Buying a Second-Hand Kia Sonet: 10 Things You Should Know

Launched in September 2020, the Kia Sonet quickly made waves in India’s compact SUV market. With over 4.5 lakh units sold by mid-2025, it’s not just a looker, it’s a performer backed by features, styling, and Kia’s solid brand perception. A second-hand Kia Sonet holds strong appeal thanks to its premium cabin, wide variant spread (including iMT, DCT, diesel AT), and strong road presence. But before you finalise the deal and buy a second-hand Kia Sonet, there are some things you need to be aware of.

Buying a used car is a good idea, but only if you are aware of what to check. Here are 10 things you should know before purchasing a second-hand Kia Sonet.

1. Know the Various Models

The Kia Sonet comes with a variety of trims and powertrain options: Petrol (1.2L NA, 1.0L turbo), Diesel (1.5L), Manual, iMT, DCT, and Automatic. The engines and the features can differ considerably depending on the variant.

• N-Line, HTX+ and GTX+ are the top models with sunroofs, ventilated seats, Bose speakers, etc.
• Lower variants might lack all this but are more affordable.

For more detailed information on each Kia Sonet variant, check out our Kia Sonet variants checklist.

Before you buy a second-hand Kia Sonet, find out the exact model and check for all the features, engine options, and other things that come with the particular variant. Don't judge by appearance!

2. Check Service History

Request a complete service history from the dealer or seller. Kia requires their cars to be serviced every 10,000 km or 12 months (whichever comes first), and regular servicing is also a good sign.

If it's been serviced at an authorised Kia service centre, that's even better. You'll know it's been taken care of by trained professionals using genuine parts.
 

3. Maintenance and Service Costs

Kia has built a decent service network in India, and the Sonet is fairly economical to maintain when compared to some of its compact SUV rivals. Here's a quick breakdown of the service cost and maintenance schedule for a Kia Sonet (2020–2024):

So, over a span of 5 years or 50,000 km, you're looking at a total maintenance cost of around ₹19,650–₹20,000.

4. Issues to Watch Out For

The Sonet has mostly been reliable for Indian car owners. However, on forums like Team-BHP, Sonet owners have reported some problems. These are the most common to watch out for:

• DCT Gearbox Overheating – Turbo petrol DCT variants have faced overheating issues in stop-start traffic. Check if the owner has noticed it.
• Creaky Doors – Some owners have noticed a little squeakiness on the doors after a year or so. Not a deal-breaker, but some may find it irritating.
• Touchscreen Lag – Older generations (2020-2021) are prone to the occasional lag or freeze of the infotainment system.
• Suspension Noises – Squeaks via suspension over speed breakers have been reported by a few owners. Test drive it yourself and listen closely.

5. Know the Resale Value of the Kia Sonet

Kia's brand value has grown quickly in India, and Kia Sonet's resale value has grown equally.

• At the end of 3 years, you can expect the Sonet to maintain around 65-75% of its value based on the particular variant and the condition of the car.
• Diesel variants retain value better in Tier 2/3 cities, thanks to their improved fuel economy.
• Turbo petrol DCT variants will devalue slightly more quickly because of transmission issues.

If the car is well-maintained, it will sell for a good price when you choose to sell it later.

6. Be Familiar with the Specifications of the Car

Before you decide to buy any second-hand car, it's always best to see what you're getting under the hood and on the inside. Here's a quick run-down of the specifications of the Kia Sonet:

7. Check Insurance and Accidental History

Always request the insurance documents. Verify:

• Type: Third-party or Comprehensive?
• Expiry date: Renewed on time?
• NCB (No Claim Bonus): If this is active, then the car has not been in an accident.

Additionally, verify the car's VIN through platforms such as VAHAN or CarInfo to check for reported accidents, ownership history, and any blacklisting.

8. Check the Tyre and Battery Conditions

The tyres and the battery are usually the most overlooked aspects when buying a used car. However, these things can cost you over time. So, it's always good to check them beforehand.

• Tyres – Should be having a good go of 40,000–50,000 km. If the car has crossed this milestone, include ₹20,000–₹25,000 for new tyres. Also, check the tread depth as it should ideally be above 2mm. 
• Battery – The battery life of most cars is approximately 3–4 years. Older or weak batteries will result in difficulty in starting, particularly in automatic models.

9. Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection Done

Even if the vehicle appears to be flawless and runs perfectly fine, spend an extra ₹1,000–₹1,500 to get it evaluated by an expert and skilled mechanic. Alternatively, consider visiting a reputable used car platform such as Cars24 Hub.

A Pre-Delivery Inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, fluids, electronics, and for any accidental damage. Better safe than sorry.

10. How Much Should a Used Kia Sonet Cost?

Here's how much a second-hand Kia Sonet should cost you in India:

• 2020 Kia Sonet HTE Petrol (Base): ₹6.2–7.5lakh
• 2021 Kia Sonet HTK+ Turbo Petrol: ₹8–9.5 lakh
• 2022 Kia Sonet HTX Diesel AT: ₹10–10.8 lakh
• 2023 Kia Sonet GTX+ DCT (Top): ₹11–13 lakh

Note: Prices are approximate and may differ based on variant, mileage, condition, location, and additional features. Always verify with local dealerships or trusted platforms for the most accurate pricing.

Final Thoughts

The Kia Sonet is arguably the most sensible and stylish subcompact SUV on sale in the Indian used car market. It is modern, fuel-efficient, well-equipped, and holds its price well. That said, understanding variant differences, price benchmarks, and ownership costs is key to landing a deal that’s worth your money. 

But before you make your buying decision, research well, check the service history, take a test drive to thoroughly check, and then finalise the deal. With careful research and inspection, the second-hand Sonet can deliver almost new-car vibes without the new-car price tag.