Has anyone owned one of these to tow with. 2.0crdi, 138bhp@4000 max torque 305@1800-2500 and 1657kg kerbweight for £13000 new seems to good to be true,what are downsides?
kia carens
- Thread starter michael_374324390
- Start date
I've driven the Carens for a couple of days and my lasting memory is that of the best gear change I've ever experienced on a car 
- every gear 'snicks' into place with a slight 'click', it's almost like an old 'H' gate shift.
engine-wise, the Carans is identical to the Sportage 2.0 CRDi (which I own) and that has proved to be a really excellent tow car.
Suffice it to say that it out-performs our previous 140 bhp diesel Sharan, and allows easy cruising at 60-70mph in 6th gear pulling a 1500 kg van, car fully loaded with 4 people, roof box, generator, ice box, etc, etc, etc.
As for gradients - we sailed (laden as above) up the long winding 20% hill from Ottery St Mary without breaking a sweat, not bad, especially considering that the road was awash with rain water and mud.
Personally, I'd go for the Sportage - but the Carens should be a terrific tow car withing the constraints of its kerbweight.
- every gear 'snicks' into place with a slight 'click', it's almost like an old 'H' gate shift.engine-wise, the Carans is identical to the Sportage 2.0 CRDi (which I own) and that has proved to be a really excellent tow car.
Suffice it to say that it out-performs our previous 140 bhp diesel Sharan, and allows easy cruising at 60-70mph in 6th gear pulling a 1500 kg van, car fully loaded with 4 people, roof box, generator, ice box, etc, etc, etc.
As for gradients - we sailed (laden as above) up the long winding 20% hill from Ottery St Mary without breaking a sweat, not bad, especially considering that the road was awash with rain water and mud.
Personally, I'd go for the Sportage - but the Carens should be a terrific tow car withing the constraints of its kerbweight.
I agree with Geist.I've driven the Carens for a couple of days and my lasting memory is that of the best gear change I've ever experienced on a car
engine-wise, the Carans is identical to the Sportage 2.0 CRDi (which I own) and that has proved to be a really excellent tow car.
Suffice it to say that it out-performs our previous 140 bhp diesel Sharan, and allows easy cruising at 60-70mph in 6th gear pulling a 1500 kg van, car fully loaded with 4 people, roof box, generator, ice box, etc, etc, etc.
As for gradients - we sailed (laden as above) up the long winding 20% hill from Ottery St Mary without breaking a sweat, not bad, especially considering that the road was awash with rain water and mud.
Personally, I'd go for the Sportage - but the Carens should be a terrific tow car withing the constraints of its kerbweight.
I have a Sportage and it ticks all the boxes. Had a Freelander before TD4, very good in all areas of country but in Cornwall struggled on hills with van at a standing start. The Sportage is not as good on fuel, but then it is a lot cheaper. Tax is just in the
I've just purchased a new Carens 2.0 SR CRDi 7 seater. Pick it up Monday. I tow a 1300kg '94 Swift Conqueror, will let you know what it tows like.
- Jun 20, 2005
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Hi Michael
father in Law has a 2.00litre diesel Carens and tugs his Bailey Pageant Monarch with ease. he did 3000mls touring the Highlands of Scotland this year, effortlessly.
The only I did for him was to add Grayston rear spring assisters just to beef up the rear. He takes the kitchen sink etc.
I have an 05 Kia Sorento and generally find Kia's reliable plus th bonus of price and long guarantees.
Cheers
Alan
father in Law has a 2.00litre diesel Carens and tugs his Bailey Pageant Monarch with ease. he did 3000mls touring the Highlands of Scotland this year, effortlessly.
The only I did for him was to add Grayston rear spring assisters just to beef up the rear. He takes the kitchen sink etc.
I have an 05 Kia Sorento and generally find Kia's reliable plus th bonus of price and long guarantees.
Cheers
Alan
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