2004 Kia Optima LX 2.4L from North America
Summary:
Awesome!
Faults:
Needed front and rear brakes/calipers rebuilt. $322.00. Knew this was needed when purchased.
General Comments:
Vehicle has 195000 miles on it, looks and drives awesomely! Just shows the care done by the previous owner that these cars really hold up.
Nice power when using the manual shift mode. Fun!
Vehicle should last until 300,000 miles, no problem.
Would drive it anywhere!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th June, 2010
3rd May 2010, 09:02
I bought my 2004 Kia LX manual trans in April 2004.
Only initial issue was a bad wire with the passenger side airbag.
After 3 years it needed belts replacing (they were somewhat noisy, but after 3 cold winters it happens).
The car has tight steering/handling feel, but does have noticeable body roll (odd combo, which is corrected somewhat after buying new tires).
It is a nice car to drive (seat is very comfortable), but after 3 hours you do feel a need to stretch...
I have 54 k on the car now, and finally bought new tires and back brakes (front brakes are still good... but I downshift a lot.. but what's the point of driving a stick unless you drive the car like it's a stick?).
Probably going to get the timing and water pump done this year.
Overall... I paid 15,700 for a car that has never failed to start (and with sticks, you don't even need a starter to start them), and has never stranded me (unlike the 2 Fords I owned), and can do 100 mph with no prob (ummm.. hypothetically I guess officer??) and would have no problem doing 130.
Great looking car also.. fit and finish is spectacular... still waiting to blow the factory head unit and 6 speaker sound system to no avail.
Lines of sight are clear in all directions.
The car is heavy (3400lbs), so you really have to gun the motor to get it going in low gears... but once you hit 4500 rpm, it gets fun.
Reliability is up there with Toyota now.. for 5000 less.. what more would you want?
AWESOME VALUE CAR.. if you can't afford a Bentley, then buy a Kia.