Used 2012 Kia Optima Sedan Consumer Reviews
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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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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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2012 Kia Optima for sale near you
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- LX SedanMSRP: $7,9991,336 mi away
Awsome Car!
Derik, 10/09/2017
2012 Kia Optima EX Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am 6'6 and I still have plenty of room. I admit I have to tilt the seat back a bit. But in this car it feels right to tilt it back anyway. The get up and go is great! I have never had an issue with this car. I bought it new. It now has.99,000 miles. I do take good care of it and service every 5k. The only minor problem I had was when the floor was getting wet and found out it was a plugged hose from the a/c system. Was a 10 minute fix. I can't say I've ever had better luck with any other vehicle. Great gas mileage!
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Smooth Sailing!
Kool, 02/19/2018
2012 Kia Optima EX Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned nothing but two vehicles since I entered adulthood after owning a 2004 Chrysler Sebring sedan (2.7L) that had mediocre reliability with the exception of consistently oil leaks, ignition coil number 6, and air conditioning issues, as well as ball joint noises, and squealing brakes -- oh! the driver side window motor was blown, so I had gotten fed up and I saw a Kia Optima EX Turbo on my dealership's lot dressed in Snow White Pearl, with a panoramic glass roof with the black gloss inserts that looked stunning! Ever since a family member rented a Kia Optima LX, I knew from the start I wanted an Optima. And I was blessed enough to purchase that Optima EX Turbo and fell in love with the creature comforts of having climate control seats for either season of the year - summer or winter - as well as rear heated seats for my rear occupants. How lovely! I also enjoyed the heated steering wheel and the Infinity high-definition audio sound system. Among other things, the power folding mirrors are a huge help, turning into a tight parking spot, or entering an automated car wash. The 2.0T moves the sedan like a six-cylinder engine while delivering 4-cylinder fuel economy, but it could be a bit better with an ounce of turbo lag, as well. With all things, there are some ups and downs, and they are the steering wheel persistent issues with the coupling that caused the steering to make a "clicking noise when maneuvering left or right" that was fixed under warranty from Kia Motor Corporation; moreover, I had my clock spring replaced (out of warranty), that ceased my horn, and caused my airbag light to illuminate, and I had to replace my car battery at 60k miles because it had a dead cell; and I had to replace my multi-functional fog lamp switch to regain function to reoperate my fog lamps. Also, the Infinity sound system sounds phenomenal, but it also causes excessive vibration and noise from the cheap panels in doors and headliner that will make it unpleasant at times. The leatherette on the steering wheel is peeling excessively, even at the time of purchase, and the leather seats are easy to rip and cut. All and all, I think this Kia has been reliable, but I don't want to speak too fast because I always go back on my word or at least sometimes.
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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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