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Kia Optima 2006 and earlier

609 messages,  Last post on Sep 20, 2011 at 11:45 AM

You are in the Kia Optima Forum.

What is this discussion about? Kia Optima, Sedan

Messages Page 22 of 62

#206 of 609 2002 Optima by jonbgood

Nov 19, 2001 (5:17 pm)

Looked at one for the first time today. It was loaded with leather and sunroof. Very nice looking car. Sorry to say that the storage compartment (the low one right behind the gear shift on the console) WOULD NOT open. My wife gave it a try and it wouldn't budge. I'm sorry folks - but if a simple thing like a coin storage holder (or whatever it was) won't open it really makes one wonder about quality. KIA and Hundai need to sweat the small things as well as the engines and trannys if they are to overcome the stigmas. Someone please correct me if there is some of secret to opening this. The salesperson wasn't with us.

#207 of 609 jonbgood---sure sounds like good reason to spend $4,000 or $5,000 more. by lleroi

Nov 19, 2001 (5:43 pm)

You could have asked the salesman for the secret password.Of course I have heard the even Lexuses have some problems-probably not of the magnitude you found in the Optima-though.Did you check out any of the "minor"things like ride,comfort,transmission,air conditioning,braking etc?

#208 of 609 It is silly - isn't it? by jonbgood

Nov 19, 2001 (9:53 pm)

I will certainly give Kia a fair shot when I'm ready to buy. But come on....how hard is it to get a $2 part right. Makes one wonder about the parts you can't see. Everybody raves about fit of trim on Hondas, Toyotas, Mazdas. It just doesn't seem that hard unless you're trying to milk every last 35 cents out of a car.

#209 of 609 jonbgood the fit on all cars will have the occassional screw up. by lleroi

Nov 19, 2001 (11:17 pm)

This is my point.If you can get a really good deal on an OPTIMA it seems the way to go.I like the style better then the SONATA.If you can get a loaded one-leather,ABS,4 wheel discs,traction control,auto,sunroof, etc-for around $15,000 I'd go for it.Heck,you may get a stripped CIVIC with less warranty for about that and maybe the secret compartment will open easier.I'll take the options and it might be a good thing to have a place the wife can't open.The 4cyl engine seems adequate for normal driving.

#210 of 609 2002 Optima by claywaterfill

Nov 20, 2001 (8:40 am)

Kia has updated the web site on 2002--check it out (kia.com). Also, I'm sure the compartment will open--just ask!

#211 of 609 kia lowers prices on 02 models? by 45auto

Nov 20, 2001 (12:08 pm)

Noticed on 2 different sites that msrp for 01 optima se is 18094 msrp, and for 02 model is 17044, is that correct. Also, are manual transmissions as hard to find as they are in the sonata lx. Thank you for any assistance.

#212 of 609 manual tranny by claywaterfill

Nov 20, 2001 (2:54 pm)

I don't know about lower prices--hope so. I guess Hyundai figures the people wanting the "luxury" model won't want to fool with shifting, that's why they are all automatics. I think V6 Optimas will pretty much have automatics as well. You ought to try the 4 cylinder Optima with the manual. I've driven both V6/auto and I4/manual and the manual transmission made the SE 4 cylinder much more fun to drive. With the leather interior and the windows and sunroof open, it felt very European to drive.

#213 of 609 Glad they're lowering Optima prices... by csandste

Nov 20, 2001 (5:10 pm)

the '01's were not priced competitively with Sonatas, especially with the 70 series Korean tires on '01 base car rather than Michelins on Hyundai's (even though I think that Michelins are over-rated and I might just replace the Michelin Energy tires on my Elantra with Kumhos or Hankooks when the time comes).

#214 of 609 I agree by claywaterfill

Nov 21, 2001 (7:02 am)

I think there are too many people who simply won't pay that much for a Kia. Even my wife--remember we have had a Sonata and have a Sephia now with no problems on either--said she would not pay that much for a Kia. She knows it's the twin of the Sonata which she likes, it's just an image thing. I like the Optima, though.

#215 of 609 02 Optima by alhar

Nov 21, 2001 (6:04 pm)

Anyone know when 02 Optimas will be at the Dealers? Saw one at a car show several weeks ago.
My wife liked it but I like the Sonata. Also had trouble getting the interior storage unit open but
the wife opened it from the passenger side.!!!

Messages Page 22 of 62

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