The four-cylinder engine in your car is fitted with a timing chain which should be good for the life of the engine. Other Kia engines including the V6 used a rubber timing belt which requires periodical replacement. However, it’s not that simple and some owners have found that even engines with timing chains need these replaced long before the engine has worn out.

It’s sometimes a case of flawed design or poor quality parts that causes this, but in the majority of cases, timing chain failure is caused by a lack of proper maintenance on the part of the car’s owner.

The used Captiva does appear to be great value, but their shaky reputation for reliability would lead me to consider other options. The Territory would be a better bet, but they are known to have electrical and front suspension issues in the long-term.  If you're after an SUV, a seven-seat 2006-12 Mitsubishi Outlander is smart buying at the moment, but if you're just after the seven seats, I highly recommend taking a look at a 2008-13 Kia Rondo. These represent excellent value at the moment. Hope that helps, and keep us posted with your progress.