1997 Kia Sportage

[CanaMark]

I got this kia sportage awhile ago. It has a 2 liter 4 cyl, 4 speed automatic. It is sitting out in storage out by the auction where I bought it. It was unreserved with body damage and when it went through the auction pit, it wasn't running, so they used a tow truck, the frame is good. I spent $600 to get it. I did a tune up on it awhile ago to see if I can get it to start. It started up nice, so I am into it for $750. I also did some autobody work. It is a 1997 base model. I was thinking about parting it out before I got it running, but since I got it running I could just sell it. I have a few questions

Did these come in a 6 cyl model? and if so what size?

What is the going rate for a '97, it has 100,000 on the odometer

What are some problem area's you find in these vehicles have?

I almost think the timing chain needs replacing do those go quick on these rigs? Of course there is the fit and finish problem areas. The alignment is way off, the outside of the tire is balding.

The quickest way for me to get rid of it, since its running is to run it through the auction, but for maximum profit, I might just sell it privately. Sure it might take half a year.

[LMP]

I guess this is a DOHC and the timing belt is recommended for a change after 65000 miles or 100000km. Easily done with common do it yourself ability. Original vacuum hubs are probably inoperative or have been replaced already. This is an easy fix but they are often accompanied by bearing damage. Have this checked.
Other than that, there are a dozen other known common issues that are normal wear and are dealt with rather easily like crank position sensor, idle air valve,.......

[Axe Man]

Just as a point of correction 1997 4WD Sportages have mechanical locking hubs, which probably don't work. They were designed for low speed engagement and typically one accidential high speed engagement will damage them. The vacuum hub design started in 1998.

He also didn't mention if that Sportage was indeed 4WD. It might be a 2WD base model.

[CanaMark]

Ok thanks for all the info, I sold it for a good profit. Still alot of problems related, but all the problems have all been pawned off onto another fella.

Sometimes when I am at an auction it is hard to pass up some deals. But if I dont go early and check it out, start it up and take a good look at it, almost always there is some major problems. I go quite often, not always to buy, but just to sit and watch and find out what cars/trucks/suv's are going for. I notice everytime I go, there are certain people that are always there. Those are dealers/brokers. I know what they are looking for. I make it look like I am only interested in the Trucks/Suv's do a couple fake "walk-arounds" of vehicles.

I learned my lesson about buying just because its cheap. thanks again

[Highlander1]

I am looking to buy a 1998 Sportage 4WD with low mileage (under 50K). Was wondering what kind of dough a timing belt job is and if I need to replace the vacuum operated hubs. Not looking to spend alot of money fixing up and am not that handy so it will be a local mechanic. Any other thing I should look for before buying. I understand the car sat for 2 years impounded with the Sherriffs dept, I'm sure that doesn't help an older car. I'm thinking of it for a teen son. Thanks for any tips or advice.