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.

2005 Kia Optima LX 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

I wish I would not have chosen a Kia Optima

Faults:

Engine died at 65,000 miles.

Air bag light on from the time I drove the car off the lot.

After engine replacement, crank sensor went out on me while I was on the freeway during peak traffic.

When they did engine replacement, they did not put a new timing belt on, they put an old one on; it was missing teeth.

When I had it towed to the mechanic, they diagnosed the car, then said that they had to replace the timing belt because the timing belt was ready to snap.

Leaving work, the serpentine belt snapped.

I just did a tune up because the car has been sputtering. Of course it still is sputtering. I got a fuel injection cleaning, and the car is still sputtering off and on, and now cutting off.

General Comments:

I bought the car because I needed transportation, because my previous car was used, but it lasted me a long time, but eventually it died and it wasn't in my opinion cost effective to fix.

So I was excited, plus the dealer said they could get me a really good deal. They sold me the extended warranty, but when it came time to use it, they did not want to honor it; they told me regardless of my receipts, they had proof I did not maintain my car, and that if I wanted it fixed, that I better bring them 2000 dollars. I said that I will bring my receipts with my dad; they told me they don't have to deal with me and they would tow my car off the lot. I told them not to tow it off, then when my dad came with me, the same guy was so super nice to me.

They kept my car for a month, and it still wasn't fixed; my car died on the freeway. It died in the street. Now it is sputtering and stalling; that is not safe. Plus my airbag light is still on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th January, 2010

21st Nov 2010, 11:32

You bought from a crooked car dealer! First the timing belt needs replacement at 60,000, If they put in a new engine at 65,000, how could a new crank positioning sensor and new timing belt need replacement?? This doesn't make sense, you need a lawyer to sue the dealer.