Used Kia Sorento 4x4 2003 - 2010 review

There are only two engines - one petrol, one diesel - and two trims to consider, which makes things easy.

The 192bhp 3.5-litre petrol (a 237bhp 3.3 from mid-2006) comes with a nice smooth automatic gearbox. It's cheaper to buy than the diesels, but it's very thirsty.

So, overall, the 2.5 turbodiesel is a better bet. Its 138bhp is modest, but it's backed up by a solid 232lb ft of pull which gives it decent performance in everyday conditions. It's also fairly refined and far more economical than the petrol. The engine was uprated to 168bhp and 289lb ft from mid-2006, and if your budget will stretch, this version is worth tracking down.

Every Sorento has twin front, side and curtain airbags as standard, as well as air-con, four electric windows, CD player, alloy wheels and alarm. So the basic XE will do you. For the record, XS trim upgrades you to climate and cruise control, but it's not worth the the extra.

Kia keeps used Sorentos within the dealer network wherever possible, so look there first, but 4x4 specialists can beworth a look, too.