I've had 3 Sportage over the years, 2 diesel and one gas, all here in the Philippines. 2 of them came the usual route for the first generation -chopped and packed from Korea. I've been happy with all of them, even though the first (gas) had the usual idling problems -until I found a way to solve it. Since then I have chosen diesel and they have been great. The past year my 2000 model started having those surging and rough idle problems, and I thought, "oh crap, here we go again", but this is a diesel engine, with a very different config from my old 97. Anyway, long story short, finally had it diagnosed as the fuel injection pump. Getting it diagnosed was not easy as Kia dealerships won't touch the containered models from those years.
Finally got a good recommend and went to a accredited specialist (Betan Calibration, where they did a complete rebuild, saving me a lot of money over buying a new one. Result; a happy growl is back and she runs perfectly. A lot of offroad as we are building a house away from the road, hauling materials on top and inside (had the rear seats out for awhile). Extra wide tires and a modest 2 inch rise makes it look good too. I will probably switch back to Geolanders and add another inch or so by next year. We love our Sporty!
Canuk in d' Philippines
'97 4x4 Sportage DOHC SOLD! 2000 4X4 Grand Sportage long body Turbo SOLD <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Bought another (standard length) 2000 Turbo Intercooler Diesel auto4X4
OK, finally some diesel pics. This Sporty has been a workhorse, mostly in 4X mode, hauling lumber, cement and various building materials for the past 3 months.
Just had the a/c repaired today; the rough roads broke a coupling so a weld did the trick.
Canuk in d' Philippines
'97 4x4 Sportage DOHC SOLD! 2000 4X4 Grand Sportage long body Turbo SOLD <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Bought another (standard length) 2000 Turbo Intercooler Diesel auto4X4
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