What You Should Know About Buying a Used Kia Sonet: Pros, Cons, and Common Issues

The Kia Sonet has been one of India's best-selling compact SUVs since its launch in 2020, with over 4.5 lakh units sold as of 2024. It's good-looking, feature-packed, and a sheer pleasure to drive, and hence a fan favourite in the highly competitive sub-4m SUV segment. Buying a used Kia Sonet can provide great value for money as you may find cars in the pre-owned market that are well under 5 years old with fewer recorded km on the odometer. But every second hand vehicle has its own set of pros, cons and issues. So, before you go ahead and grab that deal on a used Kia Sonet, here's what you should know.

Why People Love the Kia Sonet: The Pros

A used Kia Sonet is one of the best-selling compact SUVs for a reason. Here are some of the main reasons behind its popularity among Indian buyers:

1. Loaded with Features at the Price

Even in its entry-level variants, the Sonet is loaded with more features than many of its competitors. You get touchscreen infotainment, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, LED DRLs, steering-mounted controls, and even rear park sensors. If you opt for a higher trim, such as HTX or GTX+, you also receive a sunroof, ventilated seats, and Bose audio speakers. 

2. Multiple Engine & Transmission Options

The Sonet comes with plenty of combinations to choose from: 1.2L petrol with 5-speed MT, 1.0L turbo petrol with iMT/DCT, and 1.5L diesel with MT and AT. You have complete flexibility to choose a pre-owned model that suits your driving style and fuel preference.

3. Compact Yet Sporty

On city roads and in narrow parking spaces, the Sonet's compact sub-4-metre dimensions are a boon. It manages to punch visually above its weight, drawing frequent comparisons to its elder sibling, the Seltos.

4. Reliable and Fuel-Efficient

Kia (a subsidiary of Hyundai) has earned a reputation for being very reliable. Sonet engines are tried and tested, and mileage is great, particularly with the diesel models, which yield up to 19–21 km/l on highways as per ARAI figures.

5. Great Resale Value

The Sonet is very well-liked and stylish. Hence, its resale value is top-notch. It also means that you might not be able to get it for much cheaper. However, you'll get a good return when you plan to sell it. According to used car portals, well-maintained Sonets retain 75–80% of their value within the first 2–3 years, especially in urban markets. 

What to Look Out For: The Cons

Even though the Kia Sonet is an excellent compact SUV in its class, there are still some drawbacks to it. Here are some of them:

1. Stiff Ride Quality

This is a very common complaint. On good roads, the suspension is sporty and stiff, but on potholes and poor stretches, it's harsh. If you drive mostly on bad roads, take it for a test drive first before buying.

2. Rear Seat Space is Just "Okay"

The Sonet's not the roomiest car when it comes to rear space. It's a squeeze for tall people, and if three adults are sitting in the rear section, it may not be the most spacious. If rear seat comfort is high on your list for your family, then think twice before buying it.

3. iMT Takes Getting Used To

Many used turbo-petrol Sonets come with Kia's iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission). It's a clutch-less manual, which sounds cool, but drivers unfamiliar with the technology may find it awkward, especially in stop-and-go traffic. If you've never driven one, take a test drive first.

4. Slight Turbo Lag in Petrol

The 1.0L turbo-petrol has a significant lag under 2000 RPM. When it kicks in, it's fun to drive, but if you are driving mostly in urban conditions, you may find that lag catching up with you while accelerating or overtaking.

5. Spare Part Costs Can Be Steep

Although Kia's post-sales service has improved, there are certain components, especially in top-end versions, which are expensive. For example, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen or LED headlamp cluster is slightly expensive to replace if it gets damaged.

Common Problems in a Second Hand Kia Sonet

Now, let's discuss some of the real-world complaints that certain owners of pre-owned Sonets have reported. These may not be the case with every vehicle, but it's always better to know:

1. Infotainment System Glitches

A few owners of early Sonet models have also reported issues with the touchscreen freezing or restarting randomly. Kia has issued software updates to address most issues, but it's worth checking during your visit.

What to do: Test each function of the infotainment, like Bluetooth, CarPlay, navigation, reverse camera, etc, when you check the car.

2. Premature Brake Wear

Some users have also reported that their brake pads had worn down much faster in some cases, mostly in turbo-petrol and diesel variants. This could largely be due to aggressive driving or driving frequently in traffic conditions.

What to do: Check the service history. If the pads are replaced very early, ensure that it is not a persistent issue.

3. Rattling Noises

Some owners have reported rattling noises from the dashboard or doors after a certain period, primarily in diesel models. This is typically due to the use of hard plastics and gaps in panelling.

What to do: Drive on a rough road and listen hard. They are harmless but frustrating.

4. AC Cooling Issues

In rare instances, AC performance may not be optimal on hot days. This was more prevalent in the 2020 and early 2021 launches.

What to do: Drive 10–15 minutes at maximum cooling on your test drive. If it fails to cool adequately, get it repaired.

Verdict: Should You Buy the Kia Sonet?

If you're in the market for a trendy, feature-rich compact SUV with good fuel economy and strong reliability, the Kia Sonet is a great buy.

Just be sure to choose the right variant, have it thoroughly inspected, opt for a Pre-Delivery Inspection, and familiarise yourself with the drawbacks of the model you're driving home (iMT, DCT, turbo lag, etc.).

Avoid cars with a questionable service history or unexpectedly low prices, as the Sonet's popularity means a good used car will not be cheap. However, if you can find one in good condition with accurate maintenance records, it'll be reliable for years to come.