What Is Kia Certified Pre-Owned?

These warrantied and inspected used cars get the full backing of a Kia warranty and more.

Benjamin Hunting | 

Mar 7, 2023 | 3 min read

Kia

Today’s used car market is very competitive, and automakers are looking to give their dealers as much advantage as possible when courting secondhand buyers. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle programs are a big part of this strategy, designed to extend warranty coverage, provide peace of mind through extensive vehicle inspections, and lure in shoppers with additional services and benefits.

CPO programs can be similar in terms of offering additional protection for buyers, but each automaker has its specifics regarding what's covered, what isn't, and the length of the coverage period. Here’s the Kia Certified Pre-Owned program and what it offers.

What Kia Vehicles Are Eligible for the Certified Pre-Owned Program?

Kia opens up its CPO program to any used vehicle up to six model years old to the current model year, so you can snag a very recent 2023 trade-in such as the Sorento with CPO coverage or go as far back as a 2017 model. There's also a mileage limit that any Kia CPO candidate must respect. Kia will only certify used vehicles that have fewer than 80,000 miles showing on the odometer.

Each of these automobiles is also run through the Carfax vehicle history system and goes through a 165-point inspection to correct any potential issues before it’s sold under the CPO banner.

It's important to note that some of the CPO vehicles will still be covered under the company's five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty (with roadside assistance and anti-perforation coverage for five years or 100,000 miles).

Suppose you buy a vehicle outside of the company's CPO program. In that case, Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile drivetrain warranty is altered for used cars: It's not entirely transferable, shifting to a five-year/60,000-mile warranty for the next owner.

What Type of Warranty Coverage Does Kia’s CPO Program Offer?

That last part, about Kia's 10-year, 100,000-mile drivetrain warranty getting cut in half for second owners? You don't have to worry about that if you go the CPO route, which restores the original details of the warranty and starts the clock from the day the car was first sold. The powertrain warranty also includes a travel component that will get you mobile again should your Kia break down farther than 100 miles from your home, or if you need to tag in a rental car due to ongoing warranty work.

The program also introduces an additional warranty called Platinum Coverage that begins the day you buy the vehicle and essentially takes over from the original new car warranty. It's a relatively brief protection, however, limited to one year/12,000 miles from the date of purchase.

Are There Any Extras With Kia’s Certified Used Car Program?

Kia throws in a 90-day SiriusXM satellite radio subscription and 10 years of unlimited roadside assistance dating from the secondhand vehicle's purchase date with each CPO sale, which is quite competitive compared to other brands with a full range of services, including fuel delivery and locksmithing.

Benjamin Hunting

Benjamin Hunting is a writer and podcast host who contributes to a number of newspapers, automotive magazines, and online publications. More than a decade into his career, he enjoys keeping the shiny side up during track days and always has one too many classic vehicle projects partially disassembled in his garage at any given time. Remember, if it's not leaking, it's probably empty.