Kia Amanti 2006 and earlier

kmq

Regular gas is fine. See messages 160, 217 and 342 on this forum for previous discussions on regular gas.
Pages 5/24 -5/27 in the owners manual covers the homelink programming... check out

http://www.eurohomelink.com/_uk/programming.html

on the web for programming instructions. These instructions are slightly different from KIA's... but the idea is the same... on KIA step 1 - press and hold left and center button for 20 seconds to erase KIA's factory default codes. indicator light will flash. step 2 - Press and hold button you want to program, also place your existing garage remote within 1-3 inches of the mirror and press the garage remotes button and hold. The homelink light on the mirror will flash slowly and then rapidly, when it is rapidly flashing then release both buttons. The rapid flash indicates a successful programming of the new frequency. They have additional procedures for rolling code garage door openers.

Originally, a small metal tag was attached to the keys with a key code stamped in it. In order to make duplicate keys easily the Kia owners manual says they want that key code. The dealer might be able to retrieve that code from KIA Motors. It must be fairly common to not have that key code and need new keys.
Good Luck.
kmq

billh6

My salesman told me he uses regular 87 octane in his Amanti. I've been using regular and it runs great, no pinging. FINALLY I'm starting to see Amanti commercials in the Orlando area. I thought this was going to be a mystery vehicle; although from the readings in this forum, it's no mystery, we all seem to love our car (I do). -Bill

stockchaser

jautze---I have some experience with the key issue. First of all, the Amanti is supposed to come with three keys--two masters and one sub-key. The sub-key is the one you give the valet or your mechanic, because that key will not unlock the glove compartment or the trunk. My car, which I purchased new, came with only one master key and one sub-key, so the dealer ordered a new master. When the key arrived, the dealer called and told me I'd have to bring the car in so they could program the key. After several attempts to program the key, the computer automatically locked the service tech out. After some delay, the tech tried again to program the key, and this time was successful, but now my other two keys were de-programmed and wouldn't work. The end result to this saga is that the dealer ordered three new keys and a new computer for my car, and that solved everything. This exact same thing happened to a good friend that purchased his new Amanti at the same time I did. Apparently it is not a simple thing to replace the key, but it should be. Ask your Kia dealer to order new keys....if they can't program them, the new computer should be covered under your warranty (hopefully).

tommy555

Hello Fellow Amanti Owners:

I just went to my KIA/Jeep/Subaru dealer here in New Jersey for a 3,000 mi. service. They only have 2004 models (two) but no 2005 models. I am concerned since I read that KIA is moving toward more sporty vehicles/designs(for the 24-35 year old set group). I get the feeling the Amanti is only going to be around for less than 5 years. They are never Amantis in the regular KIA TV commercials here. Even the larger KIA dealers in the Philadelphia area do not mention or show Amantis in their infomercials. Is anyone out there willing to speculate on the above?

Tom

iluvmysephia1

they were running Amanti ads over a year ago and I always see Amanti ads in my local papers. Kia is committed to their new large car. They may re-design it but parts for your Amanti will be around for a long, long time.

billh6

It's funny you mention about no ads. I'm in Orlando, Fl and I finally saw two Amanti commercials just today during the Today Show. There are 3 Kia dealers in our area, and only once did I see one of them advertise Amanti in the newspaper. I rather doubt Amanti is going by the wayside. They are selling really well without a lot of advertising. Here's a quote from the president of Kia:
"Continuing the trend from our record sales year in 2004, our richer product mix continues to advance the Kia brand with approximately 70-percent of sales coming from our upscale vehicles which includes Sorento, Sedona, Optima and Amanti," said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia Motors America's president and CEO."

richdag

I was told the Amanti has transmission problems is this true, has anyone had problems? or is this a bunch of bull?

I Asked this question a few days back and never got an anwser..can someone please help?

billh6

Hello: I have not heard of transmission problems. Of course, I'm sure someone might have been unfortunate enough to end up with an Amanti with transmission troubles. Heck, I traded my Lexus RX300 in my my Amanti because of continuous rough shifting and the warranty was about out and they never replaced it, so I traded it in. You just never know. As far as I'm concerned the Amanti is a special, unique vehicle that will provide years of happy motoring (again, you never know)..

lngtonge18

The transmission in this car is the same one used on the Hyundai XG350, Kia Sorento, and Kia Sedona. It is a solid tranny with no known issues. The only complaint has been that some of these cars have a throttle that is too aggressively tuned, but this isn't a fault of the tranny itself.

topgear

Okay, as mentioned in previous messages, I have 20,000 wonderful miles. The transmission shifts fine but I do hear a little whine in 4th gear -it sounds truck-like, -sort of. Not too bad really, but it's something I don't recall hearing during the early part of it's life. The tech at my dealer that I spoke to, said he would replace the transmission if I wanted him to. That seemed a little extreme to me and unless it gets worse, I would not want to have the car pulled apart 'cause you never know if it will create new problems!
Again, to clarify, this whine is not very loud. If the car would be a little less quiet I'd probably never even hear this.
Another thing, ...my tech, (specially trained for the Amanti -he's the only guy in the whole shop who can work on it!), told me the Amanti's throttle is all electronic and not mechanical (no cable). Therefore, when you step on the gas, a computer (he said it has 3 computers in the car for various functions), services the engine and controls the speed of the engine. So it takes some getting used to at first.
Hope this helps!
-Pete

harrier2

richdag.........My Amanti is 13 months old and has 10,000 miles on it and is smooth as silk ( so far anyway).....hopefully it will continue that way but am for going to flush the tranny at the dealer as per maintenance schedule ( maybe a little before, who knows)..harrier2.....PS I had a Hyundai XG350 before the Amanti and they both shifted about the same (smoothly) ..the main difference was the "fly by wire" accelerator on the XG was VERY, VERY TOUCHY but not the Amanti..

boa35

I think so. However, months ago I became concerned when I didn't see many on the road, advertising on them seemed to suddenly disappear, and the local dealer's inventory was always extremely lean. (Cost them a sale by someone in my office.) Think I earlier posted that someone at the dealership told me Kia was not throwing in the towel. He said the basic problem was lack of adequate production capability and Kia was going to devote/convert at least one Hyundai factory in Korea to Amanti production -- possibly for the '05s? Who knows. But I did see a recent article that listed the lowest selling 2004 models for all major brands--yup, for Kia it was the Amanti.
Just passed my first anniversary and mine is still running like a top.

mpappas

Hello Group,

I posted once before. I had rented a Kia Amanti and thought it was truly the nicest car I have ever driven. The quietness and peace inside this car are truly unbelievable. I also the think it is among the best looking cars inside and out. I had read a while ago that Daimler Chrysler and Ford (parent of Lincoln) were both suing Kia/Hyundai, claiming that it is basically copying the Mercedes (probably older E series)from the front view, and Lincoln (Town Car ? ) from the side/rear view. I wonder if there is not some sort of injunction that prohibits Kia from selling any 2005 Amantis in the United States ( where the lawsuit was probably filed) until the suit is settled. I think Kia may be prohibited from selling any new Amantis ( they might have been allowed to sell ones that were already here, but I haven't seen ANY 2005 Amantis at all in ANY dealer in my area ( Long Island, New York). I may be completely wrong about this, but it is VERY STRANGE that there haven't been ANY 2005's in the dealerships. When I go on the web site, they do have the 2005 models advertised so maybe I'm completely wrong about this. Does anyone on this board actually own a 2005 IN THE UNITED STATES? If Mercedes and Ford really are suing Kia, that is a pretty sad state of affairs. First of all, the Amanti looks FAR BETTER than anything Mercedes has created EVER. Two, anyone who has bothered to check the reliability of Mercedes during th past several years would realize that they appear to be about as reliable as YUGO's (which isn't saying much). As far as Ford/Lincoln goes, again, the Amanti is a big improvement over the Town car, which really ought to consider undergoing some mechanical version of liposuction. Maybe they could feature the Town Car on the next episode of "Nip/Tuck?" Anyway, I find it difficult to understand why the press has been so critical of this car. For those people who DON'T want to rip around corners at high speed, or drag race at every stop light, but just want to get from point A to point B in a quiet, peaceful, beautifully appointed, and extremely competitively priced car, the Amanti is a very good choice. If anyone has a 2005 in the United States, pelase post. Thanks alot, and best of luck to all you Amanti Owners out there, I am seriously going to consider buyin one this year ( if I can get one).

stockchaser

Yup, there's plenty of 2005's on the dealer lot where I bought my car (in the Phoenix area) I was looking at the 2005 Amanti just yesterday, in fact. There doesn't appear to be much physical difference from the 2004. The only thing I noticed was the area just left of the steering column (where the dash light dimmer is along with about three blank spaces) is black on my 2004 and grey on the 2005. Oh, and the price is slightly higher.

topgear

I haven't researched this, but (in my opinion) the Amanti is not a duplicate of any other car. And although the roof line of the Amanti looks sort of like a Town Car, they are actually quite different when compared side by side. Also, Chrysler Diamler has a 10% share of Hyundai which in turn is connected to KIA, so it might not be prudent for them to go to court. Besides, on what ground could there be a claim? Headlights and a grill on the front of a car?
Anything is possible nowadays, but unless someone can produce some concrete info on these lawsuit claims, I think they're bogus. (Again, just my humble opinion).

The Amanti looks like a bunch of different cars and yes, KIA has borrowed many styling cues. But today a lot of cars look like one another. Very few cars today are truly unique, (the new Cadillacs, for example, are uniquely styled though).
-TopGear

lokisince89

When i spoke to my local dealership in Maryland, the salesman said they had the '05s in stock and that you couldn't tell the difference between them. for what it's worth.

By the way, picked up my '04 this evening- drove it home in a driving snow storm and love it!!

magmax

Hi Tommy, I own an 05 Amanti that I bought the week before Christmas so that at least proves they exist. I listed the differences in a previous post: rear heated seats; improved automatic wipers; two-stage intelligent front airbags; rear centre armrest cupholder insert is grey not black on grey leather models; faux carbon fibre insert behind rear quarter windows is matte black now; one small sculptured piece of woodgrain on front armrest is now same colour as upholstery instead of woodgrain; 6-CD changer now standard. But this is on Canadian models only, which come as fully equipped cars with no options at all.

In Canada, at least in Vancouver, the Amanti is still a rare vehicle on the road although I do see another one occasionally. I've had a number of people stop me to ask what kind of car I've got and I usually show off the interior. Everyone oohs and aahs over that. From what I've seen on dealers' lots here, most are still getting rid of 04 inventory. My dealer still has the same silver 04 they had when I ordered my 05 in December. Personally I think they should be advertising the car more because I can't help thinking that for the same money as my Amanti I could have bought a Camry and that's no comparison at all.

I was just looking at the specs for the new Toyota Avalon, a car that I always liked but thought was way overpriced. The new model has major muscle but it still costs more than $5000 more than an Amanti and even then doesn't quite compare in standard equipment. It's time Kia put out some ads pointing out what makes the Amanti such a great car.

MagMax

buff

Hi I also live in Maryland I drove home also last night in the snow it's great on the road in this weather. What color did you get and what dealer did you purchase it from. I got mine at Winn Kelly. I just love my car have about 4,ooo miles and no problems. Best wishes and enjoy your new car. buff

lokisince89

Actually I'm the one that was talking about Maryland.
I picked mine up Churner in Northern VA. it was one of only 2 dealers in the area that had the fully loaded model with a sunroof. Mine is the black exterior with the black leather- all options. I was very surprised by how well the car did in the snow, guessing that the weight along with the FWD makes a big difference.

harrier2

I say BULL PUCKY..all cars have similiar traits and that is the way it has always been. Just go back in history and you will see that cars were usually more alike than different...my God just go back to 1950's and look at the multitude and innovations in fin design....fins, fins....everyone had them...ok fins aren't in today but grills are, right???? Lots of BIG grills today on lots of manufacturers beside Kia ( Chrysler, Audi ++++). I would like to see the source that stated Kia is being sued for "MECHANICAL PLAGIARISM"...What car does not look somewhat like another car????? except the Pontiac Azteck ( thank God there is only one of these uglies..makes the Edsel look absolutely beautiful)...Anyway it all one big crapshoot!!! BTW.....I saw three Amantis yesterday and with mine that makes FOUR in one day YIKES!!!!!PS...this morning's newspaper has LOTS of 05's advertised at three dealers!!!!!!!Regards, harrier2

iluvmysephia1

I've got a funky feeling that the story about Kia being sued for plagiarism is made up by some dorky Honda or Toyota salesman. The Toyota Clamary can't touch the Kia Amanti in standard equipment even. Really. Enjoy your super-sized Kia's!

redhotplastic

mpappas,

This is my first post in the Edmund's Forum. I have been researching the Kia Amanti, and came across your post. My Kia dealership in Kennesaw, GA - Town Center Kia - has several 2005 Kia Amanti's on their lot. The majority are 2004's however. I really dig this car - I'm planning on purchasing a new Amanti in a few weeks. Just my opinion however, I think this is the most beautifully styled auto to come along in quite sometime - it definately breaks the "generic mold" the Japanese companies have going on! I hope it is as reliable as my 1997 Toyota Camry has been - pushing 200K, but as they say "love is blind"!!! Good luck to all - Steve.

topgear

Good luck with your future Amanti and welcome to the forum! As you see, most, if not all of us, love our cars. I do agree that the Amanti is a very handsome car and very well designed and a real pleasure to drive.
I know the Camry is a fine auto, too, (I had a '94), but I think you will really enjoy the drive and feel of the Amanti in comparison.
-Pete /Sarasota FL

sailormannorth

Just picked up my new 2004 Amanti yesterday. The decision, for the most part was based on this forum.
The car was purchased over the phone so there was not even a test drive.

I want to thank everyone who has participated in this forum for steering me into the best car that I have ever driven !!

Keep the info coming people....Kia has a winner and we need to tell the world!!

Todd

iluvmysephia1

and welcome to the Kia family! I think you're gonna be really happy with your Amanti.

sailormannorth

Just wondering if anyone has put snow tires on their Amanti. I had my first experience in snow yesterday. While the car performed well the back end was still a little 'twitchy'. I am in Northern Ontario where we deal with a great deal of snow and ice and need the extra security, I guess.

If anyone has made the switch to winter rubber I would appreciate a post. Since the Amanti is so rare, are steel winter rims available??

Thanks.

Todd

billh6

Hi Todd: Congrats on your new Amanti. I bought mine in Nov. I am totally into this vehicle. I went from an Infiniti to a Lexus, and for some reason this is my favorite. I have NEVER been part of a forum before, never had the desire to, but now with my Amanti I want to find out all I can about it from other owners. Hey, I can't wait until we have a "I Love My Amanti" Club to sprout up soon. I'll drive to it (well, as long as it's not in Canada. I'd suggest Florida where it's warm, but not during the dreaded hurricane summer. Enjoy it and this forum. Bill

wakin

Hello, friends of this forum. I am a Chinese owner of Amanti, which is called Opirus in China. Very glad and fortunate to find out this lovely forum of Amanti because I have spent a long time to find a good forum of it.
I bought it last May with a price which may sound surprising to you:400,000 RMB, nearly 48,000 USD. After nearly one year, the price went down quite a bit although still quite higher than the price in your market.
On the whole, I am very satisfied with it. But the mileage is a little bit disappointing, 15liter/100km in city, i.e, 15.7 mpg. I don't know why.
By the way, anybody can tell me which kind of engine oil is better for Amanti? With conglutination of 10w or 15w?
Thanks a lot and I will come to this forum often.

gaboy

I can't take it anymore! I give. I went and bought one today. Black on Black. Ended up at Kia of Blue Ridge in Murphy NC. Interesting that of all the dealers around Atlanta, none could match, much less beat, little Blue Ridge. I rented one last summer, and I've been thinking of it off and on ever since. Now that the 05s are starting to roll out, I saw a good time to buy an 04. $20800 drive out. It was worth the wait.

topgear

On behalf of the many members of this forum, congratulations to you both!
To comment on the oil, it depends on your local climate. Our owners manual, I believe has recommendations for what oil weight to use for whatever conditions you have.
It's amazing to me the price difference between the two owners above. Perhaps the Opirus purchased in China has a few more deluxe features, like the reclining and heated rear seats,etc., that are available in the Asian market.
The gas mileage is unfortunately not Amanti's high point. Is gas expensive in China?
Gaboy, it sounds like you got a very good deal on yours.
Good luck to both and enjoy this helpful forum.
-Pete -Sarasota FL

idfored

Some countries make people pay big special taxes for imported cars. Not only cars. We are fortunate here in North America.
BTW, redesigned Hyundai XG350 (called TG) pictures are posted in XG350 forum.

snour

Hello everyone, thanks god I found such an amazing forum.

Well I picked my 2005 Opirus two weeks back, Black/Gray, and what a beautiful & lovely machine it is, however I wished for a better gas milage but not a big deal anyway.

Good luck and enjoy your cars.

topgear

I went to the site mentioned by idfored and downloaded some photos. You should be able access them here or you can see more at the XG350 forum as idfored suggested.

http://photos.yahoo.com/tgear2

It should be the group of pics in the right album.
I like the look of it. It looks much more modern and I look forward to seeing one (along with the new upcoming Sonata -which to me looks fantastic) in the flesh. I wonder what the next Amanti style change will look like. I bet it will look very cool and I will want one.
-Pete

billh6

Can someone tell me why the two names and are they one and the same vehicle? Confusing to me. Reminds me of years ago when Nissan started with the name Datsun (yes, I'm telling my age here)lol

pat

Not to get this discussion off-topic, but I must tell you that the first car I owned was a Datsun 1200. :-)

topgear

These are from the Hyundai XG350 forum. The sites themselves are Korean (I guess...) and therefore I'm relying on the post of the person at that forum and idfored (number 600 above, -thanks for the info, idfored!) for details. Many manufacturers have different names for their cars throughout the world for whatever reason. That's why I think this "Grandeur" name is the Asian version of what we will be calling a "TG" to replace the current XG350. Confused? Sorry.
Take a look...







I hope these links work out for everybody. Remember, our Amanti shares a lot of components from the current XG350 so we MAY be looking at a basis of our next generation Amanti.
-Pete

wakin

In China, the import tax for sedans with displacement higher than 3,000cc is 37%.
I have had a comparison between Amanti and Opirus. They almost look the same both from outside and interior. In Chinese type, the grill of the front is crisscross; Equipped with heated rear seats, your country's leather package and ESP is standard here but without a garage door opener.
Till now, I found that the noise of tyres is a bit loud specially on some asphalt roads. Which kind of tyre is furnished in your cars? Michelin? I heard that Michelin is quiet for the car. Right?

kmq

Wakin, The tires on my 2004 Amanti are Korean, Hankook Optimo H417. Size P255/60R16 97H.
The Oil recommendations in the US Owners manual recommends 20W-40 or 20W-50 down to 0 degrees C. 10W-30, 10W-40 or 10W-50 for temperatures down to -25 degrees C and 5W-30 or 5W-40 if your temperature gets to -35 degrees C.

wakin

Thanks a lot, Kmq.

It seems that we have the same kind of tyre while others say that European owners are furnished with Michelin.

I found that different Engine Oil can generate quite different mileage. When 5W-40 is used, the mileage will become shorter. Now I am using Mobil 10W-40 because I live in South China.

By the way, 04 Amanti does not have a HID for near light in US? It is standard here. And I want to improve my far light with HID since many friends do it.

kmq

My 04 has " clear-lens Halogen headlights". The owners manual mentions both halogen and HID for low beam.

The KIA US web site shows only halogen headlamps on the Amanti.

http://www.kia.com/amanti/amanti-features.php

The KIA Canada web site shows HID headlamps on the Amanti.

http://www.kia.ca/specs.asp?lang=en&plate=amanti

idfored

Amanti is called Opirus in its home land and some other countries. It has more luxurious options such as navigation system in other countries because it's more luxury car than it is in northern America.
Also, "Grandeur" is not new name; Hyundai XG350 has been called Grandeur for more than a decade in Korea. But XG, TG are the names used in global market. _G, _G, hint, hint!
According to a post in XG forum last year, engine that new TG uses is built by Kia: 3.8L w/240HP to 260 HP? Wow. But in recent news, TG uses 3300cc engine w/233 HP. Still sounds attractive. Maybe both engines are available in the future?

magmax

Congratulations Todd and welcome to the family. I'm sure you'll be delighted with your Amanti. I watched the odometer hit 3333 km. on mine the other day and I like mine more every day! It also continues to surprise me with thoughtful little features that I'm discovering. The latest is the low temperature setting on the auto temp controls that turns on the fans to high automatically. That is something else my previous Maxima didn't have!

MagMax

lshack55

Just picked up a program 04 for a song. Love the car but the logo is killing me. Everyone asking "that's a Kia" if not for the logo it would be mistaken for a jag. How dod you get the logo off the hood, how did you cover the holes, any suggestion on the hubs and steering column? I know it's stupid but just like to keep them guessing and see and feel inside before before forming an opinion

digitodd

Hello everyone.
Quick question, there is a $3000 Rebate on the Amanti, by the way very nice car. The dealer gave me the price of the car with the rebate, it was less then MSRP.
When I get into the finance office my price jumps back up. He telling me the rebate comes off the MSRP price then tax and tag, and whatever you are putting down. Anyway it ended up being close to the MSRP when he was done. MY $4000 down didn't do anything. I don't know if its me or if something is going on, where they want to eat all my down payment money. So thanks for taken the time to read this and enjoy your car

snour

Hi stockchaser

Congts. on your new car, well I did pay the dealer $30 to take off the KIA badge from the car's back and install an Opirus logo instead.

As for the front hood there was no KIA bage only Opirus. Actually almost every Opirus owner around here have done the same.

topgear

I know, I know, ...we all went through this before, but today I received my Consumer Reports and their continuing comment on the Amanti is "the worst handling car we've recently tested". Jeesh, ...Amanti might be a little soft, but I out-corner a lot of cars when I drive aggressive and I can throw mine around if I want too.

I'm just venting here, but it makes my blood boil when I read that because I know that to be untrue.

Sorry for intruding on the discussion of removing the KIA badges. I believe mine to be a rather good car and the KIA people built it with pride, so I'm leaving mine on so people can see it's a KIA and admire it for what it is.

Pete

sailormannorth

I agree with topgear !!! I chose to ignore all the magazines and instead listen to the real Amanti experts.....the owners !!!! The media machine that is at work right now is brainwashing car buyers!!!
Who NEEDS 300 hp???? Who NEEDS flat handling at 180 KM/H ???? Who NEEDS 0 to 60 in 5 sec when 9 will do nicely !!!!

This car is not an Acura TL or a Maxima !!! If that is what you need (want) then BUY ONE !!! Assess the car for what it is......silent, comfortable, luxurious...I could go on all day!!!

As for Consumer Reports.....'worst handling car' compared to what other cars??? Don't lump the Amanti in with all the 'sport' sedans on the market. A fair comparison would be a Town Car or maybe an Avalon. Fine company to be lumped in with !!!!

Sorry about the rant...I will now step off my soap box.

Todd

P.S. Keep your KIA logo and be proud of it !!

lshack55

You are right, just spent three hours in my Amanti and it rides better then a lincoln. Steering is soft but I get the feeling that's what they were going for "pillow ride". If this car had any other name CR would be raving about it. Kia should have thought about new branding for high end vehicles like Toyota did with Lexus.

L

iluvmysephia1

on what to do with their copies of CR I've got some suggestions. That's if you're unfortunate enough to have actually spent hard-earned cash on them.

harrier2

Well we certainly "debated" this sometime back. I was pissed when I received my latest issue of CR (annual auto issue) also.....as they continue to print pretty much all negatives which was a synopsis of their lengthier article of a couple of months back. I disagreed with CR then and now. Unfortunately lots of people believe what they read in this magazine and perhaps a few people will never even look at the Amanti based upon what CR stated. Too bad!!!!! I have had my Amanti for over a yr and love the way it drives and with the exception of an on going problem as yet unresolved I probably would recommend this car to anyone......Regards, harrier2