2005 Kia Optima LX 2.4L 4 cylinder from North America
Summary:
103,000 and still going strong
Faults:
Timing chain replaced: 91,000.
A/C compressor failed: 91,500.
Front axle replaced: 100,000.
General Comments:
I got a repossessed 2005 Kia Optima in January of 2009. When I purchased it (for $5400), it had 48,000 miles on it. It is the 4cyl, 5 speed model.
In my experience, it has been a reliable vehicle. The A/C compressor was not a major problem; it still drove just fine.
I see that many of you are having problems with the automatic transmissions — simple, just get a 5-speed. It’s cheaper and more reliable in the long run, albeit being a bit annoying in stop-and-go traffic. I have not completely put my trust in the Kia name; I was hoping for a Honda Accord or Civic, because my parents both have Hondas that have had little problems, with over 140,000 miles on each.
However, from what I have experienced thus far, Kia deserves a bit of credit. I am a college student, and the decision to buy this car was ultimately my dad’s. Beggars can’t be choosers, and so far this has turned out to be a pretty wise decision.
Now, all this being said, I don’t know how much trust I will put in it once it hits 130,000+, but I have looked on Craigslist and seen them with mileages as high as 170,000.
So if properly maintained and all preventative maintenance is done, I see no reason that this car can’t compete with the big companies such as Toyota and Honda.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th December, 2010
25th Aug 2011, 13:32
I am the same poster as above. The car now has 126,000 miles on it, and I have been having recurring problems with the air conditioning. We have had a heat-wave this entire summer (in GA) with temps near 100F every day. At the beginning of the summer, I was told by my mechanic that the discharge hose and the A/C condenser needed to be replaced (totaling around $800), but I opted to put a can of freon WITH sealant in it. This worked for 1.5 months, and the A/C blew ice-cold the entire time. Then, it stopped working and I added another can, which only lasted around 2 weeks. Then, I added another.. only 1 week on that one. Finally, two days ago I added a can, and it's leaked out before the two days have finished.
I was hoping I could make it through the entire summer without having the do the repair, as I am very short on cash, but it looks like I will either have to repair the A/C or try to sell the car. I cannot live without A/C, since I live in the south, and we have a hot climate.
Other than that, I have had NO problems with the engine/transmission/anything else, and it hasn't been overheating or anything like that. Just frustrated by the quality (or lack of) with the A/C system.