- #25 of 46
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Re: 09 Optima Web Site Now Up [csandste]
by backy
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Nov 01, 2008 (8:41 pm)
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Replying to: csandste (Nov 01, 2008 8:00 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 46
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Re: 09 Optima Web Site Now Up [backy]
by csandste
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Nov 02, 2008 (8:53 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Nov 01, 2008 8:41 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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- #27 of 46
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Saw first 09 at dealer...
by csandste
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Nov 14, 2008 (11:47 pm)
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Rear clip looks like 2 generation old Accord, front will bring together similar look with next-gen Spectra replacement. Like the 08's and earlier better-- especially rear.
Instrument panel different but didn't see it lit up.
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- #28 of 46
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Re: Saw first 09 at dealer... [csandste]
by mickeyrom
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Nov 15, 2008 (6:34 am)
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Replying to: csandste (Nov 14, 2008 11:47 pm)
Good morning CS. Been a while since I've seen you here.Just a couple comments about the new Optima.I like it's looks better than my 2006.5,but I would miss the Cassette player.At any rate I'm just a "window" shopper anyway.Barring the destruction of my Optima in a horrific accident,it's my last car.
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- #29 of 46
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Re: Saw first 09 at dealer... [mickeyrom]
by ksmigel
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Nov 23, 2008 (1:37 am)
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Replying to: mickeyrom (Nov 15, 2008 6:34 am)
We were thinking of a new Optima for our daughter, but we are actually seeing 2007 models with as few as 18,000 miles and a completely clean carfax for less than $9,000 U.S.
We know we don't get the 100,000 mile/10 Year warranty, but the savings are immense by buying a slightly used one.
Any opinions?
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- #30 of 46
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Re: Saw first 09 at dealer... [ksmigel]
by mickeyrom
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Nov 23, 2008 (6:49 am)
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Replying to: ksmigel (Nov 23, 2008 1:37 am)
Less than $9000? I would jump on that as soon as I could.I have 23,000 on mine and it's just like a new one.If you do the required maintenance,you probably would not need the 100,000 mile warranty.Is that one an LX with an I4? That would definitely be my engine preference.
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- #31 of 46
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Re: Saw first 09 at dealer... [ksmigel]
by csandste
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Nov 23, 2008 (11:21 am)
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Replying to: ksmigel (Nov 23, 2008 1:37 am)
Kias haven't improved their resale like Hyundai. Good car with high depreciation. A compelling used car buy.
Since (I believe) 60K of the warranty transfers, there's absolutely no reason to buy any kind of third party or extended warranty (seldom if ever is in any car).
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- #32 of 46
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Re: Saw first 09 at dealer... [ksmigel]
by backy
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Nov 23, 2008 (11:45 am)
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Replying to: ksmigel (Nov 23, 2008 1:37 am)
The other thing you probably won't get on a 2007 Optima is ABS, ESC, and traction control, which are extremely rare on LXes but not that common on EXes either, from what I've found. If you find a low-miles 2007 with those options for a good price, grab it because it is a rare find. The 2009s on the other hand have those features standard. IMO that is a big deal for a car purchased for a child, but to each his own.
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- #33 of 46
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Re: Saw first 09 at dealer... [backy]
by ksmigel
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Nov 23, 2008 (5:09 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Nov 23, 2008 11:45 am)
Guys, it's the base LX, with the inline 4, which we wanted her to have anyways, because of the economy and the fact the 6 is not much more powerful.
Backy, you are right. It does not have ESC or traction control, but I need to double check and see if it has ABS.
That's a great point. I really want her to have ESC, especially with her first car.
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- #34 of 46
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Re: Saw first 09 at dealer... [ksmigel]
by backy
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Nov 23, 2008 (6:04 pm)
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Replying to: ksmigel (Nov 23, 2008 5:09 pm)
Unfortunately, with the 2006.5-2008 Optima, ABS comes only in the options package that has ESC. And on the LX, you have to get the automatic plus the Appearance package to get the ABS/ESC package, so it was about a $20k MSRP car. That may be one reason dealers didn't order many of those with ABS/ESC.
So if the car you're looking at doesn't have ESC, it doesn't have ABS either.
Another option in this class of car that does have all those safety features is of course the 2006+ Sonata. You might have to pay a little more for one of those, but I've seen some low-miles 2007-8 Sonatas recently, nicely equipped (power seat, moonroof) with the I4 for under $12k.
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