Kia Problems

It's hard to make recommendations without knowing much about what you want. The choices of vehicles for a family of four are many and varied, as you say. I would consider a Kia Sportage SUV, Toyota Camry mid-sized sedan, or a Ford Falcon is you want a large sedan. You would certainly be better off shopping for a one to two-year-old used car.

It's not just the dealer and it's not just Kia. Most companies keep only fast-moving parts in stock and have to order anything else, which means sea freight delays.

I would not be considering any European cars of that age if you want reliability with no expensive surprises along the way. As a rule European cars become more and more unreliable as the years pass and the kilometres climb, and they are expensive to repair. Your best bet is to go for an Asian brand, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Kia.

In order, I would suggest you consider the VW Tiguan, Kia Sportage, and Mazda CX-5. All are reliable, drive nicely, and are well equipped.

An older i30 should be fine, and far better value than a Corolla that everyone chases. You also should check out a more recent Hyundai i20 or Kia Rio. They are smaller but still good cars and would have some factory warranty.

The news from Kia Australia's spokesman Kevin Hepworth is not what you want to hear: "That is a North American engine only. No plans for Australia." Sorry.

You are not the first to complain about a Kia pulling to the left, including one of my big bosses. I'm told it's important to also check the rear wheel alignment. Kia Australia spokesman Kevin Hepworth says: "There is no identified systemic problem with Sorento steering pulling to the left. If an owner feels their car is not performing to specification they should, in the first instance, take the car to a certified Kia service centre to have the wheel alignment specifications checked. It is important in attempting to adjust the wheel alignment those specifications aren't exceeded."

The Sorento is a long-term CarsGuide favourite and one of the best things is the basic package is so good you don't have to spend big to get a car that will work well for the long haul. It definitely gets The Tick.

Two choices that get The Tick from me are the Toyota Camry sedan, which can be quite punchy with the 2.5-litre petrol engine and is great value, and the Kia Sportage SUV with turbo diesel.