Kia built its company on the motto that it isn't building products for customers but that they are building happy customers for life. To that end, Kia is one of the most recent auto manufacturers to put together a certified pre-owned Kia program for their customers. This program started in the first quarter of 2008 and due to its young age, it may not be available at this time in all dealerships across the nation. Better late than never and once the program came to market it has been well received.

To be eligible for the program, Kia will only consider used Kia vehicles that are five model years or younger and ones that have been well maintained and have less than 60,000 miles on their odometer. Check with your local dealership for the details.

The program includes many different elements.

150-Point Inspection

Know that by offering a certified pre-owned vehicle program, Kia is taking the next step to customer care and helping to increase the residual value of their vehicles. However, this is only true if the vehicles are reliable, offer sound performance and drivability. That is why Kia has designed their tests for each vehicle entering the program to be comprehensive allowing the final product to meet their exacting standards.

Covered areas of the vehicle include for example, the drivetrain, engine, suspension, electrical and mechanical operations, all interior spaces, and the full exterior of the vehicle.

Vehicle History Report

As part of the inspection and certification process Kia has a complete Vehicle History Report done. This allows them to double check that the vehicle has never been in a major accident requiring more than 25 percent of the value of the vehicle at the time in repairs. The history report also will show if there has been any flood damage, fire damage or any hidden liens on the vehicle.

Warranty Coverage

Kia offers an excellent warranty package for its certified pre-owned vehicles. There is an extended 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty available with each vehicle. There is also a Kia Certified Wrap Service Contract, which offers the new owner extra levels of coverage beyond powertrain coverage. For full details, contact your local dealership.

Roadside Assistance Package

In order to be competitive every auto manufacturer has a full Roadside Assistance Package, Kia is no different. As part of their certified vehicle program, Kia has a comprehensive 24/7 assistant support system. It is available from anywhere in the US and there is a toll free number.

This assistance program is available for the full 10-year/unlimited mileage warranty duration. This is determined by which comes first, the time or the mileage.

A few of the services supplied by this program include:

• Tow service ? if your vehicle becomes disabled and you require a tow, the service representative will be able to call someone to come and help you. If the problem can't be fixed, then your vehicle will be towed at no cost to the nearest Kia dealer or alternate service location, whichever is closer.
• If you breakdown on a holiday or not on a regular business working day, then your vehicle will be towed and stored by a Kia-approved vendor and taken to the nearest dealer the next morning.
• Service support for life's mishaps like dead batteries, flat tires and the odd occasion when you run out of gas, know that there is someone at the end of a phone that will arrange for help.
• Rental car reimbursement is available if your vehicle is disabled longer than overnight and you require a rental car for a few days ? standard is up to five days.
• Should your trip have been interrupted there is travel coverage to help with unexpected expenses from this disruption to your plans. These expenses include all reasonable claims for meals, lodging, and/or a rental car. This particular coverage is limited to $100 per day for up to the three-day limit per incident.
• There are more than 630 dealers throughout the country that are part of the program. As this program is new, some of these may not be up to the same level of training as others.