Kia sorento

Dont know about the diesel but my neighbours got rid of their petrol one very quickly as they said it used $1500 worth of petrol towing a van 5000km. Swapped it after 4 months for a cruiser as they also said you couldnt get anything worth a damn in it. Diesel is more economical but still verrrrrryyyyy small.
Trade in price they were offered would give u a heart attack
Read the 4wd Monthly they have discussed this suspension but I cant remember in which edition

Jim, I have had a 3.5l V6 5speed auto for 3 years and 80,000 klm.
Goes well been to poepell Crn and High country. Tow Jayco Hawk.
No problems. Uses same amount of fuel as any V6 and has plenty of power. Have lifted suspension 2in and installed poly airs and 245/75 STs.
Fitted draws and slide for 50lt Waeco, tight but fits.
I have been up and over Big Red as easy as while Diesel luxes and Navaras had to have multiple tries.
Test drove the diesel and drives very well, would love to tow something though as it is the only sure way of knowing.
I reckon a 200 series would be better but you certainly pay for it.

Had one

Do not even think about buying one unless you budget for a suspension ugrade.

I got Old Man Emu & can'r remember the springs, $1,200 or $1,600 from ARB.

Without upgrade, the back end skips and is not reassuring, on the mildest of city roads.

I cannot stress enough how truly awful the stock suspension is.


2 more things to look out for:

a). Put the dog in the back, grab some boxes with you, really test out the size of the boot. I know you're downsizing, but it is tiny. One of the reasons I got rid of it.

b). DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT buy the petrol. I was getting 13.5L / 100km in city or highway (no load, no trailer), driving it like I owned the last tank of gas in the world. Normally driven, Journalists were getting 16-18L / 100km. Did I mention an 80L Fuel tank only?

Resale value is bad.

Beautifully appointed interior though.

Read the 'on the road' section of this review :http://editorial.carsales.com.au/car-review/2789481.aspx
Does not sound good. Look at the reviews the Terracan has had and you'll find them much better.

Why is the Terracan no longer available?

Serious question.

Hi Jim, If you are quick there are still Terracan Diesels available on dealers floors,2 in Rockhampton,1White & 1 Silver as of last Friday.I own one and my only complaint is that I should have had one 4 years ago. Cheers Snake

Hi Jim,
You have to love some of these replies don't you.
I cannot comment on the diesel but would like to drive one however I can comment on the vehicle & suspension. I have a 2005 3.5 5-speed auto & tow a camper trailer 1100kg with a family of 4 on board & it has done everything that my previous cruisers & jackaroo has done & dare I say this with the reaction of people on this site, it has done it easier & more comfortable. The vehicle is a daily drive also with 82K's on it running BF-all terrains 255x70x16 with pedders 40mm lift (30% stronger spring) (approx $100 per corner) & Koni shocks, which are overkill as even on the softest setting they have this is firm with no pitching. The standard LSD is a ripper & the interior seating & environment is a very easy place to spend a long drive. Yes they are smaller in the rear then a cruiser or patrol but anything is if you are down sizing it is all in the efficiency of packing & once that is mastered no problem. The petrol unit tows like a charm with plenty left for overtaking etc etc & yes use the right foot fuel is used the same as any other petrol 4WD. In short this vehicle has not missed a beat & we have hammered it hard as any other vehicle we owned.
The service costs are something other big name manufactures should take not with 15K service intervals & always good change from $300 per service so far with the major service at 90K.

I would say that if you are looking at downsizing in luggage area only & factor in $1500 for the suspension upgrade which transform the vehicle greatly then it is a hard piece of kit to go past.

My only advice is compare the manual to the auto in a test drive as in the case of the petrol the 5 speed auto is heavier on fuel & lazy in auto mode but a treat in manual-shift mode. If I was looking again I would consider the manual but that is a personal preference. Also if you are taller then 180CM & thinking of the EX-L with sunroof then sit in there & check head room clearance as the interior roof lining is lower for the front seat occupants

Now a news flash on resale value for all those baggers, what petrol 4WD does retain a resale value against new purchase price???, this is really not an issue for the diesel equivent vehicle & not relevant in this case as a diesel Sorento is the topic.

Enjoy the test drive Jim, & have a good look around under them they are well put together.

regards Simon.

Jim,
The diesel engine is a beauty and the 5 speed tiptronic auto is excellent too.
The suspension has been revised in the latest version.
The patrol (or any 4wd for that matter) with original suspension is a compromise too...