2000 Kia Sportage ex review from North America

The drivers side window regulator wore out. The master window switch wore out. The fan clutch motor had to be replaced around 100,000. A front wheel bearing wore out at 133,000. The 4 wheel drive hub mechanisms malfunctioned twice last winter.

First let me preface this review by saying I ABUSE this car. It is used as a paper route delivery vehicle on gravel roads, 140 miles EVERY DAY. The window is rolled up and down in the winter (for app. 5 months) over 100 times a night, potholes and golf ball size gravel pummel the suspension and body for an average of 4 hours a night, and the engine and transmission are gunned and reversed continuously. I rate this car on the level it is purported to be, a cheap import. I didn't expect BMW quality for $7,000. It's main flaw in my opinion was the poorly designed 4 wheel drive. The vacuum hoses acquired holes the first time, the mechanisms malfunctioned the last time. I have just recently installed the aftermarket manual hubs and have yet to test these. The window regulator, switch, and wheel bearing are from the driving conditions. I do as much of my own repairs and maintenance as possible for obvious reasons and this has been an easy car to work on. The parts are cheap compared to its more expensive import counterparts.