OP still hasn't given us much to go on?. I'm assuming SLO has "deduced" it to be a diesel because it has a timing chain and the petrol doesn't?

All Kias from about 2009 on have chains.

All Sportage 2010 on are chains.

In that case, I'm not sure what has lead SLO to assume it is a diesel seeing as the OP hasn't said?

But I'd still stick with the Urban Cruiser rather than this high mileage Sportage, regardless of whether petrol or diesel.

£3400 isn't a huge amount of money, but because of the desirability of SUV/Crossover types, it's going to get you even less for your money. If the OP really feels they have to change (and need something with a higher seating position) I'd suggest looking at MPV's. They aren't as trendy, so you will get more (younger, lower miles, better condition) for your budget.

OP still hasn't given us much to go on?. I'm assuming SLO has "deduced" it to be a diesel because it has a timing chain and the petrol doesn't?

All Kias from about 2009 on have chains.

All Sportage 2010 on are chains.

I find my cruiser heavy maybe cos of the 4 wheel drive ?

No, it being 4wd should make no difference at all. It is a small and (relatively) light car, and it should drive as such.

Never driven one myself, so it might be worth looking on line to see if you can find reviews of the car when new. If you find any and they say it is heavy to drive, then you'll just have to accept that as a "characteristic" of the car, or get shot of it. If, as I suspect, it is described as being light and easy to drive, that would confirm my suspicion that there is something amiss. Which may be something like a sticky clutch cable?.

IMO, it would be worth having your local trusted indy have a look at it before changing cars to something invariably less reliable.

Balancing and tracking is something that shouldn't need doing very often (unless you are a particularly ham-fisted driver!)

Just had a read of the Parkers review of the Urban Cruiser which includes this:

"easy steering, a light clutch and slick gear change"

Edited by badbusdriver on 18/04/2024 at 07:34

OK, last year I bought new Sportage, which is different from OP's model but here is my take.

I bought Kia because of its 7 year warranty. At 139k it is out of warranty.

At such mileage, what really matters, besides having good maintenance history, whether the car was fundamentally designed in good way.

Even after owning 3 Kias, I'd say in that mileage I'll bet more on Toyota or Honda rather than Kia :-)

Edited by movilogo on 18/04/2024 at 16:31