01 optima any good

TwinTurbo · 07-26-2006, 10:51 PM

I was thinking of getting an 01 with 89000 on it. The car looks and drives nice. Just wanted to know how they are for reliability, fuel millage ect..Just wanted some input form people who own them. It has the 2.4 auto. If I do get it is there any thing I should do right away other than change the oil and trany fluid. Thanks.

Schnauzer · 07-26-2006, 11:20 PM

The '01 is fairly reliable although there were some engine and transmission issues early on. No doubt your vehicle has been kept up but I would definitely check on the timing belt. It should have been done at 60k and if not or you aren't sure, change it!! A broken timing belt will ruin the engine. Maintenance is the key to a long living Kia as it is most brands. The Optima is a great value, new or used.

TwinTurbo · 07-27-2006, 01:41 PM

Thanks for getting back to me. That makes me feel a little better about it, I have searched throughout this forum and have not found to many people unhappey with them. Seems to be a good little car.

Daytonabob · 07-28-2006, 08:26 AM

If you can, get the name of the person and talk with them about this beauty and get the service records for it, then a clear cut decision can be made on the purchase.

ahfrederick · 07-28-2006, 11:27 PM

Yeah, it all depends on how the previous owner treated the car. Also you have to ask them WHY they are selling it? BTW, how much are they selling it for? Cuz I bought my 2004 for UNDER $10,000 (used) from Enterprise, and have had NO problems. Good luck with the purchase!

TwinTurbo · 07-29-2006, 07:48 AM

It's being sold by a private person that sells cars on the side for extra money, It was a friend that told me about him and they were very pleased with the car that they bought from him. It was an elderly lady that had it and she was not able to drive any more. I looked at it again it has some miner dings and stone chips no oil leaks and no engine noise and trans shifts good, interior is nice also, the only thing wrong with it the doors will not lock but they will unlock. He wants 4,500 for it, So far this is one of the best car's I have looked at for the price. The lady went to the dealer for all of her service on the car, oil changed every 3,000 miles and so on. And thanks again for your feedback.