Is the Kia Soul Reliable and Worth the Money? A Retired Mechanic's Perspective

For many years, I have owned and driven various Kias, and I can confidently say that they have been incredibly reliable. Let me share my experiences and insights based on my 45 years in the automotive industry.

My Personal Journey with Kias

Since 2007, I have owned multiple Kias, including a Magentis and an Optima. In all that time, the only issue I faced was a minor airbag warning light on my Magentis, which was resolved. Similarly, my wife and I upgraded to a BMW in 2013, but in just three years, the constant repairs made it a frequent visitor to the garage. Thankfully, it was under warranty, and we were relieved to trade it in for a Kia Sportage in 2016.

Even now, the most I have needed to address is the windshield washer water on my Sportage. Both the Magentis and Sportage have served me reliably, and I can confidently say they are among the most dependable cars I have ever owned.

Trust in Reliability

The automotive landscape has changed over the years, and Kias, particularly since the early 2000s, have significantly improved their quality and reliability. It's not uncommon to find Kias and Hyundai vehicles with over 100,000 miles with very few issues. I can point you to the National Transportation Safety Data Board; you'll find that Kias and Hyundais have fewer recalls compared to most other manufacturers.

Remember, even brands like Honda, Toyota, and Nissan faced similar challenges when they first entered the US market. They too were flawed initially but gradually improved and became trusted brands. If you're in the market for a reliable and affordable car, Kias and Hyundais are excellent choices. I spent countless hours repairing and maintaining various makes and models, and from a professional standpoint, Kias have been increasingly dependable over the years.

From a Mechanic's Perspective

As a retired ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified master mechanic with 45 years of experience, I have seen a remarkable shift in the quality and reliability of Kias. Unlike many of my counterparts who may have reservations, I can confidently recommend Kias and Hyundais without hesitation.

I owned a Kia Soul for two years before upgrading to a Sportage. The only reason I traded in the Soul was the need for more space for our grandchildren. Within my immediate family, we have had 4 Kias and 3 Hyundais. Moreover, around 12 of our friends have chosen to trade in their current vehicles for Kias or Hyundais as their primary cars due to their reliability and affordability.

I strongly believe that for those seeking basic transportation, Kias and Hyundais offer exceptional value for your money. These cars may not be flashy, but they are reliable, easy to maintain, and suitable for everyday driving.

Conclusion

Based on my extensive experience and the feedback from my family and friends, the Kia Soul is an excellent choice if you're looking for a dependable and cost-effective car. Whether you're a parent with young children or a solo driver, Kias provide the reliability you need without breaking the bank.

Happy motoring and thank you for considering Kias or Hyundais for your next vehicle purchase.

Best regards,

Bob