Kia 4x4

HikingGuy · 03-24-2011, 07:46 PM

Does anyone have one of these or know how they are for off roading? I found a cheap one, it's older but I would like to know more before I buy it.

oldsarge · 03-25-2011, 04:52 AM

What kind of off roading? I never gave those a second look. Having 4x4's since I started driving, I would say that they are not too trust worthy or reliable for off roading. I never owned one but have seen them before and I think the whole 4x4 concept for them is security on road in inclement weather. Drive train seems kind of week to me. If you are looking into something that you may want to upgrade for an off roader, see if you can pick up an older Jeep ( CJ, YJ, TJ, JK). Maybe something to take you off into the boonies somewhere and haul you gear too, see about a short bed pick-up or Bronco, Blazer or or Cherokee. Something with a little stronger axle and drive train. I'm not talking about building a monster truck or rock crawler, just something you can rely on if you run into rough terrain.

ChadTower · 03-25-2011, 10:16 AM

Yeah, I wouldn't want it for offroad use unless it was a vehicle I didn't mind junking after I snapped an axle.

SweetSassyLady · 03-25-2011, 01:04 PM

Sorry but my opinion is "Kias are crap". We had a 2005 Kia Sedona that had around 80,000 miles on it. The water pump went out on the interstate. We had it towed, they replaced the serpentine belt, the water pump belt and the water pump. Then they tried to start it and found out the engine had blown. From the research I've done since then, generally when the water pump goes out, the engine blows. Never will I ever, buy another Kia of any kind. 2005 was the last year they had the 60,000 mile warranty on them. in 2006 they started the 100,000 mile warranty. Figures-just our luck. We're trashing the thing. Another engine would cost us $1400 which is just what the thing is worth IMHO.

EyeOfThePark · 03-26-2011, 08:01 AM

One of my uncle's work colleagues has a Kia 4x4 and he often complains that it's not good at all for off roading. He wants to get rid of it and buy a Toyota 4x4 Land Cruiser.

If I were you, I wouldn't purchase it, especially if it's not new.

HikingGuy · 03-26-2011, 06:18 PM

I decided against it. It appears that the general consensus is that they are crap. I decided I am going to start looking for an older Jeep instead, least I know they are quality.

oldsarge · 03-26-2011, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HikingGuy

I decided I am going to start looking for an older Jeep instead,

Even though I'm a Jeep guy, keep an eye out for the Toyota Land Cruisers too, they are great off roader's with a great history. I feel they rate up there with Jeeps. I have a friend who works in California at a place that specializes in Land Cruisers, he swears by them.

ChadTower · 03-28-2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweetSassyLady

From the research I've done since then, generally when the water pump goes out, the engine blows.

That is not a Kia specific issue. There have always been a lot of cars out there like this.

GROUNDpounder · 03-28-2011, 03:35 PM

KIA uses tin for body panels and the cheapest possible construction = cheap price..... I wouldn't be caught dead in a KIA....
Go get a subaru forester for 4K with 100k miles that runs like new or a subaru outback sport = higher off the ground with a turbo for about 5-6k

HikingGuy · 03-28-2011, 07:46 PM

Thanks for the advice. I am going to keep an eye out for either a Jeep or Toyota, they seem to be far better quality than what I was thinking about.