[Mean & Green]

You are miss informed if you think the K-series is best avoided. Particularly in turbo form.

Overall the K is probably the best choice for a few reasons. It is the least expensive to maintain and put right if things do go wrong. On average just a timing belt change is more expensive on the V6 than an entire head gasket change on a K-series.

The K turbo also has much more easily achievable power gains if you ever wish to go down that route as well as being more economical. Parts are cheap and plentiful and it’s very easy to work on.

I’ve owned four K-series engined cars over the last sixteen and half years. IMO the miss information touted about overheating and head gaskets is well overhyped to the point of almost being downright lies. Most of the so called ‘faults’ are a result of neglect and poor servicing.

If you seldom lift your bonnet than it’s not just a K-series that isn’t for you, but a car of this age also isn’t for you.

If you’re not used to old cars, you may be shocked by the need to be prepared to get your hands dirty once in awhile and keep an eye on simple checks under the bonnet regularly regardless of the engine choice.

The youngest of these cars came off the production line just over 15 years ago. The life each individual car has lived is much more relevant to it’s condition and current reliability than the spec list.