Hey there, it’s Aksel! Welcome back to VibePinas. Today is a bit of a milestone day for us because the time has finally come: we are selling our trusty Kia Sorento.
If you’ve been following our journey, you know this car has been a huge part of our life here in the Philippines for the last three years and eight months. We’ve driven it over 52,000 kilometers, traveling from the very south in Zamboanga all the way to the north of Luzon. It’s seen it all, but as we look toward finishing our house and starting new projects, we’ve decided it’s time for a change. We’re moving toward a minivan for more space, and eventually a pickup truck for all those heavy-duty errands.
So, let's talk about the car. It’s a 2009 Kia Sorento, and we’re selling it for 90,000 Pesos. Now, I know what you’re thinking—that’s incredibly cheap! I’ve seen similar models online for 250,000 Pesos. We’re being very honest about why the price is so low; it’s an old car with some character (and a few issues), and we’d rather sell it "as is" to someone who can give it a little TLC than spend the time and money fixing it up ourselves.
First, the good stuff. This car is a beast. It has a 2.5L diesel engine with 175 horsepower and over 400 Newton-meters of torque. It is incredibly strong; you can fill it up to the brim, and you won't even notice the weight. It’s also surprisingly smooth to drive. We’ve even had friends with brand-new cars tell us ours drives better! I’ve been diligent about the maintenance, changing all the fluids—oil, transmission, brakes, and steering—and the engine uses a timing chain, so you don't have to worry about expensive belt replacements. The headlights are also upgraded to super-bright LED lights, which make night driving much safer.
Now, for the "honesty" part. The body has seen better days. It’s a couple of shades of green because we could never quite match the original custom paint. There are some bumps and scratches from navigating narrow roads, and one of the rear lights was replaced after a minor run-in with a truck. Inside, the driver and passenger seats are fine, but the back—where Liam hangs out—could definitely use some seat covers from Shopee!
Mechanically, there are a few things the new owner will want to address. There’s a small leak in the plastic radiator, so we just top it off before long trips. The 4x4 system stopped engaging about six months ago—likely an electronic sensor issue—and the air conditioning compressor is an aftermarket one that struggles a bit when it gets above 32°C unless you’re moving. There are also some minor electrical quirks, like the rear windows being disconnected because of bad switches and a beeping sound from the dash that we’ve just learned to ignore.
But here’s the deal: for 90,000 Pesos, we are including the registration transfer and notarization fees. You pay the cash, you get the keys, and the car is yours. If you’re in Cebu and looking for a strong, reliable workhorse that just needs a little bit of work to be perfect, come meet us at the 7-Eleven in Ronda. Bring your license, and you can take it for a spin.
It’s bittersweet to let her go, but we’re excited for the next chapter. Thanks for being part of our story, and I’ll see you in the next one!
