For a used Kia Soul purchase, is it better to buy a newer car (1-2 yrs) with higher mileage (~40,000) or an older car (3-4 yrs) with lower mileage (<20k)?

this is not a helpful answer nor is it consistent with what i've seen written on the site. i'm talking about a car no older than 2014 here.

Kias are ok, manufacturers warranties are voided when there is no service documentation

What you should look for is a certified used one. Those are very close to the manufactures warrr and then just find the best deal by looking into the future. How long to you keep a car in the past? You already know your annual mileage so just divide up the cost of the car and how long your keeping it and then you will have your price per mile. Hope it helps.

I bought a used 2010 Kia Soul sport package. 2.0 liter engine....5 speed manual....sunroof, leather interior, factory sub woofer sound system, Kia sport black wheel set. Bought from Carmax. Put CAI, catback exhaust, sport springs, KB shocks in the rear, SACHS struts in the front. It's badass. Have 100,000 miles. Usual maintenance, just replaced cabin filter, spark plugs. @ 120,000 I plan to replace the water pump, timing belt, fan belts, wider set of tires up front and back. Thinking about coilovers as well. This car roars and demands respect. I love driving it.

I bought a 2012 soul new and today have 245k miles on it without ever needing to use my original warrenty & I have Never had an issue with it running great. Besides normal wear and tear replacements : brakes x 1, battery x 2, tires x 3 and oil changes my Kia is still dependable and running like a champ: best car and most reliable one I have ever owned ...

My problem with tennisshoes comments would be his lack of evidence to back his claims except one bad experience with a mechanic friend. Upon the mechanic tearing the engine down determined the previous owner did not maintain the vehicle. Well, what would you expect that an abused vehicle would last a long time? Of course not. Now, I would suggest you search for web sites that have supporting evidence for there claims that Kia is either a good or bad car when purchased used. I'll end by saying that I heard from a longtime mechanic that Kia started out making crappy vehicles, but sometime in the mid 2000s(I believe)they turned things around and now put out pretty good vehicles. They still back their vehicles with 100,000 mile or 10 year warranties so they can't be too bad. I'm a former mechanic and am pretty sure that I'm going to buy a Used Kia soul with 100,000 miles. Why not, it runs well still and the price is right! PS If you want a "solid" used vehicle go Toyota but plan to pay for the reliability in cost of the vehicle.

I’m buying a used Kia Soul 2911 with 177k mileage for 300$, is the price ok? My concern is the high mileage, but it has excellent condition ,, pls advice

I will buy this 2011 with 177k in a blink of the eye, even if it only goes for six months, you get your return on it, i just bought a bike for $450 so go figure. A friend bought a 2012 Soul with 152k on it a year ago for $2000 and still driving it w/o problems, just tires and brakes. The Kia Soul it is a reliable problem free car.