sbk1972

Hi all,

Looking for a good car / suv for my g/f who's pregnant. Looking at a RAV d4d, but saw a kia sorento 2.5 crdi xs today for good money.

Anyone got one ?? Any comments ?? Seems likme reviews on the net rate them highly, no real life mention of mpg though.

Opinions ?

SBK

sbk1972

Anyone ?? No one here has any experience with a Kia Sorento ?

SBK

mattbeef

Why not just get a normal hatch or saloon?

I highly doubt that there is a real need for an SUV/4x4

Something like a Vectra/Mondeo will cost less to own and you can fit everything you need in the boot

Andy M3

They are massive, a bit juicy and as has been said quite expensive for the 1 child. If you must have an MPV, the Scenic is quirky, I loved the Ford C-Max when I had one as a rental, and the Zafira has won lots of awards.

Andy M3

^^^^ Ignore most of that, I thought it some the MPV.

sbk1972

Yes, I know many estates / MPV / saloon can cater for my needs, but I want a jeep.

I have googled the thing, but there isnt much detail about, although what little there is, is very positive and favourable. I was planning on buying a Shogun Warrior but have read about cracked cylinder heads and fuel pump issues, worse than the older 2.8 models ( which I currently have ).

I plan to have couple of little SBK's so am thinking ahead and sorting the car out now. A mate is trying to persaude me in buying a low mileage B5 model RS4, which is tempting :-)

So far, for suv's, Im considering :- Shogun Warrior, Rav4 D4D, X5, Sorento, Merc ML.

Thanks anyway.

SBK

MJW

Have you asked what she wants ? Getting in and out of a 4x4 will not be easy when she's 8 months pregnant ! Plus putting the young 'un in a car seat might be a bit of a struggle for her on a car with high ground clearance. A friend of mine had the C-Max for his missus and it really was a superb family car, couldn't fault it really.

sbk1972

Mmm having a high up truck is far better. My brother's lady has a pajero and its so much easier to put the kids in / out. Also, it swallows up the buggies / wheels / crap that children need.

As to my g/f's views. . . . . . hahahaahah ok ok please no more jokes.

ITs either going to be a Rav d4d / merc ml 270 or a Seronto, so might as well go out and test drive a few.

Cheers

SBK

Andy M3

Rav4 - somehow classless much like a VW Golf - reliable and well put together and arguably the best looking.

Jay m A

iTrader: (2)

If it has to be one of those 3, then Rav4

CrisPDuk

My neighbour has owned a 2.5 Sorento for the last 4 years, he normally chops his cars in after three but this one he's keeping because, he, his wife and both kids love it, and he reckons that it's the only new car he's ever had (and this included his company cars) that's never had to go back for warranty work

sbk1972

Mmm I know a Rav4 will be reliable, and looking at one today, not too bad. However, saw a lovely black sorento, huge alloy wheels, leather, auto, and it looked good, with tons of space.

Will have to think about it.

Cheers all

SBK

SimonD

I've been through something similar recently. My wife bought a big SUV against my advice and while I know that an MPV does the same stuff more cheaply and a decent estate car is superior in every respect............it is actually a really nice place to be on a family holiday.
I'm just glad it doesn't get used on the school run!

Rapid17

Go into 'What Car' online, car reviews, enter Kia Sorento then reader review rating. Reader reviews have given the Sorento 4 out of a possible 5 stars.

Geoff.

mike2.5subaru

Hi, which Rav4 are you after? The 4.2 D has dual mass flywheel probs @ 40k, most should have been done under waranty. The 4.3 140d (mine) is great 43 mpg over its first 7.5k The 4.3 T180 has had a few software probs though, and the runflat tyres are not liked much. I don't see the need for the extra power as the 140 has more than enough, even after my Hawkeye sti. check out the toyota owners club forum.

logiclee

Then buy a Jeep and not some Korean imposter.

The Sorento is possibly the most liked towing vehicle on sale in the UK and the Caravan sites are full of them. They are good value and reliable but the pre facelift one's are a little plodding especially the auto.

Most owners do not get anything like the claimed economy though, usually mid 30's on a run and around 30mpg average. Around town mid 20's is about the going rate.

If nothing changes be prepared for very high road tax in 2009.

Cheers
Lee

sbk1972

That whatcar site was impressive. So many good reviews for a Sorento.

As for Rav's, the like the 53/54 plate models, i.e. the one before the latest current one. Do these have the flywheel lssues ?

SBK

mike2.5subaru

Yes the Rav4 mark 2 2.0T diesel. 2000-2005 not sure how many suffer from it but it is common and expensive to fix. as I said most get done under warrenty as it happens around the 40k mark I also think that toyota may have allowed 5 year warranty on this fault and once its done its fixed, its a mod not just a repair. check out the toyota owners club forum. I've also heared that the alloys on that model can have corrosion issues. please don't let this post put you off the rav as these faults are not garanteed to be on all of them, like the struts on the newage scoobies Mike