Will the Kia Sportage do the job?

You will have no problems doing that in the Kia. Just make sure you have good tyres, at least 70% tread and as aminimum "all terrain" tyres not highway tyres. Have a good time.

In 1999 I bought the last of the Mk 1 Sportages new for about $24K. Since then I have done 167,000km in it, a very large proportion of those off road. I have had very little trouble with it other than a couple of problems dues to poor quality control in the factory which were fixed within the first 30km of the 120km 3 year warranty and have not resurfaced. Other than those the only issue was the clutch slave cylinder at about 100km.

The Sportage is one of the most under-rated 4WDs of recent years because of snob value - the "You get what you pay for" brigade. I have been through quite a bit of the areas you mention (I envy you going into Arnhem Land) and the Sportage will walk it - even in standard form as mine still is, I keep on meaning to lift it but just never get around to it - those bash plates have taken a beating :) It is a bit on the low side as standard but it still gets me all over the High Country without any issues. I guess it's current resale value (and I've given it one hell of a beating :) is $10k so it's cost me a bit less than $2.5k depreciation per year and nothing in maintenance, other than regular services. I can handle that :) And at it's current value there doesn't seem much point in selling it?

As yours is a 2002 model it is a Mk 2 and will have vacuum locking front hubs which are crap and probably don't work on your vehicle - I _STRONGLY_ suggest you change those to Warn manual hubs before you go. Only other point I can think of is that the fuel capacity is not good – about 400km – so you'll need to carry additional fuel in the areas you're going to. I have carried it inside the vehicle but I _really_ don't like doing that so you may wish to organise an external jerry can carrier.

I'm sure Gary will pop up in due course and agree with the gist of my comments and add his considerable knowledge of this vehicle too.

Enjoy your trip :)

Mike Harding

mike_harding@fastmail.fm

Yep, I agree. Very under rated vehicle. As you have already been told - hubs can be a problem (as they get older) and range needs to be kept in mind but otherwise they are as strong as a tank.

Almost any 4by should be able to complete that route, probably just comes down how many scrapes & dings you're prepared to take. Just pack light & drive a bit slower. Have a look at your tyres, shockers & wheel bearings as they seem to be the key problem areas when travelling for long days over rough tracks with heavy loads. No car is exempt from breakdown so some thought should be given to how you may be able to sourse parts. I doubt Kia distributers have many outlets up there. Not totally familiar with your model but you should check the fording depth, if diff breathers are fitted & the air filter type (very dusty).
Sounds like a great trip.......Have fun xx
Cheers Craig.........

Thanks everyone for all your good advice and feedback. Good to hear from other Sportage owners. Yes we are pleased with our "K". We are looking forward to our camping trip for six months. Can't wait to see the Mitchell Falls.......
Greglin

Met 2 blokes 2 years ago on the Gibb River Road and had traveled much of where your going Only dramas they had was from tyres.Otherwise they were happy.Have a good trip.

G'day
We live out on the Tanami - I recommend a 2nd spare tyre as the road conditions(constantly changing) can play havoc on your tyres!
Have Fun
Cheers,
Tracy