About the Kia Optima
Ann U purchased this Kia Optima used for $35,000 (including all on-road costs) in 2017. Ann U would buy this car again because: “Reliable – never let me down in 85,000 km. Tech includes: fantastic LE headlamps, LED taillights, radar cruise control with stop and go, heated and cooled front seats with six-way electrics, tyre-pressure monitoring, panoramic sunroof, push-button start, rear traffic alert, all round sensors, reversing camera with dynamic lines, full sized spare wheel, the list is almost endless.
Powerful 2.0L engine with twin-scroll intercooler turbo. 540L boot with rear seat folded. Good dealer support, with reasonably priced servicing. And it’s good looking!”
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
Very reliable. The air conditioning fan failed and was replaced under warranty. Nothing else has gone wrong and there’s still over a year left on warranty. Driver’s side headlamp cover broke, probably a bird strike.
After exploring the options I made an insurance claim, $800 was better than the $2400 for a replacement.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
An ex-Kia vehicle when I bought at 10,000km and 10 months old. A significant discount made for excellent value.
Black with burgundy interior made for a cool looking vehicle. Keeping clean was a challenge, but we now live in a suburb with no unmade roads.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
The lack of Apple CarPlay was solved by fitting a 7.0 inch until in front of gear lever, which it fits in very nicely. The only other feature I’d like is a top down view when I’m parking in Bunnings
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
Performance is very good, strong acceleration, with a bit of torque steer. Fuel use is the only downside with an average of 9.6L/100km. Three modes, eco, standard and performance. I generally use standard, which is good for touring around and is only a kick down away from rapid acceleration.
A nice burbling and turbo spooling sound adds to the pleasure of driving. Very rarely use the paddles, no need really.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
Emergency braking. Rear cross-traffic alert, front/rear sensors and a good quality rear view camera help improve the safety of the occupants. Radar cruise control is excellent and with stop/go I use all the time.
Sound system is very good, with a nice sound
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
Ride could be more compliant. The handling is okay for the kind of driving I do which is suburban and freeway.
Seat comfort with cooling and heating, plus six way electrics and two memory settings is good. Seat could be a bit bigger. Steering wheel is nice to hold, with a good shape and adjustment.
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
I will keep past the expiry of warranty and may eventually trade it in