16th Jul 2008, 13:23
I HAVE FOUND OUT WHAT THE NOISE IS!!! I had posted previously about taking my Optima to the dealer twice and the "rattle" was still there. Well, I called another dealer and explained the whole situation and how the noise is still there. Well, I took it to him yesterday, and lo and behold... it's the heat shield underneath the car. The technician said that he has seen about 8 or 9 Optimas that have the same problem, and the noise appears to be coming from the floorboard, while it is actually coming from underneath. It might be well worth having it checked, since it seems to be a common problem with the 2008s. Hopefully this helps and fixes your "rattles" as well.
25th Jul 2008, 17:53
I drove an Optima home tonight for a test. I was pleased with the zip and did not detect any rattles. If the dealer makes me an offer I can't refuse tomorrow, I'll buy it. The only feature I would like but is lacking is a built-in garage door opener.
15th Sep 2008, 19:24
I bought an '08 Optima EX in July. Have 7500 miles and have had no mechanical issues. But I do have an off & on rattle from the right side dash. Going to check out the heat shield.
The side bolster on drivers seat cushion drives me nuts. You can feel this hard edge on the left side. The dealer replaced the seat out of another lot vehicle. Same problem. So I took it to my buddy who runs a trim shop. He open up the seat and KIA has inserted a hard material in the bolster. He removed it and replaced it with some high density material, and now the seat is much more comfy. The factory version just dug into my hip. Trust me I am not a 2 axe handle wide person either.
I am getting 27-29 city / freeway and 33 on the open road. I tend to drive the limit but am gentle on the pedal.
Overall I like the car.
13th Sep 2009, 13:47
I'm getting similar mileage in my '06.5 Optima with the manual trans. I do mixed driving with about 75% highway. I have gotten anywhere from 27-34 MPG depending if I use A/C or not and how hard I am on the throttle. I typically average around 30 MPG. Seems good for a midsize car with a strong 4cyl.
3rd Jul 2008, 14:26
I bought an 08 Optima, and have taken my car back to the dealer twice for an annoying "rattle" or "vibration" in the dashboard on the right hand side. I was told that it was in the duct work, but was assured twice it was repacked and is fixed. It's not fixed, but I'm (unfortunately) glad to hear other cars are having the same noise and it's not just me. So far I just turn the radio up, because after about 45 mph I can't hear it anymore.