Kia Optima 2006.5-2008

vmokhutov

Thanks imacheapsk8. Next month I'll test drive it myself to confirm your impression.

imacheapsk8

As promised, here are the rpm and mpg results at highway speeds. I just went for a long drive this weekend (400 miles) and averaged 31mpg. The rpm @ 70 mph is 3k, and at 80 mph it's 3.25k.

Kirstie_H

Congrats and good job on getting a great deal! Thanks for sharing your excitement with us, and I hope you stick around and keep us updated on your relationship with your Optima.

ray_h1

Reading between the lines, it sounds from your posts that you're now somewhere between 600 and 700 total miles on your new car. Expect fuel useage numbers to reach breakout by about 5,000 miles - you're still running-in. By the way, what recommendations does your owner's manual advise during run-in and for how long a duration?

imacheapsk8

correct... i have 658 miles on my car. I haven't read the manual yet :P but I do know i shouldn't go over 60mph or rev it over 4k, etc...

Mr_Shiftright

Kia owners, come join us to talk about your cars!

"Talk with Len Hunt - Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors of America about "Leapfrogging" in the areas of vehicle innovation. Get exclusive takes from an industry leader about Kia’s quality, safety, product development and globalization in the automotive marketplace."

Mark this on your calendars!

Kia Chat - Wed. Dec 6 - 6pm PST / 9pm EST

http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/kiachat12062006.html

herotakesafall

Did anyone get their Motor Trends yet? The Optima was actually a finalist in the Motor Trend car of the year. There were about 30 cars they tested, and they picked the top 8. The top 8 were 4 luxury cars and 4 affordable cars: Camry, Fit, Sedona, and Optima. Very cool for Kia!

winterstate

I have a question and I am hoping someone can help me. I bought a 2006.5 Optima in April and this is my first winter with it and I am finding that it does not handle well in the snow. Has anyone else has this problem and if so what can be done to help? I'm not sure if I should buy all new winter rated all season tires or just snow tires for the front. I live in Upstate NY and the winters can be nasty at times.

iluvmysephia1

has bought a 2006 1/2 or 2007 Kia Optima with the 4 cyl and 5-speed transmission. How good is your engine's pep? Does it accelerate fast enough for you?

Also, how good is the standard equipment stereo in the new Optima's? Rock nicely?

imacheapsk8

I have the 5 speed manual and its peppy enough. The stereo is awesome!!!

iluvmysephia1

great to hear that about the new world order Kia Optima.

Another question: are you getting the 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, like Kia says buyers will get for gas mileage? Does it happen to have an on-board mpg-ometer?

Also, is it pretty quiet in the cabin during travel?

Did you stick to your guns and demand a new Optima for the $16,999 price or did you pay more?

imacheapsk8

Yes... it gets 24/34, and no, there's no on board cpu

it is very quiet, however, it does transfer rough road noise a little more than i would like, but better than expected.

you should read my earlier posts... I bought the $17,040 LX for just over $11,400:)

iluvmysephia1

how did you do that? I guess I have some reading to do. You appear to have done well!

This body shape looked very good to me in downtown Tucson the other day. That '07 Optima had that metallic slate grey color and it sure did look sharp.

If we were to get a '07 Kia Optima I would need to get the 4 cyl. 5-speed for optimum Optima gas mileage. The interesting thing now is that Kia is offering some sales incentives for repeat buyers that I could use to lower my purchase price somewhat. I am growing fonder of the '07 Kia Optima every day.

gy563

It's the Official Kia Lotze (or Optima here in USA) movie (or Official commercial & short movie).
Kia came out with this when Optima was first out in Korea.
It's about 15~20 minutes long. Background is somewhere in United States (I think), it has some car chase senes, and model shown in this movie is the top of the line model in Korea (you'll find navy, and wooden grip steering wheel etc.)
It's a good short movie to spend time watching. Kia did good job making optima look good (I think they exaggerated the performance of Optima though..).

http://lotze.kia.co.kr/lotze_cinema480x234.htm

mickeyrom

Your computer suggests 27 MPG?
My computer doesnt even have any MPG readout.Only trip a and b,MPH,ET and range.How is that possible ..my 2006.5 like yours is an EX.

mickeyrom

The passenger air bag doesn't seem to work all the time.If the light comes on,the airbag isn't activated.My wife is afraid to ride in our new Optima.BTW the seats are leather,in case that would make a difference. :surprise:

mickeyrom

I am not real happy with my new Optima EX with the leather and all the toys.I find that it does not compare favorably with my previous car,a Hyundai Sonata.What is the opinion of other Optima owners.

harrychezt

I was there. I had about 3-4 questions(out of 10-12) answered( I did ask about a possible 5 door Optima, and Mr Hunt said No,since even the Rio 5 door is not selling in USA. I mentioned the Mondeo...and Ford is considering bringing that 5 door over, and from the response one 1/2 dozen other sites, it would sell, very well, in fact. If they bring it over, and sell 50-60K units per year, or more... which I hope...other makers may follow, I hope). Sorry 2 digress so much...
Anyhow, I also asked about an Optima Coupe(like the upcoming Altima Coupe): No Reply.
I had heard a few years ago of Hyundai thinking of building a Sonata Coupe.
Read about it on some sites(maybe even Edmunds)about future vehicles, such as 08-09 models.
Asked about trucks(and so did others). Mr Hunt said" off in the future", said they were concentrating on cars, suv's, and such for now( making them better? Something like this).

Anyhow.... i also asked about Any Sporty car from Kia(another intellichoice.com future product.. think, said Kia = FWD small car akin to Tibby).
No reply.

iluv.... hey... that 34MPG is with the auto manual tranny, I thought? Said so on the window sticker when i test drove one.
Do a search for test drives... seems the sticker = correct MPG for Kia(at least on the I-4, I also thought I read the auto manual did Better than manual, which is only available on the I-4)?

Could be wrong.

The Optima is a nice car. It is still in our list of "possibilities" for 09, when my Sonata is paid off(or close to it).
have 1 or two others in consideration, also(other than Hyundai/Kia).
Always good to have options

Oh, the Optima 4 cylinder, on a hill, felt somewhat sluggish when i tried to pass someone, so I used the auto-manual shift, downshifted to 3rd gear(from 4th) and floored it, and made it ok. Not what you would call a white knuckle pass, but not the most smooth transition, either, lol).

It's a decent car, good price. I just hope they do not decide to go too upscale(in MSRP) like Hyundai.

iluvmysephia1

Kia offers the I4 '07 Optima with a 5-speed transmission and an automatic transmission.

Know what you mean about this new '07 Kia Optima, it looks pretty nice. I have placed it as my "larger car" option for our next rig.

The nod for the small car? Yep, the beautiful new 2007 Suzuki SX4.

Yeah, I missed the Len Hunt discussion, was otherwise occupied. You did get some of your questions answered.

I remember when Kia was discussing a truck for the U.S. called the Mojave. It has been back-shelved because they can't find suitable factory space to build it through. I haven't seen them mention it in connection with their new Georgia assembly plant here in the States, yet, either. I still think that Kia intends to build the Mojave pickup truck.

mickeyrom

I bought a loaded Optima EX with every option available about a month ago.Its a nice car,but I dont think its quite up to the quality of the Sonata.Two items of note.Sonata has a Compass and the trip computer has the MPG which is typical of trip computers.I wonder what Kia was thinking.Sonata also has a better ride, and seems more refined.The engine(4 cyl) seems better in the Optima.

mickeyrom

You are so right,at least in my case.I would have bought a Sonata Ltd if it came with a 4 cyl engine.As it was I bought an Optima EX with all the options available.More or less the same as the Sonata.

backy

The I4s in the Sonata and Optima should be the same. But the Sonata has a 4-speed automatic and the Optima a 5-speed. Could that account for the difference you felt?

spmrebel

To get the trip computer I think you need to have the Appearance Package as I remember. I don't like thsi package because it blackout the interior and it because too drab for me (just my preference). Sonata may ride better due to different tuning. Kia tunes their cars for a firmer ride and for more sporting feel.

mickeyrom

I was told that despite the fact that the Sonata has more HP,the Optima has better torque.I also like the sound of the Optima engine better.Its very quiet,even first thing in the morning.

mickeyrom

My car has the leather package.This includes the computer,but none of the trip computers on Optimas have the MPG.

backy

You were misinformed on the torque. Sonata V6 has 227, Optima V6 has only 182.

mickeyrom

I said the Kia 4 cyl has more torque than the Hyundai 4cyl.The Sonata had 174 HP I believe,and the Kia 164 or something like that.I have owned both and the Kia has better pick-up and a smoother engine,but overall I liked the Hyundai Sonata much better.
PS I never mentioned a V6

backy

Both the Sonata and Optima I4s have 164 lb.-ft. of torque. The better pickup on the Optima was probably due to its 5-speed automatic.

mickeyrom

My explanation is based on the information I got from a Kia Salesman. As far as the 5 speed...the acceleration is in first gear.I suppose its possible that the gear ratio is different.

backy

Hyundai's and Kia's own specs on the cars show torque is the same. It would not be the first time a salesperson gave out wrong info on a car. :sick:

I expect that the gear ratios on the Sonata 4-speed and Optima 5-speed autos are different.

imacheapsk8

Also, the Optima is several hundred pounds lighter than the Sonata.

backy

Not according to the manufacturer's specs as published on their web sites. For example, Kia says the Optima I4 AT is 3179 pounds and Hyundai says the Sonata I4 AT is 3266, a difference of 87 pounds.

mickeyrom

I am not geting real good mileage so far.I just filled up an on that tank,the MPG was only 20.07.That was with about 70% of usage was highway.Driving between 55MPH and 65 MPH.
Any comments? :surprise:

ray_h1

70% highway implies 30% city - which could include urban crawl in Manhattan during rush hour with more sittin' than movin', or scootin' across East Possum Trot at 35 mph with its single stop sign on Main Street... City fuel useage can heavily impact overall fuel economy. Hilly terrain can impact both city and highway fuel economy heavily. My '03 Sonata V6 was rated by the EPA as 19/27. I couldn't do any better than 14 in the city initially (relatively level terrain, no less!). By 5,000 miles the measured city fuel useage had finally improved to nearly 20 mpg. Now coming up on 24,000 miles, my city fuel useage has stabilized around 22+ mpg and highway useage to 30+ mpg (A/C ON and cruise control set to 70 mph). Your engine is still running in - and Hyundai recommends an extended 1,200 run-in period, which implies to me that the company sets their motors up with relatively "tight" bearing clearances and depends on owner early operation moderation to achieve a nicely, finally run-in motor. I'm assuming your KIA Optima owner's manual has a similar run-in recommendation. Chart your initial fuel economy numbers for fun, but don't take it seriously until you get past the nominal run-in period.

mickeyrom

Thanks for the info.I never believed that the mileage would go up that much,but maybe Korean cars are different. In my previous cars,the gas mileage stayed pretty much the same.So you actually get over 20MPG in town?That gives me hope.My 2006 Sonata never approached that,but the hwy mileage was as advertised.33 or more.My city driving is actually small town(pop 13,000)and the distances are very small.maybe 2-3 miles max.Of course that doesnt give the car much time to warm up.
I have another question.You seem very knowledgeable,how do you feel about synthetic oil?

ray_h1

)) "...how do you feel about synthetic oil?" ((

I'll link you to a long-winded reply on that very topic I just submitted on one of the Sonata discussions. Go to #254. (might wanna read #253 first)

mickeyrom

Thank you Ray.I did read that long post,but now I am confused.What about a longer interval between oil changes?Dont you think that Kia would honor their warrantee as long as the mileage wouldn't exceed the 7,500 miles or 6 months?Thats the recommended interval with normal usage. realize that obviously,you are not a Kia rep,but what are your thoughts on the subject?

ray_h1

Relax and be of good cheer. As long as you don't push past KIA's stated oil change time/mileage intervals per service severity in your owner's manual, your warranty is not at risk. My cautionary was intended to address synthetic oil users who think their choice of motor oil somehow justifies their running 10-15 thousand mile or longer OCIs. Will synthetic oils actually be safely capable of that long an OCI? I believe they will. But I'm not the one who has to be convinced. Hyundai and its Kia division, the folks whose lawyers write the fine print in the company warranties, refuse to recognize that overly extended capability for warranty purposes.

mickeyrom

Man,that really sucks.Not much point in using synthetic oil if you have to change it in three months,regardless of mileage.

ray_h1

Nah, you're obsessing, now.;) Just because I choose to change my oil every 3K miles/3 mos doesn't mean you have to. Your interest in your new car suggests strongly you intend to take care of it. Just don't over-react to every niggling little detail. Check your owner's manual in the vehicle maintenance requirements section for oil change intervals. Mine advises 7.5K miles/6 mos under "normal service" and 3K miles/3 mos under "severe service".* I betcha yours advises something identical or very similar. If your driving falls under normal service, twice a year oil changes over 15K miles won't be that much a hardship will it? Conventional mineral oils are good out to 5K miles, but after that, have pretty much begun to grow hair through accumulation of breakdown products, so your plan to go with synthetic would be justified if you decide to go with 7.5K mile oil service. It's going much longer than 7.5K miles that could get you in trouble with your warranty. The real point is just use common sense, keep your oil change receipts so you have a record of whichever regimen you choose to observe, stick to it within ±100 miles, and you'll be OK in case of oil-related engine trouble. When there really is an oil related issue with a motor, the trouble is usually not the choice of motor oil or oil change intervals, but, rather, the loose nut behind the steering wheel - so get in the habit of checking your oil level at each fuel-up. Odds are the upholstery will rot or the body will be cancerous from rust long before the engine has any serious mechanical issues that could be attributed to motor oil as long as you keep the oil level topped up between the "Low" and "Full" dipstick markings.

mickeyrom

Ray,I wasn't thinking of the miles but rather the time interval.If I dont qualify for the "normal" usage,I just might blow my warranty. My mileage would be heavily weighed towards hwy,because although most trips are very short,one trip of a 100 miles or so would swiftly turn the percentage of city driving from 100% to 5%.Do you understand?Actually I would be very surprised if I would accumulate more than 10,000 miles per year.That means that I would be changing oil at 5000 every 6 months.My concern is that Kia might determine that the car is used in a "heavy duty" way.
You are right that I take good care of my cars.I own a 97 Chrysler Town & Country Lxi,and its still drives and sounds like a one year old car.It has 148K on it.I just recently went from normal oil to synthetic-petroleum mix.I dont put on more than a couple thousand miles a year,so it seems ridiculous to change oil at three months.

johnmc2

Dear Sir,

Could you tell me how the dealer could add $3045 to the other two factory rebates? Our local paper advertises the same car for $12,999 and lists the Kia rebate and the competitive edge rebate you mention. I am looking at the same car - MSRP $17,040 - and if I could get another $1,500 I would most probably buy the car. Since the invoice is around $15k, it must be more factory money, and I don't think the dealer here will volunteer that information.

thank you.

ray_h1

)) "My mileage would be heavily weighed towards hwy,because although most trips are very short,one trip of a 100 miles or so would swiftly turn the percentage of city driving from 100% to 5%.Do you understand?Actually I would be very surprised if I would accumulate more than 10,000 miles per year." ((

Yep, I hear ya'. I'm skewed to too much city driving now that I'm retired. I'm just now finishing up about a total of 6K miles for the year, so will be changing motor oil and filter for the 2nd time this year. (Now I believe you see why I change so "frequently" with less expensive oil. It simply fits my current lifestyle, at the least expense, and with sufficient protection over my 3K mile OCIs that I can reasonably expect the engine to outlast Hyundai's extended powertrain warranty. So, if you use Mobil 1 out to whatever time mileage limit you had originally planned, will that assure that you will ultimately develop oil related failure in your engine? Very unlikely - which is why so many people do go to the expense of synthetics in the first place. And, if you do, and if KIA can prove you were negligent to the point of contributing to the failure, you still have leeway if you use Mobil 1's premium "EP" (Extended Protection) formulation which obligates ExxonMobil to pay for repairs in the event an oil-related failure occurs as long as you can provide evidence you didn't extend oil change intervals beyond 15K miles. (That warranty is printed on the back of Mobil 1 EP motor oil bottles - may be worth your while to check out. ) The fact is, though, very few cases of engine damage are the result of outright oil-related failures - leastways in Europe, America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Car owners in those countries tend to be cognizant of the importance of competent care and proper operation. In third world countries, cars are just as likely as not to get driven into the ground, and, too often get filled, when they're refilled at all, with oils that most people in the wealthier industrialized countries wouldn't put in their lawn mowers.

mickeyrom

Thank you Ray.I never looked at the writing on the bottle.I guess as long as I keep my receipts I should be fine huh?After my upcoming long trip to Pa. this weekend,I will change to the Mobil 1, and do the 6 month deal.Should cover me pretty much.
BTW,how do you like your Optima?I have only had mine for a month or so,still dont like it as well as the Sonata.Im retired too,so its unlikely that I will be purchasing another car.

ray_h1

I own an '03 Sonata with the 2.7L V6 motor. I do my own oil/filter changes. I check all fluid levels at each oil change. (I check my engine oil level at each gas fill-up.) I do a cursory look-see at the rubber CVJ boots and exhaust system and hangers while under the car, too. Every three years I drain, flush, and refill the cooling system with fresh $6.88/gallon WalMart 5/150 antifreeze that I dilute with genuine WalMart 87 cent/gallon distilled water. These are easy things that most people would have no problem doing if they only understood they don't require a graduate degree in rocket science. The nastier things (such as changing out the timing belt and changing the rear bank of spark plugs on the V6 motor) I'll bite the bullet on and let the dealership handle. I have a transluscent plastic string tie envelope in the glove compartment I keep all my materials receipts in and a small spiral-wound notebook I date and log my services with a brief description of what I did. That's all that's necessary to satisfy an automaker or dealership that the work was done and it will hold up in court if challenged. (The Magnuson-Moss Federal Consumer Protection Act of 1965 is definitely skewed in favor of consumers.) For owners who don't wish to do their own maintenance, but don't want to rely on their dealerships either, the dated receipts that list the work done from an independent shop are also sufficient for record keeping to safeguard warranty rights. (I would avoid "Gypie Boob"-type shops like the plague.) If unsure what to do and when to do it, check your owner's manuals, folks. Do NOT rely on the periodic mailings from dealerships that are makework adviseries that support the "Dealership Christmas Party Booze Allowance, The Employees' Children's Scholarship and The Employees' Future Widows & Orphans United Fund" (Only took four years, but I'm finally NOT getting those irritating mailings stuffed in my mail box any longer...)

imacheapsk8

I responded to an ad in my local paper... It listed all the rebates and discounts. some i qualified for, and some I didn't. They're all listed below:

Rebate: $1,000
Loyalty: $500
Competitive edge: $1500
Recent grad: $500
Quirk (dealer) discount $3,045

I'm not sure where they were able to pull the extra money from (didn't have a trade), but they did honor the ad:) The latest ad only offers a "dealer" discount of $2,241... Still a great deal!!!!! Below is a link to the most curent ad.

http://quirkservice.com/wtf/k12-16g.jpg

mickeyrom

Ray,how in the world do you fit under the car?Im an average sized man,but I doubt that I would fit under my car.
PS How did you wind up here,with the Optimas.You have a Sonata(smart guy),I have the Hyundai red headed step child.

ray_h1

Prior generation Optimas and Sontas were fraternal twins - differing only in front and rear fender, hood, and trunk lid wrinkling, and upholstery material weave pattern and tailoring. The current examples of both makes are a bit more distantly related - 1st cousins now, but still sharing the same basic platform and many mechanical components. Do you really feel it's a stretch for me to participate on this forum? As to your question of how I'm able to maneuver my girth under my car for oil change and other servicing, allow me to briefly explore with you the convenience associated with owning a set of $30.00 WalMart fiberglass reinforced composite drive-up ramps that I have in my garage...

mickeyrom

No offense Ray,just idle curiosity.

[Deleted User]

Actually, the Sonata and Optima no longer share the same platform either. They have lots of stuff in common of course (the engines for example), but they are not the same underneath the sheet metal differences.