Buying a Kia Sorento diesel automatic

I've just spent two weeks driving around Texas in a hired new Kia Sorento petrol automatic 7 seater and was very impressed with it, so much so that I'm considering buying one.

However, in Britain this vehicle only comes with a diesel engine. This puts me off buying one for two reasons: now retired I only do about 9,000 miles a year and the only other diesel car I've ever owned - a Ford Mondeo diesel automatic - had numerous and expensive problems. What would your advice be?

Asked on 30 May 2015 by Brian Haswell

Answered by Honest John

A Sorento would not feel big in Texas where everything is big. But it's a big vehicle in the UK, inconvenient for parking as a daily driver, so test drive on in the UK before making any decision. They now have Hyundai/KIA's 2.2 R type diesel engine which is relatively modern and generally a good engine, but not a good choice for just 7000 miles a year unless almost all of them are driving distances.

Tags: buying buying a new car

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

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