Used 2012 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews
Used Optima for sale
Love My 2012 Optima SX Turbo
Dan Carazo, 12/14/2018
updated 06/24/2020
2012 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have clocked over 50K miles driving my spicy red 2012 SX Turbo. And I am still very pleased with my choice. Love the quick acceleration which surprises some of those BMW drivers. When I purchased my Kia it was relatively rare to see many on the road. But the number of Optima owners has grown into a sizable club. Kia gave me some very nice features for a modest price, and thankfully, my unit has stayed out of the shop. Great comfortable fully adjustable driver's seat, push/start/push-button doors and trunk and dual temp A/C are now must-haves. Turbo has provided a solid overall driving experience. Except for a couple manufacturer warranty-covered recalls (easily and quickly handled by local dealers), my car has been on the road for over 58K miles without any maintenance headaches, which is number 1 in my book. My only complaints since July 2012: 1) standard performance tires provide zip traction in snow--I had to purchase set of all-weather tires for cold weather; 2) harsh ride on our terrible New York potholed roads; and 3) passenger seat sits too low for my wife who is petite, and seat has no power adjust. But for under $28K I got a vehicle that has been fun to drive--even between New York and North Carolina--and has been headache free.
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Glad I had the base and extended warranty!
cski, 07/04/2019
2012 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well, if this year is more reliable than the first year of the new model...I feel sorry for the 2011 owners. However, Kia DID ITS BEST to address all issues, and never left me stranded. I have the Spicy red EX with leather interior, and it stickered for 24,260. During most of the time, it performed as advertised, and even the Senior Pastor bought one due to driving mine. I live outside DC, so it is hard on cars. I have 68,260 miles, and at 67k my engine failed due to a recall. It was replaced under warranty and I was provided a rental for 4 months due to parts on backorder. It is the same frame and engine as the Hyundai Sonata and they had the same recall. A total of 193,000 engines were replaced. WOW. I was given an Altima....and I was glad to have mine back. I just bought my 3rd set of tires, as the first set were...you guessed it..recalled. Then I replaced my brakes and rotors, front struts due to aggravating noise over broken pavement and potholes. The struts (under extended warranty) were replaced. It did not fix the problem. Fortunately I have a 500 watt stereo with subs and tinted windows, so I just turn up the music. Their techs are not up to date on what noises are so I am like...hmmm. I mentioned struts, so that's what they replaced....but my diagnosis should not be accepted 100% of the time. I am not a mechanic. So..lower control arm bushings???? ARRGG. They put $1400 worth of struts on my car, plus the new engine, plus other bobbles and gaskets and high pressure A/C hoses. Just stay away and get a Honda used.Now that everything is new..I HAVE to fix that damn noise when I go over rough pavement, speed bumps, etc. WHAT IS IT????
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2012 Kia Optima for sale near you
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Oil Consumption
indiaj0nes, 05/26/2019
2012 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had 25000 miles on the car when the car started consuming oil. at my 25k oil change, the oil was all gone. Then i started monitoring the consumption of oil and it was losing 1qt every 1k miles. For a car this new its unacceptable. However, for the value proposition , it gives you all the bells and whistles at a good price.
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It’s an ok car
Jess, 02/02/2019
2012 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is ok.. I like the look of it (I have it in red). But if you live anywhere where it snows forget it . The car is awful In the snow. Even with brand new tires.
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2012 Optima SX
Pablo Y, 01/25/2019
2012 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car in 2013. I loved the technology and thought the body design was very appealing. Still driving it without issues. Around town, I get 23 mpg and on the highway about 31 mpg. Like the advanced tech for a 2012 - heated/cooled seats, heated rear seats, and the touchscreen is easier to use than most CURRENT systems I have been exposed to. The ride could be a bit softer for these old bones though.
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