I hear that certain models like these have issues with oil clogging and even catching on fire. Should I stay away from this car or consider the Corolla or Civic sport instead, even though it costs $3k more but has fewer miles?
If it has a 2.4 engine, I’d recommend you pass on it. Look up Theta2 oil consumption online to get more details. I don’t dislike Hyundai/Kia, I own a couple myself, but I really dislike this engine. If you’re willing to check the oil regularly and top it off, you might keep it running, but if it starts burning oil, it can clog the catalytic converters. Some people manage to keep the engine going for over 200k miles, but that’s rare, and those cars are usually highway-driven.
My car started burning a quart of oil each week when it hit 100k miles. At 105k, I had to replace the catalytic converter. Now, at 137k miles, it loses power when driving. I know that’s the reason it was sold before reaching 100k miles.
@Jade
Yep, I had to get rid of my 2019 Accent at 98k miles. It was using 2 quarts of oil every 4-6 weeks.
My 2017 Sportage’s engine failed at 103.9k miles while I was driving at 75mph on the highway. There was no warning beforehand—no oil consumption or knocking sound, it was just working fine until it died.
I wouldn’t buy it. Run far away from that deal.
The piston rings and connecting rod bearings on these engines are terrible. The Theta II GDI engine has a lifetime warranty for the defect, but make sure to get the KSDS update done (check www.KiaEngineSettlement.com). If it’s a key-start model, it might be at risk of theft (check www.KiaTheftSettlement.com). Even if it’s not, you might end up with a broken window or damaged column, which isn’t covered unless the car’s part of the theft settlement program. If you’re paying $3k more for a car with fewer miles and fewer issues, it might be worth it, but I’d pick the Corolla or Civic instead if you can afford it.
@Vince
I really appreciate your comment and time. Thanks for sharing the info.
I have a 2018 Sportage SX (bought new) with about 127k miles. So far, it’s been good with only regular maintenance—just tires, brakes, and oil changes. I had to replace a knock sensor six months ago, but I got lucky. My wife had a 2014 Soul that consumed oil and seized at 105k miles, but we got it fixed with a new engine under warranty. My son’s 2018 Tucson needed a new oil pan gasket at 110k miles, but it’s still running. I also had a 2010 Forte EX that ran smoothly until I sold it at 145k miles. We’ve experienced both the good and the bad side, and we’re done with Kia/Hyundai after that.
My 2017 Sportage had 102k miles when I spun a bearing. Thankfully, Kia replaced the engine under warranty, so it should last a bit longer now.
Don’t buy any Kia or Hyundai older than 2020. It’s just not worth it.
MissNicklaus said:
Don’t buy any Kia or Hyundai older than 2020. It’s just not worth it.
Exactly. Never buy one of those models.
MissNicklaus said:
Don’t buy any Kia or Hyundai older than 2020. It’s just not worth it.
Wait, did you mean older than 2020 or younger than 2020?
The car has no accidents, just two owners, and all basic maintenance was done in November (brakes, axles, suspension, oil change, transmission flush). Price is $12k after taxes in California.
KiaRevolution said:
The car has no accidents, just two owners, and all basic maintenance was done in November (brakes, axles, suspension, oil change, transmission flush). Price is $12k after taxes in California.
I always used to go by the rule that the car should last 10k miles for every $1,000 you spend on it. That car won’t last another 120k miles though. But a Corolla or Civic that costs around $15k and has under 200k miles could easily make it to 350k miles if well-maintained.
@breezy
I agree. As someone who’s owned a Kia before, I’d say the Corolla or Civic would offer better long-term value. I’d pass on the Sportage.
KiaRevolution said:
The car has no accidents, just two owners, and all basic maintenance was done in November (brakes, axles, suspension, oil change, transmission flush). Price is $12k after taxes in California.
The Corolla or Civic would be a better choice, especially if you’re looking for a more reliable car. My grandpa has a 2013 CR-V with almost 300k miles, and it’s been very dependable.
@Livia
Hmm, the under 100k miles is the main concern. I thought I might save some money, but no car payments in six years has been nice.
KiaRevolution said:
@Livia
Hmm, the under 100k miles is the main concern. I thought I might save some money, but no car payments in six years has been nice.
Sometimes people don’t drive their cars much. My grandma’s car has 120k miles, and it’s still good. But it’s always best to do thorough research before buying to avoid cars with reliability issues.
Go for the Civic Sport. I have a Kia Forte, and it’s given me zero problems at 52,000 km, but I can’t shake the feeling that something might go wrong with it.