I will do so. Thanks for the advice.
I noted on one inspection that the tech heard a noise and inspected the diff, but the sound was attributed to the worn steering and suspension components. I will still listen myself. I'll be crawling all over, in and under it before I commit. I hope the dealer salesman realizes that...

 

Good luck today! I would disregard the comment from the other poster about ditching this entire vehicle because of two fender benders. For 1) it's incredibly rare to find an 11-year-old vehicle with zero scratches, dents, hail damage, fender benders, etc. 2) if you find one with no documented damage, it was probably just done off the books! 3) these are some of the strongest passenger vehicles ever built - the Integrated Body Frame system (while very heavy) is just incredibly rigid and strong. Many documented crashes and tests show this - a fender bender is a joke for these things. Check the bolts under the hood / fenders to see what has been replaced or painted if you're worried about it, but it shouldn't be a problem. There's a video somewhere of a Range Rover Sport (with same IBF frame) driving through concrete barriers, off an overpass, landing onto the road below, and the guy walks out of the car!

 

My comment was in regards to the fender benders in conjunction with the presumed multiple tie-rod replacements....like maybe the crashes messed up the geometry in such a way that it couldn't be righted and as a result kept wearing out tie-rods. The poster clarified with new info, so yes...ignore my previous comments.

I'd love to see that video of the RRS nose diving off an overpass. If you find it, please post. I'll try google'ing that now.

 

That was easy...

http://www.foxsports.com/motor/story...-russia-121415

 

Well. Spent the last hour or more with the truck. In and under it. Driving at many speeds and listening. Climbed under. Cycling suspension. I see no fluid leaks, diffs are quiet, body in great shape, etc. I'm pleased with the service records. Plus its about 5k less than it should be just to move it off the Kia lot. Im taking it home!

 

Congratulations. Pics or it never happened

 

congrats! Remember, fluids and filters... fluids and filters...

Read the maintenance schedule like it's your new holy text of choice. Because it is now.

 

No time to take any great pics but here is a quick dealer photo. I had a twelve hour drive through the rocky mountains and several mountain passes to become familiar with the truck. What a quiet comfortable ride. The only issue that I missed before buying was a clogged heater core. Drivers vents dont blow very hot, especially the foot, windshield and center.