like every other vehicle out there and some of the cars have issues sometimes?


Another issue that happened on start up was a vibration that shook the car. It went away when I hit the gas and didn't return. I didn't hear a rattling or anything from the engine bay, it almost felt like a transmission slip, but the car wasn't in gear. This might have just been from the car sitting on the lot for about 2 weeks without much action? Again, no noise like some people have experienced, but still something strange that I've never seen before in a car.


Overall, it seems as though using premium gas with some kind of engine cleaner like techron is essential if buying this car.


How have you long termers felt about your car as far as reliability? Is the engine a real issue or just a few one off issues like any other vehicle? Any other issues? Would you buy a 4 year old one (some people love their car when new but would never buy it 4 years old).


Thanks for any insights.
Alex

 

[MadMax]

Premium gas is NOT necessary. This car is tuned for 87 octane, anything else goes in there you're both wasting your money, and possibly creating problems. Seafoam works great once every 2000 miles or so. Of course Chevron cleaner I think is the OEM recommended cleaner.


The rattle/noisy startup is the timing chain tensioners or other components to the timing chain causing loose behavior until oil pressure goes up. I had mine fixed under warrantee as it was real bad at startup. but to be honest, a similar sound came back anyway, not as bad, but just not worth the hassle of trying to get it fixed again. Powertrain warrantee would cover this fix anyway, so I'm not worried until outside of 100k


Few things to note, don't go base model premium. Get at very least the Lux package, or Lux/Tech...top of the line is Limited. Depending on mileage and condition, you can get a 2014 limited for around $17,000 up to $20,000 list price, of course haggle that down as much as possible. Base model is missing SO much compared with at minimum the Lux package. Couple of easy ways to know, if there's the electric window shade in the back window, also the giant LCD in the center of the drivers console for the Speedometer, then it's at least Lux, and going to have HID adaptive headlights.

Last, note too that if it's not certified the powertrain warrantee does not transfer to second owner. Only base warrantee of 5year/60,000miles is transferable. So don't get one with 70,000 miles thinking you still have 30,000 miles of powertrain...because you wont.

 

[alaxgoaly8]

This one has the electric shade in the back window and the lcd. Has a cooled drivers seat and heated rear seats (not sure if that sets it apart package wise).








Being a second owner, the 100k mile warranty doesn't transfer I don't believe. It reverts back to a 5 yr./60k mile powertrain warranty. Seeing as how this is a 2014, I'm looking at 1 year left at most on it.


So regular gas but use the additive like techron is what I'm hearing. And like I mentioned, I didn't hear anything at start up from the engine bay, it was more like a vibration/shaking that could be felt in the cabin through the steering wheel and seat. I can listen more carefully the next time I start it up.


Thanks for the info though. Much appreciated.

 

[Yooshaw]

Mine's been great for reliability and I have no concerns going forward. I've got a bit of the rough start too like MadMax, but it doesn't bother me enough to try and get it fixed. I know I'm covered under the 100K warranty. For what it's worth, Azera owners complain about the same rattle (same engine, drivetrain), but Hyundai has never acknowledged it or issued a TSB like Kia has. I have no concerns keeping the car - I think I'll never need to use the 100K warranty.

I've never put in premium - I used to put in Techron, but now only use Shell or Costco Gas (both Top Tier) and I don't worry about it - again under the warranty.

If the one you are looking at only has a cooled driver seat and no cooled passenger seat, you're looking at one of the early '14s before they came out with the SXL model. Kia is known to change packages mid-year.

And check the warranty, it probably has way less than a year remaining. '14 Cadenzas went on sale around this time (April?) 2013. Wow, my 5/60 warranty is almost up.

 

[rmorris7]

Last, note too that if it's not certified the powertrain warrantee does not transfer to second owner. Only base warrantee of 5year/60,000miles is transferable. So don't get one with 70,000 miles thinking you still have 30,000 miles of powertrain...because you wont.

CPO vehicles doesnt transfer?

 

[MadMax]

If I read you correctly, you're asking does CPO for say a second owner transfer to a 3rd? Good question, I don't actually know. My speculation is that, no it wouldn't. The problem is the car would likely have to be recertified, however if it exceeds mileage, year, been in a wreck, or can't track service records, then they won't recertify it.

 

[alaxgoaly8]

CPO transfers in a private party sale, but not in a trade in to a dealer. So it has value in a person to person sale but not to a dealer on a trade in.

As a side note, when driving the Cadenza, my wife and I noticed that the headrests sit forward a bit and makes the seating position uncomfortable. Is there any way to adjust the headrest so it sites back more? My mother has a Sorento and complains about the same thing.

 

[alaxgoaly8]

I also found out that the hard vibration at start up in this particular Cadenza (not the rattle), was due to 2 of the 6 cylinders misfiring. The ford dealership sent it to the Kia dealership to figure out what’s wrong. So the purchase is on hold. But the wife was impressed with it.

Also did some more reading on the engine carbon build up. Apparently it’s something that every gdi is prone to if not looked after regardless of who makes the engine. Probably preaching to the choir, but would leave that here anyway.

 

[sh30469]

Yes we have the buildup, it's quite evident on the exhaust ports, I suggest wiping those down every time you go through the carwash to keep them looking nice and shiny. Also before buying your car I'd make sure it is a CPO and see how much the extended warranty is on it. The fact that you are having the engine shake the car is a bad sign and I would've walked off already, that's not normal. You said 2 of the cylinders are misfiring and that's nice that they found it but to me that means that someone hasn't taken proper care of the car.

I use Techron every other oil change and make sure my dealer notes it in the service log, in case anything ever happens to my car Kia can't deny coverage because I didn't do "recommended" maintenance. Now, initially Kia told me (through their free service for 1st 3 years with my car) that oil changes were every 7k miles (we use a blend of dino and synth) so you 'should' put Techron in every oil change. Now I do mine every 3k/3months because that's also what they recommend (they can't make up their mind) so I only apply the Techron every other oil change.

Like others have said you don't need to run premium fuel through your car, it would be a waste honestly. But, because it does have some extra detergents in it I will usually run 1 take through a year. Does it help anything? Maybe, probably less than the Techron I put through every 6k miles but what the ****?. I honestly suggest the Techron though as it is the recommended brand for our car and with our engines loving carbon buildup the way they do I think it's a good idea. Also, as stated above, make sure you use a top-tier fuel (Costco, Shell, BP, etc..., toptiergas.com)

'Your car' not having a cooled passanger seat means that it was built pre-October 2014, you're in the same boat that I'm in. I love my car and I've had for over 4 years but haven't had any major issues with it. A part went out in my nav ($4k+ part) that was replaced under warranty, backup cam issue (warranty), and the TSB for the tensioner in the engine. I bought the extended warranty with my car when I got it, without it I'm not sure I'd keep it past the lease, but I love my car, they are very nice but have their fair share of tiny annoyances such as little rattles and pops you may notice after owning it for a few months. It is nothing bad.

There should be plenty of these around at great prices, I'd suggest a bit more time to look around for one.

 

[MadMax]

Yeah that headrest is a *****. I actually considered pulling it apart and straightening the metal rods, but they are thick and all I have is a bench vise, would likely scar it up. It's fine when you are driving, but if you're on long trips and passenger wants to nod off, it's uncomfortable. It's something I'll be paying close attention to in my next car purchase in a couple years.

 

[alaxgoaly8]

Thank you all for the responses. I think this one may be a pass because of the engine misfire, but I might try and find another one in the area.

 

[MadMax]

I'd also be most concerned about the age. As was pointed out, if you have only drivers cooled in a 2014, it was likely sold in 2013 or early 2014. You would have well under a year left on factory coverage. Also, 2015 and newer Limited got the fender chrome treatment and the 4 way camera. If you find one with low miles it will still be under $20k once you get to haggling, here's a great example of a quality find, 2015 limited, 27k miles, and certified, asking $20,500:

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for..._clickid=a8a21ccd-6c11-4ce3-81dc-da4bea6f1c8e

 

[sh30469]

Not trying to dissuade you from getting a Cadenza, they are a great car, especially if you let someone else pay the depreciation for you, we are just trying to help you make the best decision. It's just this one specific car we are kind of iffy about. I'm know you probably know this already, I just want to make sure it is stated in black and white. I believe you can get a better deal in the long run if you were to go with another specific Cadenza is all

 

[alaxgoaly8]

I agree with the assessment. This one might not be the one to get, but it’s worth looking into another one. I appreciate the responses.

 

[rpjr1970]

This popped up on my radar. If anyone lives close to Connecticut:

https://www.premierkiact.com/certif...nford-ct-baf3cfb20a0e0ae803cbc865280615f7.htm

2014 with 284 miles on it

 

[MadMax]

I was gonna say, a little high priced for a 2014 Tech/lux when you consider the 2015 limited above is $4000 cheaper. That said, wow on the 284 miles. I still think this is one that should be going for under $20,000 for the simple reason it only has a 12 month warrantee, and the remainder of the powertrain. But yeah, crazy find for sure!

 

[MadMax]

This is a deal, 2017 limited, under 20,000 miles, not Certified but could get extended full warrantee to 100k for under $2000, asking $24,897. Getting that out the door for $24k would be my goal, but even if they didn't budge and you're out the door around $26k that's a steal...



https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=479205302&zip=32707&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D32707%26keywordPhrases%3DKNALC4J15H5067482%26startYear%3D1981%26sortBy%3DdistanceASC%26incremental%3Dall%26firstRecord%3D0%26endYear%3D2019%26searchRadius%3D0&startYear=1981&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&endYear=2019&searchRadius=0&makeCode1=KIA&modelCode1=KIACADENZA

 

[funnyman7915]

I think it is a **** of a deal someone should buy that who lives relatively close

 

[woodr35]

In summary:
- no need to use premium gas, but use Top Tier. Does it really matter, or is it a marketing gimmick?... I dunno, but sticking to BP/Costco from a warranty standpoint
- common for the car to "rattle" on startup. Mine started doing it at about 20K, rattles for about 3 seconds, but I'm not really concerned about it
- agree with the recommendation to go Lux package at a minimum, but that's a personal choice
- I don't know of any major, common issues with the car.

Good luck with the search

 

[alaxgoaly8]

I'm going to revive this. I appreciated everyone's advice and I didn't end up getting that 2014 Cadenza. However, yesterday, I purchased a 2016 with the luxury package with 45k miles on it (so 2 years and 15k miles left on the warranties) for only $16k. With taxes, tags, title, I was out the door at $17600. It does have the chatter at startup for about 2 seconds and then goes away. I may take it to a Kia dealer in the future to see if I can get the latest TSB ENG148 done under warranty, and I'll add an extended service contract when my warranty is about to expire (I've really liked a company called Zurich with their extended service plans as they've paid out quickly with my preferred mechanics). So I'll be able to add 4 years and 48000 miles to my "warranty".



It drives beautifully and I'm really happy I ended up getting one. I'm not too worried about that engine chatter at startup as it seems to either be a tensioner issue or an issue with lubrication at startup. I've seen someone say using Lucas Upper Cylinder Protection solves the problem (but that would be the same as the Techron suggestion).



Another concern I have is with the carbon buildup on the intake valves. Obviously I can't see it, but it's a concern with me for any DI engine, not just these. I've heard of walnut blasting for about $300. That seems like a savvy investment to keep the carbon buildup at bay.


Thank you all again for your help and input last year.