Discussion
Not much love for Kias and Hyundais on PistonHeads by the look of it then....
I'm is the early stages of thinking about a new (to me) tow car which would also be my wife's daily driver.
The Sorento seems to tick a lot of boxes, specifically the face lifted 2012 model as it seems good value, has a decent towing capacity, is 4wd, and has seven seats. Whilst we don't need a seven seat car it could be handy for days out with kids + grandparents.
Anyone got one, recommend it or talk me out of it? Appreciate there are better cars out there and this will hardly set the world alight but as a utility car it seems to have stuff going for it.
I'm is the early stages of thinking about a new (to me) tow car which would also be my wife's daily driver.
The Sorento seems to tick a lot of boxes, specifically the face lifted 2012 model as it seems good value, has a decent towing capacity, is 4wd, and has seven seats. Whilst we don't need a seven seat car it could be handy for days out with kids + grandparents.
Anyone got one, recommend it or talk me out of it? Appreciate there are better cars out there and this will hardly set the world alight but as a utility car it seems to have stuff going for it.
Our next door neighbours have a new one. It looks nice. Very practical and a good spec. We went to look at a new one as the other half will only have big 4x4's and her XC90 is getting very leggy now. She wants the new XC90 but it's a lot more premuim than the old version and has a price tag to match.
The only thing that put us off the Kia was the price. The latest model is also a big step up from the old ones and has a price to match. The one in the showroom was over £37k which is probably very reasonable for what you get but I didn't see past paying that much for a none premium badge. Mrs Toon agreed and would rather have something German and a bit older if she's spending that sort of money.
As a car though, very solid and practical. They love theirs next door.
The only thing that put us off the Kia was the price. The latest model is also a big step up from the old ones and has a price to match. The one in the showroom was over £37k which is probably very reasonable for what you get but I didn't see past paying that much for a none premium badge. Mrs Toon agreed and would rather have something German and a bit older if she's spending that sort of money.
As a car though, very solid and practical. They love theirs next door.
I have an older 2008 model and think it's great. At this age they have issues with the 4wd system as it's a torque on demand system which monitors wheel speed. If you fit smaller tyres to the back (or worn ones with new fronts) the system has a brain fart and permanently engages 4wd. This consequently screws up the magnetic clutch system which gets expensive. Fortunately theres a mod involving a switch and couple of relays to make it switchable 4wd. Oh and it will tow 3tons. Love it so far..(8 weeks in and counting)
To make this post PH relevant, I will be towing a kit car around with it
To make this post PH relevant, I will be towing a kit car around with it
I have a 2013 Sorento. Bought it in the main for the remaining 4 years of the 7 year warranty. The stress of a highly unreliable Audi A6 that I part ex'd for it, and running 2 classic Alfa's made the decreased risks in ownership very appealing.
I've had it 3.5 years now and have never regreted buying it (I almost always change every 2 years). OK, I miss a more refined drive but over long distances its very comforatable. On B road potholes it can be a bit skittish but thats almost the nature of the beast.
Warranty always paid up when rarely needed (couple of wheel bearings, a track rod end and a reverse camera).
The Mk. 2.1 (62 plate on) which is recognisable by clear front indicators is supposed to be a very much better car than the earlier mk. 2 (09-62 plate).
You should get at least the KX-2 model, as that has self levelling suspension. A god send when towing heavy stuff (trying not to admit to caravan ownership). Sat nav was optional on the KX-2.
The engine has more than ample grunt. 197bhp for a 2.2 is still a decent output today.
Be careful with tyres. Swap front for back every 7.5k miles. There is a small risk of diff failure which is common in many part time 4x4's.
Diff lock and hill hold are nice features.
Whats typical of SUV's is that they tend to be less reliable than their more squat sibblings. The Sorento seems to be one of the better SUV's in reliability surveys.
Good luck.
I've had it 3.5 years now and have never regreted buying it (I almost always change every 2 years). OK, I miss a more refined drive but over long distances its very comforatable. On B road potholes it can be a bit skittish but thats almost the nature of the beast.
Warranty always paid up when rarely needed (couple of wheel bearings, a track rod end and a reverse camera).
The Mk. 2.1 (62 plate on) which is recognisable by clear front indicators is supposed to be a very much better car than the earlier mk. 2 (09-62 plate).
You should get at least the KX-2 model, as that has self levelling suspension. A god send when towing heavy stuff (trying not to admit to caravan ownership). Sat nav was optional on the KX-2.
The engine has more than ample grunt. 197bhp for a 2.2 is still a decent output today.
Be careful with tyres. Swap front for back every 7.5k miles. There is a small risk of diff failure which is common in many part time 4x4's.
Diff lock and hill hold are nice features.
Whats typical of SUV's is that they tend to be less reliable than their more squat sibblings. The Sorento seems to be one of the better SUV's in reliability surveys.
Good luck.
Kia and Hyundai have come along massively over the last 10 years.
We have a new 2018 Kia Sorento KX2 Auto. It's well made, smart inside and out, and very refined. For the money, it also one of the most spacious. The 3rd row seats are big enough for adults, unlike a lot of other mid-priced 7 seaters.
It's pleasant to drive, without being much fun as such. The 8 speed autobox (Kia's own, not the ubiquitous ZF) is smooth and changes intelligently.
The diesel engine (only UK option) is a bit noisy when extended, but quiet most of the time, and has plenty of grunt. We average 32mpg.
It has part-time 4WD, which can send up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels. It's not a proper off-roader like a Jeep or Shogun, but it is capable enough to get you out of a muddy field or climb a rocky farm track.
We have a new 2018 Kia Sorento KX2 Auto. It's well made, smart inside and out, and very refined. For the money, it also one of the most spacious. The 3rd row seats are big enough for adults, unlike a lot of other mid-priced 7 seaters.
It's pleasant to drive, without being much fun as such. The 8 speed autobox (Kia's own, not the ubiquitous ZF) is smooth and changes intelligently.
The diesel engine (only UK option) is a bit noisy when extended, but quiet most of the time, and has plenty of grunt. We average 32mpg.
It has part-time 4WD, which can send up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels. It's not a proper off-roader like a Jeep or Shogun, but it is capable enough to get you out of a muddy field or climb a rocky farm track.
Had one as a hire car on holiday a few years back, converted me to the value of SUV for family duties and also to KIA. I wouldn't mind one but the used prices seem comparable to a disco around here which I'd probably go for in preference. There are a few on ebay with fairly high milage so looks like they're good for the distance if looked after.
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