The Kia Niro may be an outstanding compact SUV, but buying a used Kia Niro is not easy. To find a wonderful used Kia Niro, there are several things that you should look at. So, what things should you check before buying a used Kia Niro?
Things to check when you want to buy a used Kia Niro are the state of the engine, transmission, wheels & tires, and braking system. Additionally, you should inspect the exterior and interior of the car. What’s more, you should check the history report, test drive the car, and have it inspected by a professional mechanic.
Things to check before buying a used Kia Niro
Engine
The engine is the heart of any car, including the Kia Niro. So, if you intend to acquire a used Kia Niro, it is vital to inspect the engine and ensure that it is in good condition. Crucial engine parts to examine include fuel pumps, fuel gauges, oil level, and head gasket.
Note that the Kia Niro model years with the most engine problems are the 2017 and 2022 model years.
Transmission
Apart from the engine, you should also inspect the transmission. This is because many Kia Niro users have complained about several transmission issues. You don’t want to buy a secondhand car with lots of transmission issues. Some of the transmission parts to examine are solenoid, clutch, and transmission housing. The most affected model years are the 2017 to 2019 model years.
Braking system
If you’re looking to buy a 2017, 2018, or 2019 Kia Niro, you should inspect their braking system. This is because there have been several complaints about the braking system failing. Some owners have reported an abrupt loss of braking power and a soft brake pedal.
Wheels and tires
Another vital thing to check when buying a used Kia Niro is the wheels and tires. It is important to examine things like tread depth, types of tires, and rubber condition. The tires will ensure that the car has a nice grip and you’re able to drive smoothly and safely. If the tires are uneven or worn out, you should have them replaced.
Interior
After you open the car’s interior, ensure to sniff its odor. The car shouldn’t smell like it stinks or has mold. This is a sign that the car leaks or is not in a good state. Furthermore, you should check the state of the car seats, carpet, roof, windows, and even floor mats.
Exterior
The exterior of the used Kia Niro should also be free from scratches, dents, and rust. The paint should be even and in good condition. Moreover, you should also check the underneath of the car and see if there is any rust or damaged parts.
History Report
Do a thorough history check of the car. Find out how many people have owned the car. Additionally, determines whether the car was involved in an accident or not. Besides, you should also check the car’s documents and verify if they are real. On top of that, you should find out if the car was insured and if it has a warranty.
Test drive
If you’re impressed with the interior, exterior, and history of the car, you can go ahead and perform a test drive. Perform the test drive in the city, on the highway, and even on rough terrains. Don’t turn on the radio so that you can listen to the engine’s sound and other car parts.
Inspection by mechanic
When you’re done performing a test drive, proceed to hire an experienced mechanic to perform another test drive. This is important as the mechanic may find out other problems that you were not able to discover. What’s more, they will perform a diagnostic test to discover any hidden issues.
FAQ
Is a used Kia Niro reliable?
Kia offers different Kia Niro versions. There is a hybrid, PHEV, and EV. Even though all these versions are reliable, the latest hybrid model is the most reliable. Besides, it recently received a reliability score of 5.0 out of 5.0, which is very impressive.
What’s more, according to What Car, Kia Niro came out first out of twelve cars in a sample carried out of the most reliable used electric and hybrid cars in 2023.
Is Kia Niro a good daily driver?
Yes, the Kia Niro is a good daily driver as it is compact, reliable, comfortable, fuel-efficient, and fun to drive. Additionally, it comes with ample cargo space that allows the owner to carry both passengers and luggage.
Which cars are similar to Kia Niro?
The Kia Niro is one of the top hybrid compact SUVs on the market. Regardless, it still faces stiff competition from its rivals. Some of the Kia Niro rivals are the Hyundai Kona, Ford Escape, Toyota Prius, Toyota Rav4, Subaru Crosstrek, and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
What are the safety features of the Kia Niro?
Like most Kia models, the Kia Niro also comes with multiple safety features that make the car safe to drive. Some of the top safety features include blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.
Is the Kia Niro a good car to buy?
It depends on what you’re looking for. The Kia Niro is a good car to buy if you want a reliable electric or hybrid compact SUV. It also offers a smooth and comfortable ride, which many people desire for. But if you’re looking for excellent handling and power, then the Kia Niro is not a good car to purchase.
Final thoughts
Whether it’s a new or used Kia Niro, this car still provides outstanding performance, a comfortable ride, and a spacious interior. With that said, it is vital to properly check a used Kia Niro if you want to spend your money well and land a reliable and durable hybrid, PHEV, or electric Kia SUV.
Start by checking the engine, then the transmission, braking system, wheels, interior, and exterior. On top of that, check the car’s history report, carry out a test drive, and get an experienced mechanic to inspect it. Overall, the Kia Niro is a reliable and low-maintenance car.
