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Kia Optima Prices Paid and Buying Experience

38 messages,  Last post on Sep 27, 2008 at 10:47 AM

You are in the Prices Paid: Buying & Leasing Experiences Forum. Your Hosts are car_man & kyfdx

What is this discussion about? Kia Optima, Sedan


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#13 of 38
Re: What's the going rate on Optimas? [csandste] by backy
Jun 19, 2008 (7:30 pm)
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Replying to: csandste (Jun 19, 2008 6:33 pm)

The 2008 Optima is what, a couple inches shorter than the Sonata? And the 2009 Optima is about the same size as the Sonata. So sizewise the 3.3 would fit. I just don't think Hyundai WANTS the 3.3 in the Optima... it would then be direct competition for the Sonata V6. As it is, buyers can choose from a V6 with a little more oomph than the I4, or for a little more money a more powerful V6. I'm not saying I agree with that strategy, but I think that is what's behind the 2.7L in the Optima.
#14 of 38
Optima = Sonata by lifterguy
Jun 19, 2008 (7:34 pm)
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Every source I have ever read says the Optima is on the same platform as the Sonata. It may not be quite as large as the current Sonata, but it's quite a bit bigger than the Elantra. If you're looking for an entry level, midsize sedan that has stability control and anti-lock brakes, you're probably better off looking at the Sonata - low end Optimas seldom have ABS / ESC. But if you're interested in a car with more options, there's good chance you can find an Optima EX with the safety package at a good price.
#15 of 38
Re: Optima = Sonata [lifterguy] by csandste
Jun 21, 2008 (8:11 am)
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Replying to: lifterguy (Jun 19, 2008 7:34 pm)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Optima
 
"Unlike the previous Optima, this vehicle no longer shares its platform with the current generation Sonata (NF) nor Hyundai Elantra (HD). It instead uses a global platform, unique to Kia, designated "MG," shared with the the Kia Carens/Rondo."
 
I'm never comfortable saying exactly what a platform is in modern manufacturing. The previous gen Sonata/Optima were identical with different clips. This version has struts like the Elantra, not links like a Sonata.
 
I remember long discussions with Backy whether or not the Spectra shared a platform with the earlier Elantra or next gen Elantra. Sometimes figuring out platform evolution can be a tricky thing. Certainly the Optima is very close to the Rondo.
#16 of 38
ESC is a must by rotary
Jun 28, 2008 (8:37 pm)
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On a very serious note, do not buy a car without ESC if you care about yourself or people that will drive or ride in your vehicle.
 
ESC has to be the biggest advance in auto safety since the inception of seat belts; and probably more so than air bags, by a wide margin.
 
Consumer Reports did a lengthy study comparing vehicles equipped with and w/out ESC, and the results were startling.
 
ESC literally increases your chances of maintaining control of your vehicle, steering where you want to, and avoiding an accident, under almost any conditions, by approximately 50%.
#17 of 38
Re: ESC is a must [rotary] by backy
Jun 29, 2008 (8:10 am)
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Replying to: rotary (Jun 28, 2008 8:37 pm)

Agree 100%. If you have any info on prices and availability for Optimas with the ABS/ESC package, it would be much appreciated.
#18 of 38
Experience with Schaumburg Kia? by backy
Aug 11, 2008 (7:00 pm)
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Anyone have any buying experience with Schaumburg Kia? I notice they have a good collection of Optimas... including some LXes with the ABS/ESC package.
#19 of 38
Re: Experience with Schaumburg Kia? [backy] by godwheel
Aug 27, 2008 (7:57 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Aug 11, 2008 7:00 pm)

Just got an estimate on a Kia Optima LX 4cyl 4x2
 
MSRP: $18,920
 
No additional options:
$14,998 + TTL
 
What do you guys think? I haven't decided between this or the Sonata. I rented an Optima once in Puerto Rico and loved the interior and the ride (smooth).
#20 of 38
Re: Experience with Schaumburg Kia? [godwheel] by backy
Aug 28, 2008 (5:38 am)
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Replying to: godwheel (Aug 27, 2008 7:57 pm)

Which rebates do you qualify for? If it's just the $2500 general rebate, the deal is about at invoice--good but not great for a car like the Optima, especially with the refreshed 2009 models on the way. If you qualify for additional rebates, then I don't think it's a very good deal.
#21 of 38
Re: Experience with Schaumburg Kia? [backy] by godwheel
Aug 28, 2008 (3:00 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Aug 28, 2008 5:38 am)

$3,000 cash back rebate...
How much below invoice do you think I can go? Is the 2009 a complete redesign?
 
I look online for pictures and it looks exactly like the 2008 I think.
#22 of 38
Re: Experience with Schaumburg Kia? [godwheel] by backy
Aug 28, 2008 (6:59 pm)
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Replying to: godwheel (Aug 28, 2008 3:00 pm)

No, not a re-design. New front and rear styling, new instrument cluster, updated engines (e.g. I4 now has 175 hp, same as on the 2009 Sonata) with better fuel economy, and a few other tweaks. Personally I like the looks of the 2008 better.
 
IMO your maximum target price should be invoice, before rebates. You can start out below that and see what the dealer says.
 
Don't forget the competitive rebate... applies to lots of different non-Kia cars.

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