Used 2012 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A) Consumer Reviews
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Excellent Cost / Benefit
seson, Atlanta, GA, 02/24/2012
Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
39 of 40 people found this review helpful
Researched and compared to the Malibu, Camry, Accord, Altima, etc., and found this to be the best choice for me. Quiet and smooth ride, stunning looks, good interior materials, Bluetooth, USB, 10/10 drive train, 60/60 bumper to bumper (lifetime drive train from the dealer). With what Kia includes even on the LX AT, I've only added a factory spoiler and window tint. All this for under 20K after rebates..Gas mileage has been 25 around the city and up to 36 on the Hwy. Best of all, it's made here in the USA by American workers in Georgia.
Hands down the BEST car I have ever owned
Beth, Vandalia, IL, 07/25/2018
updated 02/03/2025
Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2013 when it was a year old and it had 13xxx miles on it. I did exhaustive research before buying and the Optima stood out for safety, satisfaction, price, and options. The styling is what drew me in, it is just an attractive, slightly sporty looking car. And I drive a LOT. I have a weekly commute to work of 450 miles, plus I like to get out on the weekends, so the miles just sort of racked up. In five years, I had one battery change, two tire purchases, and countless regular oil changes. That's it. No really--that is it. I added about 135,000 miles to this car with really zero repairs. Just last week (over five years later), I was hit head on and my sweet Kia was totalled. I am not digging the design changes for the newer (17-18) models, so I am doing exhaustive research again. I'm also considering finding another 2012, it was that great. The features you get for the price are unbeatable, it's zippy to drive, and comfortable for road trips. The trunk is unbelievably huge. Best car ever. Update: I did end up buying the 2017 to replace my totaled one in 2018--same model, even the same color. I don't love it as much as the 2012 but I can tell you, after 2 and a half years it hasn't had any expensive repairs needed either! I've put 76000 miles on it in that time. What is it with these cars? Guess I'll probably buy a third one when the time comes <3 Update #2: Still no issues with my Kia. Update #3, 2022: Still love these cars. Going strong. Update #4, 2023 yep still here! Update: #5: 2025 I finally did sell the 2017 due to leaking oil after almost 7 years and 150,000 miles added. Unfortunately, Kia, the K5 is not the same so I am out. I did try a Sonata from their sister brand and didn't like it, went Subaru this time.
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2012 Kia Optima for sale near you
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- EX Turbo SedanMSRP: $6,19533 mi away
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Engine failed in 2nd month - transmission in 3rd
Bob, Roebling, NJ, 08/23/2018
Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 2012 Kia Optima LX with 116k miles, after checking the Carfax. There was a recall of certain Optima engines due to metal shavings left during the cleaning process. This VIN was not included in the recall. But after 2 months, the engine blew on my way to work. Kia handled it great, replacing the engine at no cost to me. I drove it 3 more weeks and the transmission blew. Just after my engine blew, I mentioned it to a friend who recalled another person who had the same blown engine with a Kia Optima. He told me that right after the engine was replaced, the transmission went. Now mine does the same exact thing. Right now, I'm waiting to hear back from the dealer after they inspect it, but I don't have a good feeling. Two major issues in 3 months?
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so far so good
dawoj52, Crown Point, IN, 12/02/2014
Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I got my kia optima 2012 LX used. I thought it would make a great commute car i drive around 80 miles per day to and from work. I currently have 80,000 miles on my kia and so far it has been a joy .I do have some minor problems like the passager and rear windows cant be rolled up or down from the driver control panel ,r/s cigarette lighter does not work,inside temperature gauge quit working ,so i have to take it back to the dealer. The tires on the kia are very cheep and need to be replaced asap upon purchase. MPG is great i drive from Chicago to Indiana all highway miles and i spend no more than $ 55 per week on gas . I get complements on a look of the car all the time !!
Love my optima
Patricia, East Stroudsburg, PA, 12/01/2015
Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought the car 2012, new. Drives nice, good mpg, a little noisy, trouble shutting trunk. Drivers seat starting to feel springs 4 yrs out. Maintenance, knowing your manual is key to keeping engine &transmission in good shape. 74000 miles to date..no repairs, just maintenance.
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