Kia Sportage
#1
Posted 14 December 2004 - 12:14 AM
I intend to get a Kia Sportage - used. There`s one 2000 model going for
48K. Single Owner, seems pretty much well maintained.
I have never owned or used a 4WD before. Anyone could comment on Sportage
based on experience ? My concerns are :
1. Fuel consumption comparing to other 4WD SUV`s.
2. Availability of spare parts and cost again comparing with other SUV`s.
3. Others comments such as known issues....etc.
I have tested driven one, I think ride and comfort is decent.
Are there any SUV`s or 4X4 in the <50K price range that has better fuel
consumption and cheaper maintenance (non-diesel)?
P.S : No comparing to Kembara, please.
#2
Posted 17 December 2004 - 09:39 AM
Actualy I'm also same as U looking for 4WD..current looking at Frontera..
Can get below 40K..but have same question as U.
Compare to Sportage..Frontera has few advantages..(from my observe)
1)Bigger space
2)Solid body(maybe)
3)Price
4)Sparepart??(Not sure)
Please other sifu give us comment..
Regards,
PeugeotC
#3
Posted 17 December 2004 - 12:51 PM
car actually.
#4
Posted 17 December 2004 - 01:44 PM
solidness. But servicing could be quite tricky and its spareparts are not
cheap.
Also, it is only available in manual only.
#5
Posted 19 December 2004 - 01:03 AM
Actually my innitial plan was to go for Frontera since my friend has one
(bought 3 months ago in KL). I have driven it and feel the car to be
comfortable. Consumption according to my friend is about 25cents/km. I
have been looking around in Penang for one but couldn't find. In fact, I
went down to KL yesterday looking for Frontera as well.
I saw about 5 and test drove 3 but none of it was to my expectation...too
much vibration, mileage too high etc..
I came across a few Nissan Terrano's as well. There were more better
condition Terrano's around. I did very much like one which I am intending
to buy. Any info on Terrano's ?
Test drove it and find ride and comfort similar to Frontera although not
as good in dashboard layout. I thinks spare parts should be easier
available than frontera.
#6
Posted 19 December 2004 - 01:36 PM
parts...honestly...FC quite high if im not mistaken...Frontera a damn good car...but
make sure everythin in good cond...specially the compressor...always give
prob..damn bloody expensive too...
#7
Posted 22 December 2004 - 03:13 PM
Frontera..... all high maintenance & drink petrol suvs. Secondhad
somemore, parts will kill u ah!!!!
But Terano is damn good choice. go for it....
#8
Posted 23 December 2004 - 11:20 AM
right choice is the sportage with it 2 litre engine (terrano 2.4/frontera
2.2), auto transmission, smaller dimension (parking) and rather good
looks (especially model 1999 onwards) compare to others.
Spare part easy to find and not that really expensive. Forget about the
romours about the car is a known problematic car. Only the 1997 model
(first edition) is the one which have a lot of problem. The real problem
is a lot of mechanics out there does not have the skills to
troubleshoot/fix the problem because the they don't have the right
equipments. You need the diagnostic commputer to diagnose problem with
the sportage and other kia models. Wrong diagnoss or 'cuba-teka' diagnose
will cost you a lot of problem. Just send the car to any authorised SC
and they wil tell you the problem if you have any trouble.
You'll be glad to know that this car won the 4th place in the North
American Baja Rally (desert somewhere in Mexico) for 3 consecutive year
defeating other well known SUV.
Forget about terrano. It's under-powered and the parts will make car
spend more time in the shop than on the road (what do you expect from the
model which no longer being produce).
And for the frontera, you must be a very brave guy to choose it.
Well..even macho men can weep at the end....
#9
Posted 29 December 2004 - 10:19 AM
least.
#10
Posted 29 December 2004 - 01:04 PM
btw, frontera only comes with manual, not so good for town driving. but
dun think the FC is 25cents/km for 2.2 (m); although the car is quite
heavy, and sluggish at 1st gear (when using front-wheel mode)
+: spacious, saloon-alike ride and interior, and the used car price
currently.
-: no resell value if u intend to sell. not a real 4x4, take it as SUV.
Not many good condition used Frontera around as good unit would be kept
by owner (looking at current used car price)
GET phase 2, which is 1997 onwards.
as for 2.4 terrano, also in manual only, FC is high--> as per a friend
who bought it new in 1998 and sold it 2 yrs later, car was tip-top, just
that the FC bother him :p