Drivers looking for a new car often prioritize durability, an area where the Kia Forte excels. It's shown its worth as a long-lasting vehicle, scoring a significant 83 out of 100 from J.D. Power's Consumer Rating for car resale value. This score places the Kia Forte fourth on the list of 2024 best compact car resale ratings, reinforcing that this vehicle can easily surpass 150,000 miles with proper care. Some lucky owners even see their Fortes hit 200,000 miles. That's about 13 to 17 years of consistent travel if you drive approximately 12,000 miles each year. 

The long-lasting performance of the Kia Forte shows that this vehicle isn't just durable — it's a prudent buy that will keep its value for years to come.

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Factors Affecting Longevity

Your Kia Forte's lifespan is influenced by various factors, such as driving habits, maintenance, and usage.  The 2024 Forte comes with either a 2.0L four-cylinder delivering 147 horsepower or a more powerful 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower. Both engines are paired with front-wheel drive and require care and attention to ensure they last a long time.

Driving habits also significantly impact vehicle longevity, with highway-driven vehicles typically outlasting those primarily used in urban settings. Interestingly, warm weather can be gentler on your Forte's components, potentially extending its lifespan. No matter where you live, taking proper care of your Forte is key to making it run well for many years. This includes timely oil changes and rotating the tires every 5,000-8,000 miles. By following this routine, you can help ensure your sedan remains reliable for years to come.

Kia Forte Reliability

In recent years, Kia Forte's reliability has skyrocketed. J.D. Power gave the 2024 model a Quality & Reliability rating of 87/100. This high score puts the compact sedan ahead of many competitors in its group, showing that Kia is working hard to make this vehicle more trustworthy. 

Looking back, the Kia Forte's journey to reliability wasn't without its challenges. The early 2010 models had engine issues, and the 2012 to 2015 Forte engines often struggled to reach 100,000 miles. The 2019 models introduced a new CVT that, unfortunately, showed signs of failure as early as 10,000 miles. However, the 2016-2018 Fortes have earned a reputation for reliability, with many expected to exceed 150,000 miles. The 2020 and newer models are still proving themselves on the road, needing more time to demonstrate their long-term durability.

Beyond its engine performance, the Kia Forte usually experiences few issues and requires minimal unexpected repairs. This reduces wear and tear on its components, enhancing its overall reliability. Additionally, its low maintenance needs result in some of the lowest upkeep costs in its class, solidifying its reputation as one of the most dependable compact cars available.

Real-World Experiences

Kia Forte drivers often talk about how long their cars last. One driver who owned a 2020 model says, "Owning the Kia Forte for 7 years plus with the mileage clocked 157,000km, there's no major problem with the car..." There's another owner who pushes the exact same idea regarding the Forte's longevity. He says, "My 2018 Kia Forte S with 60k miles gives hybrid-like mileage with cruise control. I am the third owner, and it was a rental car for the first 20k miles." 

On Edmund's customer reviews page, another customer, RandylM, is also happy with his more than-a-year-old car. He says, "I have had the 2022 Forte LXS for more than a year now, and it has proven itself to be a stylish, reliable, comfortable, and economical car."

Such anecdotes illustrate that the compact sedan can maintain performance for an extended period. Additionally, the 2024 model's impressive Driving Experience score from J.D. Power shows how much people enjoy driving it. 

Manufacturer's Warranty

Kia's warranty for the Forte is exceptional. In addition to an extensive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, you also get a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, a five-year/100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty, and five years of roadside assistance up to 60,000 miles. This comprehensive coverage reflects the company's confidence in its product. 

The mix of short- and long-term coverage gives you confidence for years to come, making it a good buy.    Check with us at Huffines Kia Corinth for additional coverage information.

Maintenance Tips for Prolonging Lifespan

To get the most out of your Kia Forte, both in longevity and fuel efficiency, regular maintenance is essential. Also, staying on top of your Kia's upkeep can reduce the need for expensive engine and transmission repairs. One of the simplest yet most important tasks is regularly changing the oil and oil filter, which helps prevent harmful buildup in the engine. Kia recommends doing this every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. To know more, read the following steps to keep your Kia Forte running at its best:

  • Switch out the oil, move the tires around, and get a safety check.
  • Put in a new engine and cabin air filters.
  • Change brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant.
  • Check if the timing belt and spark plugs need to be replaced.

When choosing the best oil for your Kia Forte, full synthetic 0W-20 or 5W-30 are excellent options, depending on your engine type. For the transmission fluid, it's generally recommended to change it every 60,000 miles, though this can vary based on your model and driving habits. Following this maintenance schedule and using the correct fluids will ensure your Forte runs smoothly and lasts longer, whether you have a CVT, manual, or auto-shift manual transmission.

Experience the Long-Lasting Kia Forte at Huffines Kia Corinth

The Kia Forte shines as a smart, long-term pick for discerning drivers. With regular maintenance, it can be your reliable companion for up to 17 years or 200,000 miles. At Huffines Kia Corinth, we offer a wide selection of new and certified pre-owned models to suit your needs. Our skilled mechanics deliver top-tier maintenance and repairs, ensuring your Forte runs smoothly for years. Visit us for a test drive or contact us to find out about our latest deals and models. 

Categories: Kia Forte

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