Kia Sportage 1

Unconsciously buying a first-generation Kia Sportage could prove a fatal mistake for those looking for a comfortable and inexpensive SUV. In terms of its off-road capabilities, it is not inferior even to cars such as the Nissan Patrol or Toyota Land Cruiser. However, the sportage with a rigid rear axle is not very comfortable and not too obedient. Compared to classmates like the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV-4, it seems that such a parameter as control accuracy is completely absent. As for all-wheel drive, in the usual state Sportage rear-wheel drive. The front axle is connected only to the manual. In return, we get a transfer case, and in some versions even a self-locking rear axle differential. If you choose a Korean SUV consciously, being ready for certain “sacrifices”, then disappointment will not follow. Understanding motorists know how brave the first Sportage is off-road.

Typical malfunctions

The Sportage I doesn't break down often. However, it should be aware that the SUV debuted on the market in 1994, and the first copies are more than 20 years old. It is very difficult to talk about reliability because about 80% of components fail due to their advanced age. The old Kia is a very durable and reliable car. Although the factory components of the SUV are of good quality, but machines with still factory parts are more prone to malfunctions than those that already use quality substitutes. Weaknesses include wheel bearings and a coupling of the front axle connection. The latter is used to force the front wheels to “turn off/on”. But the manufacturer also installed an automatic coupling. It all depended on the year of release and the destination market. After restyling in 1997, all-wheel drive could be included during movement - in the presence of an automatic coupling. Determining the type of clutch installed is quite difficult. It was all decided by one of the previous owners. An automatic clutch is usually rarely over 100,000 km long. In machines, often operated in the field, it serves even less - about 50-70 thousand km. Thus, almost all copies survived the replacement of the clutch. If the original was installed again, then theoretically the owner is waiting for a new repair. In practice, failure occurs at the time of connection of the front wheel drive. You will have to replace it again - with a new automatic original, or with a quality substitute with manual control for $ 150-200. The latter option had its drawbacks.

Engines

Under the hood of the Kia Sportage I you can find one of three 2-liter engines: two petrol and one turbodiesel. Gasoline units of two types - with an 8-valve and 16-valve head of the block. Both have the same design of the unit and develop power 95 and 128 hp, respectively. 8-valve does not strike dynamics - 18.4 s to 100 km / h, but fortunately breaks very rarely. 16-valve a little faster - 14.7 s to 100 km / h, and has decent traction. However, the consumption is decent - on average about 13 liters per 100 km, and in the city more than 15 liters. The 4-speed version is a little slower and even more voracious. The Kia gasoline engine is modern for that time, but it is not simple and requires some maintenance. With regular replacement of oil, belts, spark plugs and checking the condition of the cooling system, it does not cause any problems. Except for non-systemic failures of electrical components of auxiliary equipment, characteristic of old-age cars. However, none of these faults can immobilize the car for several days, requiring in return large financial costs for repairs. The diesel units were originally equipped with an old 2.2-liter atmospheric, which was used on the Mazda B2200 and Ford Ranger pickup trucks. The engine from the 80s developed only 63 hp. There is no point in talking about any dynamics. Later, a 2-liter turbodiesel recoil of 83 hp began to be installed. Such an SUV accelerates to 100 km / h in 20 seconds, and fuel consumption does not exceed 10 liters per 100 km.

Operating costs

Maintenance costs, taking into account the good reliability and durability of a gasoline engine car, should be relatively low. However, aspects such as operating conditions and mechanical damage must be taken into account. Do not forget that Kia Sportage 1 is a real SUV, and therefore many use it for its intended purpose. Fuel costs will not be too high if the engine is converted to run on gas.

The prices for spare parts are not high. Many original parts can be purchased for reasonable money. But you can also use a fairly wide range of quality substitutes. Only the most unusual elements can be difficult, especially when it comes to attachments and electrical components. Auto service providers easily cope with the repair and maintenance of the first Sportage.

Typical malfunctions

• Although the factory components of the SUV are of good quality, but machines with still factory parts are more prone to malfunctions than those that already use quality substitutes.
• If the original was installed again, then theoretically the owner is waiting for a new repair.
• In practice, failure occurs at the time of connection of the front wheel drive.
• On the other hand, the resource of the mechanical coupling is large enough to forget about the problem once and for all.
• Although many may not like the need for regular maintenance (replacement and control of oil in gearboxes and bridges).
• In case of breakdown, it is better to use more powerful branded substitutes - they are more expensive, but will get rid of problems for a long time.
• Many install larger (wider) wheels on the SUV, which accelerates the wear of suspension components.
• The braking system is not efficient enough (50 meters from 100 km / h), so considering Kia Sportage as a tow, you should consider the use of high-quality brake discs and pads.

Engines

• 8-valve does not strike dynamics - 18.4 s to 100 km / h, but fortunately breaks very rarely.
• With regular replacement of oil, belts, spark plugs and checking the condition of the cooling system, it does not cause any problems.
• Except for non-systemic failures of electrical components of auxiliary equipment, characteristic of old-age cars.
• However, none of these faults can immobilize the car for several days, requiring in return large financial costs for repairs.
• The owner of 2-liter diesel versions had to face serious problems: expensive repair of the head of the block and the crank-shaking mechanism.
• The exhaust system of both engines is subject to corrosion, and the increased vibrations of diesel engines accelerate its damage.
• Sometimes an immobilizer fails, less often a starter.

Operating costs

• However, aspects such as operating conditions and mechanical damage must be taken into account.
• Do not forget that Kia Sportage 1 is a real SUV, and therefore many use it for its intended purpose.
• Auto service providers easily cope with the repair and maintenance of the first Sportage.

In the secondary market there are several dozen announcements about the sale of Kia Sportage of the first generation. The most preferred copies collected after restyling in 1999. Their cost is from 4 to 8 thousand dollars. The first years of production had a rather poor equipment. There are no familiar today: ABS, airbags and air conditioning. But even the basic versions had electric powered glass and power steering. After the update, ABS and 2 airbags appeared.

Among the offers there is a small number of diesel versions and modifications with an automatic. It is quite difficult to find an elongated version of the Wagon with a trunk enlarged by 100 liters.

The first-generation Kia Sportage should be chosen consciously as a small SUV for everyday use, not as a high-comfort crossover. Avoid versions with diesel engines and automatics.

• Typical faults: The Sportage I does not break often.
• Engines: 8-valve does not strike dynamics - 18.4 s to 100 km / h, but fortunately breaks very rarely.
• Operating costs: Auto service providers can easily handle repairs and maintenance of the first Sportage.

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