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2011-12 Optima

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Comments

  • dash5dash5 Member Posts: 421
    Does this clarify things a bit?

    image
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    Excellent! It's always best to ignore ignorance but this is almost as good.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    heh...lol, yes, I think it does :D
  • mtnman1mtnman1 Member Posts: 431
    edited April 2011
    Good luck with an 'american' (small 'a') made anything

    I'll give you that one as far as where Unions really drive up the cost of doing business in this country, but the Kia and Hyundai plant are located in a right to work state where Unions have been kept at bay. Other foreign Auto makers have located their plants in the South and in states like Indiana because of this and are doing quite well. I think Kia is making a great decision and will do very well in the coming years.

    And Snow, as you have shown, you really hate Kia. I just really don't understand why you spend so much time putting them down. Please attempt to find a Brand or vehicle you like and participate in that forum. Or at the least, please try to add some constructive thoughts to this thread. That's why I enjoy reading Backy's commints. He may not own the particular Brand in some of the Threads, but he always gives an honest insightful opinion, usually based on facts, and it is positive. I have never seen him spend his every waking moment attacking a Brand and the participants in a thread the way you seem to do. I just bought my first Kia last summer when I bought a Sorento EX V6 which has had a few minor aggravating problems such as rattles inside the cabin, but overall I am really starting to like the vehicle. I am especially loving it when we fill it up at nearly $4/gallon and I get 19mpg city where I was only getting about 11.5 to 13 city in the Mountaineer AWD V8 we traded for it. There are always problems with first year model changes and I suspect the Optima will have issues as well in the first year.
    2012 Highlander Limited AWD V6 and 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE
  • snowallergysnowallergy Member Posts: 135
    Actually, this car is so CLOSE to being right it's not funny. I post here hoping they'll move more towards making the comfort better and the underpinnings more solid instead of putting all this cr## that NO ONE really NEEDS. There's always hope of a midcycle refreash. The sunroof is worthless. Seats uncomfortable and the tranny doesn't feel solid. The engine compartment is not soundproofed enough.

    The car is beautiful and in the LX verson, nicely equipped. There's hope. They'll fix these things... :D
    Since my camry won't die and I like sedans for work, I'm keeping it. There's nothing worth pulling out over 20k for. Found a nice gel seat cushion at wally world. And I did buy a 2003 mazda MX5 as a toy. I could have purchased a new one. But those aren't as good as the ones in the 2001-05 range. It's arriving this week. Wish me well??
  • snowallergysnowallergy Member Posts: 135
    'Starting' to like the vehicle? IT'S A NEW CAR. You should love it. Don't you see how wrong that is. The falling value of the dollar makes it impossible for most car companies to give us what we 'used' to have in this country. Get prepared for a new standard of living.

    That's why I recommend people buy used. Preferrably something before 2005 or so. Things really started to drop off in the auto world after that, even sooner on many models. Find a cream puff and grab it. It'll be light years ahead qualitywise than the ones built today. Just my fify cents. Or as they say, 'old man yells at cloud'.
  • snowallergysnowallergy Member Posts: 135
    That 'was' funny.
  • snowallergysnowallergy Member Posts: 135
    Won't buy a foreign car made in US. Yes. Quality is already dropping. Look around.
  • mtnman1mtnman1 Member Posts: 431
    edited May 2011
    Well the reason I'm only just starting to like the car is that I was used to owning a Mercury Mountaineer AWD V8 that was loaded. I loved that vehicle, but with the price of gas going up we didn't think it would be wise to buy a large vehicle again. To me none of the smaller crossovers compare to that vehicle. But we had to face the reality of an administration that is focused on causing the price of all energy to rise to unaffordable levels. Just so we can drive little cars that run on electric which we plug into an outlet where the power is created by a coal burning plant. Also, we can have a windmill in every yard for our electicity and don't forget the solar panels. After spending about $20,000 we can have a house that's energy efficient. Just think of a family of 5 going on vacation in a prius. We can buy 2 of them just to make the trip. One for the passengers and one for the luggage.

    You mentioned in another post that you don't need all those extras. Well at my age I want and expect them in the car I buy. I want leather, heated/cooled seats, sunroof, etc. I hope that they keep adding little goodies.
    2012 Highlander Limited AWD V6 and 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    I'm not certain the manufacturing location matters for quality...

    Other than JD Powers Plant Quality Awards how can you tell vehicle quality in the US has dropped?

    BTW, East London, South African got the award for 2010...with GM's Lansing Michigan getting the 'Bronze' award for North America. Not too bad for a US Unionized plant.

    The 'overall' US quality has surpassed the imports. If of course you can quantify what an import or domestic is...
  • mihmih Member Posts: 10
    This might be a bad question..
    but is there any good reason to buy EX rather than LX ?
    Interior looks the same (except the seat, the difference for the exterior is the wheel size...)
    but, well, $2000 does not seem so bad..

    I can't decide which one to buy..........
    also, platinum graphite vs. satin metal ?

    Thanks
  • mtnman1mtnman1 Member Posts: 431
    If you don't want the leather seats, automatic climate control, Heated front seats, fog lights, 18" better looking wheels, etc. then the LX is for you. I personally want the luxury items that are available on the EX. I guess at my age (55) I still want the extras even though we downsized when we bought this vehicle. It depends on your budget more than anything. If you can buy the LX and maybe get no more than a 3 year loan that makes more sense to me. I personally do not want anymore than a 3 year loan on any vehicle.
    2012 Highlander Limited AWD V6 and 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE
  • terrysealterryseal Member Posts: 3
    EX has leather seats, LX has cloth seats
    EX has 17" wheels, LX has 16" wheels
    EX has fog lights, LX doesn't
    EX has heated power side mirrors, LX doesn't
    EX has smart key/push button start, LX doesn't
    EX has aluminum (or wood) interior trim, LX doesn't

    I actually bought a Platinum Graphite EX (premium), but honestly, in hindsight, I think the Satin Metal is more striking on the Optima.
  • ahossa1ahossa1 Member Posts: 52
    Do U have Turbo or regular 4 cylinder? Do U get a lot of noise protruding into the cabin on the highway?
  • terrysealterryseal Member Posts: 3
    Just the regular 4.

    The noise, to me, is not that bad. I would not have really thought of it had reviews not mentioned it as a problem. I have ridden, once, in the back seat, and did notice a bit more vibration intruding from the floor than I would have liked, but again, it wasn't bad.

    Overall it isn't a problem in my opinion.
  • mihmih Member Posts: 10
    edited May 2011
    Overall, I'm loving the car (Bought Optima EX about one week ago).
    But for some reason, after driving for 15 min or so, I can smell a tire smell or rotten egg(?) smell.
    I initially thought that the smell is from those leather seats... but later, I think that the smell is more similar to hot tire smell.

    I think that especially tires at the back smell more, I can feel the heat coming from those back tires if I go very near them. Are the brake pads touching the tires ? I'm not sure if this is normal or not.

    Is anybody experiencing this problem ?
    Perhaps, I'm being too cautious... Can anyone give me advices ?
    Thanks
  • jlindhjlindh Member Posts: 282
    edited May 2011
    What you're smelling is the undercoating that came in contact with the exhaust system when it was sprayed on at the factory. This has been discussed umpteen times on the forum. It will go away, nothing to worry about.
  • mikezak1mikezak1 Member Posts: 14
    Can the fog lights be added as a dealer installed option? If so, do they modify the light control (on/off) switch or how is this handled?
  • mihmih Member Posts: 10
    Sorry to ask this irrelevant question.
    I wonder whether I can any wax brand for this car.
    I heard that you should avoid putting wax on plastic parts of the car, right ?
    Any good priced wax you recommend ?
    Thanks
  • mball572mball572 Member Posts: 5
    The car performs great. The headroom comment is the only relevant issue. Kia is blowing smoke saying there's 40" - not a chance - 37" as best. If your're not over 6' you should be fine but taller passengers will definitely be cramped.
  • 64221306422130 Member Posts: 47
    I took delivery on Sat. Drove away and air conditioning stopped working. Anyone experiece this. Dealer forced me to take car as I has signed paperwork. Went from being nice to sarcastic and nasty towards me. They were very offensive and aggressive - it seems that the dealer experience has not caught up to the product.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    I'd make sure the AC problem is properly documented (meaning it's listed in the work order) and keep track...if it's a fluke then its just a dealer being a jerk (or not properly educated on how to keep the existing sales contract intact and make the customer happy).

    If it is a reoccurring problem then you can try the lemon law and force them to buy it back.
  • 64221306422130 Member Posts: 47
    Still having issues with the a/c and Kia corp In addition to Dealer not being very helpful...all I asked for was a loaner to be provided. I feel like would not be treated so poorly by Honda or Toyota. Still like the car a lot but very frustrating experience with dealer and now corporate.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Very true...what does a loaner/rental cost the dealer? Not much...

    A few apologies..."we'll make it right sir, sorry for the inconvenience"...plus the rental covered.

    I remember a few years ago I had to have my Honda at the dealer overnight...they provided a rental. Not sure about KIA...just assumed they all provided rentals if it is their problem to fix.

    It's like when you purchase a new car and have a full tank of gas...just a couple bucks...especially when you consider the purchase price of the car; but it makes an overall impression.
  • snortnersnortner Member Posts: 10
    I'm assuming the panoramic sunroof adds some weight to the Optima. Is this correct? If so how much might that be?
  • snortnersnortner Member Posts: 10
    It looks to me like the Optima got its top safety rating based on a model without a sunroof. What effect would the sunroof have on any of the safety ratings?
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    I don't think the sun roof matters at all (no data to prove it) in the crash tests...but would love to see info if it does.

    I suppose it may matter in a roll-over if an arm were to get trapped there (bad situation with or without sunroof)

    The sport purists don't care for them as they add additional weight at the top...but they probably would sneer at the FWD and probably 60% weight distribution.
  • cpe2cpe2 Member Posts: 2
    Have had EX Turbo (loaded) for one week. Twice in that time, I've started car and all radio settings have been erased and reverted to default (static). In addition, I can make outgoing phone calls, but when I get a call, the cell phone rings and I can't pick up the call through the Bluetooth system. Anyone share this problem? Suggestions?
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    Sounds like you need a new head unit. All those functions you mentioned would be controlled by it.
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    The glass is the thick laminated type so it would likely stay in one piece in the event of a roll over. It would probably have a violent rollover to totally dislodge it.
  • genengenen Member Posts: 8
    Another Mercedes owner here (C300) seriously looking at the Kia Hybrid... I want a car that is fun, looks good, and is practical as a daily driver. If Kia can bring that, I'm happy to look at it. I don't require a made in Germany sticker on it if it does what I want it to do.

    For me the Sonata was a favorite car at rental places full of boring GM and Ford cars.
  • mazda6dudemazda6dude Member Posts: 283
    I recently purchased a new 2011 Kia Optima LX automatic. I cannot seem to get a full tank of gas no matter where I fillup! It's disappointing because I am trying to hand calculate my mpg, and cannot, because my gas tank doesn't fill up all the way to full. The nozzle clicks, but the tank is not full as my fuel guage doesn't reach full. Anyone having a similar experience? Any feedback/opinion would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
  • mtnman1mtnman1 Member Posts: 431
    Try this link to a Kia specific forum. Many more participants and you will get replies much quicker.

    http://www.kia-forums.com/kia-magentis-optima-forum/
    2012 Highlander Limited AWD V6 and 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    as its not clear when you say "I cannot seem to get a full tank of gas", do you mean after the nozzle automatically shuts off when you refuel?
    If this is the case, there is a warning in your manual on page 1/3 not to "top off" after the nozzle automatically shuts off when refueling.
    The first fill up tank calculation would not be right, but from then on it should be okay to calculate as you are more or less going to the same point in the tank with full fuel. It can vary slightly as not all nozzle shut off at the same point.

    The warning, is because if you put fuel in up to the point of seeing it in the fill pipe, you could end up doing serious damage to the emissions system and may not be covered under warranty. You should be able to get clarification from dealers service department on this.

    Hope this posts as I seem to be encountering a lot of problems with this site over the last few days.
  • huke12huke12 Member Posts: 5
    Mazda6dude,
    I have the same problem and difficulty trying to figure gas mileage. Sometimes it goes to full and sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes it goes to full later after driving a bit. Makes it difficult to figure MPG.
    Huke12
  • mazda6dudemazda6dude Member Posts: 283
    Thanks for all the feedback! This is the only issue I have. The Optima has been great/excellent so far. The onboard computer gives me a good idea of what the mpg is. If anyone comes across any type of solution, please do let me know. Thanks!
  • dskidski Member Posts: 414
    I've had my EX Turbo for 2 months and 5,000 miles. I had the same issue with getting a full Tank and believe I've found the solution. When I know the tank is getting close to full, I stop the flow and complete the Fill Manually at a much slower flow rate until it clicks off. I do not Top it beyond the automatic shut off. I believe this calms down the Turbulence from you get at the High Flow rates. It's working for me. Now I'm finding that my Mileage calculations are similar to the computer readings.
    Hope this helps
  • dskidski Member Posts: 414
    Has anyone tried customizing the Display Image on the Nav Screen? According to the manual, you can customize the Images when the Display is turned off. The 3 choices are a Blank Screen, Clock or an Image selected and saved from a USB drive. I've tried them all but it always goes to Blank. I'd like to display the Clock when I turn the Screen Off. I can get an Image from the USB Drive to display but only when the car is in Park and the USB Drive is plugged in. FWIW.... The Aston Martin Logo displayed on the screen look really cool. ;) I can dream Big!
  • mazda6dudemazda6dude Member Posts: 283
    Sounds like a good idea. Recently, I have started to do this: once the automatic shutoff takes place, I pull the nozzle out for a couple of seconds and then put it back in and I fill up until I hear another click and then stop. The Fuel Gauge has gone all the way up to "F" everytime I have done this.

    On a side note, what have you all noticesd as the average discrepancy between the onboard computer mpg average and hand calculated average?

    Thanks.
  • dskidski Member Posts: 414
    I used to get a different reading but since I started filling using the method I outlined, I get a Full Tank every time and the readings match more closely. I've only checked mileage manually for Highway readings on long trips. Last time was a 300+ mile run and I got around 35/ 36 mpg checking the computer and a manual calculation.
  • hlcastelohlcastelo Member Posts: 45
    Does anyone know when the 2012 model will be released and what changes will be made to vehicle?
  • hlcastelohlcastelo Member Posts: 45
    I am looking at the Optima and Sonata. For the optima can someone tell me what the real world city and highway gas mileage attained. I'm in South Florida where I will be using air conditioning for a good part of the year. I'm looking at the base 4 cylinder engine. Appeciate any feedback on mileage and ownership experience to date with the Optima.

    Thank you.
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    the 2012 model is now in full production at the West Point plant in Georgia, so should be available at dealers within a short time depending where in North America you are located.

    Here are the changes for 2012 on the Optima

    Optima - LX, EX, SX
    Exterior:

    Chrome accented exterior door handles replace body color door handles (LX)
    Standard fog lights (LX)
    Standard heated outside mirrors (LX)
    Standard automatic light control (LX)
    Silver wheel cap standard on 16- and 17-inch wheels (from black)
    Standard LED tail lights (EX)

    Interior:

    Add Infinity audio system w/ eight speakers, UVO in-car hands-free entertainment and communication system package, HD Radio and power folding outside mirrors to Premium Package (EX, EX Turbo and SX)
    Remove Infinity audio system w/ eight speakers from Technology Package (EX, EX Turbo and SX)
    Revised center fascia finish
    Standard wood trim and metal PRND bezel (EX)
    Tire Mobility Kit (2.4L GDI)

    Mechanical:

    No changes
  • dskidski Member Posts: 414
    I have the Turbo and did a manual Highway mileage calculation last week in a 300+ run. I got over 35mpg. I drove conservatively but much of the trip had a 70mph limit, I keep it under 75.

    Regarding the choice between Optima and Sonata. For 2011 the Optima had more standard features at the level I bought (EX Turbo) for the same price. Optima had cooled seats (a huge benefit for me) and Heated steering wheel (a nice feature where i live) and Panoramic Sunroof. I don't know if those will be available for 2012 in the Sonata or not. I did read the Panoramic roof was being added to the Sonata though. Cooled seats should be a deciding factor IMO.
    Hope that helps
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Any idea what a "tire mobility kit" is? :confuse:
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    Contains: Tire Mobility Kit bag, Compressor, sealant bottle. Full info is available in the 2012 owners manual on page 6/21

    "The system of compressor and sealing compound effectively and comfortably seals most punctures in a passenger car tire caused by nails or similar object and re-inflates the tire"
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Does this mean the 2012 Optima won't have a spare tire?
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    according to the info from Kia media on the earlier posting, they state the 2.4L GDI model, so I guess it does not apply to the 2.0L engine.

    Also not sure if this applies to Canadian models, as those details have not yet been released, at least not that I've been able to find.
  • 64221306422130 Member Posts: 47
    Still having serious issues with both the air conditioning and where the car just pulls to the left, despite having it aligned and checked a few times. Kia is no longer interested in helping resolve the issue, just have to bring it in over and over with no resolution. Obviously very frustrated. I understand these to be common issues with this car - has anyone found the actual fix or resolution to either the a/c or left-pulling issues? Lemon law is next step but would rather not deal with the hassles.
  • jlindhjlindh Member Posts: 282
    I believe that the proper Hunter alignment machine is the solution to the pull problem. Lots of posts supporting this.
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