2003 Kia Optima SE V6 from North America

Summary:

Very dependable vehicle even after 17 years

Faults:

Wear and tear only. Radiator, coil, coolant tubing replaced after 200k+ miles. I recently replaced the valve cover gaskets. Cover had no sludge at all!

Replaced timing belts and water pump close to schedule. Oil changes between 5k and 6k. I usually did it. The 2.7 V6 may burn a half a quart of oil by 5k miles. I have an 06 Sedona with 284,000 miles and it burns less than the Optima with similar replacement schedule.

I don’t understand why Toyota’s, Honda’s, Acura’s etc all have excessive oil burning issues.

General Comments:

Solid mechanically.

Minor electrical glitches with the radio until the antenna was replaced.

The ABS light has been on for years.

Unless the battery was left in too long, the car has always started, completed every trip and gets decent MPG.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th November, 2020

26th Apr 2021, 15:30

Interesting point on the oil burning issue. Years ago I had an oil burning VW Jetta, and a Toyota Avensis, went to the dealer and they said this was normal, even though they had low miles. No leaks, smoke or problems, just oil consumption was excessive in my opinion, had to top up now and then.

In later years I had older high mileage cars that did not use any oil at all between services, so it is weird. Can a mechanic/engineer comment on this?

2003 Kia Optima LX 2.4 from Sint Maarten

Summary:

The best car ever. If you're looking to buy a cheap second hand car, this is it

Faults:

This car has a rust problem, but besides that, no problem whatsoever.

General Comments:

This car is very comfortable, drives smooth on rough roads, and going uphill is no problem for this car.

I love the manual up and down gear shift, which makes it fun to overtake other cars. This car is like a combo of a luxury and a sports car.

I've driven many cars, but this is the first I've owned, and I don't regret buying it.

The previous owner did a bad job maintaining it, so I had to replace the rubber parts, and now it drives like new, I love it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd July, 2015

2nd Jul 2015, 13:44

I would question your view this is the 'best car ever' and handles 'like a sports car'. The steering is vague and overly light on the limit, giving little feedback, and the suspension far too wallowy and soft for the label sports car to apply.

I used to sell Kia in the UK and sold this exact model, albeit they were called the Magentis over here at the time, and to be fair only came with either a 2.0 litre or a 2.7 V6, not the 2.4 you have.

They were very average on handling, ride, performance, build quality, just about everything!! A huge number of cars in their class were better... the Ford Mondeo, Toyota Avensis, Peugeot 407, Alfa Romeo 156, Vauxhall Vectra, Honda Accord, Citroen C5, Nissan Primera....!

They were very cheap to buy new though, which was their primary appeal. So unless Kia's are one of the only cars available to you where you live, the 'best car ever' is perhaps a bit over the top!!

2003 Kia Optima from North America

Faults:

I am so glad a ran across this website. I purchased my car brand new with only 4 miles, and now I have 123,000, which are highway miles.

On way the home one night (I work 2nd shift), the engine light pops on. I was wondering what now, 6 months ago I just had the timing changed, and 1 yr prior had the alternator change. I remember about 2 year ago the check engine light came on; it was the gas cap. I also had some of the same problems as the other people; locks on doors, check engine light, airbag light, brakes.

I just can't afford to put any more money into this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd September, 2010