Kia Forum banner

2003 or 2009

1K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  tt101 
#1 ·
I found two at my price range

1) 2003 Sorento 4WD- 76K, 10,995 with tow package
2) 2009 Sorrento LX ( reads RWD) 11,986 34K

Like the first for the tow package and #2 for the miles...

Any suggestions?
 
#2 ·
I would shy away from a 2003 with miles. Very prone to rust damage if you live in a state where they use salt. A 4 wheel drive also costs more to maintain stay away from unless you require drive. If it was used for towing its more prone to transmission trouble.
Listen for timing chain noise on a 2009.
 
#3 ·
The 2009 also has a 5 speed auto, rather than the old 4 speed auto, and newer more efficient engine.
So when towing with the newer one, should use less fuel.
Also should use less fuel when driving at highway speeds.
They also moved from very old design 3.5 engine to newer 3.3 and 3.8.
The newer units use less fuel (if the bigger engine use about the same fuel, but a lot more power and torque).

If you dont need 4wd, would go the newer one for sure!
 
#4 ·
As mentioned, Look for a 2007-2009 as they have the much better 5 speed auto, the improved interior controls design as well as a few more options that were not previously available. The headlights have the projector beam leans which gives much better visibility and last but not least, the engines are MUCH better. The 2003 had a crappy 4 speed auto and 3.5 v6 good for only a measly 195hp. The new engines are a 3.3 v6 good for 240hp and a 3.8 v6 good for 268hp.

It is worth mentioning that there are also 3 available drive-trains; one is RWD, the other is a true 4X4, and lastly there is a "torque on demand" system which sends power to the front as needed (almost AWD like).

Also, the 5 speed auto was available in 2005 but with the crappy 3.5 V6 and the 3.8 V6 comes only on the EX trim level while the 3.3 comes on the lx trim level. Some higher optioned lx's had the torque on demand while the lower trimmed ex's had 4x4 sometimes. It can get very confusing, very fast, so I suggest you do more research. Wikipedia is your friend.

Good luck
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top