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Kia Optima Prices Paid and Buying Experience

472 messages,  Last post on Apr 13, 2013 at 4:51 PM

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What is this discussion about? Kia Optima, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 48

#7 of 472 What's the going rate on Optimas? by backy

May 31, 2008 (3:35 pm)

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?

#8 of 472 Re: What's the going rate on Optimas? [backy] by csandste

May 31, 2008 (6:46 pm)

Replying to: backy (May 31, 2008 3:35 pm)
My Optima's had no issues other than slightly disappointing gas mileage. I prefer the looks of the 08 to the Ford-like 09. 13K should be a compelling deal.

#9 of 472 Re: What's the going rate on Optimas? [backy] by igozoomzoom

Jun 17, 2008 (2:35 pm)

Replying to: backy (May 31, 2008 3:35 pm)
The Kia Optima proposes an interesting value proposition for me as well. I've always owned Hondas (Civics, Accords and an Integra) until my current car, a Mazda3 5-door. I love my Mazda, but at the age of 33, I've finally accepted the fact the manual transmissions and Atlanta gridlock don't mix. It's time for an automatic.
 
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!

#10 of 472 Re: What's the going rate on Optimas? [igozoomzoom] by backy

Jun 17, 2008 (4:01 pm)

Replying to: igozoomzoom (Jun 17, 2008 2:35 pm)
Agree 100%. The problem in my region--hopefully not in yours--is that LX I4s or even EX I4s are inpossible to find with the ESC package. So I am worried about finding one when it comes time for me to buy a car around October. Hope you have better luck.

#11 of 472 Re: What's the going rate on Optimas? [backy] by igozoomzoom

Jun 18, 2008 (3:42 am)

Replying to: backy (Jun 17, 2008 4:01 pm)
I've actually read several posts about the difficulty of finding one equipped with the ESC package. The quote I got from a dealer didn't actually confirm that they had the car on the lot, imagine that!
 
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?

#12 of 472 Re: What's the going rate on Optimas? [igozoomzoom] by csandste

Jun 19, 2008 (6:33 pm)

Replying to: igozoomzoom (Jun 18, 2008 3:42 am)
Although talking about platforms can be counterproductive, the Optima is more an enlarged Elantra. I'm not even sure the 3.3 would fit.

#13 of 472 Re: What's the going rate on Optimas? [csandste] by backy

Jun 19, 2008 (7:30 pm)

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 472 Optima = Sonata by lifterguy

Jun 19, 2008 (7:34 pm)

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 472 Re: Optima = Sonata [lifterguy] by csandste

Jun 21, 2008 (8:11 am)

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 472 ESC is a must by rotary

Jun 28, 2008 (8:37 pm)

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%.

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