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Last post on Aug 30, 2012 at 7:54 PM
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Kia Optima Forum.
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Kia Optima, Sedan
#876 of 905 Re: Optima purchase [netranger4]
by csandste
May 01, 2010 (10:45 am)
Like Mickeyrom, absolutely nothing has happened to my wife's 07. Absolutely no problems. Personally I like the look of the pre-09's better, but the additional features and engine improvements on the 09+ may be worth it. Certainly reflects the new Kia corporate look better. The '11 Optima looks very interesting, good to see that Kia and Hyundai are taking different (though both interesting) styling routes.
#877 of 905 Re: Optima purchase [csandste]
by mickeyrom
May 01, 2010 (2:05 pm)
Other than the MPG on the trip computer,I cannot think of any improvements over my 2006.5.I like having the 6 disc changer in addition to the cassette player.The 2009 might have a few more HP,but not very much.For the thousands more it would cost,it's a no brainer.
#878 of 905 Re: Optima purchase [mickeyrom]
by backy
May 01, 2010 (4:33 pm)
If it's an LX, then the 2009 offers ABS, ESC, and traction control in addition to the additional 13 horses on the I4. Optional ABS/ESC package was almost impossible to find on LXes.
#879 of 905 Re: Optima purchase [backy]
by dkh1967
May 06, 2010 (10:03 pm)
My 2007 LX didn't offer ABS or ESC at all. It was available on the EX. I still have no problems with my 2007 LX with 5 speed auto. Of course I only have 24 k on it. I fear my Optima will out live the bumper-to-bumper warranty with my low miles. I bought mine used and I didn't get to take advantage of the 10yr/100k powertrain.
#880 of 905 Re: Optima purchase [backy]
by mickeyrom
May 07, 2010 (6:52 am)
Mine is an EX and has all of those goodies.The extra horses? Honestly don't know what difference that makes.Mine has plenty enough pep for me.I don't do much drag racing.
But I get your point.It pretty much depends if the savings in $$$ is worth giving up ABS etc.
I never had a car with ABS until my 1997 Town and Country and honestly did not miss any of those electronics.Unless you're driving at LeMans I doubt they will ever come into play in day to day driving.
#881 of 905 Re: Optima purchase [mickeyrom]
by backy
May 07, 2010 (9:18 am)
The Chrysler vans fishtailed pretty badly w/o ABS. I had a 1991 Caravan w/o ABS, and it was tricky to stop in winter. My 1999 GCS had ABS and it stopped straight in all conditions. I think ABS does come into play in many everyday driving conditions, especially if you have winter weather at all. ESC, not as much, unless you are exceeding the limits of the car. But I've found traction control comes in handy in the slips.
#882 of 905 My Impression
by smokint1
Jul 15, 2010 (10:37 pm)
I really am just pleased as I can be with our 2006.5 EX V6 w/ESC and leather. It's a beautiful car and it makes me feel as if I am in a higher tax bracket than I actually am. We bought it used with about 47K on it. It was listed as a fleet car on the carfax, but it was in like new condition. It is my wife's car, but I really jump at any chance I get to drive it. I can't get over how good the factory infinity stereo system sounds. The car is in a word "Impressive". My two cents. Thanks
#883 of 905 Re: Optima purchase [backy]
by mickeyrom
Jul 16, 2010 (7:12 am)
Just found this post.Dang notification just does not work perfectly.
I have have several Mopar minis,a 89 Plym top of the line woodie,a 94 Plym. short base,a 94 Town and Country and an 97 T&C LXi.I know the last two had ABS,but honestly don't remember the others.The Town and Countries came with every available option and both were outstanding cars,more then than the current lot as compared to their contemporaries.Never had any issues with fishtailing with any of them.
#884 of 905 Re: My Impression [smokint1]
by mickeyrom
Jul 16, 2010 (7:20 am)
Don't forget to change your timing belt at 60,000 miles.Mine is very much like yours,but I have the I4 engine(thank God) which comes with a timing chain.
The stereo while good is not an Infinity according to the info I got from many car publications.It is a KIA made unit.Mine has only 38,000 miles right now and we only use it for trips, as the in town gas consumption is pretty high,The Prius is much better,if less comfortable.
We bought ours in Nov of 2006 and have no regrets.Welcome to the KIA Optima club.
#885 of 905 Re: Optima purchase [mickeyrom]
by backy
Jul 16, 2010 (7:57 pm)
Even on slick snow, and ice? Only our '91 Caravan SWB w/o ABS had the fishtailing problem in the slips. No problem with our '99 GCS and '07 T&C, both of which had ABS.