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2004 Kia Optima Consumer Discussions
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All Kia Optima Models
Used TMV from $3,938
seeking advice for optima owners
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seeking advice for optima owners
hey i m looking to buy my first car...camry,s r too expensive.....i m considering kia but i dont know anyone who has owned it before...my buying power is uptill 2007 optima....so i can make use of som advice in terms of maintanence costs.....can i consider 2004-5 models as well or should i go for 2006-7 and wat about 2006.5...and how much less or high mileage shud i be looking for.....i just ... Read More
Kia Optima Prices Paid and Buying Experience
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New SX - with Technology & Premium Packages
I researched this car for the past 6 months and have been following this forum and others. I have never owned a Kia or Hyundai - so this was new ground for me. Previous cars included Honda Accords, Civics, Nissan Maxima and an Acura TL. I had a 2004 TL and I remember when I got it saying to myself "Wow, this same car from anyone else would have been 10K ... Read More
Midsize Sedans 2.0
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Interested in feedback
I'm looking for a sedan. I've settled on a few key points: I want automatic (tired of shifting), leather seats, bluetooth capabilities, a 4 banger that won't use too much gas, reliable and something somewhat fun to drive. I also want to spend less than $30k, and would love to find a slightly used one if I could. What I looked at: - VW CC: best looking car of the bunch, ... Read More
2011-12 Optima
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Re: No longer matters [snowallergy]
I can feel a cheaply made drive train when I drive one. And that is how I'd describe kia/hyundai. WHEN have you test driven a Kia? You stated previously that you haven't. You READ about the Kia warranty being a hassle? LMBO All talk and no action... As a former and present Optima owner, I used the warranty on my 2004 Kia Optima without a single problem. Documentation was NOT required ... Read More
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Re: Loving my new Optima [newcarman]
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 ... Read More
Midsize Sedans 2.0
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Accord vs Camry vs Altima....NOT!
As a former Camry and present Accord owner (only used as an infrequently driven 2nd car) I totally agree with Plekto. The Japanese designers played it safe and designed white bread sedans since 2002. So, in 2004, after realizing that a fully loaded Toyota Camry would require a kidney donation, I switched out and purchased a new 2004 Optima EX V6. Standard features included leather, sunroof, etc for $17,500, $10k less ... Read More
2011-12 Optima
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Frustrated...
After patiently waiting for 2 months, a sexy, Dark Cherry EX 2.4 with the Tech package arrived at my local dealership last week. After the test drive, I decided on a EX Turbo with the Premium package. The salesman was a jerk--- he knew nothing about the car, said the price would be $32k for the EX Turbo and wanted a cash deposit in order to find one for me. I ... Read More
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Re: Sonata vs Optima [backy]
A very significant difference between Hyundai and KIA is the size and quality of their networks. I remember visiting a Hyundai dealer in the mid-90s with a friend to test drive an Accent. The building and lot had previously been the "value" used car lot for the adjacent Honda and Oldsmobile dealerships. Prior to that it was the main used car lot and originally it had been the Olds dealership. It ... Read More
2009 Kia Optima
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2nd Optima for me
Lost my 2004 EX Now have a new Kia 2009 LX anything I should know? :) :)
Kia Optima 2006 and earlier
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2004 Kia Optima problems!
My mom bought my car brand new, never used, in 2004. It was great up until about a year ago. When the problems first started my lights would stay on after the car was turned off (keys were out of ignition, doors locked and no one inside the car). Also, there was a buzzing noise coming from the little breaker box inside the car. We took it to a mechanic in ... Read More
2011-12 Optima
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Re: Re not twins [backy]
backy, if you read my message, you will note I said they shared the same 4 cylinder engine, but not much else. They had different transmissions, different 6 cylinder engines, and were actually in different EPA classes (mid-size and full-size). Of course components are shared, like components are shared between the Ford Taurus and Ford Flex, but to call them twins overstates the overlap. Fusion and Milan are twins. Explorer and ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006 and earlier
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Problem after pumping gas or turning on the AC
My 2004 Kia Optima LX V6 has had the recent problem of shutting off after I pump gas and most recently when I turned on the air conditioner. Problem #1 Okay, I fill up then I start the car and nothing happens, it doesn't turn on. I do it again only this time I'm pushing the gas. VEROOOOM it's on! Then, foot off the gas pedal and the car shakes off. ... Read More
Kia Optima Real World MPG
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Re: Kia Optima 2007-- MPG, Real World Numbers [bob912]
...notice that the 2.4 Kia,Hyundai,and Dodge engine are the same No, they are not. I have done my homework on this, sir. Under the new joint venture, Hyundai will have the lead responsibility for implementing the decisions of the joint venture company for design, development and engineering. http://media.mitsubishi-motors.com/pressrelease/e/corporate/detail156.html The initial design of the engine block was handled by Hyundai. It features siamesed bores, meaning that there is no coolant flow between ... Read More
KIA Dealership Service Experiences
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Re: Optima service horror [cc4life]
So what is the status right now.I don't think the newer KIAs are quite what the 2004s were,but a 2.7 is probably basically the same.I would not have that engine.I have to admit that your story has made me pretty nervous about my 2006.5 withe the 2.4 engine. On another thread on Edmunds,somebody said they had to replace their serpentine belt at 30K but never replied my query as top what ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006 and earlier
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Re: fuel filter confusion [capt4]
My 2004 Kia Optima has it in the tank. Open trunk door, fold back seats of car. You will see a oval cover, remove (does not have screws), you will see a round cover with about6 screws, this is your fuel pump. I have not done the filter replacement yet, but according some postings it is part of the pump. Just be careful since you are dealing with a very flammable ... Read More
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Re: Opinions on 2004 Optima LX [capt4]
Are there any problems with non-dealer mechanics working on the car? Or can most generic repair shops handle a KIA? How about the issue with the front sub-frame recall?
Sonata vs Optima
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Sonata vs Optima
Is the 2004 Hyundai Sonata the same car as a 2004 Kia Optima? I am looking at buying a used car and possibly choosing between the two. All things being equal, is one model preferable over the other? How reliable are the transmissions and engines on these vehicles? (I have heard that the timing belts tend to wear out quickly) Is the V6 engine better than the 4-cylinder 2.4L engine?
Kia Optima 2006 and earlier
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Re: ACCELERATION LOSS [asumner]
I have a 2004 kia optima and my vehicle does the same thing. No one seems to know anything but now my cruise control is also messing up it wont come on and sometimes it wont respond.
KIA Dealership Service Experiences
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Re: 2001 Kia Optima transmission problems [marhar60]
Don't confuse a 2001 KIA with the ones built after 2006.There is a quantum difference in quality,although in 2004 and 2005 the Optima got decent reviews,not so the ones older than that.Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
Midsize Sedans 2.0
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Re: Some compliments to the KIA Optima [m6user]
"I don't doubt that Hertz is asking that much for them but I would highly doubt they are getting close to those prices. " Oh, they are getting those prices. That is about the prices at the auctions as well. Crazy huh??? So much for crappy resale.... I just passed on a 2004 Mazda6 i Sport (spoiler, fog lights, side skirts, sport front and rear bumpers) with leather / moon roof ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006 and earlier
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Kia Optima 2004 fuel filter question ~ bucking problem
I have a kia Optima 5 speed with approx 50,000 mls. I got it used with approx 32000 miles 3.4 years ago. No problems at all, its been a great car. A month or so ago I was driving along and it bucked a bit, not when shifting, just as I was driving. Didnt happen again. Last week my gas was low but no light on and I was in 3rd ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006.5-2008
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Re: Help with Kia Optima ex 2004 5 speed [griff252]
You're posting in the wrong forum. This is a different car. You might also want to post on the Sonata forum if they have the pre- 2006 car isolated. Five-speed doesn't mean much these days as in the 06.5+ Optimas, all transmissions--manual and auto-- are five speed.
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Help with Kia Optima ex 2004 5 speed
I have a kia Optima 5 speed with approx 50,000 mls. I got it used with approx 32000 miles 3.4 years ago. No problems at all, its been a great car. A month or so ago I was driving along and it bucked a bit, not when shifting, just as I was driving. Didnt happen again. Last week my gas was low but no light on and I was in 3rd ... Read More
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Re: Do people look at you strange when you tell them your Kia is a 2006.5 model [csandste]
What is weird is that Kia had two Spectra models, each designated 2004. That was really confusing. Journalists and others took to calling the new Spectra "2004.5" just to keep it straight from the old one. Similarly, VW didn't officially call the 2005.5 Golf a 2005.5, but the "New Golf." At least we could keep it straight from the old Golf. Maybe the confusion over the Spectra caused Kia to use ... Read More
Midsize Sedans 2.0
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Re: What so special about these "top rated" cars? [colloquor]
I don't know if Kia in general is the "Beta tester" for new designs and derivatives. For example: * Gen 3 Sonata used its platform several years before the Optima got it. * Elantra got the tweaked Beta II (with better fuel economy) before the Spectra. * Sonata (and all other Hyundais) got XM radio before Kia. * Sonata got active rear suspension (not yet available in the U.S.) before any ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006 and earlier
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'04 Kia Optima EX V6
My Optima has a little over 61,000 miles and I bought the car new late in December, 2004. So far the only problems I have with the car is that the lights for the radio is going out. It started with the 1 and 4 buttons and now it is the whole bottom left hand corner that is out- it's so far not too much of a problem, because there's enough ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006.5-2008
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Re: Kia Optimized Optima
Seriously good value By Kelly Toepke Email | Blog Date posted: 08-10-2006 "Kia Optima's been Optimized," "Optimal Performance from the Kia Optima," "Optimum New Optima." Since the second-generation Kia Optima went on sale in March 2006, automotive journalists have used a variety of hokey, "optimistic" headlines to announce the midsize sedan's substantial improvements. Although Kia is undoubtedly enjoying the complimentary reviews, the serious-minded Korean car company is anything but lighthearted about ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006 and earlier
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ACCELERATION LOSS
ACCELERATION LOSSI purchased a used 2003 kia optima - 6 cyl. in 2004. My son drives it to and from college. During numerous trips the car has been driving along at 65-70 mile per hour and then out of no where it losses acceleration down to about 45 miles per hour. This usually happens in freeway traffic (very dangerous)and when the car has been driven for 3+ hours and with an ... Read More
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Kia Ft Ends
I have a 2004 Optima 4 banger, runs fine not great pings like crazy with reg fuel, not great gas mileage in town for its size. I also discovered since new the following: At 60MPH or more the left ft side has a whining noise sort of like a wheel bearing. At times when the wheel turns to the extreme left or almost extreme you hear a noise as if its ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006.5-2008
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Re: Kia Optima now on sale. [azera25]
I saw one on the streets (Houston, Texas) just yesterday. IMO another winner for Kia. It had dealer plates on it. It went past me on the freeway, I only got a glimpse but saw the Kia emblem. I thought wow a Kia I haven't seen! Looks a lot better than the previous model. I am so glad Kia got rid of there funky front ends on all there cars! BTW ... Read More
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Re: Edmunds' review [backy]
I’m on my 2nd year with my ex v6 2004 optima and so far no real complaints. I’m glad to see KIA addressed the ride issue in their new optima, but I think the styling took a turn for worse. The new optima looks more like a spectra.
Kia Optima 2006 and earlier
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My Kia is blowing amps
Hi There! I have a 2004 KIA Optima V6 that will not start if you leave it sit for longer than a day. We have taken it back to the dealership 4 times now, and they keep telling me that the amp is blown and then they replace it. Then a few weeks later we are in the same boat. The amp blows and we have to have it replaced again. ... Read More
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Info Needed ASAP: Kia Optima Brake Failures
Bill: You and your neighbor's problem(s) sound serious! Here's the NHTSA website where you and your neighbor can and SHOULD file a complaint: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ Faulty brake systems are nothing for a manufacturer to take lightly. I searched the currently filed complaints for the 2004-2005 Optima, and couldn't find any that matched your description(s) above. Let us know how it goes! -SM
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spectraman...
cool...your Spectra EX has a spoiler. There's a discussion going on on Edmunds right now about spoilers on cars and what do we all feel about their value, etc. I tend to like certain spoilers on certain cars. Kia has added the spoiler on your 2004 1/2 Kia Spectra EX so that it looks like it belongs there. Kia just plain "has it" in the body design department, IMHO. Nobody can ... Read More
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A few observations....
1. I know that this is nit-picky, BUT..... take a good look at the way the window border on the upper right of the rear door is integrated into the angled/rounded roof molding. The molding/flat black area is a nice curved shape, BUT the door line is a straight up-and-down gap that doesn't match the flow of the molding. I consider this a noticeable short-cut. Check it out below just up ... Read More
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considering buying
I am looking at purchasing an Optima SE V6 in the next few weeks. The dealer has 2004's coming in then. I really would like to hear experiences or reasons why or why not to purchase a Kia. We will put a lot of miles on it, ... has reliability been an issue? Red Flags?? Praise? A reply to my e-mail would be appreciated. phorvick@loretel.net
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