XE, XS or XT

[Happy-Lappy]

I am looking at getting a used Kia Sorento as a towcar, now that my Renault Espace has finally popped its last cogs.

I am looking at around a 54, 2005/55 plate and would like personal comments on whether it is worth paying the extra £1000 to £2000 for leather seats, cruise control etc and with regards to the XT satnav.

On our congested A roads and motorways, is cruise control a blessing, or is this used mainly on overseas travel?

Also with regards to the automatic version, what year was the 4speed autobox replaced with the current 5speed.

Thanks in advance, Martin

 

[Mikey1]

Martin you wouldnt be paying an extra 1 - 2k for the difference in specs this really only applies on new cars.

Prices well with the new model on sale and heavy discounting on the out going model has hit the Kia hard as it always does with out going models.

Rough guides

A 54 plate 138 bhp engine XE 60k @

 

[drsorento]

the xs and xt have the T.O.D system,where as the xe has selectable 4wd, there were problems with some of the transfer boxes on the T.O.D model but this was rectifeid by use of a different grade of oil in the transfer box, so most of the problem should have been sorted under warranty.

You could not pick a better tow car, far better towing spec than the new model. I have a manuel model and get around 30 to the gallon solo, the autos are a bit more thirsty. good luck

 

[drsorento]

the xs and xt have the T.O.D system,where as the xe has selectable 4wd, there were problems with some of the transfer boxes on the T.O.D model but this was rectifeid by use of a different grade of oil in the transfer box, so most of the problem should have been sorted under warranty.

You could not pick a better tow car, far better towing spec than the new model. I have a manuel model and get around 30 to the gallon solo, the autos are a bit more thirsty. good luck

sorry, I have a manual not "manuel" model

 

[Dustydog]

martin

Go for the Xs, Far superior spec mechanically and leather too.

The XT gives you low profile tyres and sat nav.

Don't like low ps on a 4x4 . Sat nav waste of money. Tom Tom or Garmins etc probably better.

I use a manual, personal choice but autos well liked too

Have a look at :-

uksorento.com

Cheers

Dustydog

 

[rambler1]

Martin

I tow with a 56 plate XS manual it is superb.With regards to the cruise I have found it great as you say more abroad than in UK but even in UK have been able to use it and it certainly makes for more relaxed driving.When I change vehicles will definately want cruise again,Do not think you will pay much more second hand for XS and you get a lot of extras

 

[ChristineandAlan]

HI HAPPY L,all the sorentos are very good tow cars,mine is a 2008 xe,168 brake horse manuel i would,nt have an automatic they are more thirsty,mine is all silver,electric mirrors,chrome handles i wouldnt worry about speck,just look for a good bargain that you can afford you wont be sorry all the best ALAN P/T

 

[DianneT]

We have a 2005 XS automatic which is fantastic for towing an 8 metre twin axle heavy caravan. Have toured over Europe 3 years with it and is excellent not all that thirsty eiter.

 

[MowCopKen]

We're on our second. First was a 2003 manual XS. Latest is 2007 (facelift 168 bhp) XE and we are pleased with it. Yes, cruise control is nice, but as its not on the XE, we don't miss it - in fact, my wife hated it. Don't miss the leather especially on cold mornings. Why not test-drive an XE then see if its not suitable. We bought second hand and went for the best all round deal at the time- no regrets at all.

 

[Jo-AnneFairway5402010]

there a beautiful black 2005 xt auto on auto trader now, private sale, 40,000 it only

 

[Sedo]

Haven't noticed anyone mention it yet, but I read somewhere that not all models had a full size spare wheel.

I think it was in P.C. mag. when they tested one and happened to say that it was worth looking into if your bought one for towing.

Tom

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

I've got an 06 XS Auto and I love it. I've also use the cruise control a lot on motorways. With auto and cruise control all I want is auto pilot :O)

My previous towcar, a Passat, was auto and I can't ever see me going back to manual again.

 

[Happy-Lappy]

Thanks to everybody for their comments.

As my search for a Sorento seemed to be going nowhere, I have decided to change my preference.

The Sorento XT mentioned by Jo-Anne wanted you to place your

 

[otherclive]

A friend of my daughters has just lost

 

[drsorento]

martin

Go for the Xs, Far superior spec mechanically and leather too.

The XT gives you low profile tyres and sat nav.

Don't like low ps on a 4x4 . Sat nav waste of money. Tom Tom or Garmins etc probably better.

I use a manual, personal choice but autos well liked too

Have a look at :-

uksorento.com

Cheers

Dustydog

the mechanics of these dont change as to the trim level.