1999 Kia Sportage EX review from Australia and New Zealand

Battery failed when 2 days old, new battery required, batteries are not covered by warranty.

Rear differential, total failure at 3500k's, new diff required, fixed under warranty, but off the road for about 5 weeks.

Transfer case, total failure at 36000k's, complete rebuild required, cost me a fortune.

Oxygen sensor failed at 40000k's, more expense.

Rear diff failed again at about 45000k's, another big repair bill.

Fuel tank always leaked when full, never did figure out why, I just hoped it would catch fire.

The idle valve constantly needed servicing every 3000k's, otherwise the engine would rev its brains out if it wasn't kept clean.

First new car I'd ever bought, but absolutely the worst thing I ever owned and I've had over 50 vehicles to date. Some of then were dogs, but even the worst of them was still heaps better than the Sportage, I'd rank it worse than a Lada Niva.

In the first 3 years (the warranty period) it did about 30000k's and only the rear diff failed, but after this the real fun started.

Over the next couple of years I spent so much on repairing the thing that it made my local mechanic wealthy.

My experience with Kia was so bad it has soured me from all Korean vehicles; forever and ever.