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Hello everybody,

Information required if possible. My father currently has a L/rover Discovery TD5 which has just suffered from the common fault cylinder head problem and we are looking at possible replacements,

The Kia sorento is a vehicle that seems to a popular towcar and has been mentioned a few times over the years and this is a possibility, having done a search on here and got some good advice,

Reading the reviews i summise that the better versions to go for are pre 2009 models, avoid auto's (high road tax) we preferably want diesel, 4wd,

Can anybody advise on models to go for/avoid, engine choices,trim level etc,

Currently tows a twin axle abbey spectrum (unsure on weight at moment but not light)

Thanks Duncan.

I have a 59 plate XS which has leather upholstery, cruise control. heated front seats and I am sure a few more bits I have not discovered! Mine is an auto and as Grampian says the road tax is nearly double but it does make towing and general driving much more relaxing.

David

Quote: Originally posted by doddsy on 06/1/2013

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Hi new to this caravan and towing so have asked the same question,I was made to believe £460 year tax came onto the sorento after 2006,is this right? Also any advice on whether Santa Fe diesel auto is in the same bracket for towing as the 2.5 sorento.I own a lunar inspiration twin axle,1500kg.Sorento will definitely pull it but not sure on the Santa Fe??????? Thanks for any advice

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Having had both pre and post 2006 model Sorento's I can confirm the only the newer model inauto form has the more expensive VED. The older model scrapes into the lower category by a couple of mg!

I have no experience of the Santa Fe but have only heard good reports about it, however it is in  a lighter class than the Sorento unlike the new models which are virtually the same.

David

The manual version is £260 VED. They are very good towcars. We have just bought a 3 month old KX2 . 6 speed manual 194bhp.

 It goes really well and on a trip to Yorkshire and back this weekend it did 39mpg.

Have not towed with it but it has a towbar ready for action.