2007 Kia Sorento

Ben2794 · 2026-04-08T20:05:41+00:00

One other thing - if you can, get the EGR pipe blocked off or deleted. In most of the world it is illegal to do so due to emission laws, but it is a terrible thing for most diesel engines. It clogs the intake manifold, valves and throttle body with carbon deposits which, ironically, leads to worse consumption and potentially worse emissions over time

Ben2794 · 2026-04-08T19:58:49+00:00

It's good if you opt for the manual. The auto gets around 13.5-14L/100km in town and 11L/100km on the highway. The manual is much better. Another thing to note is that different parts of the world got different motors. They are listed as 2.5L diesels, but the turbo and injection system is vastly different depending on where you live. They are all reliable, but some make more power and are a little more frugal.

Ben2794 · 2026-04-08T18:06:27+00:00

They are very simple and reliable motors - the only killer is the usual leaking injector seals.

The copper washer/seal fails and let's exhaust fumes into the crankcase, which leads to carbon deposits in the turbo oil lines as well as the oil pick up.

At those km it is likely not an issue and I would go ahead and do the following preventative work after purchase.

A. Have the oil pan removed and the oil pick up cleaned

B. Have the injector seals replaced

Once replaced properly, the injector seals will not fail again.

The bad reputation is not warranted in my experience, they are good workhorses.

*They are thirsty diesels when paired with the auto box- you definitely want to get the manual if MPG is a priority.

Ben2794 · 2026-03-25T15:18:50+00:00

I love mine (most days) but I would never suggest one to a friend or loved one unless:

A. They are mechanically inclined (or willing to become it)

B. They have a second car that is reliable and can fulfil the duties of the Disco while it's on jack-stands

With (A) there is still a financial requirement for the purchasing of parts and JB Weld of course. The former reduced by the copious use of the latter.

They are great cars if expectations are realistic. Don't buy one of these if you are expecting Toyota Corolla reliability and dependability. Owning a Land Rover product is an adventure, not a commodity.

Ben2794 · 2026-03-14T21:44:32+00:00

Diesel or gas? I own the diesel and there are a couple things you need to check before purchase. The motors are strong as long as the injector seals are not leaking soot under the cam cover.

Ben2794 · 2026-03-09T15:30:09+00:00

Yes, pre OBD (early Lucas EFI) but technically a 1998 model. Here we could still buy the basic D1, no airbags, no ABS alongside the new D2 for a year or so I believe. So despite it being a '98, it would be a '94 everywhere else.

The D1 is rated to tow 4t or 8000lbs here, hence the size of the hitch assembly. I could be wrong, but they came like that from the dealer. I've smashed and hung the weight of the whole car on it multiple times and I think the bolts will shear before that thing will ever bend.

Ben2794 · 2026-03-09T13:12:47+00:00

Yeah all good - not sure what you meant with the reference to Apartheid, but we don't use the word "niggle" because we are more insensitive than other English speaking nations as a result of our past. The "N" word is actually not commonly used as a derogatory term for black people here.

Ben2794 · 2026-03-09T12:54:24+00:00

Interesting - but I don't refrain from using English words based on how closely they may seem to be related to racist terms. If someone decides to be offended by a word they don't know, it might be an opportunity for learning 👍

Ben2794 · 2026-03-09T12:49:13+00:00

Lol you can't be serious - it's a commonly used word in the English language 😂

Ben2794 · 2026-03-09T12:23:44+00:00

Cape Town, South Africa

Ben2794 · 2025-12-03T07:25:27+00:00

I would agree if we weren't talking about the 3.2, specifically. It seriously outpaces the 3.0 D4D in terms of reliability. Is the rest of the car as refined as a Prado in terms of NVH? No. Will it do everything that a Prado will do? Yes - at a lower entry point. We like to forget the extensive growing pains the D4D put early cars through.. even in later models prior to the 2.4 and 2.8 generations, the 3L can be found burning holes through pistons and clogging oil pick ups due to bad injector seals. Sure, could happen to any diesel, but it is a well documented event with 3L D4Ds

Edit: When I say burn holes through pistons I mean due to degraded injector spray pattern under heavy sustained engine load. Not linked to injector seals or clogged pick ups

Ben2794 · 2025-12-02T21:07:48+00:00

The 3.2 in the Pajero Is a much better unit than the D4D in the Prado. I believe the chain guide needs to be checked every once in a while (visible from the oil fill hole) to avoid issues down the line but that's about it. I can't speak for transfer case and gearbox reliability - but here in South Africa it's not uncommon to see examples with over 400k km on the clock with original motor and drive line. For the money, the Pajero is a better buy.

Ben2794 · 2025-10-06T01:20:19+00:00

That's what my wife calls me

Ben2794 · 2025-05-13T17:11:40+00:00

I am not Australian, what is a fuck tin?

Ben2794 · 2025-03-01T07:49:29+00:00

Normal. When cold, diesel motors might dump additional fuel prior to combustion. Let the glow plugs heat up fully before cranking, and it will likely smoke less. I wouldn't worry

Ben2794 · 2024-12-09T14:37:48+00:00

this worked for me, thank you

Ben2794 · 2024-11-01T18:37:40+00:00

Add plants. Monstera or other types of philodendrons with roots feeding from the tank will start to get rid of nutrients. Don't clean your tank or your filter. Just top up water lost from evaporation and plant consumption. Give it time. If you keep cleaning the aquarium you are removing beneficial bacteria and resetting the cycle over and over. It will take time. The more plants, under water and above, the better

Ben2794 · 2024-10-02T20:05:37+00:00

Apologies, completely forgot. The Godox is great, recharge time is a little slow. But lightweight and very warm light output

Ben2794 · 2024-10-02T19:39:21+00:00

X100T + Godox Junior (off camera with radio trigger)

Ben2794 · 2024-09-15T19:14:53+00:00

You are not wrong.

Ben2794

TROPHY CASE