Skip's 4x4


Time to update my 4WD. November 2008. What shall I buy?

What I ultimately wanted was a Toyota Prado GXL D4D Turbo Diesel automatic. Why? ...

• Toyota proven reliability and build quality
• Mid sized, big enough for country trips, but not too big to be used as a daily work vehicle.
• The D4D engine with Auto gearbox offers a fuel economy of 9.3L/100K *
• Capable off road
• Good resale value
• Many after market goods available from ARB and other vendors.
• Comfortable ride (more comfortable than the Hilux!)

* All fuel economy stats quoted on this page are from www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au as at 1 Nov 2008.

So, what was the problem? 

Well, simply the price. A new Prado GXL with D4D Auto has a price tag of more than $65k (Nov 2008). As the models with D4D engine have only been around since early 2007, the lowest cost used Prado of this spec that I could find (at the time of research) was $55k. I just cant justify spending $65k or even $55k for a used vehicle.

The process of elimination for choosing a vehicle... **

• Toyota Prado. Perfect, 9.3L/100k, but too expensive, so that's out
• Toyota Kluger. No turbo diesel motor, No low range, fully independent suspension, so that's out.
• Toyota RAV4. No turbo diesel motor, No chassis, No low range, fully independent suspension, so that's out
• Toyota Landcruiser. Too big, so that's out
  
• Nissan Pathfinder. Fully independent suspension, poor fuel economy of  10.5L/100k, so that's out
• Nissan X-Trail. No low range, No chassis, Fully independent suspension, so that's out
• Nissan Patrol. Too big, so that's out
• Holden Captiva. No chassis, No low range, fully independent suspension, so that's out
  
• Mitsubishi Pajero. No chassis, Fully independent suspension, so that's out
• Mitsubishi Outlander. No turbo-diesel motor, No chassis, No Low range, Fully independent suspension, so that's out
• Jeep Cherokee. Fits the bill - worth considering. Fuel economy of 9.4L/100k is ok.
• Jeep Wrangler 4 door wagon. Specs are good, but wanting something a little more comfy / less rugged
  
• Jeep Patriot. No low range, so that's out
• Landrover Discovery. Fully independent suspension, too expensive, so that's out
• Landrover Freelander. No low range, fully independent suspension, so that's out.
• Landrover Defender. A bit too rugged for me - want more comfort, so that's out.
• Hyundai Terrecan. Fits the bill, but it has been discontinued by Hyundai.
• Hyundai Tucson. No low range, no chassis, fully independent suspension, and a bit small, so that's out.
  
• Kia Sportage. No low range, no chassis, fully independent suspension, so that's out.
• Kia Sorento. Fits the bill - worth considering. Fuel economy of 9.4L/100k is ok.
• Suzuki Vitara 4 door diesel. Serious contender, but at time of research, there was no Auto model available, so that's out.

** Although researched thoroughly from various web sites (both manufacturers and independent review sites), I can't guarantee the accuracy of all this data.

So, that leaves 2 models. Reasons for choosing the Kia Sorento over the Jeep Cherokee:

Both these vehicles were a pleasure to drive, and both had the critical points that I wanted...

• Ladder chassis
• Live rear axle with 5 links and coils all round
• Dual range (Hi / Lo) transfer case
• Turbo diesel motor (with fuel economy of 9.4L/100k on auto model)
• Automatic transmission
• Mid sized, so big enough for country travel, yet small enough for round town
• Comfortable ride

So the final facts used to make the decision were...

• The Kia Sorento has a 5 year / 130000 k warranty, compared to Jeep's 3 year / 100000k warranty.
• The Kia Sorento EX diesel auto, is on the road for under $41k ***, which at time of print was at least $6k *** less than Cherokee Sport diesel, and $12k *** less than Cherokee Limited diesel. The trim on the Sorento EX is somewhere between the 2 Jeep models, as it has cruise control, traction control, leather steering wheel, but not leather seats with electric adjustment. The Sorento included their Global Circuit pack in that price above, which featured tow bar, side steps, nudge bar, roof rack and more. Kia also offer a higher end model, being the "EX Limited" which added leather seats and sunroof, for a few thousand more, but I figured that I did not need this.

*** Prices quoted by visiting Wangara Kia, and by phone calls to a couple of Jeep dealers.

So, I bought one! See details of my Sorento here.

Accessories that need to be added to the vehicle:

• Windows tinting
• Supension lift kit, by replacing the 4 coils.
• Bull bar. At the time this article was written, only ECB (East Coast Bars) had a bar to suit.
• BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres 245/65R17 (factory size - unsure if I can fit bigger yet)
• Spotties.
  

Essential accessory cost = ~$3500 (fitted)

Estimated vehicle range calculations: Assume 10L per 100K x 80 Litres = 800K

More vehicle info from Kia's web site: www.kia.com.au