Kia was forced to recall 56,000 vehicles in the US and Korea. This recall involved the 2010 Soul and 2011 Sorentos models. While you’re not likely to find a preowned Kia from 2011, if you are considering the 2010 models, before purchasing, ensure that it is not part of a pre owned vehicle recall.

It is important to be certain that any used vehicle you purchase is free of defects. When you buy a previous owned vehicle, in many cases, it’s difficult to know whether the vehicle has a history for problems. Read up on recall information for your vehicle of interest – it will save you lots of money and headaches down the road. Of course, if you want to avoid all of the hassles that can come with dealing with the owner of a vehicle, consider using an auto dealership. Almost all auto dealerships carry certified or pre owned vehicles that have been thoroughly checked and/or repaired. This is one of the most safest ways to purchase any pre owned automobile you plan to purchase. While you might pay a little more, your purchase includes a guarantee that offers significant peace of mind when it comes to safety and out of pocket expenses.

The basic concept of the certified or pre-owned vehicle is relatively simple. Automobile manufacturers take their late-model used vehicles (usually less than five years old), put them through a fairly rigorous inspection process, attach an extended warranty and other perks, and sell them at a premium to the used-car-buying public.

The benefit to consumers is clear: Many find themselves getting a like-new car with new-car-like peace of mind. Not only do they get these benefits at a used-car price, but they’re often able to enter a vehicle segment (luxury, sport utility vehicle, etc.) they otherwise couldn’t afford. For manufacturers, certification programs allow them to drive up used-car values, extend their brands and increase turn rates on used vehicles.

Though on the decline, there are still significant volumes of off-lease units; approximately 2.5 million such vehicles will be returned to manufacturers in 2005, according to CNW Marketing Research. High off-lease volume provides plenty of options for the certified used car shopper. Match these statistics with consumer frugality, and you can see why manufacturer-certification programs are more popular than ever.

“It’s gotten to the point where [the certified pre-owned car] is a legitimate third type of vehicle,” said Tom Kontos, vice president for industry relations and analytical services at Adesa Corp., an Indianapolis-based global vehicle re-marketing firm. “It gives the retailer a third opportunity to sell a car. And it gives customers certain elements of peace of mind, and they can avoid the depreciation loss that comes when buying a new car.”

Source – Cars.com – What Are Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles?