Description

When it comes to rugged 4 wheel drive vehicles, manufacturers like Toyota, Nissan, and Jeep are probably the first to come to mind. Slightly more obscure makes like Mitsubishi and Isuzu are also fairly well known and expected in the off-road world. But for those who want to stray off the beaten path of rugged SUVs the first gen Kia Sorento is the ultimate forgotten 4×4. Debuted in early 2002, the Sorento was designed to compete with the likes of the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee. As such Kia engineered a shocking amount of off-road capability into these vehicles. The 3.5 liter V6 pushes its power through a 5-speed manual transmission. That is then distributed through a selectable 4×4 transfer case to a solid rear axle and independent front suspension. Underneath a ladder frame is protected by a set of skid plates and recovery points can be found front and back. While it may not look like much the Kia Sorento was designed and engineered with rough and ready roads in mind!

This Sorento is being sold with a rebuilt Colorado Title. The current owner is unsure of the history of the vehicle or why it has a branded title. The outside of this Kia has several scratches and scrapes including missing paint on the front bumper and a mismatched rear bumper. The rear bumper has a crack. Rust can be found on the passenger rear fender. Rocker panels, floors, and other fenders appear solid. The four painted steel wheels present well and it is equipped with oversized all terrain tires. The spare tire is missing. The windshield is cracked.

Mechanically the engine seems to start, idle, and rev well. A check engine light is illuminated. An exhaust leak is believed to be somewhere near the front of the exhaust system. The manual transmission & clutch seem to operate well. The parking brake is inoperable. The 4 wheel drive system engages in both high & low range.

The interior displays signs of being smoked in. Many burn holes are present throughout the interior including the driver seat. There is an odor of cigarettes. The dash is complete and solid. The radio works. The passenger front window is inoperable.

While this Sorento is rough it does present a great opportunity for someone to experience a first gen Sorento as Kia designed it to: off-road. Finding one with a manual transmission is extremely rare in the U.S. This Kia is being sold “as-is” with no warranties or guarantees.