Kia sportage

my niece just got her 16yr old daughter one 4dr auto 2 wh drive, does it have a interferance engine?

I know they are under powered witch will be good for a 16 yr old lol but any info will be a big help

Yes, it does have an interference engine (at least up to 2002).

Timing belt:(Gates Belts)

'95 - '02 Kia Sportage 2.0L (DOHC) Part# T281 (TCK281) Change at 105k miles (CA), 60k miles elsewhere.

'95 Kia Sportage (2.0L (SOHC) Part# T264 Change at 105k miles (CA), 60k miles elsewhere.

Why the heck does the timing belt lasts longer in California? The temperate climate perhaps?