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2006 Kia Optima Consumer Discussions
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All Kia Optima Models
Used TMV from $6,168
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 2006 and earlier
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Stalling
Hello, Today on the freeway my wife's 2006 (early model) Kia Optima had a vibration, fluctuating RPM and then it stalled.When it stalled we saw al lights on the instrument panel light up. No check engine light stayed after staring it again.We drove for a few minutes and it died again. I opened the hood on the safety lane and checked the battery poles and belts.I could not see anything out ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006.5-2008
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Re: Optima purchase [netranger4]
My 2006.5 Optima EX just turned 100,000 miles and it looks and drives pretty much like new. In mixed driving, I average 26.1 MPG and my maintenance costs have been riduculously low. The 100k service was inexpensive and in all of those miles I have only had to replace my brakes (at 95k due to that WONDERFUL transmission), routine coolant and AT service, and replace the tires. All of my oil ... Read More
2011 KIA OPTIMA Transmission Failure
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Re: 2011 KIA OPTIMA Transmission Failure [ghostrider1017]
I am sorry for your troubles,but seems to me that KIA did what they were required to do.They fixed your car with a new transmission.Now...if it were to happen again,I think the Lemon law might come into play. I have a 2006.5 Optima EX with 43000 on it .No mechanical problems yet,knock on wood.I consider it a good and dependable car.Remember....stuff happens.Nowhere in your warranty does it say that if there ... Read More
Midsize Sedans 2.0
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Re: Reason for buying new car---safety [m6user]
We own two cars.A 2006.5 KIA Optima and a 2007 Prius.I love car shopping,but I am retired and have fixed income which means I have bought my last new car.Fortunately both of our cars have the latest safety features,but I almost drool when I look at the new cars which I will never own.
Kia Optima 2006 and earlier
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2006 Kia Optima Transmission Service
Hello, We have a 2006 Kia Optima at around 68K miles. I am thinking of at least having a drain&refill for the transmission fluid. Kia, like Hyundai specifies SPIII ATF. Is that a must? Redline claims its D4 ATF can be used where SPIII is required. Has anyone had experiences with Redline D4 or any other ATF on the one hand and with SPIII on the other? Should I just have ... Read More
Midsize Sedans 2.0
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Re: Midsizers at the auto show [luckyseven]
Their only competition was the Honda Accord? Evidently you never looked at the KIA Optimas,Hyundai Sonatas,the Ford Fusions or the Nissan Altimas. All of those that I mentioned have been excellent value cars,especially after 2006.They also look better than the Camry,inside and outside.
2011-12 Optima
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Re: Seats are hard [azorglub]
Maybe it's because I already have a 2006.5 Optima and am used to KIA seats,but I drove a 2011 model and found the seats unremarkable.Pretty average.
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Re: Quit Referencing Factual Information [slee_stack]
The 2011 Optima is not the first good KIA.Ever since they introduced the second generation in 2006(2006.5 model) Optimas have been very good cars.Had mine since Nov of 2006 and we love it.
bad Kia sun visors
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Re: bad KIA sun visors [nergy]
First of all the warranty is 5 years or 60,000 miles,not 6 years.It is also "limited"whatever the hell that means. What kind of problem are you having with that visor.I have been driving since 1957 and have never had any kind of visor issue.I looked my 2006.5 Optima's visors over carefully and I can't imagine what could go wrong.There really are no moving parts.
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Re: bad Kia sun visors [jessica_az]
I have a 2006.5 Optima and have carefully examined my sun visors.Just don't see how one could fall down since the are attached with two clips.
Kia Optima 2006.5-2008
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2006.5 V6 KIA optima
In three years I have 16 jump starts or tows on my KIA, the first year parking would stay on when keys where removed and drivers door open, dash lights would flicker on and off. Reparted this 4-5 to the service manager but made no repairs and tryed to laught it off also did not do an RO. The care finaly refused to start 1 day after the year with only ... Read More
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Re: My Impression [smokint1]
Don't forget to change your timing belt at 60,000 miles.Mine is very much like yours,but I have the I4 engine(thank God) which comes with a timing chain. The stereo while good is not an Infinity according to the info I got from many car publications.It is a KIA made unit.Mine has only 38,000 miles right now and we only use it for trips, as the in town gas consumption is pretty ... Read More
bad Kia sun visors
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Re: bad Kia sun visors [jimrich]
Visors? What can go wrong with sun visors? My 2006.5 Optima's visors are like new,and I expect that to continue.(38,000 miles)
Midsize Sedans 2.0
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Re: Bought a new car! [mz6greyghost]
Please don't take offense,but what is this obsession many have with cornering? Do you like to make fast turns like on two wheels? I bet you never looked at the KIA Optima or the Hyundai Sonata.I own a 2006.5 Optima and I think it handles great,but I guess it's a matter of preference. PS...enjoy your new car,it's always fun when it still has that new car smell.
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Re: My preference [schnellesauto]
I have NEVER gotten the EPA city mileage on any car I've had.My 97Chrysler was EPA 17 city,I was happy to get 14,and usually less.2006 Sonata 4 cyl I got 14 same as my 2007 Optima,which was rated I believe 24 city. I think it may be somewhat unfair though,because I live in a very small town, and in city driving the distances are so short that the car never gets ... Read More
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Re: Well then I guess you're right then... [iluvmysephia1]
I don't know about that other stuff,but my 2006.5(2007)KIA Optima with the 2.4 engine does have a timing chain.(Thank the Gods) But that Suzuki sure is a nice nice looking car.
2011-12 Optima
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Re: Re not twins [gregg_vw]
Actually, one of the problems was I could NOT read your entire message at the time I replied because of the large photo that was posted above it. But I am surprised that Hyundai/Kia developed two different 5-speed ATs for use in the 2009-10 Optima and Sonata I4s, considering they used the same engine. 2005 was the last twin year for the Optima/Sonata I think, with the 2006 Optima using the ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006.5-2008
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Re: 2006.5 V6 KIA optima [rckyc]
I have a 2006.5 Optima and it has never failed to start.Not even after sitting in a cold garage for two weeks.In the first place,you should go to other dealers if this one does not fix your car.
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Re: 2006.5 V6 KIA optima [rckyc]
sounds kind of hinky...... you know, :(
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Re: 2006.5 V6 KIA optima [rckyc]
Have you replaced the battery? Sometimes a bad battery would cause these problems. Have you tried another dealer?
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
Midsize Sedans 2.0
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Re: A few new sneak peak pics of the '11 Sonata [wayne52]
I am 73 years old, so I have owned many cars of different brands.My current car is a 2006.5 KIA Optima EX and I have had complete strangers stop me and compliment the styling of my KIA.Hardly ugly, so you have to remember that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". I actually can't think of a single brand that I think as ugly.The hyundai Sonata of the 2006 time ... Read More
2009 Kia Optima
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2009 Kia optima Lx 2.4 175Hp
I just Bought the 2009 a few days ago. There are a few changs. Stryling is right there now with any other midsize car. Also they have made the Traction control standard (ESC) ABS Standard and Sirus sadalite radio and sport shift standerd on all optima's in any trim package. I owned a 2002 and liked it untill I drove it to 80,000 on the original timing belt and took out ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006.5-2008
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Re: 2008 KIA Optima [backy]
Guys, I need a fast answer, if possible. What warranty protection do I get on a used 2006.5 (new body style) Optima LX? I know that the 10 year/100k mile powertrain warranty doesn't transfer, but what about the 5 year/60k bumper to bumper warranty (which includes the powertrain)? And if that does transfer, how do I prove the previous owner followed Kia's service schedule? I am under the impression that if ... Read More
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Re: 2008 KIA Optima [rfelt]
I have a 2006.5 Optima EX and the only difference is that mine has a tape deck in additional to the 6 disk CD changer.I have K on it and I still love it.No problems.You might get a better deal on a 2007,and it is essentially the same car.I agree with the other poster that the 2.4 engine is by far the better option. I would definitely recommend this car to ... Read More
2006 Kia Optima lost both low beams at the same time
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Re: 2006 Kia Optima lost both low beams at the same time [talltom1]
I can't help,but I am curious...is it the old 2006 or the newer 2006.5?
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2006 Kia Optima lost both low beams at the same time
No low beams at all. Checked all fuses and grounds that I can find. I guess both could have burned out at the same time but doubtful. Any ideas where to start
Kia Optima 2006.5-2008
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Re: Horrible 2008 Optima [jackier1]
I have a 2006.5 Optima with the I4 engine.I think that mechanically it is pretty much the same car as yours,assuming you have the 4cyl engine.I have had exactly 0 driveability issues to date and I have around 25,000 miles on my KIA. You might consider the lemon law.I am no expert,but I would just not accept that kind of issues as they create a safety problem.
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.
2009 Kia Optima
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Re: reliabilty [Vipergg]
Kias have improved a lot in reliability over the past few years. One data point on the Optima is that Consumer Reports has the 2009 Optima as "Much better than average" (its top mark) in predicted reliability, based on the 2006.5-8 Optimas. It rates the 2006.5 as "above average" and 2007 as "much better than average". It didn't report on the 2008 model in its April auto issue because of insufficient ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006.5-2008
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csandste and mickeyrom...I'm using carspace to host
this picture now...so, take a look at my '08 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS parked next to a new world order 2006.5 and/on Kia Optima. I had just parked outside a Tucson Barnes and Noble to read up on the latest car magazines when the good inspiration hit me to grab my BlackBerry cellphone and snap a pic of these two attractive babies. The two cars have very different body designs but I ... Read More
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Hey, mickeyrom and csandste...
take a look at my '08 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS parked next to a new world order 2006.5 and/on Kia Optima. I had just parked outside a Tucson Barnes and Noble to read up on the latest car magazines when the good inpiration hit me to grab my BlackBerry cellphone and snap a pic of these two attractive babies. The two cars have very different body designs but I dig them both. ... Read More
Midsize Sedans 2.0
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mickeyrom...
no, Kia did a great job styling the 2006.5+ Kia Optima body. I first saw one on the road in Jackson Hole, WY, on vacation. It was a white one and it's driver was scooting right along downtown there. I had to look in my '01 Kia Sportage 4X4's side view, then rear view mirror. Very, very handsome vehicle, I might add.
Kia Optima 2006.5-2008
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Variable Valve Timing Control and check engine light
My 2006.5 Kia Optima has had its check engine light come on at 40,000 miles due to the Variable Valve Timing Control (VVTC) according to my mechanic. Has anyone here had a similar experiance? How was it eventually solved?
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Re: Looking for Optima 2006.5 Owners Manual [redptc]
Thanks so much for the response! I went to the KIA Global Information System (http://www.kiatechinfo.com) this morning and couldn't locate it on the Glove Box Materials page, but since then the site has been updated and it's there now. The only problem is that I can't seem to figure out whether I should download the 2006 or 2007 PDF. There isn't a specific PDF for the 2006.5 model. Here's the page ... Read More
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Re: Looking for Optima 2006.5 Owners Manual [kiafish]
You can look on E-BAY for a manual,or go to KIA.COM &click on owners.They have a owners manual that you can download. GOOD LUCK!
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Looking for Optima 2006.5 Owners Manual
We just bought a used Kia Optima 2006.5, but can't find the owners manual. Does anyone know where we might be able to download a PDF or purchase one cheaply? Thanks!
Midsize Sedans 2.0
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Re: help me choose a sedan [aviboy97]
What is the point of "sportiness" anyway.Unless you plan to make high speed turns(dangerous) or race it at LeMans(unlikely) what is the point. I would think that economy,comfort and value would override sportiness to most reasonable drivers. I have a relatively new (2006.5) KIa Optima EX and it is not considered "sporty" yet it makes turns well, brakes well and is reasonably comfortable.At the same times it retails well under $25K ... Read More
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Re: Some compliments to the KIA Optima [m6user]
Aviboy is in the business so I have to believe he knows what he's talking about both dealershipwise and at the auctions. But then again he is a car salesman so you have to take everything with a grain of salt. Go to cars.com and enter in a search for zip code "06804" and a search within a 50 mile radius. You will see what I'm talking about. These stinkin Mazda6's ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006 and earlier
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I Left my headlights on Again
About 2 months ago I purchased a 2006 KIA Optima LX V6. I like it for the most part. However I have run my battery dead twice now because I left my headlights on. My car does not make a warning sound when the headlights are on, the ignition is off, and the door is open. I had a 1993 Honda Civic that did the same thing. I was able to ... Read More
Midsize Sedans 2.0
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Re: Some compliments to the KIA Optima [mickeyrom]
In 2006 MAZDA had the 50/4 yr bumper to bumper and reduced that in 2007 to 36/3 yr with a 60/5yr drive train According to a leading German publication the Mazda6 is the most reliable car for the first 100,000 km Btw. 2007 Mazda6 ex-rentals (Hertz) are selling for $15-16k with 30K
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Re: Some compliments to the KIA Optima [mickeyrom]
Hey mickeyrom, don`t be too discouraged by our two "self -professed car enthusiasts" who apparently have nothing better to do with their time than roam these boards and make uninformed disparaging comments about cars they have never owned !! Kia has a less-than-sterling reputation to overcome BUT the most recent generation Optima`s (2006.5 through to current) demonstrate imo at least how remarkably quickly change is coming about. This car is a ... Read More
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Re: Some compliments to the KIA Optima [elroy5]
FYI the 2006 Optima is a totally different car than the current-gen Optima, which debuted in mid-2006 as a 2006.5 model. The 2006 was a 1999-2005 Sonata with styling and interior differences. So the comparison to the 2001 Camry is about right, since they come from the same era. Have you driven or even looked closely at the current Optima?
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Some compliments to the KIA Optima
This car has gotten very little ink on this thread,so I am here to sing it's praises.I have had mine since Nov of 2006 and it's running great! It's a 2006.5 model which actually is a 2007. It handles as well as a Jag,gets good mileage on the highway,is comfortable and has a very nice stereo.I think it's the best kept secret in the car world. Although the car has been ... 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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20,000 miles later.....still love our Optima :)
I think it's time to check on all the 2006.5 and 2007 model Optima owners feelings about their car now. Once the air bag issue was resolved....I have had no repairs at all.Of course I change the oil etc. but no repairs or adjustments.I am a happy camper.I use 5-20 Synthetic Mobil 1 oil.I change at 6 month intervals,always less than 6000 miles.90% of my driving is highway.(maybe more)I keep my ... Read More
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Re: Do people look at you strange when you tell them your Kia is a 2006.5 model [tcsf]
I drove a similar model with regular brakes before I bought mine and I found them very adequate.It was my wife who insisted with the ABS because she was used to them in our Chrysler mini van. My experience is almost the oposite to yours.95% of my Optimas time is spent on the highway.Mostly long drives.Really not a whole lot of braking.
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Re: Do people look at you strange when you tell them your Kia is a 2006.5 model [tcsf]
I think it's stupid for a car that well equiped not to have ESC/ABS...fortunately for me, my 2006.5 Optima EX 2.4 does have those options.The dealer had to get it from another out of state. The service at that particular dealer was problematic,but after checking out a couple more service depts. I got lucky and now have one that I like. :)
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Re: Do people look at you strange when you tell them your Kia is a 2006.5 model [jaydean]
I also purchased a 2007 Kia Optima EX V6 model, fully loaded but without the ESC/ABS. It came with all power options, leather heated seats, sunroof, Infinity stereo, Not sure why Kia would build such a model without ESC/ABS. I bought it because of the very good price, it costs less than a Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra or Honda Civic. The car looks very good and drives well. I decided to ... 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
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Re: Do people look at you strange when you tell them your Kia is a 2006.5 model [jaydean]
Don't get any strange or wierd looks when I tell people we have an 06.5 Optima.
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Do people look at you strange when you tell them your Kia is a 2006.5 model
Many people think I am joking when I tell them my car is a 2006.5 model. I think those of us that own this model are in a sort of uniqe category. Mine has the appearance package and is the Optima LX, with ABS and ESC. There have been a few who no matter what, wont believe me when I tell them the year. Anyway just wondering if anyone else gets ... Read More
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What do you say when people ask you what year your car is.
People look at me strangely when I tell them my Optima is a 2006.5 model. Most of them dont believe me, and think I am joking and then I have to tell them why that is. But I feel sort of privelidged and uniqe to own a 2006.5. Even though we know it was a model to see if people would like and when it was built at the time of ... Read More
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Re: EX I4--leather or not? [backy]
I purchased a 2006.5 Kia Optima in January of this year. It was the Lx v6 with the appearance package. No leather. Even though it was 2008 the car was still brand new and I got the car for 14,250. The car is great. I also found out from numerous people and consumer reports that it is very hard to find the ESC/ABS on these cars. I wonder why that is. ... Read More
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Re: EX I4--leather or not? [backy]
Leather on Optimas is an option.Not sure about 2008s,but in 2006.5 you had a leather package or an appearance package.They have some weird ways of equipping their cars, If you go to www.kia.com and "build" an Optima,you'll get the idea.
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Note to Host
Could we please change the title of this discussion? Since the 2006.5-2008 Optimas are the same, how about "Kia Optima 2006.5-2008"? There's already a discussion for the refreshed 2009 Optima, and one for the pre-2006.5 Optima, so that would give us continuous coverage for all years of the Optima. Right now there's a little gap--no general discussion for the 2006.5 or 2008 Optimas. Thanks!
Kia Optima 2006 and earlier
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Re: 2006 Optima fuel snafu? [yankeejim]
Egads Jim,bet that service manager made you feel real comfortable with KIA service,didn't it... It took me three tries before I found a KIA dealership that I was fairly comfortable with. The Hyundai service at the same mega dealer on the other hand was outstanding..
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Re: 2006 Optima fuel snafu? [mickeyrom]
Update: Kia dealership service department didn't get to her for 26 hours and only after I called to find out the diagnosis. Off topic, but perhaps telling. An hour later, service manager called to say the part needed to be ordered and the job wouldn't be completed until the next day (tomorrow). The following conversation with the service manager transpired: "What's the problem?" "My guy says it's a brake (break?) switch." ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006.5-2008
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Re: This board's been asleep for three weeks... [sienna_az]
I've had my 2006.5 since Nov 2006 and now have around 16,000 miles on it. We had two issue in all this time. I had out of round michellin tires and they put Khumos on and fixed that.We also had a problem with the passenger side air bag light. It tooks around 6 visits until they reflashed the computer and now it's fine. I am quite happy my my Optima EX,but ... Read More
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Re: This board's been asleep for three weeks... [backy]
The 2006.5 is the 2007,but the 2008 is slightly different.I think only that the EX lost the cassette deck.However,all are pretty much the same car with the same issues and same power train so why not consolidate.I'm all for it.BTW has anyone looked up KIA Optima on youtube? There is one guy who really...really loves his KIA.Others ...not so much...
2009 Kia Optima
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2009 Kia Optima
Word is out that the Optima will get a significant make-over for 2009, including powertrain upgrades and styling tweaks. Let's talk about it and share what you know about it! I think the 2006.5-2008 Optima is a solid offering in the mid-sized class, with just the right blend of room, ride comfort, handling, size, and tasteful styling inside and out. And the price is right. Only two things I don't like: ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006.5-2008
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Re: Technical 2006.5 Optima Question [mickeyrom]
Fuel Filters are generally only a problem when they start to clog and generally they are not going to cause serious damage as engine symptoms would be pretty obvious. The fuel tank air filter is actually there for evaporative emission control from my understanding so I can't imagine it could cause any mechanical trouble from not being replaced. Most of time where I have heard Kia denying warranty service it is ... Read More
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Re: Technical 2006.5 Optima Question [csandste]
P.S.... I just talked to a service manager at a KIA/Hyuindai dealer in Peoria,Il. He said "there is not need to change the fuel filter unless there is a fuel starvation problem" . I have a friend who works for Chrysler and they have the same system. They do not require any fuel filter maintenance. It makes sense.I am not sure about the air filter.
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Re: Technical 2006.5 Optima Question [backy]
I (almost) didn't believe it until I reread the manual. Kia really gigs people with maintenance and dangles that 100K warranty to keep people in line. Differences in maintenance between my Optima and Malibu Maxx over a 100K would probably be in the thousands, and that's with the four. The V6 with timing belt would be unbearable. I'm much happier with the sophisticated OLM and 7000+ oil change cycles on my ... Read More
Midsize Sedans 2.0
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Re: I really enjoy this thread. [backy]
Did I say family cars have to be dull? Did I say handling wasn't important? I was talking about how where I drive my cars. They are driven mostly on city and suburban streets and freeways in the Midwest, with a very occasional trip of a few hundred miles. I don't want a car that wallows. I have had 4 Sonata rental cars and one Kia Optima rental. I felt the ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006.5-2008
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Re: Technical 2006.5 Optima Question [mickeyrom]
Here is what I have found out. The fuel tank air filter is up on the fuel filler pipe. You can find the actual fuel system layout on the shop manual by following the chain Optima MG->Fuel System->Fuel Delivery system->Components and Component location. The fuel filter is going to be a major pain. It is integrated as part of the fuel pump assembly. Here is the technical bulletin on how to ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006 and earlier
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head light bulbs
Need help, no one seems to know how to change the head light bulbs on my 2006 Kia Optima. Also is there a better bulb than the factory bulbs.
Midsize Sedans 2.0
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Re: 2006 Hyundai Sonata [94hawkskin]
Good that you like your Sonata. I had one just like yours and I loved it. The only reason I traded it was that I needed a power seat and wanted leather.Not available with an I4 engine at the time from Hyundai. So...I bought a KIA Optima. Very similar but with a tauter suspension.
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Re: Camry reliability [kdshapiro]
Some of their late model cars seem to be problematic as well, maybe that is why the (bad) reputation persists. Would you care to elaborate on that statement? I had a 2006 Sonata that I leased and then bought a 2006.5 KIA Optima. Both are great cars,but I liked the ride better on the Hyundai.Sadly I wanted the top model with a 4 cyl. engine which they didnt have at the ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006.5-2008
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Re: Hey csandste and mickeyrom... [iluvmysephia1]
Are you guys still feeling good about your Kia Optima purchases and are either of you gonna be trading in anytime soon for something different? Other than incredibly bad depreciation (Lujacks has a 2006 Opima with 19,000 miles for sale for under $10K) I love my Optima EX.It is loaded,so I will more than likely have no need to replace it.What more could I ask for,although my real dream car is ... Read More
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The thing is is that things like
ESC and ABS are nice safety additions, but, are they totally and really necessary? I am not sold that they are. What's wrong with careful and steady and intelligent driving? The Hyundai Sonata was being put down by several people early on(the newly re-designed Sonata built in Alabama I'm talking about here)for having a front seat that bent down too much at the front, resulting in an uncomfortable sitting position. The ... Read More
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Re: Backy... back to the Optima... [csandste]
Or could it be that Kia is trying to replicate Hyundai's "butts in seats" strategy that was used when the 2006 Sonata came out? It's not like everyone knows how good the Optima is, right? Maybe Kia figures by exposing more people to it as a rental, they can get more people to consider it when it's time to buy a car.
Midsize Sedans 2.0
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Right...
Toyota hit the nail on the head with the Corolla. And the damage done with that strike rendered that compact car utterly mundane, bland and minimalistic. Minimalistic. I'd throw the CamCord duo in with that and we've got a bargain. Done deal. Until either Honda or Toyota shows that they don't farm out their body-designing to their 10 year old sons and daughters for extra credit and a Wally World vacation ... Read More
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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
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Sonata V6 Rental
I rec'd a V6 Sonata rental the other day from Enterprise. The Sonata is very powerful in V6 clothing. I believe articles that report they have had it as low as 6.9. My first V6 Sonata that I drove in 2006 had a pause in the accelerator that was annoying to me. The one I drove the other day was responsive and very quick. The band of acceleration was nearly as ... Read More
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Re: Cars [pat]
It's also okay to list a few things about your car that you'd like to change I have a 2006.5 KIA Optima.The trip computer has no MPG so I would REALLY like to have that.
What is the consenus on 2006.5 Optima?
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Re: What is the consensus on 2006.5 Optima? [mickeyrom]
I would certainly recommend the KIA Optima 2006.5 or 2007 to anyone that was looking for a new vehicle.
Kia Optima 2006.5-2008
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Re: 2007 KIA Optima low beams [aruba531]
You're welcome.As far as liking my car...first of all technically it's a 2006.5,but in reality it is a 2007.I've had some issues with it initially,but I am now learning to like it quite a bit.If only it would get better gas mileage in town,it would be just great.
Midsize Sedans 2.0
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Fusion update take 3
We have been using a 2007 Fusion "S" rental for two weeks tomorrow. It is a 4 cylinder 5 speed automatic. After a driving it a little over 1K miles this past 2 weeks I believe I will update my observations and since the transmission repair on our 95 Stratus should be finished today or tomorrow it will likely be my last. 1. My initial observation of a noisy (induction noise) ... Read More
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More Fusion perceptions
I have been noting my perceptions on a 2007 Fusion "S" 4 cylinder 5 speed automatic. Originally I was comparing it to a 2006.5 Kia Optima since I almost literally jumped out of the Kia into the Fusion. Now as I have driven the Fusion more and on a weekly repeated trip of a little over 300 miles I will say more. 1. The initial observation of a noisy engine (induction ... Read More
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preliminary perceptions
Here is the senario. I rented a 2006.5 Kia Optima (30K miles showing) LX 2.4 liter 4 cylinder 5 speed automatic. I drove this car about 1000 miles exactly over 2 days with 4 adult passengers and all our luggage. Route of travel included driving west to the far south western corner of Ohio from western Pa. Here are my observations: 1.The car was comfortable...quiet..rode smoothly with plenty of room in ... Read More
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Re: Model Year [caaz]
Sometimes, sometimes not. Some manufacturers, Kia comes to mind, like to play the "halfsies" game, e.g. the all-new 2006.5 Optima (did the same thing when the Spectra was redesigned a few years ago). But it's getting more common to introduce a car very early in the year and slap the next year on it. Toyota has done this multiple times in recent years; Chrysler has done it; probably others I'm not ... Read More
2006.5 Kia Optima Styling
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Re: 2006.5 KIA Optima Styling [csandste]
I felt cramped as a driver until I figured out how to use the telescoping steering column.Strangely,when you pull the wheel toward you,it gives more leg and knee room.Im much happier with my Optima than I originally was. BTW,that damn light for the passenger air bag came on again.Maybe it was just an aberration.It only happened once so far.
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Re: 2006.5 KIA Optima Styling [mickeyrom]
Lots of the Optima's size is because of the headroom. I'm 6'4 and there's far more headroom up there than I need. Because of this, the car seems much smaller than my Malibu Maxx. Still like the styling, however.
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Re: 2006.5 KIA Optima Styling [micro99]
The Optima is a very small looking car especially from the rear.My Sonata definitely looked more substantial. Have you noticed that on the 2007s,really the same car,the logo and the names are in gold?I think that looks pretty nice,but mine has that old black and silver. Maybe its because a black car.I saw a red 2007,an LX,but that gold really shines.
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Re: 2006.5 KIA Optima Styling [mickeyrom]
Couldn`t agree with you more on this , mickeyrom !! Seems like many of the so called experts favor the look which has sweeping flowing lines, ala the Nissan, but I think they do a dis-service to much of the buying public.In my opinion, the Optima is neither bland nor boring, although it may be somewhat traditional in style. Actually, it does seem to have a lot of European styling cues ... Read More
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Re: 2006.5 KIA Optima Styling [csandste]
I like the back on the Pontiac better,but the front on the KIA.The finish in the interior is about as good as possible.I dont know why American manufacturers cant match the orientals.When the Toyotas and Hyundais et all,are built here they are every bid as well put together as the ones built in Asia.Must be in the design specs and tolerances.
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Re: 2006.5 KIA Optima Styling [mickeyrom]
I like the Optima exterior styling. About second among mid-sizers IMHO. The only one I like better is the Pontiac G6. I think the Optima (along with many other cars) is better overall than the Pontiac, however. Interior styling of the Optima is also top flight, much better than the G6. Even though I like G6 styling better than the Optima but like the Optima better as a car, I like ... Read More
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2006.5 KIA Optima Styling
Almost every review by so called experts that I have read,refers to Optima as being bland,boring or traditional.Well folks,I have owned many cars in my 50 years of driving and have I got some news for them.For the first time ever,I have had strangers actually stopping me to compliment the beauty of my car.Not just one,but two.Never has this happened to me before.I guess the Optima's styling isn't all that boring ... Read More
Kia Optima Real World MPG
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Re: Kia Optima 2007-- MPG, Real World Numbers [csandste]
I have a 2006.5 Kia Optima with 17,000 miles and I am currently averaging 26/37 mpg, I swapped out the stock plugs which actually extremely detune the car, I upgraded to the premium Denso Irridium Plugs IK16/5303(.004mm Core) which are available at autozone for $56.17 with tax by doing so I shaved 3+ seconds off my zero to sixty time and I can easily burn a 07' Camry V6, I burned ... Read More
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Re: Real world MPG [viclikescars2]
I'm glad one of us is satisfied.If my gas mileage eventually matches my 2006 Sonata's,I will accept this Hyundai stepchild. As far as the dealer is concerned,I bought my Hyundai Sonata and the KIA Optima from a giant multi-brand complex,Lujack motors in Davenport Iowa.The service dept.for Hyundai was A+,but I had a less positive relationship with the KIA.Maybe it was just me,but I started taking my car to a different dealer,so ... Read More
Kia Optima 2006.5-2008
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Re: Looking to buy one.. [gy563]
gy563... I always look for "Ad Cars"... for example, if you look back at my earlier posts; you'll see that I paid only $11,000 for my Optima (sticker was ~$18,000). This is the current ad from my local dealer (http://home.quirkcars.com/wtf/k03-05h.jpg). I walked in and got all the rebates I was eligible for plus a "dealer" discount bringing the car down to $11,495. Ad cars are meant to bring people in to ... Read More
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Re: If I could improve the 2006.5-2007 Optima,I would.. [mickeyrom]
I agree with you on every point other than the headlights (which I haven't noticed). Just wound up paying over $800 for an oil change and steering column replacement on my 05 Maxx. This, plus constant (uncalled for by the manual) solicitations to get my transmission fluids changed, combustion chamber cleaned, and god knows what else kind of pyssed me off. In true GM fashion this one seems to have a ... Read More
Kia Optima Real World MPG
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2006.5 kia Optima V6
I have been video taping it now for about 3 days, and I'm getting ready to take the car back,,,the bad part is they are 1 hr north of us,,,will definately look into the lemon laws,,,,thanks for your advice,,,greatly appreciated. Kinda sucks that I should be the one to have to tell them how to fix thier own cars........glad they're certified mechanics,,,hahahaha
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