2011 Kia soul a decent car?

amateurbob · 2026-06-10T06:28:14-0400

I have come across a one owner 2011 Kia soul with around 112k miles. It has the beta ll engine and 4 speed transmission. On paper it has been meticulously maintained. Oil changes every 3 to 6k miles and it has had the transmission fluid changed twice. The timing belt was changed within the last 40k miles.
They are asking 5000$ at a dealership but it is 3 and a half hours away.
Something to consider or not worth it?

JoelB · 2026-06-10T06:31:10-0400

My step sister had a similar Soul. She put like 50k hard miles on it with only general maintenance from my dad. My dad was so impressed with it that he bought the next generation with the 1.6 and a 6 speed manual, which he daily drives now.

User_19876 · 2026-06-10T06:33:53-0400

I had the same Beta II in an Elantra. It was excellent. That doesn’t sound like such a bad deal from a lot, depending on the appearance and condition of the body, interior, etc.

fantastic · 2026-06-10T06:41:08-0400

amateurbob said:
I have come across a one owner 2011 Kia soul with around 112k miles. It has the beta ll engine and 4 speed transmission. On paper it has been meticulously maintained. Oil changes every 3 to 6k miles and it has had the transmission fluid changed twice. The timing belt was changed within the last 40k miles.
They are asking 5000$ at a dealership but it is 3 and a half hours away.
Something to consider or not worth it?

Sounds like that vehicle was taken care of. The mileage seems to have been local commutes but that shouldn't really stop you if it looks okay. Maybe offer $4,400 & go up from there to see when they budge?

amateurbob · 2026-06-10T06:47:36-0400

fantastic said:
Sounds like that vehicle was taken care of. The mileage seems to have been local commutes but that shouldn't really stop you if it looks okay. Maybe offer $4,400 & go up from there to see when they budge?

If it is still there l might make a day of it this weekend and go look at it but 7 hours on the road

.
As anybody that has read my posts knows l am on the lookout for a decently maintained reliable beater.
It has been a bigger challenge lately.

fantastic · 2026-06-10T06:58:35-0400

amateurbob said:
If it is still there l might make a day of it this weekend and go look at it but 7 hours on the road .
As anybody that has read my posts knows l am on the lookout for a a decently maintained reliable beater.
It has been a bigger challenge lately.

Maybe get a cheap motel room & go out for dinner for the night? I think the latest results were the average fleet age was 13 years old so it seems vehicles last longer &/or folks holding onto them due to the cost of re-entry into another new one. I think the biggest is cost of everything right now has really put pressure on folks giving up their existing vehicles.

I even got an odd email from the dealer that bought my truck 7 years ago wanting to buy it back from me. Still have it & have no plans to get rid of it since it would cost way too much to replace it. Anyways, Let us know what you decided either way.

amateurbob · 2026-06-10T07:03:32-0400

fantastic said:
Maybe get a cheap motel room & go out for dinner for the night? I think the latest results were the average fleet age was 13 years old so it seems vehicles last longer &/or folks holding onto them due to the cost of re-entry into another new one. I think the biggest is cost of everything right now has really put pressure on folks giving up their existing vehicles.

I even got an odd email from the dealer that bought my truck 7 years ago wanting to buy it back from me. Still have it & have no plans to get rid of it since it would cost way too much to replace it. Anyways, Let us know what you decided either way.

Absolutely

doitmyself · 2026-06-10T08:08:15-0400

My adult son had a 2013 with the smaller 1.6 engine that he drove past 200,000 miles with only minor replacement items (brakes, plugs, etc.). His was inspected for a possible catalytic converter issue (I think).........something about the engine was tuned to run a bit to hot???? Otherwise, it was the most trouble free, low cost of ownership car I had ever seen. Inspect it carefully for everything: drive train, suspension, check recalls, etc..

Edit: here's the catalytic converter issue (2012+ models): https://www.asburyauto.com/kia-catalytic-converter-recall

road_rascal · 2026-06-10T08:12:53-0400

A coworker of mine had a 2011-2013 (not sure which year) that put on over 250,000 miles on his. That one was a manual transmission. He got rid of it because the gas tank started seeping at the seams. As far as I remember he had very little problems with it.

Hohn · 2026-06-10T08:13:34-0400

My Dad has a Soul of that vintage that he still daily drives (as an IT administrator in his mid-70s!). His has been quite reliable.

ClutchDisc · 2026-06-10T08:27:50-0400

I have the Betta II engine in my 2010 Elantra. Extremely durable engine.

amateurbob · 2026-06-10T08:31:43-0400

ClutchDisc said:
I have the Betta II engine in my 2010 Elantra. Extremely durable engine.

I thought l read that Kia says the timing belt needs replacing every 60k, is that the interval you have followed?

ClutchDisc · 2026-06-10T08:35:13-0400

I would have to look at what is recommended for the timing belt interval. It was replaced when purchased at 112k miles and it is now at 162k miles. It has been on my mind that I will need to do it in the near future.

Edit: A quick search of the internet shows multiple sources saying 5 years / 60k for the interval.

2011 Kia soul a decent car?

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