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Prices Paid: Buying & Leasing Experiences Kia Optima Prices Paid and Buying Experience
24 messages, Last post on Aug 30, 2008 at 11:45 AM
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Replying to: lifterguy (May 20, 2008 1:12 pm) In my opinion there's not a lot of benefit in going with the V6. Not much more power, lower MPG's (although the four is none too good), and an expensive timing belt to replace. |
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Now that Honda has pretty much eliminated the 2009 Fit from my fall car shopping list (by making VSC available only on the most loaded Sport + Nav trim, which I figure with AT will go for somewhere close to $19k), I am refocusing on other cars. The Optima has been on my list for some time, but with current incentives at $3500 and the refreshed 2009 Optima coming in the fall, I am thinking I could get a real good deal on a 2008 this fall. So I was wondering what kind of deals people are seeing/getting right now? The trim I am interested in is the LX AT with the ESC package and Appearance package (which is required with ESC/ABS). With mats and $675 destination, MSRP is $20,110 and invoice (per Edmunds.com) is $18,755. There is a $3000 general rebate and a $500 competitive rebate (which I qualify for since I own a 626). I have seen some Hyundai dealers offer as much as $2000+ off invoice on 2009 Sonatas, before rebates. If I could find a Kia dealer who offers a comparable discount off invoice, that would make the Optima I want a little over $13k + TTL. If I could get a price like that, it would be pretty hard to pass up. Wishful thinking?
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Replying to: backy (May 31, 2008 3:35 pm) |
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Replying to: backy (May 31, 2008 3:35 pm) The Optima is actually a good looking vehicle, even when compared to Accord, Camry and Sonata. The Appearance package is a must-have for the price (17-inch wheels, fog lights, trip computer, leather steering wheel) as is the Stability/Traction Control with ABS. I priced an Optima LX 4-cylinder automatic with those two options at a local dealer- with rebates factored in, I could buy it for $16,000 plus tax (sticker is $20,025). That's a steal and I'd be a fool to pass it up, right? I think the biggest obstacle is my own snobbery (Kia doesn't roll off the tongue as easily as Honda or Mazda). Then again, maybe driving a good looking, well-equipped mid-size car with a 100k mile warranty and payments less than a Honda Fit are just the cure for that!
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Replying to: igozoomzoom (Jun 17, 2008 2:35 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Jun 17, 2008 4:01 pm) It really irritates me that the ESC package is an option rather than standard across the model range because it's the only way to get ABS! How can Kia even think about competing with any of the mid-size class leaders when every one of them has ABS standard on all trim levels. Even if they wanted to claim the low MSRP, they could simply make the ESC package a "standard" option and include it on all of the Optimas they build. Sending them to dealers without ABS is baffling to me.... ABS isn't even standard on the EX V-6 but it has leather and automatic climate control. Hyundai includes ABS, TSC and ESC on all Sonata models....that needs to trickle down to its Kia sibling. And whlie they're at it, they could share the 3.3L V6 from the Sonata, too. That'd get me to upgrade from the 4-cylinder model. As it stands, I can't see much logic in paying for the 2.7L V6 (at least $1000 depending on trim level). You get 23 more horsepower, lose 1 mpg city and 3 mpg highway and pick up about 110 pounds in vehicle weight. The marketing folks really didn't think thru that one very well, I don't think. Then again, I suppose they're working with what they have. The 2.7L V6 is just a slightly revised version of the V6 in the previous-gen Sonata, right?
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Replying to: igozoomzoom (Jun 18, 2008 3:42 am)
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Replying to: csandste (Jun 19, 2008 6:33 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.
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Replying to: lifterguy (Jun 19, 2008 7:34 pm) "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. |
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