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2009 Kia Optima
Word is out that the Optima will get a significant make-over for 2009, including powertrain upgrades and styling tweaks. Let's talk about it and share what you know about it!
I think the 2006.5-2008 Optima is a solid offering in the mid-sized class, with just the right blend of room, ride comfort, handling, size, and tasteful styling inside and out. And the price is right. Only two things I don't like: 1) ESC/ABS is hard to find on the LX, which is my preferred trim, and can't be had without getting an expensive appearance package; 2) the IIHS hasn't reported the side crash test results on the car yet. I am hoping that both of these issues, particularly the availability of ESC/ABS, will be addressed in the 2009 Optima.
I think the 2006.5-2008 Optima is a solid offering in the mid-sized class, with just the right blend of room, ride comfort, handling, size, and tasteful styling inside and out. And the price is right. Only two things I don't like: 1) ESC/ABS is hard to find on the LX, which is my preferred trim, and can't be had without getting an expensive appearance package; 2) the IIHS hasn't reported the side crash test results on the car yet. I am hoping that both of these issues, particularly the availability of ESC/ABS, will be addressed in the 2009 Optima.
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I liked the large clear taillights and the flat instrumentation. Stability package is still optional. The front looks like the late, unlamented Ford Five Hundred, the tail like the last-gen Accord.
190 hp for the tweaked V6?? Why bother? Why would anyone buy one, at a premium, compared to the very nice 175 hp I4? :confuse:
And ABS is still an option!! (ESC too of course) That is inexcusable for a mid-sized sedan refreshed for 2009. :mad:
Maybe the Optima will look better in black. I'm not in any hurry, so I'll wait and see.
Frankly the more time that elapses, the more I prefer my Malibu Maxx to my 07 Optima. My wife on the other hand prefers the Kia.
Hate to dis a car I haven't seen in person but I don't think I like the styling at all:
1. Front clip Fordish slant-- like the 065-08 better
2. Sides-- No real changes
3. Back clip-- two generations ago Accord--- nah!
4. Interior garish-- like the present appearance group semi-electroluminescent much better. This one belongs on a Pontiac.
All in all, at least in pictures, it's a big disappointment despite the improved 4 cylinder. The present car is one of the most attractive mid-sizers, the new one is a mish-mash of competing design clues. Is this the result of the sacking of lots of American talent at Kia in the last few years?
The LX is not all that different other than the trip computer and the AC unit which is basic.
EX does have leather and power driver's seat, but some of its features are in the LX Appearance package as you alluded. Although EX has 16" alloys standard while LX AP has 17 inchers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m7CUcQyt1w&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtBqikYFmLc&feature=related
It also means the price of the Optima has gone up quite a bit from 2008, since more equipment is standard. For example, the LX I4 5AT starts at $19,625 including destination. But that's still about $500 less than the Sonata GLS.
Although I still like the earlier car's looks better, that new corporate grill isn't that bad.
Instrument panel different but didn't see it lit up.
We know we don't get the 100,000 mile/10 Year warranty, but the savings are immense by buying a slightly used one.
Any opinions?
Since (I believe) 60K of the warranty transfers, there's absolutely no reason to buy any kind of third party or extended warranty (seldom if ever is in any car).
Backy, you are right. It does not have ESC or traction control, but I need to double check and see if it has ABS.
That's a great point. I really want her to have ESC, especially with her first car.
So if the car you're looking at doesn't have ESC, it doesn't have ABS either.
Another option in this class of car that does have all those safety features is of course the 2006+ Sonata. You might have to pay a little more for one of those, but I've seen some low-miles 2007-8 Sonatas recently, nicely equipped (power seat, moonroof) with the I4 for under $12k.
I can do without the traction control, but ESC and ABS are a deal breaker the more my wife and I think about it.
We'll have to find something with those features, or maybe consider buying a new car.
Don
HyunKia more than any other company has absolutely no ability to adjust for supply and demand. They pretty well ramp up production as high as they can get it, even if no one buys the product. As a result you will probably find big discounts on 09 in a month or two.
The I4 does not use a timing belt, but a chain. It has no specified replacement interval. The V6 does use a timing belt however. But consider that the difference in hp between the I4 and V6 is pretty small, just 19, so with the extra maintenance and fuel costs of the V6, plus extra money up front, you might want to go with the I4.
Seems like you "stole" all of my comments,lol...
I think that under the skin the 2009 is pretty much the same car as my 2006.5.It has been very reliable so far.Other than having a real trip computer.Why didn't they have that MPG indicator in the earlier models?I have put on over 25K miles and it has been virtually trouble free.Once we got the issue with the passenger side air bag light fixed,it has been great.
The timing belt is an issue only with the 2.7 liter V6 engine.The I4 has a timing chain.I have the 4 cylinder model and it has plenty enough pep for me.I get about 25MPG in mixed driving,although it isn't too hot in the city,the highway real world is at least as good as the EPA rating.I have on one occasion exceeded 40MPG.
See you there!