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I'm considering an 07 LX with the 2.4 and 5 speed automatic to replace my Elantra hatch back. The Sonata was originally my first pick but the interior and ride of the Optima felt nicer to me.
Once the new car smell wears off are there any known 'traits' of this model to be aware of? Things you wish Kia or yourself would have noticed before you took the plunge?
Does the 2.4 have a timing chain or belt?
I have owned Hyundais for many years now so I feel like I am turning my back on a known reliablity for a different brand. I realize they really are part of the same family after all my wife has the Sedona's sister van the Entourage.
Thoughts.....
Also are there other Kia forums or enthousiast sites out there? Hyundai seems to have a fan site for almost every model but Google has failed me there.
Can't speak about 3G Optima, but as for the reliability issues between Hyundai and Kia.... They basically like GM cars...different brand names, but they share a lot. The engineering groups are the same, and the cars still share many of the same parts.
As to discussion groups...there are a lot more Hyundais on the road than Kias, so it stands to reason there will be more fan sites. Unfortunate, but true.
You will enjoy the well-designed and well-built, world-class, World- Engine derived 2.4 Optima. Rest assured, it has a durable timing chain. I chose the smooth-shifting five-speed automatic. You can choose to shift through the gate. There are two oil pumps to run the Variable Valve Timing. The Optima has plenty of power and quickness for me, and is arguably much better looking than the more angular Sonata.
Aftermarket air and cabin filters are becoming available as well. (See my post under Air Filters.) Lots of extra touches from Korea can also be found, some with the Lotze badge, some with Optima or Magentis, but just look for the 2006.5 parts references, on sites like Korean Auto Imports and KSPEC and on E-Bay. I ordered a Scangauge II online for mine to give a continuous readout on my dash (in blue) with extra inputs to monitor, including MPG and TPS for the Electronic Throttle. The EX would be a good choice for the money, giving you an excellent package of extras.
Last edited by l.r.vanallen : 11-25-2007 at 12:45 AM.
Unlike the domestic Sonatas, the new Optimas do have folding side mirrors. Would not expect any other than minor changes for 08 here , but don't look for them until after January. Insiders could tell you more about any re-design or engine changes. For world styling clues, check out the Korean site (click on English translation) for the loaded current model version called Kia Lotze Advance. Those differently-designed bright LED taillights really stand out. Check out the Mozen in-dash NAV screen for the overseas market. Also look for those turn signals mounted in the mirrors and the back-up sensors. Very good-looking touches.
I just had a question or two but was required to register! Oh well. I hope you all don't mind my dropping in.
Anyway, here's the deal. I see that my local Carmax has an 07 Optima LX that's loaded with not even 2K miles on it yet. I also notice it hasn't moved in a while, either. I have a couple questions about Optimas. I wanted to ask what kind of warranty, as a used car, would KIA offer for this car. I already know I wouldn't be able to get the 10 year warranty, which is fine because I don't think Kia's last that long, anyway, although I could be wrong.
I also would like to know, based on people who actually own THIS MODEL YEAR, do you think I would be able to trust the 07 Optima. This particular car I saw is beautiful, and they only want $14,000 for it, however I did read the postings about the crankshaft falling off on some cars. Needless to say, I feel this is unacceptable and should not be waved away with any "oh, that doesn't happen often" responses. It shouldn't happen at ALL!
I am a single woman who can't afford to take off work all the time to take a car in to fix things that shouldn't have broken in the first place. In fact, that is why I quit buying domestics! I currently have a 1998 Toyota Corolla and it was 8 years old before things started going wrong with it. Naturally, I've been spoiled by its outstanding service. All I want to do is turn the key and go, just like with my Corolla. So please, I'd like to hear both good and bad experiences with your new Optima, especially if you're a long-time user of another brand of car.
So, I'm posting here to get solid information as someone who's researching before I buy. I want to hear from someone who has the 2007, realizing they haven't been out all that long yet. I'm open to all brands, so I don't need any fanboy responses, just realistic, honest assessments. Hope you all understand, and I thank you in advance for your advice. I take my time with research so there's no rush; I'll pop in once in a while to see whether anyone's answered. It'll be fun to read what you all have to say!
Iris ... As an owner who has driven the Optima for about a year now for over 18k miles with no issues at all, I am very pleased and can personally highly recommend the car. Buyers purchasing a used Kia will receive the balance of the original 5yr-60k mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, which also includes roadside assistance for that term. (You will be expected to provide proof of usual recommended services to keep the warranty in force.) The only problem I have personally encountered was with a sun visor, which the dealer replaced with no questions and at no cost. Earlier production models did have some technical service bulletins (which you can view on the Kia technical service website,) which involved dealer modifications for everything from passenger airbag sensor on/off lights to transmission shifts. As with any car, some owners may have had more personal difficulties with their own vehicle or their dealers, and you should read as many owner experiences on forums like this one that you can find during your research to help you make an informed decision.
Last edited by l.r.vanallen : 12-03-2007 at 08:48 PM.
Just a few thoughts on my 2006.5 LX 4 cylinder automatic. It has been almost exactly a year since I bought it new, with 10,450 miles on it now, and it has been absolutely terrific. No shift flare, no airbag light issues, nothing major or minor -- in other words, nothing at all in the way of issues. I follow the owner's manual's recommended service for "severe" driving conditions, changing the oil every three months, but other than that it has never seen the dealer's service bays.
I had it on a 3,900 mile road trip in August, and it gave me a very consistent average of 32-33 mpg on the highway (even during stretches with A/C running, it didn't drop more than 2 mpg from the average). My city mileage -- and in Pittsburgh, "city" literally means 70-75 percent stop and go every block or two, with chronically sluggish traffic-- my mileage depends on what gasoline I use. Oddly enough, it does best on Sunoco 10% ethanol, which gives me between 22 and 23 mpg; most other brands produce about 1-2 mpg less (especially BP).
It is also quite comfortable -- my legs unfold quickly and properly when getting out after long stints without stopping, and rear seat passengers don't look like they want to beat me up after riding back there! (I only wish the light gray cloth upholstery was a little darker -- it can be tough to keep clean at this time of year. )
Having traded up in size from a Hyundai Elantra, I have no regrets. Hyundai and now Kia have both been completely trouble-free for me over a nearly five year history with them, and I unequivocally and enthusiastically recommend the Optima in particular.
Just a few thoughts on my 2006.5 LX 4 cylinder automatic. It has been almost exactly a year since I bought it new, with 10,450 miles on it now, and it has been absolutely terrific. No shift flare, no airbag light issues, nothing major or minor -- in other words, nothing at all in the way of issues. I follow the owner's manual's recommended service for "severe" driving conditions, changing the oil every three months, but other than that it has never seen the dealer's service bays.
I had it on a 3,900 mile road trip in August, and it gave me a very consistent average of 32-33 mpg on the highway (even during stretches with A/C running, it didn't drop more than 2 mpg from the average). My city mileage -- and in Pittsburgh, "city" literally means 70-75 percent stop and go every block or two, with chronically sluggish traffic-- my mileage depends on what gasoline I use. Oddly enough, it does best on Sunoco 10% ethanol, which gives me between 22 and 23 mpg; most other brands produce about 1-2 mpg less (especially BP).
It is also quite comfortable -- my legs unfold quickly and properly when getting out after long stints without stopping, and rear seat passengers don't look like they want to beat me up after riding back there! (I only wish the light gray cloth upholstery was a little darker -- it can be tough to keep clean at this time of year. )
Having traded up in size from a Hyundai Elantra, I have no regrets. Hyundai and now Kia have both been completely trouble-free for me over a nearly five year history with them, and I unequivocally and enthusiastically recommend the Optima in particular.
Your feedback is very useful! Have you experienced any of the road noise issues many reviews at epinions mention? If so, did you find yourself needing to switch to a quieter tire? I notice also you found the car "comfortable", while some reviews feel the seats are too hard! I suppose that's a subjective thing, but I wonder if you've had a chance to take it on a long trip yet (100+ miles)?
Iris ... As an owner who has driven the Optima for about a year now for over 18k miles with no issues at all, I am very pleased and can personally highly recommend the car. Buyers purchasing a used Kia will receive the balance of the original 5yr-60k mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, which also includes roadside assistance for that term. (You will be expected to provide proof of usual recommended services to keep the warranty in force.) The only problem I have personally encountered was with a sun visor, which the dealer replaced with no questions and at no cost. Earlier production models did have some technical service bulletins (which you can view on the Kia technical service website,) which involved dealer modifications for everything from passenger airbag sensor on/off lights to transmission shifts. As with any car, some owners may have had more personal difficulties with their own vehicle or their dealers, and you should read as many owner experiences on forums like this one that you can find during your research to help you make an informed decision.
Thank you very much for your perspective. However, I do find the need to provide proof of service very strange, as most dealers keep your VIN numbers in their computer, and can pull this up at any time! If they want proof, they can look you up at any time; I don't feel it's the owner's responsibility to hold on to "paperwork" for their benefit. That's so "last-century"! They can pull up proof themselves from the service bay! I'm hoping that's a quirk of an individual Kia dealer.
Give me your Input on the Optima
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