Thinking of getting a 2011 Kia Optima

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

cb450sc

Joined
Jan 6, 2006
Messages
930
Location
Up here
Hi Folks
I have been seriously looking at purchasing a 2011 Kia Optima. I have compared it to the Malibu, Fusion, Sonata, Accord and Camry. It has the quietest ride of the bunch and has the largest number of standard features. I have been out twice on test drives. Does anyone have experience with this vehicle. My major concern is reliaility. However,it does have a 5 year bumper to bumper warranty.
 
Hyundai/Kia has come a long way, but their long term reliability is a still a big unknown.

I understand with Hyundai/Kia, you get the most bang for your buck in terms of features. I felt the same way with my 2010 Tucson until the transmission went at 23000km and left me stranded on the highway. To add further misery, the transmissions were on back order and I didn't get my Tucson back til 3 weeks later.

At the end of the day, I would opt for the Camry or Accord. Cost of maintenance on the Accord is also less with their MM system. Hyundai/Kia has 6000km OCIs. Camry I believe is 8000km.
 
I think that Kia/Hyundai are a good choice either the Optima or Sonata since they are both pretty much the same. I own my Sonata and havent had too much to complain about, my radio went out but I was able to get a new one under warranty. Keep up the maintanance and you should have a great car for a good price
 
Car mags love the new Passat and it USA made now
smile.gif
Sonata came in Bottom on all comparison tests laking refinement in many key areas. Plus Hyndais are $$$ these days. As far a KOrean Kars go, Personally I LOVE the Styling of the new Optima (recent Audi stylist). Concversely, and personally I dont like the derivative, 5 year past, "french curve" swoop of the Hyundai. Plus it KILLS headroom. The new '12 completely redone Camry is supposed to be MUCH improved and of course the Honda Accord is the same price as the dang Hyundai and will double out value it 5 years down the road if UR prone to trad at that point. Soory I thought you said sonata ;(. When I see those new gorgeous Optimas I almost turn into a GIRL and want one. Almost, but not quite.
 
Last edited:
I've owned 2 Kias and so far been happy. Pretty easy to do routine maintenance on. Decent mileage. I would buy another one, so far as they are less than the competition on price. If they are the same or more in price as Honda or Toyota, I would buy one of those instead, for the higher resale value.
 
While you're checking out the 6 , you may want to test drive the 2012 Mazda 3 sedan with the Skyactiv. Very impressive in and out . Let us know of your experience / thoughts .
 
Last edited:
I had one as a rental while on a business trip, I thought the interior was cheap feeling (looked great!) and everything just felt cheap and thin - especially the doors. It performed okay, but I prefer Fusion/Malibu/Camry/2011+ Avenger/200.
 
I had a Sonata as a rental. Very quiet at 80mph and good fuel economy. Strangely impressive 2.4l engine. Based on the specs, the 2.0T would be the engine I would go for however. It is very impressive spec wise.

The handling was vague and hard to keep straight on the freeway and Camry like otherwise. If the Kia fixed the handling issue I might consider it. I heard that Kia is more German and Sonata is more Japanese.

On paper, the Sonata & Kia seem to be best in class, but for me, driving enjoyment, especially handling is very important. In that regard the Fusion and Mazda 6 would be at the top of the list and perhaps the Kia if they have not copied the Sonata handling.
 
I can second the Mazda6 with the 2.5L motor...it's the only car I test drove that I enjoyed driving. IMHO it isn't the right choice if you're simply looking for an A to B vehicle as it gets a few mpg less than the competition. It IS more sporty than a Camry or Altima so it may not be the right choice...depends what you like.

I've noted lots of Ford parts under the hood of my Mazda6 (it's built in the Ford plant in Michigan) and it shares the same frame/motor as the Ford Fusion. Ford Fusion has proven to be pretty reliable so this should bode well in the reliability category for the Mazda6 even though reliability isn't well published for some Mazdas.

Just my 2 cents.

And I agree with the others that the jury is still out on Hyundia/Kia. It's just too early in the game.
 
Originally Posted By: cb450sc
Hi Folks
I have been seriously looking at purchasing a 2011 Kia Optima. I have compared it to the Malibu, Fusion, Sonata, Accord and Camry. It has the quietest ride of the bunch and has the largest number of standard features. I have been out twice on test drives. Does anyone have experience with this vehicle. My major concern is reliaility. However,it does have a 5 year bumper to bumper warranty.


I was looking at the same cars about five months ago but found a good deal on a 2011 Hyundai Genesis and I think it is a step above the cars you listed. I got a 2011 that was a dealer demo with low miles for $28K. Basically $1,500 more than what I was going to pay for a Sonata or Optima.

As far as reliability goes, I have a 2003 Sonata with 180,000 miles and it has been trouble free.

Rod
 
I dont like the T chain tensioner on the mazda/ford 2.5L DOHC or the headgaskets or the waste spark coil setup. Ask my now dead truck of 6 months. Maybe the made in Spain engines are junk, IDK ;( At least the Mazda and Ford cars get a COP ignition - which makes a BIG BiG difference.
 
If you rent a car, you get bottom level. I have put 29000 miles(at least) on a 2010 Malibu ltz. I will never buy one. I will keep my Optima, is it the best car? Right now, to me, yes. I have all I want in a car, it is relatively quiet, rides good, and decent gas mileage. If it were charcoal in color it would be perfect for me.
 
Originally Posted By: GMFan
..And I agree with the others that the jury is still out on Hyundia/Kia. It's just too early in the game.

Exactly how much time do we need to assume 'reliable'?
 
Well, I made the plunge today. I ordered an Optima LX+ in satin metal. It will have the funky sunroof. The problem is going to be if the dealer can find one in the colour I want. If they can't get me one with the features I want, I will wait for the 2012 model to make it to Canada.
I have only had less than ten cars over my lifetime. I think the most reliable was my 1982 Civic and my '89 Mitsubishi Galant. Both were fun cars to drive and made it over 300000 kilometers.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Nick1994
  • Locked
2021 Kia Optima - Released
2 3
Replies
46
Views
7K
Wylie6G72
H
  • Locked
Recent mid-size sedan comparos
2 3
Replies
47
Views
16K
charbaby
S
  • Locked
2011-up ~250hp daily driver for <$15K?
2 3
Replies
58
Views
4K
Shaman
S
  • Locked
Chevy Cruze or Hyundai Sonata ECO/Kia Optima LX?
2 3
Replies
40
Views
5K
zzyzzx
M
  • Locked
Wrecked today. Thinking about a 2011 Sonata
3 4 5
Replies
83
Views
38K
KrisZ
Back
Top Bottom