Is a Kia Forte worth it?
It depends on what you pay and what you earn. Here is what a 3-year-old Forte costs to own at US averages, and the most you can pay before it stops being a smart buy.
The short answer
- It keeps about 63% of its price after five years, about average for its class (65%).
- At 34 MPG, fuel runs about $1,112 a year at 12,000 miles and US average gas prices.
- Insurance, fuel, maintenance and fees come to about 32 cents per mile, before the car payment.
How much can you pay?
The highest price that still scores Worth it (70 or more) or Borderline (50 or more), for a 3-year-old Forte with 20% down, a 60-month loan at 10% APR, 12,000 miles a year and US average costs.
| Yearly income | Worth it up to | Borderline up to |
|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $8,000 | $16,000 |
| $60,000 | $21,000 | $31,500 |
| $80,000 | $34,000 | $45,000 |
| $100,000 | $46,500 | $58,500 |
| $150,000 | $78,500 | $93,000 |
Paying cash, a bigger down payment or a cheaper insurance quote all raise these limits. Your state matters too: run your own numbers.
Cost to own, year one
Running costs for a 3-year-old Kia Forte at 12,000 miles a year, at US averages. The car payment comes on top.
| Insurance | $2,000 |
| Fuel | $1,112 |
| Maintenance and repairs | $520 |
| Registration and fees | $150 |
| Total per year | $3,781 |
Key facts
- Type: Sedan or hatchback, gas
- Efficiency: 34 MPG
- Value kept after 5 years: about 63%
- Insurance class: about the state average
Compare with
Toyota Camry · Toyota Corolla · Toyota Prius · Honda Civic · Honda Accord · Chevrolet Malibu · Nissan Altima · Nissan Sentra · Hyundai Elantra · Kia K4 · Mazda Mazda3 · Volkswagen Jetta · Dodge Charger
Figures are estimates from public averages (data as of 2026-10, method v1.0), not quotes or financial advice. See how we score.