2003 Kia Sorento XS from UK and Ireland - Comments

No problems so far.

I bought my KIA SORENTO in March 2003 as a replacement for the Renault Scenic, and it has proved so far to be a very competent car that seems to be very well thought out and well put together, with nothing left out. It has all the right goodies eg climate control, heated leather.

The 2.5L 4 cylinder 16v diesel engine pulls very well and does not feel "soggy". Even with the automatic transmission, the car is as at home on the motorway at 80 - 90 mph, as it is crawling on the school run (which is what most 4x4 are used for). Economy is pretty good too (average 25 MPG), considering the car weighs nearly two tons.

Since owning the car I have changed the standard fit audio system, as it was too fiddly to use safely on the move. Also I have fitted satellite navigation (vdo ms 5000) and side steps (to prevent car park dings from people who don't care when they open their doors).

My only complaint is not about the car, but about the dealers. The dealer we bought the car from was great, a good sales team that went the extra mile for us. But we moved house to a different area and went to another dealer, and they did not seem to know anything about the fitting or availability of accessories, and were no help whatsoever, but speaking to other KIA owners, they seem to have had similar trouble with their dealers.

KIA are a growing name in the UK, but I feel they are being held back by poor dealer after sales service.

My car is great and I am very pleased with it. I have now owned it for six months, and I hope will own and enjoy it for many years and miles to come.

Would you go back to a Renault? If like me I wouldn't touch another Renault, but we love the Sorento, that is our next car... 'hopefully'.

Kind regards.

Kia Sorento 2.5 CRDi XS Auto... picked mine up in Jan 05, best car I have ever owned... and I've had a few! Superb build quality, style and comfort. Not interested in changing, only for another one. Dealer in Bexhill is brilliant, never met such a great guy and will do anything to sort sny problem. The 3 year bumper to bumper warranty is just that. Had a mark on leather seat... he ordered a new one there amd then. but hey, lets keep it quiet, best kept secret in the motor trade.

I bought my new sorento 2.5 xse diesel in march 05.The wife has wanted a 4x4 for 5 years now, but had never seen anything to tempt us as this did. The salesman did not sell the vehicle, the car did on its own. We were not looking at anything around the £23,000 we spent, but as I say we were totally impressed and didn't think twice, I just sighned up. I have bought a pair of clear rear lights and a bmw style grille and a few more extras and it is almost unique and always stared at by those in upper market cars and 4x4. The ride is a little bumpy on local roads, but does handle excellent, even when driving it hard. the mpg is between 22-26 I would say on any run. The stereo is naff and fiddly, but it is standard sat nav kit. I am touching 7000 miles now and the tyres did worry me as the outside wall tread is well down on the 18" tyres. Overall to date, I am still very happy still love getting in it and wouldn't be any happier with a used x5 which I was origionally looking for. Its easy for me to say go get one, but read the reviews in 4x4 mags. it came 4th out of ten worlds best off roaders only beaten by a new discovery and a defender and a santana incidently both off road desighned,,, 2nd place really then..Lastly put another badge on and add 30% and it will still sell, or so a world renound reporter said on a very popular motor show,, enough said, regards, andy.

I purchased a Kia Sorento XS 2.5 Diesel in Dec 04. From a main dealer approx. 50 miles away as

Our local dealer couldn’t supply the colour and spec I wanted. Shortly after delivery the digital clock failed. All was great for about 3 months after that until the heater failed. Into he main dealer to be told no fault, just low water level in radiator. Another month later after consuming approx. 8 litres of water/antifreeze problem reoccurs. Back into main dealer again and told that the supplying dealer had poorly Pdi’d the vehicle. Topped up again and carried on. Week’s later problem reappeared! I had the vehicle recovered to supplying dealer, Who found a major problem with head and gaskets! 5 weeks later I get vehicle back somewhat disheartened with the whole episode. Last week the power steering pump failed leaving my wife stranded for four hours in subzero conditions. Away to the main dealer for yet another week! Vehicle now repaired again and waiting to be collected. Biggest problem now is my wife has no confidence left in the vehicle and is reluctant to transport our 2 young children anywhere in the car, in case something else major fails. Have found both Kia dealers to have extremely

Poor levels of customer service. But to be fair to them, their customer service is somewhat superior to that of Kia UK. I Will have to sell the Kia, to purchase a car we feel to be safe and reliable.