Thread: Kia Sportage

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The early ones were a capable "proper 4WD" - over the past few years they were a typical ugly korean softroader and recently there has been a new model released that looks OK, comes with load music and I assume is still a softroader.

Garry

my nephew has one and i have driven it around a little bit , didnt like it myself, you felt boxed in when driveing it and it felt very plastically inside totally different to a rover but it drove okay and he hasnt had any trouble with it

The Koreans are starting to build some pretty good things now. The current Sportage is alot softer than the original.

Haven't heard bad things about the original Sportage, but haven't heard good things either.
If she's deadset on one, then I'd shoot for a low k, good condition early SWB manual Sportage. The SWB has less rear overhang than the LWB.

My last few forays into carsales.com.au have found some neat early D1 Tdi's. A couple of good looking 3drs as well.

What about a Suzuki Vitara/Sierra/Jimny? If the idea of a soft top doesn't grab you then look at the 5dr hardtops.

Two mates had the original, older one. Whilst being somewhat whacky and plasticky inside they were performing quite well, actually. Fuel consumption is not the best in class, but compared to a V8 it may get approval anyway.

Looking at a couple of 2000/2001 models, apparently the ones up until 2002, were decent 4wds and not softroaded down.

Looked at Vitara/Sierra/Jimny, but they seem about 7 years older and on average 80k-100kms more on the clock. Every softtop is knackered, and the fitting at back and plastic windows always cactus. Which adds $350-500 to the price.

You will hear lots of criticisms of Kia Sportages but all seem to revolve around that it is 'Korean" and 'funny looking'. But what you don't hear about are reliabilty issues - they seem pretty good.

And correct - the early opnes were 'proper' four whel drives and quite capable.

If the price, distance already covered [as in not that high where "wear and tea" will overtake inbuilt reliability] and service history is right then I would buy with confidence.

I had a new Sportage (2008 model) in the Middle East for 12 months. It was a top spec V6. Very thirsty machine. Didn't matter over there though. Just capable enough for some easy sand work. I wouldn't take a 4cyl jobbie off formed roads.