Nate
Malibu,#2Consumer Suggestion
Fri, October 14, 2005
The Kia warranty is truly a confused and misleading document indeed. For a full version of the 114-page Kia warranty visit www.kia.com and click on the "10 Year/100,000 Mile Warranty Program" link. These terms are readily available on the website as well as in your Kia Owner's Manual. However, Kia is counting on the fact that most car owners rarely (if ever) read into the warranty that Kia claims is the industry standard. I personally disagree most emphatically that their warranty is industry leading. In fact, I believe it to be no better than their competition, and in some ways less than others offered. While 10 years/100K miles sounds like alot, the only item guaranteed on your Kia for that period is the powertrain. This is actually very good as it covers all oil-bathed parts and gaskets, etc. The concealed part is that this only applies to the original owner of the car. Everyone else receives 5 Years/60,000 Miles. This is not bad, but it is certainly no better than any other manufacturer, and in many cases, it is far less of a warranty. Kia owners may also be surprised to find that most parts of the car do not fall under the 10 year warranty claim. Most emissions components are covered for 3 years/50,000 miles, while some are covered for 2 years/24,000 miles, and others 8 years/80,000 miles. Confused yet? Why are some parts covered for such a short period? I can only speculate, but the answer to that question is answered in Kia's quality ratings. Purchase a vehicle with a simple, direct, and true warranty. Research before you buy. Get your potential used vehicle checked out by a certified trustworthy mechanic. A frequent poster named Robert from Jacksonville, Florida suggests NAPA Auto Care centers as a good place to use. I will echo that recommendation as a former employee of NAPA.