Faults:

Spare wheel dropped after a 25000 km service was carried out; not covered by warranty that I had not needed to use prior to this happening. My suggestion is to padlock a chain to avoid this again.

Paint work is poor, ie no knocks or scratches, just peeling off.

Rattles in the front dashboard.

General Comments:

Cr motor runs well.

Had the 2 running boards replaced under warranty.

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

Purchased the Sorento to replace the 02 Honda CRV; mainly for stronger towing purposes and also as a replacement vehicle after the Honda was rear ended.

Found the Sorento a much more luxurious ride and certainly a more capable vehicle off road. Let's face it; the Sorento is a truck based SUV and therefore heavy, so driving the vehicle means a different style to driving a Honda or Toyota. I find myself allowing more braking distance and feathering the brakes somewhat as an allowance for the extra weight (approx 600kgs more than the Honda), and so far no brake problems as reported in other reviews.

Some reviewers have complained about vibration in lower rev ranges, and should be reminded that the transmission is programmed to read the technique of the driver and adapt to their style of driving. My opinion for what its worth is that the vibration at lower speed is due to the engine labouring. Change to manual mode, drop the transmission to 4th, and what do you know; no vibration.

As already stated, you get what you pay for and here in OZ a similar spec Toyota Prado would have cost around $25000 more. Kia longevity is probably no contest against the Toyota, but for $25K less I was willing to take the punt. So far no complaints, and if this vehicle goes 80000kms with no major maintenance issues, I'll probably buy another one. 10K down, 70 to go!

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie oy oy oy.

Faults:

After a dealer service interval, the battery will discharge completely. Usually occurs twice in a two weeks, then behaves till the next service.

General Comments:

Value for money, without a doubt.

This unit has had tyres replaced at 85,000km, and is still on its original brake pads and rotors.

Handling is certainly good for a car without electronic stability control or traction control.

Easily out performs various mid-sized pretenders, both on and off road. Excellent for towing heavy loads.

The car's ability to turn in quickly gives it a turning circle that is quite small, allowing easy maneuvering and parking in tight places.

Overall for a package with leather and sunroof, this mid-sized vehicle is hard to beat.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong - too early to tell - but I doubt anything will go wrong.

If the driver & passenger seats could be adjusted a little more high (for us short people), it would be a great plus.

General Comments:

Good handling.

Quick on acceleration.

Easy to handle.

Sound system is pretty good.

Faults:

For me nothing so far.

The previous owner also said nothing had gone wrong after 20,00km town driving.

General Comments:

I think the car looks fantastic, especially after we put tint on the windows.

It drives well though the suspension is a bit 'crashy'.

Engine sounds great, but lacks a bit of pull when accelerating hard. Bit thirsty (13L/100Km)

The brakes don't inspire confidence though I have yet to try them in anger.

The interior is very well appointed with no squeaks or rattles. The extras are all very handy. The leather seats are great and are easy to clean.

It feels better put together than my Magna.

I'm always nervous telling friends I've bought a Kia. Everyone has low opinion of KIA which, so far, seems unfair.

It was this or a Subaru Forester for the same money. I'm glad I bought this.

Will update this article when I put more Ks on the clock.