KIA
Gone are the days when Korean-made cars couldn't stand up to their Japanese counterparts. In the past several decades, the South Korean automobile manufacturer Kia has only been on an upward trajectory, producing durable, technologically advanced, safe, and reliable cars that offer outstanding value. Some of their most popular models currently are their suave yet practical SUVs like the Sportage, Seltos, and, more recently, their electric EV6. This is not to say that their sedans, such as the Stinger and Rio, are slouches, either. Regardless of the Kia you choose, you'll be getting every bit out of your dollar and then some.
Why Buy a Used Kia
Quality and Reliability
Kias are made from quality materials and parts and have rightfully earned a reputation for quality construction and reliability. Whereas cars from other brands may have deteriorated over time, Kias are known to maintain near-factory condition for many years.
Cost-Effectiveness
Even brand new, Kias already offer outstanding value for money. But with cars like Kias that run just as well even after years of usage, going the second-hand route can give you even greater cost savings with little compromise. Just make sure that you always buy from a reputable second-hand dealer like BE FORWARD Auto Parts.
Finding the Right Used Kia for You
Popular Used Kia Models
In no particular order, the popular used Kia models are the Sportage, Forte, Seltos, Cadenza, Rio, and Forte. SUVs remain their most popular models, but Kia also offers stylish and practical sedans such as the K5 and the Stinger.
Choosing a Model Based on Lifestyle Needs
The standard option would be to go for one of Kia's handsome sedans like the K5 (previously known as the Optima) or Stinger. The K5 features powerful engines, class-leading torque, fuel efficiency, and AWD options.
Smaller families won't need much more than a compact car. But you'll want one that offers decent interior room and trunk space. Enter the Kia Rio, a stylish compact that checks both those boxes and offers a wide range of standard features.
For the driver with an active lifestyle who needs a vehicle that can keep up, look to the Sportage. It is one of their oldest and most popular models, and it first went on sale in 1993. The Sportage has since blossomed into a stylish crossover SUV, and in particular, the 2012 Sportage has scored highly on several rankings for its practicality, safety, and drive performance. Another of their compact crossovers is the instantly recognizable Soul. The tall and boxy Soul offers ample headroom, legroom, and, as a bonus, ease of parking due to solid sight lines.
If you're looking for a more spacious option, consider Kia's Sedona minivan. The seating capacity of a minivan is a given, but the Sedona also boasts a wide range of standard safety features and has scored highly on many safety rankings. Alternatively, Kia offers large SUVs like the premium Telluride and Carnival.
Kia also offers full-electric and hybrid models for the environmentally conscious and those wanting greater fuel savings. Their lineup includes the hybrid EV6 that can reach almost 500 km on a single charge and the compact Niro SUV that comes with full-electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models.
Engine Performance & Technology
Kia's engines are tried and tested for their ability to deliver performance under a wide range of conditions and have also been incorporated with various technologies to increase different areas of performance.
One of their newer engine technologies is the Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology, which was introduced in 2019 and developed by their parent group, Hyundai. This valve control technology regulates the duration of valve opening and closing based on driving conditions, enabling a 4% boost in performance, a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency, and emissions reductions of 12%.
Kia's gasoline direct injection technology has also been designed for high levels of power without much sacrifice in fuel efficiency, offering even greater performance and fuel savings than those of their competitors.
Safety & Reliability
If it isn't already apparent, Kias are safe vehicles. Kia prides its vehicles on their safe designs and extensive range of standard and optional safety technologies that have earned them high scores in various rankings on safety. The list of safety enhancements includes an ultra-high tensile steel vehicle body, which is not rigid but also light, providing better crash safety and fuel savings. Newer Kias also come with advanced crash avoidance systems such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The exact list of safety features on your Kia will depend on model year, model, and trim.
Kia is so confident in the safety and reliability of their cars that they back all their vehicles with an industry-topping warranty coverage of 5 years as well as a 10-year drivetrain warranty, although many drivers have never needed to call upon this service at all. It's not uncommon for a Kia to go more than a decade without any major breakdown.
Maintenance & Upkeep of Used Kias
With all that talk about the reliability of Kias, you'll only be able to get out what you put into it - that is, you'll have to be diligent with maintenance to get it performing at its best for many years. This includes sending your Kia for its regular scheduled maintenance and also performing basic tasks doable on your own, such as checking tire pressure and tire tread, checking that all lights are working, being vigilant about any dashboard lights turning on, and making sure all fluid levels are topped up.
Conclusion
Kias are practical, safe, reliable, and great value for money. While you might not be paying more for a Kia than if you were to get a car from another brand, you won't be making any compromises. And by purchasing a used Kia, you'll get the same high quality at an even lower price. Just make sure, though, that you make your purchase from a reliable dealer, such as BE FORWARD.
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