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We are about to purchase a Kia Sorento 2003 2.5 can you please advise if you know of any problems with this model type and is it good for towing. There is a small problem a small leek at the heater is tha hard to fix.

Wilf. 

You could always make some soup with the leek!, but seriously, we have one we are very pleased with and don't know what we will change it for now we are on 40.000. The monocoque body shell doesn't seem to be as strong as the original is.

u

Quote: Originally posted by BadBoyBushy on 01/2/2014

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The heater problem is probably a corroded matrix. Not a hard job to do if you are handy but you will need to remove the whole dash board and allow a day or 2 to complete the job. If you cannot do it then allow £500-£1000 for a garage to do it.
There is also a problem with rear axle corrosion which will need a trip back to the dealers for a free check up and rectification under warranty. If in doubt about this a quick call to Kia customer services will tell you if it has been done.
Info on both subjects can be found on the UK Sorento website.
http://kiasorento.proboards.com/thread/10690/rear-axle-suspension-recall
http://kiasorento.proboards.com/thread/10161/2005-sorento-heater-core-replacement

Apart from that, look for the highest spec you can afford, and if the budget allows an engine remap to increase the BHP from 138 to 170 is a worth while investment, although it should tow up to 2800Kg with out any problems. My van weighs 1500kg and I only noticed it's there on a hill, and even less after the remap.

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Quote: Originally posted by lambchop999 on 02/2/2014

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Quote: Originally posted by BadBoyBushy on 01/2/2014

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The heater problem is probably a corroded matrix. Not a hard job to do if you are handy but you will need to remove the whole dash board and allow a day or 2 to complete the job. If you cannot do it then allow £500-£1000 for a garage to do it.
There is also a problem with rear axle corrosion which will need a trip back to the dealers for a free check up and rectification under warranty. If in doubt about this a quick call to Kia customer services will tell you if it has been done.
Info on both subjects can be found on the UK Sorento website.
http://kiasorento.proboards.com/thread/10690/rear-axle-suspension-recall
http://kiasorento.proboards.com/thread/10161/2005-sorento-heater-core-replacement

Apart from that, look for the highest spec you can afford, and if the budget allows an engine remap to increase the BHP from 138 to 170 is a worth while investment, although it should tow up to 2800Kg with out any problems. My van weighs 1500kg and I only noticed it's there on a hill, and even less after the remap.

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Hi Bad boy, but what's this I hear about remapping invalidating the insurance or is that just in the event of a claim, when I suppose you could take it off when the assessor calls round!

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That is of course assuming that you survive in a condition to take it off. What happens if you are involved in a personal injury accident and the insurance company walks away because you failed to declare a serious performance enhancing  modification.

You could end  being sued for thousands.

Quote: Originally posted by lambchop999 on 02/2/2014

Quote: Originally posted by Steve W 77 on 02/2/2014

That is of course assuming that you survive in a condition to take it off. What happens if you are involved in a personal injury accident and the insurance company walks away because you failed to declare a serious performance enhancing  modification.

You could end  being sued for thousands.

Quote: Originally posted by BadBoyBushy on 02/2/2014

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Quote: Originally posted by lambchop999 on 02/2/2014

Hi Bad boy, but what's this I hear about remapping invalidating the insurance or is that just in the event of a claim, when I suppose you could take it off when the assessor calls round!

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Quote: Originally posted by Steve W 77 on 02/2/2014

That is of course assuming that you survive in a condition to take it off. What happens if you are involved in a personal injury accident and the insurance company walks away because you failed to declare a serious performance enhancing  modification.

You could end  being sued for thousands.

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You could not be further from the truth, infact I had a hand in developing a tunning module for the KX Sorento that was marketed by Griffin tunning. I was just pointing out that you should not try to short change your insurance company but failing to declare the modification.

I had one of the first Sorento's for 8 years. I decided to get rid off it in 2011 as repairs were starting to get costly. They included both rear brake calipers needing replaced - cost £200 each plus labour. however the biggest cost was the inside of the fuel tank delaminating - engine kept cutting out - took a diesel expert to trace the fault. That cost £850 to put right plus all the inconveniance !.

Apart from these niggles it was a good towcar !