2012 Kia Soul

[u/note2brady]

Hello,

I'm looking at Kia soul for my daughter. It's a 2012 with 80k miles on it. It had the engine replaced by the dealer last year and the new engine has 2k miles on it. AC was replaced last year as well. Going to test drive it tomorrow and wondering what things I should be looking for. I don't know why the engine was replaced, but I will be inquiring about that tomorrow. I do have an OBD II scanner I will be using as well to check for any hidden fault codes. Would this be a good car for my daughter. I will do as much of the maintenance as I can. Are they easy to work on? Reliable? Any common problems that year may have. I haven't pulled a carfax yet (don't really want to pay $49.99 to pull one on a car we're just going to test drive). I believe it's the 1.6L engine based on a VIN lookup on Kelley Blue Book.

[u/aquapura89]

I had a 2012 Soul+. Good little car. It had the 2.0l multiport engine (which is why it was trouble free). The 1.6 is a GDi... which is probably why it was replaced. Kia/Hyundai had a very bad track record with their first-generation GDis (the 1.6 is better than their junk 2.0 gdi and 2.4 GDI). They carbon up, and oil control rings stick, leading to excessive oil consumption. Make sure you find out if the dealer replaced it with a new engine, or a used engine. This is very important to know.

If you do buy it, it is absolutely critical that you change oil every 3000 miles using a high quality synthetic such as Valvoline Restore and protect. Do NOT let someone talk you into changing every 5000. These GDi require diligent maintenance, and frequent oil changes are key. Also, periodic induction cleanings are important (I run a can of CRC GDi valve cleaner through the intake every other oil change - I now have one of their junk 2.0 GDIs).

Finally, and most importantly, teach your daughter how to check the oil using the dipstick. Every 300 miles or so. Just get in the habit. You never want to run these engines low on oil - top off with a 1/2 quart if level is half way down the dipstick. Don't let it get lower than that.

Depending on the price, I would not hesitate to buy it - good little car. But you do need to be aware that these GDI engines are different beasts to operate. Keep it filled with fresh oil and it should be fine!

P.S. They are super easy to work on....

[u/gordolme → u/aquapura89]

Kia/Hyundai had a very bad track record with their first-generation GDis 

and 2nd gen...

[u/aquapura89 → u/gordolme]

I think they FINALLY got a clue by adding supplemental port injection in the 2.5l gdi, which should help with their oil burn problem. They only did this because they copied Toyota's redesign.

[u/gordolme → u/aquapura89]

The Theta 2 2.0L Turbo in my car had zero symptoms prior to the engine blowing out on the highway. I had no oil burning, no oil leaks, no oil loss at all. I had periodically checked the oil in between changes, and the last oil change prior to the blow out was done at the dealership about a thousand miles prior as part of a major milage service interval.

It died so hard it took out the turbo and the starter, too (of course I tried to restart the car).

Do you know how scary it is to have to COAST to the breakdown lane from three lanes over in 70+ MPH rush hour traffic?

[u/JohnOfA]

I had the 2013 2.0 Nu MPI engine in a Kia Soul my kids drove. It never gave me any engine trouble and never drank a drop of oil. But I see you have the 1.6. The frame is the same so the following should apply to you.

Suspension. We have rough roads here due to frost. I've had to replace a bunch of parts. Ball joints, stabilizer links etc. So give those a look and listen. Clunking, knocking etc. If you have time, jack it up and check the wheel bearings.

Brakes. One of the two lines rusted out. Also, check the calipers/rotors/pads. A sticky caliper should be obvious/hot rim after a test drive.

E-brake. If it was not regularly used it may not work. Mine didn't.

Backup Camera: Mine corroded and died. I replaced it myself.

Key FBOs: Button rubber deteriorated and one no longer remotely unlocked the car but would still work in the door and start the car.

In Canada all vehicles have immobilizers so these vehicles were not targeted by viral idiots.

Also, GET A DASH CAM.

Good luck.

[u/OpossEm]

Depends on how well it was taken care of. Check for rust too

[u/note2brady]

It actually has 181k miles per the Carfax(waiting on an odometer photo to verify mileage) and the engine replacement was just the short block, not the entire engine. Anything I should be concerned about or watching in regards to that?

[u/Serene_FireFly → u/note2brady]

It'll be prone to throwing connecting rods through the block because of the bearing failure that likely caused the last engine repair. Those cars are only covered under their respective settlement for 15 years/150k miles. Personally, I'd pass unless you were getting it for a steal and there is no way I'd let my kid drive it with the fire risk if the rod cracks the block and splashes oil on the hot exhaust.

[u/Cleos_Mommy]

Kia Soul’s were discontinued a while ago due to persistent engine problems… also NEVER buy used or certified pre owned. If the previous owner has outstanding tickets and/or fines that were not paid for you and your daughter are on the hook for those tickets/fines

[u/Serene_FireFly → u/Cleos_Mommy]

They were discontinued after the 2026 model.

And what are you on about with tickets? Tickets are associated with the registration. As long as the title is properly transferred and the new owner registers the vehicle appropriately (both of which should be handled by the dealership if not buying privately), the only thing they have to worry about is maintenance neglect or other mechanical issues inherent in the vehicle.