Is Buying a Used Kia Seltos a Good Idea?
You might be able to save some money with a used Kia Seltos model right now. The 2022 Kia Seltos might have a limited inventory, but 2021 models with low mileage can be found. However, the question is, do you really want a used Kia Seltos?
Is buying a used Kia Seltos worth it?
Yes, buying a used Kia Seltos model can provide savings as you get a fun and rugged SUV. The Seltos is Kia’s newest SUV addition, and there are five different trim levels to choose from. There is a chance that you could get a great deal on an option that perfectly matches your needs.
But prices are up right now due to the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage and pandemic-related delays. The MSRP for the 2022 Kia Seltos is $22,490. Based on local searches, used Selto models with about 10,000 miles are being listed for about $25,000.
On a positive note, the Kia Seltos is holding its resale value pretty well. It has the best resale value in other countries such as India. But it’s only a year old here. In the United States, depreciation rates are usually calculated after five years.
Is the Seltos reliable?
According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Kia Seltos has a reliability rating of three out of five. This is an average score. But the Seltos is so new that there hasn’t been much time to accrue mileage.
Typically, Consumer Reports lists the potential trouble spots for vehicles. But there have been no problems reported for the Seltos yet. Based on owner satisfaction surveys, the Seltos ranks the lowest in the area of value.
It has a score of 52 out of 100. This means that owners don’t feel like they got what they wanted relative to the price they paid. So, keep this in mind with a used Kia Seltos. Also, it scored a 64 out of 100 for the driving experience and a 64 out of 100 for comfort.
To figure out why the Seltos has an average reliability rating, we went to Car Complaints. There are 16 reports of engine problems for the 2021 model. Drivers experienced their engines stalling, being out of oil, making loud knocking sounds, leaking, and surging.
There was a recall for Seltos models equipped with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The Kia Soul uses this engine too, and was included. The oil piston rings may not have been properly heated, causing engine damage.
What to look for with a used Seltos
The recall covered the engine problem, so you probably should be fine with a used Kia Seltos. We recommend avoiding the base engine, which is the 2.0-liter four-cylinder option with 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
Instead, go for the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Each turbo-charged model comes with standard all-wheel drive.
Every trim but the base model comes with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are included. The 2022 model comes with forward collision avoidance assist, driver attention warning, lane-departure warning, high-beam assist, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-following assist.
Buying a used Kia Seltos model might not be a bad idea if you can find the right price. It’s a little early to tell how well this new SUV will hold up. So far, it has a good resale value, though.
