The Truth About Buying a Used Kia Sportage: TUV's Unfiltered Evaluation
Kia Sportage generates split sentiment during TÜV assessment
Kia Sportage's fourth generation, launched in 2016, is now reaching its prime as a used car. The SUV segment favorite has made a name for itself, though TÜV's verdict might leave you mixed.
Mechanical Resilience
In TÜV's assessment, the Sportage doesn't shine in every category. Axles and axle suspensions gain a thumbs up, but the steering and steering joints start scoring negatives from the second inspection. Brakes and lighting systems are also questioned, while excessive oil loss becomes a recurring concern. Braking components and the exhaust system receive an unremarkable rating.
Design and Space
The Sportage's length of 4.48 meters falls in line with compact SUV category mainstays like VW Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai, or its sibling Hyundai Tucson. The edgy exterior accentuates a muscular appearance, while the interior, though spacious, offers an uncomplicated cockpit feel. Boot volume ranges between nearly 500 to 1,500 liters with the rear seats adjusted. A facelift in 2018 introduced updated front ends with LED headlights.
Power and Drive
The Sportage caters to both diesel and petrol preferences, coupled with front- or all-wheel drive options. The initial self-igniter, a 1.7-liter with 115 PS, spawns a more potent sibling with 141 PS. Diesel range includes a 2.0-liter engine with outputs of 136 PS or 185 PS, while a 1.6-liter mild hybrid with outputs of 132 PS or 177 PS replaced petrol self-igniters post-facelift. All-wheel drive is available with the 177 PS variants and the top-tier model.
Petrol engines offer a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine with 132 PS and a turbocharged version with 177 PS. Manual front-wheel-drive variants of the turbo engine are also an option.transmission choices include a seven-speed dual-clutch unit (additional cost) for most engines, while diesel engines come with six- or eight-speed automatics.
Features and Safety
The base "Attract" trim caters to the entry-level petrol engine and includes air conditioning, radio, 16-inch alloy wheels, electric windows, and exterior mirrors. upward, the Kia trim levels "Edition 7", "Vision", "Spirit", and "GT-Line" bring additional features like heating for front and rear seats, navigation, cruise control, and a reversing camera.
Kia offers various add-on packs combining technology, equipment, and safety enhancements.
Auto Experts Show: 5 Stealthy Tricks to Look Out for in Used CarsUsed car enthusiasts should focus on the specific features and equipment their desired model boasts. Pay close attention to the wealth of assistance systems some of which were available only as expensive options.
Caveats and Recommendations
The fourth-generation Kia Sportage offers strong design, comfort, and technology—all depending on the initial buyer's investment. Inspect your desired model for common issues to steer clear of costly surprises. Approximately 1500 used Sportage models are currently listed on mobile.de, with prices starting from around 10,000 euros.
You might also want to consider potential issues like head gasket leaks, wear and tear in suspension parts, uneven brake wear, electrical system glitches, exhaust system corrosion, and transmission shifting issues in your used Kia Sportage IV. Consulting official TÜV reports or databases in your region can help you gather model-specific TÜV-reported defects, failure rates, and typical problems by mileage and model year.
- In the automotive industry, the Kia Sportage, particularly its fourth-generation models, are increasingly becoming popular choices for used cars, especially within the SUV segment.
- The finance aspect of buying a used Kia Sportage IV involves considering its various engine options, like petrol and diesel, along with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and choosing between manual or automatic transmission, based on factors like personal preference and cost.
- When it comes to sports and transportation, the Kia Sportage offers a muscular appearance and spacious interior, making it suitable for daily commuting, while its multiple safety features contribute to its reliability when used in sports-like driving conditions.
