Key Differences Between New and Used Kia Vehicles

What’s the difference between new and used? Ask this question to some people and you may get a vague answer that goes something like, “New cars are certified; used cars aren’t.”

While there is truth to that statement (new cars are often covered by factory warranties), when it comes to Kia models like the Sorento or Soul, there are plenty of things, anyone, considering buying a used model should know. 

For one thing, Kia offers them with factory warranties in most cases. And even without factory warranty coverage, buying a lightly-used model has its benefits. 

Shopping for New vs. Used Kia Models:

What About Warranty Coverage for New & Used Kias?

One of the major benefits of new Kia models is that they come with factory warranties that cover the powertrain and components like brakes, air conditioning systems, and more for either five years or 50,000 miles. 

There’s usually a limit to how long you can enjoy warranty coverage – three years (36 months) on new compact cars like the Rio and Elantra, for example. And because it varies by model, if you’re considering buying a different model than the one featured in this article, be sure to check out our financing page as a guide to new car warranties. 

Typically speaking, used Kia models don’t carry these same protections unless bought from a dealership as certified pre-owned (CPO) models.

So, for example, you can typically expect a three-year warranty on the powertrain and even more extensive coverage than that if you opt to buy a Kia-certified pre-owned model. 

Where Can I Find Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Models?

Right here! If you’re in our local area, we specialize in selling used Kia models, so there’s no need to worry – we have lots of certified pre-owned (CPO) units available to choose from. When shopping at these dealerships, be sure to ask about whether or not their CPO units come with factory warranties; if not, look elsewhere. There are other benefits like free roadside assistance included with the certification process for used Kia models.

What’s the Cost Difference?

In general, you can expect to pay more for a new Kia model than you would for a used one. But that price difference varies based on the make and model of the car you’re looking at, as well as its age and mileage. Obviously, if you buy a brand-new model with little to no miles on it, you can expect to pay a little more. Conversely, there are some great deals to be had on used cars – even those just a few years old. 

It’s important to do your research before buying either a new or used Kia model; that’s where we come in! Our experts are always happy to help drivers in our local area find the best car for their needs, budget, and driving style. Come see us today at Kia of LaGrange.