Merc ML, Kia Sorento, Audi Allroad, Shogun D-id help and advise needed

[Jo-AnneFairway5402010]

Hi All, changing the jeep so these are the list of contenders for you to give us some help, advise and guidence on buying, towing, fuel, auto boxes, towing etc etc etc

Mercedes ML 2000-2002 2.7 auto
Kia Sorento, 2003-2004, 2.5 diesel, auto, advise needed on towing with the earlier auto box
Audi Allroad, 2.5 tdi, quattro, auto 2000-2003 maybe, never towed with a estate i know its 4wd but need advise
shogun D-ID, 2000-2003 approx, auto diesel

please hurry and give advise need to get one asap

thanks

jo

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi Jo,
What sort of advice are you after? are you asking if one is better than another, well the're all capable tow vehicels, provide you keep within the manufactures limits!

If you are looking reccomendations, then thats down to personal preferences, and how will you know if your wish lists agree with those of other correspondants?

If you looking for reports of faults, well for every reported fault there will be litterally hundreds even thousnads who have not suffered so using forums for this type of information is not very scientific. You may be better using JD powers or other largely independant sources.

If you think about it, if there was a universally best car then every one would be using it, but the diversity of cars on the roads shows how differentlty we all think about something to basically do the same job - get from A to B.

 

[anotherDavid]

Regarding the Sorento I towed with a 2004 2.5l auto and had no problems with it. I would think however all your choices would do a reasonable job towing moderately heavy vans.
I might be a bit wary of the Merc or Audi of that age, they might be fine but if not its going to be pricey.
David

 

[Philspadders]

one area to look at would be the number of reacalls a particular vehicle has had. Discos on Freelanders probably top the bill, The sportage has had 7 since since its first launch date - this includes the Mk. The Disco however runs to 4 pages but the Disco was launched before the sportage.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/onlineservices/vehiclerecalls/vehiclerecalls.htm

you can search by make and model and it also lists the reason for the recall, such as the kia had a " hand brake may fail" issue.

As for the Sorento.... have passed 3 overturns in the past 4 years and all were Sorento's. That could simply be the number of Sorento's on the road, but i i have seen as many Discos ( although a few of these were on the hard shoulder

)

 

[Martin24]

Not easy to call on that list. When the trusty 2.8 pajero had to go I ended up with the Ssangyong Rexton. She's good enough at her job and is basically a Merc ML underneath, you can pick them up much newer and more cheaply than the Merc with much lower mileage mine was 3 years old, 30K and £7500 at main dealer. I friend had an Audi Allroad before his Rexton and was much happier towing his Laser with the Rexton despite the drop in interior quality. I didn't go with another Mitsi because I was advised that the 3.2 was less reliable than the 2.8. Having said that, it's a move I have always regretted and never seen one broken down. Now I'm looking for a seven seat 4x4 (with halfway decent seats for 6&7) the choice is even worse. I'm sorry to say that my heart may rule my head and I could end up with another Disco. Something I said would never happen. As far as the Kia goes, I have heard people say the earlier Auto was a bit sluggish and the newer better but a decent test drive should help you decide.

 

[DianneT]

We have a 2005 Kia Sorento XS Auto Diesel have towed a Crusader twin axle caravan for 5 years all over Europe with it and cannot fault it. Pulls a treat no problems.

 

[Dav1e]

Hi Jo, we towed with a Sorrento manual XS for over 3 years and was a great tug. We only had 1 problem with it when it locked itself into low range. Think they have better mpg than the Shogun also which would be my 2nd choice. Dave...

 

[Jo-AnneFairway5402010]

Thanks for all you replies to my post.
I thought i had best tell you all we are the proud owners of a 2004 kia sorento xs auto ( 5 speed auto ) shes black with the grey at the bottom. it took a while to get the right one god you have to be so careful if you dont do your homework.

keep you all posted

jo-anne

 

[Dustydog]

How about some pics Jo and where 's the dog pic gone??