Kia is a Korean automaker that sells a variety of car models in the United States. Its new vehicles tend to be reasonably priced, and if you buy a used Kia, you can often get a good deal. Kia is the 8th best-selling car brand in America, which means there is usually a good selection of used Kia vehicles on the market at any time. If you would like to purchase one, there are several strategies that can make it a simple process.
Decide on the exact Kia model you would like to purchase. Even though they come from the same manufacturer, some Kia models are more reliable than others for the long term. "Consumer Reports" provides reliability information for the engine, transmission and other systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lets you check online to see if a particular Kia model has ever had a recall. Narrow your search down to the one or two Kia models with the best records.
Decide where you prefer to purchase your used Kia. Although you generally pay less when you buy a car from a private seller, Kia dealers offer a certified program for some of their used cars that can give you more peace of mind. Certified pre-owned Kias go through a 150-point inspection to ensure they're in good shape. They are sold with a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and roadside assistance, and you can purchase additional warranty coverage. All certified pre-owned Kias are less than five years old and have less than 60,000 miles. If you buy your Kia from a private owner or a non-Kia dealership, you are generally buying it as-is. If the seller makes any promises or guarantees, make him put them in writing, or they will not be enforceable.
Do some price research so you'll know a fair price range for the type of used Kia you wish to purchase. You can get the wholesale, retail and private seller price range from Kelley Blue Book. However, those are just general guidelines. Check ads and dealerships to get a feel for real-world prices in your area. Prices for used Kias can vary, depending on where you live and the time of the year. When you actually view used vehicles, you'll need to adjust what you consider a fair offer based on the Kia's condition.
