How Many First Generation Sportage Owners?

Of course this is subject to wide regional variations but I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen a 1G Sportage - at least in the past couple years. I’ve seen much more 1G Sorento’s or Borrego’s around which probably doesn’t bode well for your chances. MacGyver is probably the way to go. Or maybe you can find a niche Facebook group or something, but 300 is a very tall ask.

missingcurlybracket said:

Of course this is subject to wide regional variations but I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen a 1G Sportage - at least in the past couple years. I’ve seen much more 1G Sorento’s or Borrego’s around which probably doesn’t bode well for your chances. MacGyver is probably the way to go. Or maybe you can find a niche Facebook group or something, but 300 is a very tall ask.

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After checking sales numbers, KIA sold about 230,000 Sportage between '98 and '02 in the United States. Even if 20,000 of those KIA's are still on the road, it's easy to assume that 300 need a new spare tire release cable. It's an overly used part because you need to swing the tire out of the way to access the rear cargo area. The Chinese supplier that would produce the cable will charge me $1.70 each, plus shipping. So the venture would cost maybe $600.00 at the most. I personally would spend $50-60 if I could find one new. That seams like a reasonable price for a part that is actually pretty important if you want to easily use the rear cargo area. Yes, many MacGyver's out there have probably already rigged something up, but they would also probably just buy one if it were available. Thanks for the feedback, I'm having a good time just researching the 1G Sportage.

Still got mine.97 model

4runnernomore said:

Still got mine.97 model

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That's awesome. I would love to see some pictures. If mine was 4 wheel drive I would probably lift it.

I still got my 2001 Manual 4x4 with a 3" lift.

It survived some of the worst hellish roads at big bend state park I was really surprised what it went through.

JT3030 said:

How many 1G Sportage owners left? I have owned a 1998 model for over 15 years (back up car) and I'm trying to fix and replace various things that have broke. Unfortunately many non critical parts have been discontinued and I'm forced to buy used from salvage yards and eBay. Just trying to get a feel for how many are still on the road. I might have a company produce the spare tire latch release cable. Mine is in pretty bad shape and it would seem like a common item that would be needed by owners of the first gen Sportage. They require a minimum of 300 units which isn't a lot if there are a decent amount (100,000?) of 1G Sportage still on the road. Any thoughts?

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I just was given one...1998 Kia Sportage 4x4.....it runs good just dies after about 15 minutes and wont start until fully cold again...? lol

I've got a 2001 2x2 with a little over 300k miles on it. Just recently got it going again. Replaced both cam seals, front crank seal and radiator. Got tired of it leaking oil and the trans cooler fitting broke off at the radiator.

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A little late to the party here, but I just bought a 2001 Sportage 4x4 from a friend. It’s in relatively good shape! Rough idle, CEL showing 3 codes, HOLD light blinks after switching to 4WD. And I just broke the gas cap cover release cable lol. But overall it’s a good vehicle so far.