Should I replace my Ki Sorento with a Dacia Sandero Stepway?

I have owned my 2007 KIA Sorento 2.5 XT Auto Diesel estate for over two years and it now has 67,000 on the clock. It has always been serviced by my local KIA dealer and I am only the second owner - the first was my father-in-law. I have just found out the KIA service (over) due now is going to cost around £800 and then another £350 when I have the next service done within nine months. Add to that over £400 in tax, an impending MOT, and 28mpg for the 25,000 miles I cover on mostly motorway runs every year and it's really time I moved on with something a bit smaller and economical.

I have worked out if I can average 55 mpg I am liable to save around £2500 a year in fuel costs. I would like to stay with a higher vehicle as I have found it better for seeing over hedges (I live in the country) and visibility in spray on motorways is also improved. However, I do not need 4WD or off-road capability as I have an old Range Rover Vogue for when the going gets tough. The Dacia Sandero Stepway looks like good value for money at £10,500. Do you think it would be worth giving the Stepway a punt and am I liable to get £7000 for the KIA in part-exchange?

Asked on 25 May 2013 by WT, via email

Answered by Honest John

Yes, the Sandero Stepway is a good idea. The diesel is the old 1.5-litre Renault unit (also now adopted by Mercedes for the Citan and A-Class). It's much cheaper to produce than the excellent new 1.6DCI 130. Your Sorento trade books at £8,880 with 61,000 miles, so you should be looking at £8000 for it rather than £7000.

Tags: car values motorways fuel economy part exchange

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Related models

Kia Sorento (2003 - 2009)

Has the hardware and ability for serious off-roading. Easy-going, pleasant drive. Useful tow car. Owners like them. Excellent value.

Dacia Sandero Stepway (2013 - 2020)

Space and practicality of a small hatchback for the price of a tiny city car, low prices and cheap PCP deals make this one of the most affordable cars.