- #17 of 70
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Re: Motor Trend Visual Comparison [csandste]
by backy
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Aug 13, 2008 (7:14 am)
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Replying to: csandste (Aug 12, 2008 11:05 pm)
I agree. I like the powertrain improvements, esp. with the I4, but I like the looks of the current car better. I am just hoping I can snag a 2008 I4 with ABS/ESC before year's end.
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- #18 of 70
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Re: Motor Trend Visual Comparison [backy]
by mickeyrom
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Aug 13, 2008 (8:13 am)
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Replying to: backy (Aug 13, 2008 7:14 am)
Optimas must be selling,the dealer where I bought mine had only 2,both EX with I4 engine.
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- #19 of 70
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Re: Motor Trend Visual Comparison [mickeyrom]
by backy
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Aug 13, 2008 (2:04 pm)
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Replying to: mickeyrom (Aug 13, 2008 8:13 am)
I asked a dealer in Des Moines about an EX I4 they had in inventory that might have ABS/ESC based on the MSRP. They replied that that car didn't have ABS/ESC, but they did have a few EXs with ABS/ESC--they were all loaded cars, one was an I4 that lists for nearly $24k. They also told me that Kia does not offer the EX I4 with just the ABS/ESC package, or even with ABS/ESC plus Appearance package.  So it looks like if I am going to get an Optima I4 with ABS/ESC, it will need to be an LX (with what they call package 30, which is ABS/ESC + Appearance package). But those appear to be very very rare. I think I found a few in Chicago, but none closer than that.
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- #20 of 70
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Re: Motor Trend Visual Comparison [backy]
by mickeyrom
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Aug 13, 2008 (2:52 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Aug 13, 2008 2:04 pm)
Where are you located Backy...sounds like you are in my neck of the woods.I'm 150 miles from Chicago and about 50 miles from Davenport.Check out the inventory at Lujack motors in Davenport.They might have what you're looking for.
The LX is not all that different other than the trip computer and the AC unit which is basic.
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- #21 of 70
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Re: Motor Trend Visual Comparison [mickeyrom]
by backy
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Aug 13, 2008 (4:06 pm)
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Replying to: mickeyrom (Aug 13, 2008 2:52 pm)
I'm in the Twin Cities. Looks like Lujack has 4 Optimas in stock, 2 relatively basic LXes (no ABS/ESC). 
EX does have leather and power driver's seat, but some of its features are in the LX Appearance package as you alluded. Although EX has 16" alloys standard while LX AP has 17 inchers.
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- #22 of 70
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Re: Motor Trend Visual Comparison [backy]
by mickeyrom
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Aug 13, 2008 (4:20 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Aug 13, 2008 4:06 pm)
I guess it depends on what floats your boat:) Good luck with your search...
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- #23 of 70
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09 Optima Korean ads
by csandste
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Oct 26, 2008 (8:38 pm)
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYbhYMwa_yU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m7CUcQyt1w&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtBqikYFmLc&feature=related
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- #24 of 70
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09 Optima Web Site Now Up
by csandste
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Nov 01, 2008 (7:00 pm)
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http://www.kia.com/optima/index.php
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- #25 of 70
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Re: 09 Optima Web Site Now Up [csandste]
by backy
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Nov 01, 2008 (7:41 pm)
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Replying to: csandste (Nov 01, 2008 7:00 pm)
I went to the site and noticed one really BIG thing on the Build and Price section: it appears ESC is now standard on every trim level, including the base LX 5MT!!! This is a very pleasant surprise, since it was never mentioned in any of Kia's announcements about the 2009 Optima. I would think they would have made a bigger deal out of it, since not that many mid-sized sedans have ESC standard on every trim level. And since the LX 5MT starts at $18k MSRP, that probably makes the Optima the lowest-priced mid-sized sedan with standard ESC (not counting the Elantra SE, which is a compact with a mid-sized interior).
It also means the price of the Optima has gone up quite a bit from 2008, since more equipment is standard. For example, the LX I4 5AT starts at $19,625 including destination. But that's still about $500 less than the Sonata GLS.
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- #26 of 70
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Re: 09 Optima Web Site Now Up [backy]
by csandste
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Nov 02, 2008 (7:53 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Nov 01, 2008 7:41 pm)
And since Hyunkia has no concept of supply and demand they'll simply start cranking out 09's at a fast rate. I'm sure you'll get a pretty big discount if you hold on a couple of months.
Although I still like the earlier car's looks better, that new corporate grill isn't that bad.
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