2000 Kia Sportage LX 2.0 petrol

Summary:

A complete heap, and a disaster of a car!

Faults:

Engine needed totally replaced.

Petrol tank then replaced because of multiple leaks.

Starter motor then had to be fixed as all fuses blew.

Interior is rotten.

Car rattles.

General Comments:

Absolutely painful. As an Irishman, please everyone in the World, despite any good comments, this car is the worst car on the planet. I don't know why Atletico Madrid are sponsored by Kia!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th December, 2009

30th Jan 2010, 17:05

How old is this review, what is the age of this car?

Kia are giving 7yr warranty for goodness sake.

Would you like to give a bit more information on why you make these comments???

I only ask as I am thinking about buying one, and see them as a good value for money towcar.

I am going to buy new, if I do buy one.

1999 Kia Sportage SX 2.0

Summary:

Cheap 4x4, but very poor quality

Faults:

Poor metal used rear of chassis had to be welded.

Whilst replacing the cambelt, several nuts snapped again - poor metal.

Fuel tank guard corroded and disintegrated.

Top of fuel tank corroded.

Electrical faults plague this vehicle.

Fuel gauge faulty.

Central locking faulty.

General Comments:

Nice looking car and good value for money.

Car like performance.

Very basic interior.

Ride very hard and unforgiving, but comparable to similar vehicles of this type and age.

Very uneconomical around town; 20mpg!

Dare not take it off road, as it may disintegrate due to the poor metal used.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th November, 2009

2003 Kia Sportage SXE petrol

Summary:

Excellent value for money

Faults:

Seats are getting like an old sofa, but otherwise no complaints with the KIA Sportage.

General Comments:

I am very satisfied with my KIA Sportage. I have had no major problems at all, just general servicing and maintenance. It is a pleasure to drive and tows a caravan no problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd February, 2009

1998 Kia Sportage GLX SE 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Nice car, but feels cheap

Faults:

Fuel line separated from engine after 4 weeks.

General Comments:

Very practical car, we've had a washing machine AND a dishwasher in the back together with the seats down.

Handles well the few times we go off road.

Great in the snow.

Uncomfortable cabin.

Quite high mpg.

Rough ride.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th May, 2005

2000 Kia Sportage GLX 2.0 petrol

Summary:

1st Class

Faults:

Baffles in exhaust collapsed after 15000 miles.

General Comments:

This car shows the true meaning of value for money most cars you get what you pay for with the Sportage you get more.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th January, 2005

1999 Kia Sportage SX 2.0 Unleaded

Summary:

A Bargain

General Comments:

This car is very reliable, even when it has had some serious off-road work. Apart from wear and tear of off-road traveling this car has been comfortable. The engine has good pulling power and even when loaded down it pulls well, especially in third gear. It sits four in comfort, five at a squeeze. It handles well, on and off road, but while the steering has no feel, it is light and responsive. The cabin is designed for use and not comfort, but it could be worse. A great all round car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st February, 2004

1996 Kia Sportage GLX 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Cheap to buy, but no bargain

Faults:

Persistent problems with tracking - dealer unable to fix to my satisfaction.

Heat shield on exhaust rattles - replaced four times under warranty.

Rattle from 4WD transfer box. Sorted under warranty.

Perspex instrument cover cracked. Six month wait for replacement.

Poor finish on chrome wheel nuts and spare wheel support. Both rusted despite regular cleaning.

Untraced electrical gremlins left me stranded on one occasion (refused to start).

General Comments:

Good driving position. Comfortable interior, but poor fit and finish.

Ride is poor - the rear over sprung and under damped. This can be improved by carrying some weight (e.g.a couple of bags of sand).

Engine is noisy and thirsty (26mpg), but mechanically sound. (I believe it's from a Mazda 626)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th August, 2003

26th Jul 2004, 12:21

I bought this car for just under £5000 in 2002.

At first the whole family were delighted with it. It is easy to drive and is extremely comfortable for driver and passengers.

However, the last few months have been a headache and the car is continuing to cost us.

The car is at present not drivable for the second time due to an electrical fault (again).

The dealer seemed puzzled the first time and did not remedy the problem as the brake lights, horn and power antennae do not work.

I have had to wait 3 weeks for a second appointment.

I noticed today that the radiator is leaking.

I have a very good local mechanic, but he cannot always sort the problem as KIA seems to be very individual.

I will not be recommending KIA to others now as, despite the initial bargain, it is proving to be expensive to maintain, the parts are hard to get hold of (even for the dealer) and I have found the dealer, to put it bluntly, smarmy, patronizing and ignorant.