Used 2012 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews
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Really Fun To Drive
2.5mths and almost 3k miles, I am still enjoying my Spicy Red Optima. (Midlife crisis? Maybe) After over 7yrs in a Chevy Equinox, off the showroom floor, that I soon came to loathe, that's an understatement. I had a Lexus in mind, but the SX blew me away. Kia has come a long way from their 'buy one get one free days'.
Extremely Satisfied
I purchased this car new in November 2011 and now have just over 12,000 miles on it. It's been flawless so far. Not a single issue. Averaging 30mpg under all conditions. I can't say that about any of the previous Audi A4's I've owned--which were far more costly when comparing feature for feature. Great performance with the 2.0 turbo, plus excellent fuel economy for a sedan of this size--on regular unleaded.
- EX SedanMSRP: $8,000138 mi away
- SX SedanMSRP: $8,4912 mi away
- Hybrid SedanMSRP: $7,30093 mi away
Reason why it needs 100,000 mile warranty
This car I bought new it has needed so many things replaced. Eat tires going on my 4th set and dealership says noting wrong with car don't know why it wears tires so quickly. Yeah warranty is great it's the constant inconvenience of having to take in for repairs. Never will buy or recommend Kia ever. Got rid of this Lemon would never recommend Regal Kia Lakeland FL service dept. either. Reviewed them several time also never got a call from dealership or KIA. Why do they want a review if they never follow up with customers
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Optima EX GTi: 5-year review. 79000 miles
(Final update): Traded this car in May 2019 for a Subaru Outback, as we have moved to the mountains and wanted an AWD vehicle. Car was in good condition and fetched a reasonable price at the dealer. Do not have as many options on the Outback and I REALLY MISS the keyless entry/push button start. (The dropdown only gave me the Hybrid option; this is NOT a hybrid Optima). My last review (shown below) still holds. I did have to replace a headlight, a $100+ job due to the way the way the bulbs are accessed. The car remains trouble-free and other than routine maintenance, car washes and the new tires mentioned below, I have invested no $$ in it. It's the go-to car in the family for road trips due to great gas mileage & comfort. I have kept the Sirius/XM subscription which we enjoy on long drives. (Previous review at 61,000 miles) I have a 3-day a week, 120-mile round trip commute. Gas mileage and good handling in snowy IL winters were important to me when I made a decision to purchase this car new in 2012. In all but the coldest conditions, I average 32-35 mpg on my highway drives; 25+ if driving around town. Like others, I love the heated steering wheel and seats, cooled seats in summer and the sunroof. Like others, when I have to take a turn in the passenger seat, I find it annoyingly low. Replaced tires at about 50,000 miles. Had the fuel pump go out (under warranty) at about 27,000 miles. Other than that, no repairs; just routine maintenance and regular oil changes (using synthetic oil - my choice; always use it!) I still love a lot of little things about this car - the keyless entry; the way the lights come on when I walk up to the car, the trunk space, the room for occasional passengers, the stylish looks. Handles just fine in the snow and still looks sharp as new on the outside. The tan leather is too light - shows dirt too easily; wish I would have gotten the darker interior. Overall, very pleased with my loaded Optima.
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Great Value and fun with a few caveats
A really fun car to drive with great looks. Absolutely love the inside and every feature, especially the cooling seats and keyless entry/startup. Disappointed in the paint as I have at least a dozen chips. Any little thing causes a chip or scratch. If this car had AWD, blind spot info, and a hard drive, it would be THE PERFECT CAR. It is pretty damn good as is.