2nd Gen Kia Sportage opinions

kkelly77

Would like to hear experiences from 2nd generation Kia Sportage owners, as I am viewing one on Saturday (2L CRDi 2WD)

Specifically about fuel economy and reliability. I've read some issues online in relation to the oil cooler leaking. Some owners have actually removed the cooler as I believe Kia have ditched it in newer models. Thanks.

Stallingrad

Not an owner but that generation had an excellent reputation for reliability, and came top in an owners satisfaction survey I read a few years back. No links I'm afraid.

_Brian

kkelly77 wrote: »

Would like to hear experiences from 2nd generation Kia Sportage owners, as I am viewing one on Saturday (2L CRDi 2WD)

Specifically about fuel economy and reliability. I've read some issues online in relation to the oil cooler leaking. Thanks.

I'm thinking about one too.. Honest John's actual fuel consumption is showing about 35mpg.

kkelly77

_Brian wrote: »

I'm thinking about one too.. Honest John's actual fuel consumption is showing about 35mpg.

I've read reports of up to 40mpg from other sites/forums.

kay 9

What do folks use these 2wd 4WD lookalikes for? They look ok but a bit daft in design. Ie. Ground clearance is higher than a car but they ain't going to be much use off road in 2wd anyway. On road, again the high centre of gravity will leave a lot to be desired in handling. They are relatively high and aerodynamics suffer which again seems to be for no reason. Everyone for themselves, I'm genuinely just curious

Limbo123

Bought one brand new in 2007. 4wd top spec titan model. Nothing has gone wrong except usual wear and tear (bulbs/wipers). Fuel consumption fair. Much prefer these to newer softer model. As someone already mentioned, cant honestly see the point of 2wd in these types of vehicle. If you want 2wd, buy a car.

_Brian

kay 9 wrote: »

What do folks use these 2wd 4WD lookalikes for? They look ok but a bit daft in design. Ie. Ground clearance is higher than a car but they ain't going to be much use off road in 2wd anyway. On road, again the high centre of gravity will leave a lot to be desired in handling. They are relatively high and aerodynamics suffer which again seems to be for no reason. Everyone for themselves, I'm genuinely just curious

We pull a 4 berth caravan and 8x4 cattle trailer with our X-trail, not at the same time though. Perfect for the job. Better mpg than full jeeps and yet being 4WD pulls the caravan much better than a saloon car, I like the option on the xtrail to have 2wd, Auto or 4WD lock.

And I wanted one !

kay 9

_Brian wrote: »

We pull a 4 berth caravan and 8x4 cattle trailer with our X-trail, not at the same time though. Perfect for the job. Better mpg than full jeeps and yet being 4WD pulls the caravan much better than a saloon car, I like the option on the xtrail to have 2wd, Auto or 4WD lock.

And I wanted one !

have nothing against the 4WD version. Kinda like them myself tbh.

TBi

kay 9 wrote: »

What do folks use these 2wd 4WD lookalikes for? They look ok but a bit daft in design. Ie. Ground clearance is higher than a car but they ain't going to be much use off road in 2wd anyway. On road, again the high centre of gravity will leave a lot to be desired in handling. They are relatively high and aerodynamics suffer which again seems to be for no reason. Everyone for themselves, I'm genuinely just curious

The extra height is apparently very useful if you have kids. Less bending down when putting in/taking out of the car.