According to the consumer report on the reliability of 2018 car brands, Kia ranked third out of 27 car manufacturers from around the world. The brand had moved up two spots from their 2016 ranking. Kia has established an excellent reputation for a wide range of consumers due to its style and functionality.
If you plan to buy a Kia, whether used or brand new, in Rochester NY, here are some tips you need to know:
For a brand new Kia:
1) Get the latest model
Kia is known to continuously improve all their units to maintain their reputation in the business. So if you’ll be purchasing a new one, make sure to get the latest model of the car you want to buy because it’s guaranteed that there are improvements and upgrades in the unit. You can check the car dealer’s website if they already have the latest model of the unit you’re planning to purchase.
2) Research and decide which type of car to choose
Before visiting a Kia car dealer company, you need to do some research on the possible car options. Here are some factors to consider when you’re narrowing down your choices:
- Purpose – When choosing a car, make sure that you think of the use of why you’re buying one. For example, if you’re buying to make more room for a growing family, your options should include minivans or SUVs.
- Budget – Choose a car that fits your budget. Kia is known to produce high-quality automobiles that are not so expensive, so there’s definitely a car that will fit into your budget.
- Fuel economy – You also need to think of the engine performance of the Kia unit you plan to buy. Although almost all units are engineered to be fuel-efficient if you want to save a lot on gas, choose a unit that has a smaller engine like a Kia Picanto or Soul to maximize fuel efficiency.
3) Insurance coverage
All Kia cars have extensive coverage of up to ten years. Make sure to check this with your car dealer. Also, they provide roadside assistance, so make sure that your car dealer will include that when preparing the paperwork for you.
For a used Kia:
1) Check the mileage
One important thing to remember when buying a used Kia unit is to check its mileage. The mileage is a good indicator of how frequent the car has been used. You want to purchase a used unit with lower mileage because it’s more likely to still be in good condition because it’s not used that much.
A car should consume an average mileage of 10,000 to 12,000 miles a year. You have to multiply that with how old the car is based on its year model. For example, a 2015 Kia Sorento should have consumed 40,000 miles this year. Any values above that mean that the car is heavily used by the previous owner, which can negatively affect its condition.
2) Invest in an extended warranty
When you buy a brand-new Kia, it usually comes with warranty coverage. However, if you purchase a used Kia, it doesn’t often come with that anymore. It’s recommended to buy an extended warranty to insure your car even if it’s pre-owned. The monthly fee is usually much cheaper compared to a typical repair bill in case your car gets into an accident or breaks down.
Some pre-owned Kia units still have an existing warranty, and that’s a good thing to consider when you’re choosing a car. You have the option to continue paying for that existing warranty.
3) Do an inspection and a test drive
Before you purchase a pre-owned car, make sure to properly inspect it if it’s in good condition. If you don’t have enough expertise to check a car’s status, you might want to ask a car technician or a friend who can help you determine if the vehicle doesn’t have any problems in its engine and body.
You also need to do a test drive to get a glimpse of how the engine is working. This is important since some issues can’t be seen through inspection. Performing a test drive can determine if there might be parts that are loose or need replacement.
Final Thoughts
In general, it’s wise to get a Kia if your planning to buy a car, whether it’s a new or pre-owned unit. Kia has a good reputation in terms of consumer reliability, safety, style, functionality, and fuel efficiency. But before you purchase one, make sure to keep these tips in mind to guarantee that you get the best value for your money.
