I am considering purchasing a used Kia Sorento disel XT auto.to replace my 54 plate Mondeo Ghia X 130 bhp disel.The Mondeo is a lovely car and tows my van really well but im looking for an auto box and to be able to sit higher.The Kia was registered in Feb.07 on a 56 plate my first question is this car in the highest road fund licence bracket? I am also interested to find out from Sorento owners what fuel consumption they get? Also has anyone else transfered from the Mondeo to the Sorento and are your experiences good or bad? Thanks in advance for any information supplied.
Kia Sorento views wanted.
- Thread starter Gilbert_374242131
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hi, theres been alot of posts about sorentos lately. i couldnt deceide between a sorento and hyundai santa fe. the santa fe won in the end. better on fuel, i felt better spec ( not all will agree ) and what won it for us was the 7 seats. the end two actually fold into the boot. we went for the 2.2 cdx 7 auto its a 57 plate and we collect it on tuesday. the van we will be towing is a single axel 08 sterling elite onyx 1600kg fully loaded.
good luck
jo-anne
good luck
jo-anne
The answer to your question about road tax is yes, I am sorry to tell you that the auto version is indeed in the highest class.
As for fuel consumption, All I can say is that I have had two Sorentos , one manual and one auto and the fuel consumption is not good. 30mpg solo 20-23mpg towing. Still all in all the best tow cars I have ever owned.
Steve W
As for fuel consumption, All I can say is that I have had two Sorentos , one manual and one auto and the fuel consumption is not good. 30mpg solo 20-23mpg towing. Still all in all the best tow cars I have ever owned.
Steve W
just changed mondeo 2.0 tdci ghia x to sorento 2.5 cdi xe,
great tow car far better than ford with van on, but fuel is bad , getting about 25 solo / 22 towing thats pulling van of 1500kgs single axel, hoping to change to larger van .
mines a manual, cars only done 6000 hope it gets better with more miles !!. great to drive .
great tow car far better than ford with van on, but fuel is bad , getting about 25 solo / 22 towing thats pulling van of 1500kgs single axel, hoping to change to larger van .
mines a manual, cars only done 6000 hope it gets better with more miles !!. great to drive .
We seriously looked at buying an XT diesel Sorento a few years. It is a hell of a lot of car for its money, very nice inside and plenty of toys. Fuel consumption is not great, but it is on par with other vehicles of similar weight and type. Ignore the Kia official figures we were quoted 43 mpg combined from the official figures but owners reported 28 -30. Whilst 28 - 30 is acceptable I don't know where Kia get their figures. As a comparison we opted for a Grand Cherokee V6 diesel, slightly heavier , 6 cylinder V6 engine producing substantially more power and we return 28 -31 solo on a run and 20 - 23 towing a 1700kg twin axle.
Changing from a Mondeo to a 4x4 you will notice a difference, centre of gravity is higher and you will notice a bit more body roll . However on the plus the driving position is higher giving better visibility.
Changing from a Mondeo to a 4x4 you will notice a difference, centre of gravity is higher and you will notice a bit more body roll . However on the plus the driving position is higher giving better visibility.
Hi Gilbert
We looked at and indeed road tested the Kia Serento recently both manual and auto but in the end purchased a Honda CRV diesel.
I am sure the Kia 'does exactly what it says on the tin' but I just could not bring myself to buy one. To much plastic and an 'agricultural drive' this coupled with the fuel consumption that friends of ours got with theirs, they tow a boat, put us off.
When we tried the Honda we were immediately impressed and bought it there and then.
At the end of the day though its down to personal choice and the Kia just did not inspire us.
We looked at and indeed road tested the Kia Serento recently both manual and auto but in the end purchased a Honda CRV diesel.
I am sure the Kia 'does exactly what it says on the tin' but I just could not bring myself to buy one. To much plastic and an 'agricultural drive' this coupled with the fuel consumption that friends of ours got with theirs, they tow a boat, put us off.
When we tried the Honda we were immediately impressed and bought it there and then.
At the end of the day though its down to personal choice and the Kia just did not inspire us.
- Jun 20, 2005
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Hi Gilbert
We have an 05 Sorie from new 2.5crdx diesel manual. Best car I've ever had. Comfy , cheap and a beast with a long guarantee.
It can tow any caravan within the uk legal limit.
bagas of room. If you need 7 seats I'd look elsewhere.
The Sorie does what it was designed for. Mega stable effortless towing with bags of room for all your kit.
I've said it before on previous threads , have a look at "uksorento.com". It is an owners forum where you can learn everything you need to know.
Cheers
Alan
We have an 05 Sorie from new 2.5crdx diesel manual. Best car I've ever had. Comfy , cheap and a beast with a long guarantee.
It can tow any caravan within the uk legal limit.
bagas of room. If you need 7 seats I'd look elsewhere.
The Sorie does what it was designed for. Mega stable effortless towing with bags of room for all your kit.
I've said it before on previous threads , have a look at "uksorento.com". It is an owners forum where you can learn everything you need to know.
Cheers
Alan
Hi, I have an 04 Auto XS and get around 30-32mpg solo and 22-23mpg towing 1400kg. Great car, excellent off road as I took it ona 4x4 day out on the Salisbury Ranges. Bit tight for luggage space cf Mondeo estate and it needs more effort to drive as its road holding does not compare to a Mondeo. (wife has one.Sorento has been totally reliable over 3.75 years and servicing is reasonable cf to my last Land Rover Discovery. My only gripe is that it hasa hard suspension and on our crap roads it at times it is unsettled when going over potholes and road imperfections.
Cheers
Other Clive
Cheers
Other Clive
- Mar 21, 2007
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I had an 04 plate XS Auto and cant knock the car as a towcar. I did just under 10000 miles actually towing 1500kg and after recording every litre I can assure you I never got more than 21mpg. Solo it was nearer 26 and I think that is pretty typical. However if its main role is towing I would go for it
Dave
Dave
i am considering another towcar,and cannot decide between the 2.5 diesel jeep cherokee or the 2.5 diesel kia sorento.My main concern is maintenance costs.they would be around 03-05 vintage any comments would be most welcome
Robert Anderson.
I have now towed around 4500 miles with my 56 plate Sorento auto, incidentally its only the new Sorento with the larger engine that is is the top tax bracket mine is in F. It is a very capable tow car and in auto form very relaxing to drive. OK fuel economy is not good, towing I get around 20/22mpg but it is a 2 tonne vechicle. When ever we tow the car we purchase is always a trade off. Once you have towed with a big vehicle I imagine its very difficult to go back down the scale!
David
David
The new face lift version of the Sorento does not have a bigger engine, it just has a different type of turbo( a variable geometry turbo as opposed to a fixed waste gate turbo)and different fuel mapping. The auto version does come into the highest tax bracket , but the manual version does not.
Steve W
Steve W
Thank you to all who have replied.Its always harder to trade a car in when you enjoy driving it solo or towing.However,as I have gotten older I fancy an automatic and to sit higher off the road I look at the tax implications and decided as I only own the one vehicle I would be able to justify the extra cost.Also I got what I thought was a very good deal on a Kia Sorento Titon automatic disel.So should take delivery after Christmas its clear silver so I will keep my fingers crossed that Its as reliable as the Mondeo. The 168 bhp and the towing limit of 3,500 kgs should be an asset.
We have 05 XS, 34k miles. Tow 1500 single axle. 32 mpg solo, about 27 towing. It's auto and I'm light with the right foot.
Brilliant tow car in every respect. (Previosly had a Santa Fe, good, and a petrol Vectra-OK)
Brilliant tow car in every respect. (Previosly had a Santa Fe, good, and a petrol Vectra-OK)
10:10 PM We have 05 XS, 34k miles. Tow 1500 single axle. 32 mpg solo, about 27 towing. It's auto and I'm light with the right foot.
Brilliant tow car in every respect. (Previosly had a Santa Fe, good, and a petrol Vectra-OK)
Chris,
What sort of weight were you pulling with your Santa Fe.
I have been looking at the last version (2.0Ltr), I am concerned about pulling a 1600kgs van as the Santa Fe only comes in at 1650kgs.
Also it only has a 110 bhp engine, do you think it will have enough power to pull my van.
Brilliant tow car in every respect. (Previosly had a Santa Fe, good, and a petrol Vectra-OK)
Chris,
What sort of weight were you pulling with your Santa Fe.
I have been looking at the last version (2.0Ltr), I am concerned about pulling a 1600kgs van as the Santa Fe only comes in at 1650kgs.
Also it only has a 110 bhp engine, do you think it will have enough power to pull my van.
- Jun 20, 2005
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Hi Graham
Interesting what you say about the latest Santa Fe.
Jo-anne has a new 2.2 diesel towing 1600kgs. Is the 2.2 diesel more powerful and heavier?
The good old Sorie is still the best for us with the Wyoming which is too heavy for the Santa Fe.
Seems the Koreans are following in the Japanese footsteps producing good quality at affordable prices.
Cheers
Alan
Interesting what you say about the latest Santa Fe.
Jo-anne has a new 2.2 diesel towing 1600kgs. Is the 2.2 diesel more powerful and heavier?
The good old Sorie is still the best for us with the Wyoming which is too heavy for the Santa Fe.
Seems the Koreans are following in the Japanese footsteps producing good quality at affordable prices.
Cheers
Alan
Alan,
I'm interested in your last comment about the Santa Fe as I'm taking delivery of a 2.2 auto next week. I currently tow a Coachman Amara but next year hope to change to a twin axle similar to the Wyoming. Surely with a kerb weight of nearly 1900 kilos and a pulling capacity of 2000 kilos, the Santa Fe should be able to do the job quite adequately as the Bailey's MTPLM is 1678 kilos. Ok, not quite within the 85% rule but quite acceptable if you are a experienced tower. I will accept that the Sorento is a better tug, but as an 'all rounder' I've gone for the Santa fe.
I'm interested in your last comment about the Santa Fe as I'm taking delivery of a 2.2 auto next week. I currently tow a Coachman Amara but next year hope to change to a twin axle similar to the Wyoming. Surely with a kerb weight of nearly 1900 kilos and a pulling capacity of 2000 kilos, the Santa Fe should be able to do the job quite adequately as the Bailey's MTPLM is 1678 kilos. Ok, not quite within the 85% rule but quite acceptable if you are a experienced tower. I will accept that the Sorento is a better tug, but as an 'all rounder' I've gone for the Santa fe.
- Jun 20, 2005
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Hi Huw
This was my point.
Chris said his Santa Fe kerb weight was 1650kgs. Not enough in my book for a Wyoming or similar.
There seems to be a big difference in the Santa Fe kerb weight depending which model you choose. Time has not allowed me to search the Hyundai site hence my request to Jo-anne who is a bit of an authority now on Santa Fes'. Weight wise though I do prefer to stick to the 85% guide although I have towed at 99% for a year. The maximum towing weight given by manufacturers is a bit misleading. I understand it is more related to the vehicles ability to pull away with the given load off a steep hill of 1:6. (Not sure if it is even steeper).
My own experiences tell me the heavier the tug the more stable the whole outfit, subject to correct noseweight and load distribution. However we al have limited budgets and as much as I'd like say a range Rover the finances wont allow it! We don't use the Sorento that much solo these days so fuel consumption doesn't matter too much. If your 1900kgs is corect then I would be quite happy towing the Wyoming.
I did met two other tuggers last year in the Highlands and they were towing Swift Conquerors with Santa Fes. They seemed happy so I guess if your proposed model is as heavy as you say , you should be ok.
There are also web sites where you can check the compatability but I can't remember the address.
Cheers
Alan
This was my point.
Chris said his Santa Fe kerb weight was 1650kgs. Not enough in my book for a Wyoming or similar.
There seems to be a big difference in the Santa Fe kerb weight depending which model you choose. Time has not allowed me to search the Hyundai site hence my request to Jo-anne who is a bit of an authority now on Santa Fes'. Weight wise though I do prefer to stick to the 85% guide although I have towed at 99% for a year. The maximum towing weight given by manufacturers is a bit misleading. I understand it is more related to the vehicles ability to pull away with the given load off a steep hill of 1:6. (Not sure if it is even steeper).
My own experiences tell me the heavier the tug the more stable the whole outfit, subject to correct noseweight and load distribution. However we al have limited budgets and as much as I'd like say a range Rover the finances wont allow it! We don't use the Sorento that much solo these days so fuel consumption doesn't matter too much. If your 1900kgs is corect then I would be quite happy towing the Wyoming.
I did met two other tuggers last year in the Highlands and they were towing Swift Conquerors with Santa Fes. They seemed happy so I guess if your proposed model is as heavy as you say , you should be ok.
There are also web sites where you can check the compatability but I can't remember the address.
Cheers
Alan
hi huw and alan, i have been on hyundai to check the weights including my own and ive been on www.whattowcar.com. the figures on what tow car are slightly out so i put the correct figures in and this is the result.
huw i dont know which model you went for so i put the weight of a
santa fe 2.2 cdx, auto, 5 seater, 1853kerb, 200kg payload towing a bailey wyoming is 88%.
santa fe 2.2 cdx, auto, 5 seater, 1853 kerb, 250kg payload towing a bailey wyoming is 91%.
santa fe 2.2 cdx, auto, 7 seater, 1893 kerb, 200kg payload towing a bailey wyoming is 86%.
santa fe 2.2 cdx, auto, 7 seater, 1893 kerb, 250kg payload, towing a bailey wyoming is 89%.
i thought your figures would be much higher so im pleased for you not bad. even though im only 34 im an old sticker for as near to the 85%.
i have been on to double check my own weight and % santa fe 2.2 cdx, auto, 7 seater towing a sterling 08 elite onyx weighing 1600kg fully loaded is 82% with 200 payload and 85% with 250 payload. i thought it was 88% but even better at 85%.
hope i have helped
jo-anne
huw i dont know which model you went for so i put the weight of a
santa fe 2.2 cdx, auto, 5 seater, 1853kerb, 200kg payload towing a bailey wyoming is 88%.
santa fe 2.2 cdx, auto, 5 seater, 1853 kerb, 250kg payload towing a bailey wyoming is 91%.
santa fe 2.2 cdx, auto, 7 seater, 1893 kerb, 200kg payload towing a bailey wyoming is 86%.
santa fe 2.2 cdx, auto, 7 seater, 1893 kerb, 250kg payload, towing a bailey wyoming is 89%.
i thought your figures would be much higher so im pleased for you not bad. even though im only 34 im an old sticker for as near to the 85%.
i have been on to double check my own weight and % santa fe 2.2 cdx, auto, 7 seater towing a sterling 08 elite onyx weighing 1600kg fully loaded is 82% with 200 payload and 85% with 250 payload. i thought it was 88% but even better at 85%.
hope i have helped
jo-anne
12:47 PM 10:10 PM We have 05 XS, 34k miles. Tow 1500 single axle. 32 mpg solo, about 27 towing. It's auto and I'm light with the right foot.
Brilliant tow car in every respect. (Previosly had a Santa Fe, good, and a petrol Vectra-OK)
Chris,
What sort of weight were you pulling with your Santa Fe.
I have been looking at the last version (2.0Ltr), I am concerned about pulling a 1600kgs van as the Santa Fe only comes in at 1650kgs.
Also it only has a 110 bhp engine, do you think it will have enough power to pull my van.
The 2.2 version of the santa fe started production in 2006.
My origional question was about the 2.0 which finished prouction in 2005
Brilliant tow car in every respect. (Previosly had a Santa Fe, good, and a petrol Vectra-OK)
Chris,
What sort of weight were you pulling with your Santa Fe.
I have been looking at the last version (2.0Ltr), I am concerned about pulling a 1600kgs van as the Santa Fe only comes in at 1650kgs.
Also it only has a 110 bhp engine, do you think it will have enough power to pull my van.
The 2.2 version of the santa fe started production in 2006.
My origional question was about the 2.0 which finished prouction in 2005
hi we did use my dad in laws 02 santa fe 2.0 diesel to pick our onyx up when our sedona was in the garage, it wasnt a great ride and we was towing at 101% not great and never again
if a 2.0i petrol was to tow a 2008 sterling elite onyx they would be towing at 101% on a 200 payload and 105% on a 250 payload.
if towing over 100% would you be insured?.
if there was an accident and you was towing 100% or over would they payout?.
jo-anne
if a 2.0i petrol was to tow a 2008 sterling elite onyx they would be towing at 101% on a 200 payload and 105% on a 250 payload.
if towing over 100% would you be insured?.
if there was an accident and you was towing 100% or over would they payout?.
jo-anne
Originally the Santa pulled a Monarch at 1258- fine in all respects. then the Indiana at 1500 kg. I felt it wasn't heavy enough and frightened myself when the van wagged the car when I went round a bend too fast! Also found the back suspension soft so had to watch tow ball weight. The Santa was good, very comfy, with the light van. power I found to be marginal and talked about having it chipped but didn't. If you are looking at the earlier ones check it has a one piece flywheel. Mine a 53 had a bimass flywheel that had to be changed under guarantee. (Too light to get rid of the heat.)
Hope this helps
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