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Prices Paid: Buying & Leasing Experiences Kia Optima Prices Paid and Buying Experience
38 messages, Last post on Sep 27, 2008 at 10:47 AM
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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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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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Replying to: rotary (Jun 28, 2008 8:37 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.
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Replying to: backy (Aug 11, 2008 7:00 pm) 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).
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