Hi everybody, good to have found this group! A friend of mine got a new Jeep TJ, and I have confirmed my interest in 4-wheeling- what a great time! While Jeeps are ok, most dealerships around here want a mint for even a decent used one. Besides that, I'd like a truck that is a bit more practical for every day use, but still be tough for the trails.

I was looking at the Suzuki Vitara\Chevy Tracker, because they are a perfect size (2-door versions) and have a real transfer case with low range. Until I found this list, I had no idea that the Kia Sportage also had low range. I'm hooked now! It might be later this summer before I get one, but the little Kia's have caught my attention. You folks on this list really seem "in the know" and have a lot of good information to share.

So here's my big question- is it possible to swap a diesel into a U.S. spec Sportage? Upon searching, it seems that a diesel version was avaliable outside the US- (just like everything else) do the diesel versions use the same tranny? What are options for using a non-factory engine/transmission combination? I am a big diesel fan and a small 4x4 with a diesel would be super sweet.

Thanks for the info, and I hope to learn a lot and have a great time here.

Brendan
84 Scirocco 8v
00 Camaro L36 M49