Hey guys! Are you on the hunt for a stylish, practical, and feature-packed SUV? Then the Kia Seltos should definitely be on your radar! This subcompact SUV has made waves with its bold design, comfortable interior, and impressive value. If you're considering adding a Seltos to your driveway, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into everything you need to know about test driving a Kia Seltos and snagging a fantastic deal on a used one.

Why the Kia Seltos Deserves Your Attention

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of test drives and used car shopping, let's quickly recap why the Kia Seltos is such a popular choice.

• Head-Turning Style: The Seltos boasts a distinctive and modern design that sets it apart from the crowd. From its signature tiger-nose grille to its available LED lighting and bold accents, the Seltos makes a statement wherever it goes.
• Spacious and Comfortable Interior: Don't let the "subcompact" label fool you. The Seltos offers a surprisingly roomy cabin with ample space for passengers and cargo. The seats are comfortable, and the materials feel upscale for its price point.
• Packed with Features: Even the base Seltos comes standard with a generous array of features, including a user-friendly infotainment system, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and advanced safety technologies. Higher trims offer even more goodies like a sunroof, premium audio system, and driver-assistance features.
• Fuel-Efficient Performance: The Seltos offers a choice of two engines: a fuel-sipping 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a peppier 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Both engines provide adequate power for daily driving, and the Seltos delivers impressive fuel economy.
• Excellent Value: Perhaps the biggest draw of the Seltos is its exceptional value. It offers a lot of features and refinement for its price, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Test Driving a Kia Seltos: What to Look For

Okay, so you're intrigued by the Seltos and want to take it for a spin. Awesome! A test drive is crucial to determining if a car is the right fit for you. Here's what you should pay attention to during your Kia Seltos test drive:

• Comfort and Ergonomics:
  • Seating: Are the seats comfortable and supportive? Do they offer enough adjustability for your body type? Spend some time adjusting the seat and lumbar support to find the perfect driving position.
  • Visibility: How's the visibility out of the front, sides, and rear? Check for any blind spots. The Seltos generally has good visibility, but it's always good to double-check.
  • Controls: Are the controls easy to reach and use? Is the infotainment system intuitive? Play around with the different functions to get a feel for how they work.
• Performance and Handling:
  • Acceleration: Does the engine provide enough power for your needs? Test the acceleration from a stop and while merging onto the highway. If you're considering the turbocharged engine, pay attention to how quickly it responds.
  • Handling: How does the Seltos handle corners and turns? Does it feel stable and planted? Take it on some winding roads to get a sense of its handling capabilities.
  • Ride Quality: How smooth is the ride? Does it absorb bumps and potholes well? Drive on different road surfaces to assess the ride quality.
• Technology and Features:
  • Infotainment System: Test out the infotainment system thoroughly. Connect your smartphone and see how well it integrates with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Check the responsiveness of the touchscreen and the clarity of the display.
  • Safety Features: If the Seltos you're testing has advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, make sure to test them out in a safe environment. See how well they work and if they're helpful to you.
• Interior Space and Cargo:
  • Passenger Space: If you frequently carry passengers, bring them along for the test drive and see how comfortable they are in the front and rear seats. Check the legroom, headroom, and shoulder room.
  • Cargo Space: Open the tailgate and assess the cargo space. Is it enough for your needs? Fold down the rear seats and see how much space you get. The Seltos offers a decent amount of cargo space for its size, but it's always good to check.
• Don't Forget the Little Things:
  • Noise Levels: Pay attention to the noise levels inside the cabin. Is it quiet and refined, or is there a lot of road noise or wind noise?
  • Braking: Test the brakes to see how responsive they are. Do they feel firm and confident?
  • Overall Impression: After the test drive, take a moment to reflect on your overall impression of the Seltos. Did you enjoy driving it? Did it meet your expectations? Could you see yourself owning one?

Pro Tip: Test drive the Seltos on roads you frequently drive on. This will give you a better sense of how it performs in your everyday driving conditions.

Finding a Great Deal on a Used Kia Seltos

So, you've decided the Kia Seltos is the car for you. Excellent choice! Now it's time to find a great deal on a used one. Here's how to approach the used car market like a pro:

• Do Your Research: Before you start shopping, research the fair market value of the used Kia Seltos you're interested in. Use online resources like Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and Edmunds to get an idea of what you should expect to pay. Consider factors like the year, mileage, trim level, and condition of the car.
• Set a Budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend on a used Seltos. Factor in not only the purchase price but also taxes, registration fees, and any potential repairs or maintenance.
• Where to Look:
  • Online Marketplaces: Websites like AutoTrader, Cars.com, and Carvana are great places to find used cars. You can filter your search by make, model, year, mileage, price, and other criteria.
  • Local Dealerships: Check with local Kia dealerships and other used car dealerships in your area. They often have a selection of used Seltos models in stock.
  • Private Sellers: Consider buying directly from a private seller. You might be able to negotiate a better price, but be sure to thoroughly inspect the car and get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
• Inspect the Car Carefully:
  • Visual Inspection: Examine the exterior and interior of the car for any signs of damage, wear and tear, or neglect. Look for scratches, dents, rust, tears, stains, and other imperfections.
  • Mechanical Inspection: Check the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and other mechanical components. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations.
  • Test Drive: Take the car for a test drive to see how it performs. Pay attention to the same factors you would during a new car test drive (comfort, handling, acceleration, braking, etc.).
• Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection: Before you commit to buying a used Seltos, get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic. They can identify any potential problems that you might have missed and give you an estimate of the cost to repair them.
• Check the Vehicle History Report: Obtain a vehicle history report from a reputable provider like Carfax or AutoCheck. This report will reveal any accidents, damage, title issues, or odometer discrepancies in the car's history.
• Negotiate the Price: Don't be afraid to negotiate the price of the used Seltos. Use the information you've gathered about the car's condition, market value, and history to make a reasonable offer. Be prepared to walk away if the seller is unwilling to meet your price.

Kia Seltos: Which Trim is Right for You?

The Kia Seltos comes in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and equipment. Here's a quick overview to help you decide which trim is right for you:

• LX: The base trim offers essential features like a 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a suite of safety technologies.
• S: Adds features like LED daytime running lights, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, and remote start.
• EX: Offers a more premium feel with features like leatherette seats, a sunroof, and automatic climate control.
• Nightfall Edition: A sporty trim with blacked-out exterior accents and unique alloy wheels.
• SX: The top-of-the-line trim with all the bells and whistles, including a Bose premium audio system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and advanced driver-assistance features.

Pro Tip: Consider your budget and your must-have features when choosing a trim level. The Seltos offers excellent value across the board, so you can find a trim that fits your needs without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

The Kia Seltos is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a stylish, practical, and affordable subcompact SUV. By following these tips for test driving and finding a great deal on a used one, you'll be well on your way to driving off in your dream Seltos. Happy car hunting, guys!