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2011 Canadian Optima

14 messages,  Last post on Jun 05, 2012 at 5:21 AM

You are in the Kia Optima Forum.

What is this discussion about? Kia Optima, Car Buying, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 2

#1 of 14 2011 Canadian Optima by conwelpic

Jan 28, 2011 (7:16 am)

I have just obtained pricing and full details plus comparison sheets on the all new 2011 Optima for the Canadian market. If you have any specific questions I will try my best to answer. Here is the pricing:
 
LX Manual - $21,995
LX Auto - $24,195
LX+ $25,595 (finally you can get the panoramic sunroof without getting the top model) also includes auto dimming rearview mirror with compass and Homelink)
 
EX - $26,695
EX+ - $28,095
EX Luxury - $30,595
EX Luxury + Nav - $32,095
 
SX Turbo - $33,695
 
In case you were wondering how this stacks up against the 2010 Magentis:
LX - $21,995
LX auto - $23,195
LX V6 - $24,295
LX Premium - $25,295
SX - $29,495
SX-V6 - $30,795

#2 of 14 from the Toronto Auto Show by conwelpic

Feb 25, 2011 (7:59 am)


 

 

#3 of 14 Kia Canada configurator by conwelpic

Apr 29, 2011 (3:18 pm)

the Kia Canada website now has the Optima listed on their pages, so you can check all the features and figure out the pricing.
 
http://www.kia.ca/pages/showroom/Overview.aspx?model=Optima

#4 of 14 test drive by jkobty2

May 07, 2011 (6:44 pm)

Took a test drive last weekend, here are my initial impressions.
Good looking car, very smooth shifting and powerful engine, very impressed with powertrain.
On the downside
1. Steering. While turning is ok, going in a straight line is not. I do not like this electric steering thing. Seems like this technology has not been perfected yet. Zack spencer from driving television noted the same exact thing with the new sportage.
2. Seats are narrow and short, and on the firm side. Not comfortable for long trips. the rear seats are especially small. I do not think it is a good idea to have good leg room by shortening the seats.
3. Rear trunk hinges are very intrusive.
4. Looked but could not locate the transmission dipstick for checking level and condition of transmission oil. I would not buy a car with complicated transmission maintenance. I usually look for an easy to refill transmission with a drain plug that allows you to drain about 3-4 litres of transmission oil. I am not a fan of flushing or opening the lower pan.

#5 of 14 Re: test drive [jkobty2] by conwelpic

May 08, 2011 (9:19 am)

Replying to: jkobty2 (May 07, 2011 6:44 pm)
I would not buy a car with complicated transmission maintenance.
 
I would say this vehicle is far from complicated, as the only requirement (auto) is replacing the fluid at 96,000 km or 48 months under the standard maintenance procedures. - that's it! It also states "automatic transaxle fluid should not be checked under normal usage conditions"
If its a manual transmission (LX only) it says to inspect every 24,000 km or 12 months and again replace at 96,000 km or 48 months. Couldn't be easier!

#6 of 14 Re: test drive [conwelpic] by jkobty2

May 13, 2011 (10:32 pm)

Replying to: conwelpic (May 08, 2011 9:19 am)
Complicated for me means I have to take it to the dealer to do the work.
If I cannot easily drain the fluid by removing a plug (without disconnecting lines going to radiator or using a flushing machine).
As flushing machines tend to cause damage in a lot of cases.
Would you know how to easily refill the transmission assuming it can be drained? I was not able to locate the refill area.
and how can you tell if the level is correct if there is no dipstick?
That is what I mean by complicated, you would need sophisticated tools to do the job. I want to be able to do it myself in my driveway with minimal tools.

#7 of 14 Re: test drive [jkobty2] by conwelpic

May 14, 2011 (6:53 am)

Replying to: jkobty2 (May 13, 2011 10:32 pm)
I follow what you mean, but if its only every 4 years, it shouldn't be much of a concern. However, it sounds like you need to talk to the service department of a Kia dealership to find out the other answer or have you checked on KGIS to see if the answer is there.
 
Maybe its the same on a lot of more recent vehicles. Vehicles are getting more complicated these days to what they used to be, wouldn't want to try and diagnose or repair with the various computer systems on board now.

#8 of 14 jkobty2... by iluvmysephia1

May 15, 2011 (9:29 pm)

man, do ya still have the Daewoo Leganza of Edmunds.com talked-about fame? What'cha drivin' these days? Nice ta see you on here like this and still trying ta do your own maintenance. Unfortunately your type is not getting near the chances they used ta get to work on their own rigs. Like say those on a 1965 Ford Mustang or cars of that era. Twas my first car, the 1965 Ford Mustang.

#9 of 14 my cars by jkobty2

May 18, 2011 (10:51 am)

Hey, dude
Yes the Leganza is still alive, testament to Korean car quality, original engine and transmission, 12 plus years old now with about 300K km.
I am now driving a 2009 Mazda6 GT in Kona blue with light gray leather, 4 cyl of course.
nice car, excellent steering and handling, roomy and comfy in all aspects, power is adequate only. Only quality issue I saw so far is the bottom door seams are not really sealed properly so I notice some specs of rust starting on the drivers bottom door only. I cleaned and touched up with paint, then used white grease to seal. Note I did not rust proof the car. Seems to be a common issue with Mazda. rust buckets.
but hey at least I was able to drain and refill the transmission fluid

#10 of 14 jkobty2... by iluvmysephia1

May 21, 2011 (2:14 am)

interesting because I am sort of getting interested in the new 2011 Mazda2. I like the metallic apple green color and I would get the 6-speed stick. I guess it bests the new Ford Fiesta in the stick shift smoothness department. Only stickers for around $16,400 for the "premium" Maz2. I doubt I will take that anywhere but I will sort of research the car from afar. Might be a tad small for my wife and I, dunno. Good to hear from you...and take in a live Tragically Hip show for me over there, would you?! Wish they'd come over to the Spokane-Coeur d' Alene, ID, area, during their new tour. That's where we're callin' home now.

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