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Last post on Apr 27, 2013 at 10:25 AM
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Kia Optima Forum.
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Kia Optima, Future Vehicle, Sedan
#429 of 880 Re: Loving my new Optima [newcarman]
by trainer1366
Jan 18, 2011 (7:20 pm)
My Kia manual states change the oil every 5k miles, but I previously owned a 2004 Optima and changed it at 6000= 6500 without a problem. The Kia dealer told me I strech oil changes because new cars can handle less frequent oil changes if non extreme driving conditions.
Also, the 2011 Optima has a service menu that the driver can program for service and oil changes. Check out the manual for details. Hope this helps!
LUV my Optima!!!!!
#430 of 880 Re: 2011 Optima UVO System [dash5]
by trainer1366
Jan 18, 2011 (7:27 pm)
Oops, Dash, so sorry! Itwas from 2010. My Optima does not have the UVO, I misread the article and thought that maybe by the summer of 2011, Kia would add the system to it's line up.
Consumer Reports recently slammed Ford's MyTouch system. Kia probably took notice and will design a better system, hopefully.
#431 of 880 Re: More reviews [dash5]
by snowallergy
Jan 19, 2011 (6:30 pm)
While I really LIKE the car, a lot of their options and standard features on the EX are unnecessary. Heated steering wheel? Heated and cooled seats? Isn't that what used to be called airconditioning and heating? They've managed to mark up the car with needless gizmos.
They also know that if your heated steering wheel stops working you probably won't run to the stealership to get it fixed right away. You might wait for a couple of other issues to pile up or put it off before inconviencing yourself for that. Hopefully you'll never come in and get it addressed. Then they've managed to charge you more for something you never needed in the first place. Kinda like the automobile version of rebates or gift cards. They hope you'll forget.
Don't get me wrong, it's got some great specs. But if they don't live up to the hype, all the unneeded add ons will end up just being lipstick on a pig. According to this review, the tires are worthless right out of the box. So far, not good. Let's see what time says this car REALLY is.
#432 of 880 Re: More reviews [snowallergy]
by googonabike
Jan 19, 2011 (7:56 pm)
A lot (more than you listed) "unnecessary" features are OPTIONAL on the EX trim. Nobody is or will be forcing you to buy them. It's your choice. So, I don't see a reason to whine here.
#433 of 880 Re: More reviews [googonabike]
by atomic13
Jan 19, 2011 (8:12 pm)
LOL you beat me to saying the same thing. I do, however, agree with the point about tires, that's unfortunate. Although to get rid of the stock SX rims I just can't embrace, my plan is to get aftermarket wheels and some real tires so that takes care of that.
#434 of 880 Re: More reviews [snowallergy]
by dash5
Jan 19, 2011 (8:45 pm)
Mark up the car? It's easily one of the best values in the segment, even eclipsing the Sonata which has been touted as a high value purchase. You're getting more for less, then worried something will break and it's a Kia conspiracy to boot
If you want to talk reviews, I can give you about a dozen highly positive ones from mainstream sources including the one we're posting on which calls it a must drive in the class and lists "impressive value" as a strength.
As for time, we've seen the engine for a while now in the Sonata and the Optima has been around for some months now as the K5 in Korea. Doing quite nicely there as far as I know.
The tires, well there I might agree with you. Dont know much about them.
#435 of 880 Re: More reviews [snowallergy]
by gregg_vw
Jan 20, 2011 (10:09 am)
Kia includes these features for the same price (or less) than comparable models that don't offer any sort of similar equipment. If you live in WI in January as I do, the heated wheel is a godsend. Formerly, you usually had to spend 10's of thousands more for a model that offered this terrific feature.
As for heated and cooled seats, these are great features with leather. I will not buy a car with leather that does not have heated seats. In the heat of summer, the seat ventilation does wonders for your comfort on leather. Heated rear seats are a great idea too. Why should your rear passengers sit on an icy leather seat when you and your front passenger sit on warm leather.
I would buy an EX right now, but I think I want an AWD sedan, given my steep driveway and winter. That limits me to cars like the Kizashi, A4, Infiniti G, etc. Most of them are considerably more $$ than the Kia.
#436 of 880 Press request
by KarenS HOST
Jan 20, 2011 (12:26 pm)
Did you choose your new car because of the infotainment technology features it offered? Might you be tempted to replace a used car that feels out of date from an infotainment technology standpoint? If so a reporter wants to interview you. Please email pr
edmunds.com by Tuesday, January 25, 2010 with your daytime contact info and a few words on the topic.
Jan 20, 2011 (1:22 pm)
I drove both vehicles in the same day. The Kia has great features for the money, but I thought that the Regal was more comfortable. In the Buick, both front seats have power and adjustable lumbar support. The Regal also feels more solid and heavier (which it is) on the road.
The Kia's infotainment center is easier to use. The Regal employs an "I-drive" control nob for adjustments and input.
Both are worthy of consideration.
#438 of 880 Re: More reviews [googonabike]
by snowallergy
Jan 20, 2011 (7:21 pm)
Not whining. But that's a popular word to sling around on the web, so I understand. Sheep being what they are. Why would you need power mirrors that fold in? How often would one use that?
Give me a good base car with 'some' gizmos and I'm happy. If people have to swap out rims and tires they don't like and can't get another option for then that's a mark up.
Don't get me wrong, I like the car. Haven't seen the EX in person yet. But the LX is nice. It'd be nice to be able to get the EX without leather and heated and cooled seats or if they offered even a standard sunroof in the LX that would work for me. I don't like the looks of the sonata or I'd buy one of those.
I guess Kia saves money by limiting their options. I think one of the salespeople said Kia is to Hyundai in a similar way as Scion is to Toyota. Makes sense. Great car. But I think car makers are going a bit far adrift with all the nonsense and getting away from the important things. Offer a 10 year warranty you're not going to nitpick the owners about when they try to use it.
We'll see how they hold up. If the past is any indication, they won't. Months are NOTHING in the automotive world. Drive one of these off the lot and you've lost several thousand dollars, heated steering wheel and all.