Kia Optima 2006.5-2008

mickeyrom

What glitches would that be CS?

csandste

Same things you've referred:

1. Driver information center without mpg rating (hopefully fixed in 08)
2. No map lights when you open the door.

Plus--
3. Not to sound like Backy, but at least the LS seat changes angle as you adjust it up and down, and it's a bit to short in thigh area for me.

backy

There are far worse fates.

csandste

Thanks for dropping by Backy. It was getting lonesome in here with just Micky Rom and me.

Now a question for you: I didn't understand you initial complaints (I think it was the Spectra v. Elantra) about the single lever adjustment v. the two dials on the last gen Elantra. Although it doesn't bother me that badly, I can certainly see the point you were making. Apart from a power seat, is there anybody that does it right, or is it two dials, clunkiness and comfort or one lever, speed and seat height oddness?

Actually my Maxx LS has a single up and down power lever. Back also brings you down and forward brings you up and closer, so it doesn't really drop the angle of the seat but moves everything up and back at an angle. I guess this is better, but you have to also make a manual adjustment back and forth. Still better than having the entire angle change like the Optima does.

I know Mickyrom has power seats so I'm sure that with all the potential adjustments this isn't a problem.

mickeyrom

You are right CS...Power seat is an essential for me.Not because I'm too lazy,but because you can tilt a 8 way PS whenever you get tired,or your back gets sore on a long trip.That is the ONLY thing that kept me from getting an Elantra.

backy

Manual seats with dual height adjusters work the same way as a power seat--except you have to move the knobs yourself of course.

It's strange but I don't find the manual driver's seat of the Optima as uncomfortable as on the Sonata. I think I could get by with the Optima's manual seat. One of the plusses is that the Optima has a telescopic wheel standard, and that's not available on the Sonata GLS. That helps adjusting seating position. Another reason for why if I got an Elantra, I'd get the SE with the telescopic wheel.

The only major gripe I have about the Optima is hard-to-find ABS/ESC on the LX. These days those features should be standard, as on the Sonata and now the Accord. And I'd like to know the IIHS side crash test score on the Optima. Other than that it's high on my shopping list for next year, if I decide not to go with the Fit I am standing in line for.

csandste

Backy--Are you waiting for the new Fit or going with the present model? It would have had heavy consideration but a year ago there were almost none of them around. Still don't know why they don't try to meet demand better. Maybe, like the European Focus, the sliding dollar has made them too expensive for Honda to make money on.

The Optima is mostly my wife's car but I drove it today. You're right, it's not the seat angle that bothers me, it's the shortness of the seat itself. I'm 6'3 but have a 32 inch inseam, so that's not so lanky. Still it seems that my legs hang out a lot more than they do in the Maxx. The leg room also seems to be less.

My wife's a lot shorter and so the seat is set way up and close when I get into it. I don't mess with the wheel since she's the driver most of the time. My Maxx has a telescoping wheel and power pedals so maybe I have it set differently.

I didn't notice it when I later drove a friends Sonata for a short distance, but that had power seats.

Not trying to be overly critical because the Optima has been rock solid and handles better than my Maxx. The engine is also quieter and almost as gutsy (though it does get worse gas mileage). Maybe it is time to retire the 3.5 ohv engine and put the manufacturing of the new Malibu solidly in the four cylinder camp. Rented an HHR on vacation and the engine was fine although I think the Kia's is every bit as good or better.

backy

I am first on the wait list at my local dealer for the all-new 2009 Fit next fall. I am hoping its driving position will be better than the current Fit's. If not, or if I don't like the car for some other reason, I have alternatives like the Optima and Elantra to choose from.

csandste

Hopefully they'll also have the Elantra hatch out by then. To me that looks a lot better than the sedan. The Kia Ce'ed seems even better but looks like that isn't coming here.

mickeyrom

I know this is replying to an old post,but since I REALLY like both the Optima and the Elantra,I thought I would chime in.
IMO the only advantage the Optima has over the Elantra is the 8 way power seat, and the cassette as part of the stereo.Otherwise the Elantra comes ahead.Better MPG,lower price and I personally like the Hyundai brand a little better than KIA.

backy

I'd add that the Optima has a roomier interior and trunk, more "upscale" features available (for those who want those things), more power, a 5-speed manumatic transmission, and a superior rear crash test score (IIHS). And I've noticed that with the big rebates available on the 2007 Optima, including the competitive rebate, the price for an Optima LX 5AT with the appearance package and ABS/ESC is not much more than an Elantra SE 4AT. But I could go with either one. One outstanding question on both is, what is the side crash protection? I wish the IIHS would get off their rear ends and do those tests. :mad:

csandste

IMHO the Optima is much better looking than the Elantra sedan. That new hatch/wagon, I may like that better.

One pending Optima problem is that Hyundai has cut back Sonata leases and pushed much of the lease/rental business onto the Optima.

backy

Well, that's not a problem if someone is looking to lease an Optima. I suppose it could affect resale values, but let's face it, Kia not good there now (and new car prices reflect it), so I don't know that more leases or rentals will hurt much.

mickeyrom

Manual seats with dual height adjusters work the same way as a power seat--except you have to move the knobs yourself of course

Not exactly practical while you're going down I-80 in Indiana at 70 MPH. :shades:

PS I only get occasional notifications of posts that are replies to me...what could I do to correct that?

backy

IMO it's not a good idea to be fiddling with a manual or a power seat control while going down a freeway at 70 mph. Isn't that something that could be done while stopped? But if you see no problem reaching down to the side of the seat to push/pull a seat switch while driving, what's the difference in reaching down to the side of the seat to turn a knob? They're in about the same location.

mickeyrom

Are you serious Backy? It takes nothing to push a power seat's button,but quite of bit to turn the knobs manually.It also is much less distracting.However...suit yourself.

csandste

The more rental cars being dropped in the market the lower the resale. Witness Taurus. Raise the value of the Sonata by dropping percentage of rental cars sold. Make up for it by raising the numbers of Optimas.

backy

Or could it be that Kia is trying to replicate Hyundai's "butts in seats" strategy that was used when the 2006 Sonata came out? It's not like everyone knows how good the Optima is, right? Maybe Kia figures by exposing more people to it as a rental, they can get more people to consider it when it's time to buy a car.

irismg

CDs are so "90s". I'm ready to move up to iPod music for MY next car. No moving parts to screw up! Don't know why in the WORLD anybody'd want cassettes this day and age. I've read a reviewer who was disappointed in the quality of the stereo, though, said it was too "bassy" or "buzzy", can't remember which. See, and I hate aftermarket stereo and speakers because they don't have that "integrated" look. The sound system is important to me, too...

I have to say though, Optimas were completely off my radar screen until I saw a 2007 at work. What a beautiful car, and so cheap! (I had to ask the owner.) I'm trying to determine whether it would be a worthy replacement for my '98 Corolla (which keeps going and going...long as I top up the transmission, LOL). There are so many airbags! Power windows are STANDARD! I of course like the lighter colored interior. If only I could trust that Kias wouldn't let me down eventually.

mickeyrom

CDs are so "90s". I'm ready to move up to iPod music for MY next car......

and iPods are so trendy. I have many casettes so I think it's great that my Optima plays CDs and Casettes.

irismg

Well, whatever works for you, then. Some people can't get up off of 8 tracks either, so...

mickeyrom

Cassettes dont compare to 8 tracks,so your analogy is not well founded.Cassettes are a dependable technology and 8 track never was.I've yet to have a cassette player eat one of my cassettes and cant say the same about 8 tracks.The fidelity is comparable to CD and I have many cassettes which are irreplaceable.Thank you KIA.
I cant be as supportive of the sound quality in my Optima as the stereo in my old(97)Chrysler Town & Country LXi is far superior. It too has CD and cassette.

irismg

Hope you've got 'em in a fireproof safe, then, if they're that valuable. Again, whatever works for you. Just for jollies, though, taste a high-fidelity audio file one day. No hiss, and no worries about ANYTHING being eaten.

The analogy to 8-track is to the fact that there is apparently still a market for those who prefer old technology in new cars. (I imagine this is especially true in Asia.) I'm the same way when it comes to brakes. I'd rather not have ABS in my car, prefer the old fashioned brakes. Thank you KIA.

neff11

just bought a kia optima 2007 lx with the sound,interior package with stability control.many options.did better on price with all the options than any other cars i looked at.i showed a close friend who is a manager for a toyota lot and he said you better grab it .wanted to look at tha amanti their was none on the lot. they had 9 but were sold.the dealer gave 4500.00 on any trade. drive it in or even tow it.in my case i towed (aaa) a 2000concord with 980000 miles and no engine.and bought the kia brand new with 22miles.kia fianced 2.5 %.did great. love the heated seats and moon roof also the long warranty.

csandste

Congrats on your purchase. Keep letting us know how it's working, the board needs more posters. Mickeyrom and I are getting lonesome talking only to each other.

I got my wife a 2007 LX at the end of last December. Appearance package with electroluminescent instruments and 17 inch tires, leather interior. Paid $16,100, good value. I'm sure you got a better deal at the end of the model year. The Optima's interior is close to the new Malibu and Accord and well above the Camry IMHO. Very good value.

nodule

Im trying to decide between the 2007 Optima LX-4 base model with the Kumho 16"
tires, or the Appearance Package with the alloys on 17" Michelins?? Ive heard that
the 16" Kumhos will actually prove to be a smoother, less jarring ride than the
17" low profile Michelins!
Im also concerned about the replacement costs of 17" tires verses 16". Certainly.
over the course of 10 years, it would be cheaper to have 16" Kumhos!

Any thoughts??

backy

I agree with your thoughts on the tires. But the upside of getting the Appearance package is then you can get the ABS/ESC package too (which I highly recommend, if not for yourself then consider resale value as they are desirable features for many buyers).

mickeyrom

My car seems to work better in the snow better with ESC off.When it isnt off,the tir">es seem to kinda stutter and the light for ESC flashes on and off.Is this normal?
Here I thought that ESC was supposed to help in bad weather. <img src="

backy

That is normal for traction control (which is related to the ESC system, but not the same thing). Try using a lighter foot at launch if you don't want the traction control to activate when it's slippery.

mickeyrom

Backy,I think the ESC is always engaged unless I DISENGAGE it.When off, a light goes on.

backy

It's activated unless you turn it off. But the traction control doesn't engage unless it senses wheel slippage to a certain threshhold. You can avoid engaging it, and that noise that you apparently don't like, by using a lighter foot on the gas. The traction control on my Elantra engages only if I use too much gas in icy conditions. If I take it easy, it doesn't engage. But it's "on" unless I turn it off. Which I never do.

mickeyrom

Its not a noise Backy. It's like the wheels are turning in spasms.You know,like turn,stop...turn stop,,,but I guess I will try to start extremely slowly.Maybe you're right.I will see.
Do you think I will be safer with the ESC on while driving on a snowy highway? Of course I mean while I'm already at speed,not starting out.

backy

Do you think I will be safer with the ESC on while driving on a snowy highway?

Yes. Think of it as an insurance policy if you do something you're not supposed to do, like drive too fast around a curve. It gives you an extra margin for error, but it's not a cure-all.

csandste

I have the appearance package.

1. I agree with you on the tires. I probably won't replace with the OEM Michelin but any 17 inch replacement is going to be more expensive and probably get poorer tread life. I'm sure the Michelins handle better than the 16 Kumhos but I'm not out on the skid pad.

2. The blacked out trim and interior aluminum-- no big deal.

3. The electroluminescent instruments-- definitely nice. Worth several hundred bucks IMHO.

4. Having upscale wheels is definitely worth several hundred over the base steel wheel, although having a 16 incher would be plenty good.

5. Drivers Info. Center is worth a bit, but is crippled-- needs MPG indicator. This may be corrected in 2008.

6. Auto headlights-- OK but they don't go on quickly enough.

7. Fog lamps-- Worth maybe a hundred bucks.

I bought the apparence package because there were no base cars on the lot and they gave me a good deal, LX plus nice add-on leather for $16,100. On balance I'm not sure if I'd do it if I could save $800 and get the base car with leather, however.

iluvmysephia1

how y'all been? I am still on the site though I spend lots of time over in 'News and Views' and, since I have a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS, over in the Mitsubishi Lancer forums. I always stop in here and read your posts, but, since I'm no longer looking for a Kia Optima to purchase I don't often comment in here.

I bought my Lancer GTS in March of '07 and now have 13,719 miles on it. It is my first Japanese car, new or used. I am really enjoying it and recently purchased a Rally Red paint stick from the Mitsu dealer to do a few touch-ups. I am looking forward to covering up those annoying little tiny chips you get on the front grille, valance and hood during normal travel.

Are you guys still feeling good about your Kia Optima purchases and are either of you gonna be trading in anytime soon for something different?

mickeyrom

Drivers Info. Center is worth a bit, but is crippled-- needs MPG indicator. This may be corrected in 2008.

If they do,I'm hoping that will enable me to update my 06.5 model.After all it's probably going to be pretty much identical,don't you think?

The lights...pretty weird cut-offs.I mean the light pattern on the road.

csandste

Iluv...

The Optima is my wife's car and has gotten about as much mileage in the last eleven months as my cars do in three. Frankly I prefer my Malibu Maxx but that's ok because she prefers the Optima. Since this thread is mostly Mickeyrom and I discussing the same points over and over again, I think you can get a pretty good idea of our likes and dislikes on the car.

I have no desire to trade this anytime soon. Anyone who gets into a new Kia should do so with the idea of keeping the car a long time. This is not a car to trade in after a year or so.

During the time we've had it, nothing whatsoever has gone wrong. In fact, it hasn't even been back to the dealer and is just getting ready for its second oil change. If I had an oil life monitor like my Maxx has it might be getting ready for its first oil change.

mickeyrom

Are you guys still feeling good about your Kia Optima purchases and are either of you gonna be trading in anytime soon for something different?

Other than incredibly bad depreciation (Lujacks has a 2006 Opima with 19,000 miles for sale for under $10K) I love my Optima EX.It is loaded,so I will more than likely have no need to replace it.What more could I ask for,although my real dream car is a hybrid.

iluvmysephia1

an all-electrically powered car. Trouble is, there aren't any made yet that will meet my criteria.

Just what are my criteria you may be wondering? Well, I'll tell you.

1) I need the car to go about 200 miles on a single charge
2) I need to be able to re-charge the car in 8 hours or so from a standard electric
socket
3) I need the car to be able to go 75 mph at least
4) The car should not cost more than $22,000

No, although that's about what a new Toyota Prius costs, I am not looking at a new Toyota Prius. Mitsubishi is working on an all-electric car right now that I will start to study. Since I just bought my '08 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS in March and am planning on keeping this car for at least 5 years and quite probably 7 years, I have a lot of time to study which electric car I would want to buy. I want to get myself away from internally-combustioned engined automobiles. It's time to think electric, forget about hybrids(for me anyway).

As gas soars towards $3.00 and maybe even $4.00/gal I am starting to grow weary of this held-hostage to us and our dino-oil game. Tired of it. Manufacturers are working hard making hybrid/electric/hydrogen-powered vehicles and by the time I'm ready to trade-in again the price may even come down on them, though, they may be kind of expensive still.

There's a car made in Canada called ZENN that is all-electric. It goes 25mph tops and requires an overnight re-charge. Range is short, IIRC only 70 miles or something like that. It sells for about $12,000. But I need more range out here in the Wild, Wild West where my wife and I like to go shopping in Sierra Vista, Safford and Tucson, Arizona. We'll need a cruising range of something more like 200 miles. Then there is talk of re-charging stations along the way, so that may be a moot point if the re-charging doesn't take more than an hour or so. Lots of questions but I just decided about 4 or 5 days ago(when I learned that Mitsubishi is working on an EV that may be practical for usage)that I am truly interested in an EV. We shall see. Not yet sold on one just interested in one.

pat

Folks, if you are going to display a picture in your post, please be sure that it fits within the text area. If it is wider than the text area, it distorts the posts around it to the point where they cannot be read - and than means the post with the wide picture must be removed.

The recent change in Forums layout has made this even more crucial than it used to be.

If you cannot make the post fit within the text area, please just post a link to it.

Thanks.

csandste

Wife's car has only 6000 miles. Getting ready for second oil change. Absolutely no issues, rock steady.

driver_1

This car is gold colored, the dealer charged me $750 for installing a sunroof; thinking of tinting out the side windows also. This vehicle is a 4 cyl---so it sometimes feel like I'm strugglin to get much power going up hills. I guess the 6 cyl is swifter--but also costs like $3000 more. But hey, I"m getting about 41 mpg so far, car had 25,000 miles on it (used to be an Enterprise rental). I guess I"m content though. Ther is a slight squeak sound on the front end brakes when I back out the driveway but no such squeak when I come to a stop sign. Any ideas? I've been dr

backy

If you hear the squeak when backing out of your driveway in the morning, but no other time, it could just be moisture on the discs. I hear the same thing sometimes on my Elantra, which like the Optima has 4-wheel disc brakes. Normally it's when the weather is cool and damp and the car has been sitting overnight.

gy563

what's reasonable price for Optima EX 4cylinder with appearance package and sunroof?

csandste

Mickeyrom--

I paid close attention to the lights on dim tonight. Actually like it. The right lamp is significantly higher than the left. This is good because the oncoming traffic is out of the range of the higher light but you get a good look at what's directly in front of you.

csandste

Last year I bought a 4 cylinder LX with add on leather and the appearance package for $16,100. Not sure how much more the EX would be. Mickeyrom bought one but without the appearance package. I think you should be able to beat the Edmunds price, I generally do on any car I buy.

You are better off with the 4cylinder IMHO. Less maintenance and almost as much power. If you want a 6 cylinder Korean car get the Sonata.

gy563

thanks for the info

I do not want 6 Cylinder Sonata as we already have one!
it's silk smooth but gets only 21MPG

I want something fuel efficient with strong value that's why I'm thinking Optima EX. 6 disc changer with MP3 computability is must have for me that's why I'm thinking EX
I was thinking of buying LX and change the audio system but then I won't be able to use steering audio control so....

mickeyrom

Hmmmmmm.....I'll have to look again. BTW...happy New Year...

bmetelsky

Sorry if this appears idiotic...
The wife has the car currently so I don't have the owners manual. What type of oil, including weight/viscosity is recommended for the 2007 Optima (4 cylinder)? Thanks in advance.

cmhj2000

5W-20 GF3 or better, which is for the most part any modern day oil like Pennzoil, Quaker State etc.

FWIW I use Amsoil XL 5W-20 in my I4 2.4L.