Ask an expert


markbravo

I have a max budget of $25,000.... I've checked out both of these cars for a week now... here's what i could get...

2011 Kia Sportage (NZ New, 2.0 engine) with 35,000 kms for $24,000
or
2010 Nissan Murano (Jap import, 2.5 engine) with 70-80,000 kms for $25,000

in a nutshell, im worried about CVT issues i read online about the murano and im worried about the reliability of the sportage... Would you be able to advise me on this one? As well as the annual maintenance costs for both cars... Thank you!

Would also love to hear from other people about their experiences with these cars...

ABayliss

I'm not sure that you should worried about the Sportage from a reliability point of view. Kia is a brand that has very much come of age and produces very good product these days.
The biggest problem with the Murano is that it has a reputation for being very thirsty.
If I had to choose between a NZ New 2011 Sportage with 35,000km and a 2010 Import Murano done 70,000km, my choice would be the Sportage.

markbravo

By thirsty you mean the fuel consumption? So even with a 2.5 engine, the murano is still that bad? Was your choice based on the mileage or some other factors?

ABayliss

Yes, I was talking abot fuel consumption, although the 2.5 will be preferable to the 3.5 V6 in that regard.
I was basing my preference on all the factors.
Model for model, these two both enjoy good reputations for reliability.
Personally, I prefer the driving experience of a conventional automatic to a CVT. Also, the Murano has done twice the mileage, is a year older and is a used import, so to my mind, the Sportage would be my preference.

markbravo

Ive never owned a car with cvt before... gow expensive is it to maintain compared to a regular automatic?

ABayliss

According to our local Nissan and Kia dealers, both should be relatively similar, with a recommended transmission service interval of 100,000km and a cost of around $450.

markbravo

With your experience and expertise in the field of cars... which of the 2 did you find to have more complaints with just about any factor? ^_^

ABayliss

No real stand-out issues with either of these models from either the AA Motoring Advice or AA Roadservice (breakdown) teams.
Earlier Nissan CVTs were a real problem, but nothing much with this model.