Opinions on KIA?

[Jaepheth]

I have an option to buy a 2012 KIA Optima hybrid w/ 62K miles for ~$17K

I know Kia hasn't had the greatest build quality in the past, but I've heard they've improved?

What's the board's general opinion on Kia?

 

[Jimzz]

Where is this at? Kia is a decent car brand now, but the price seems a little high.

 

[Kaido]

I am a fan. I've had 2 Kia Souls in the past. Great cars. The quality has improved hugely over the past five years. My first Kia was a 2011 Soul, which I leased for 3 years, no major issues. They're basically at Saturn's level now: inexpensive, good build quality, lots of plastic 😉

The third generation of Optoma came out in 2011, so a 2012 model should have all of the kinks worked out of the initial redesign. Found a nice review here:

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/10/review-2012-kia-optima-hybrid/

Looks like they're getting in the 30mpg range on average. Not sure which hybrid engine applies, but here are links to Fuelly on both:

http://www.fuelly.com/car/kia/optima/2012?engineconfig_id=4345&bodystyleconfig_id=&submodel_id=

http://www.fuelly.com/car/kia/optima/2012?engineconfig_id=13292&bodystyleconfig_id=&submodel_id=

I would check to see how long the hybrid batteries last & how much a replacement costs.

 

[Jaepheth]

Where is this at? Kia is a decent car brand now, but the price seems a little high.

It's a dealership price (family discount though)

 

[WT]

My DD is a 2005 Kia Sorento that I bought new in '06 as a leftover. Over those 9 years, I replaced the rotors and pads with slotted and dimpled high performance hardware - towing my trailer in the mountains did a number on the stock stuff in a hurry - and replaced a 'Y' pipe that prematurely rusted due to my very short commute.
Otherwise, its been a great vehicle and very practical for my needs. So much so that when I look for another vehicle next year, I've narrowed it down to a 2009 Kia Borrego V8, a very rare model (only around 2,600 ever built in the US) and maybe an Expedition or Sequoia.

 

[cbrsurfr]

KBB retail is ~15K on that car. Unless that 17K is out the door, it's high. Kia isn't really known for their hybrids. I would pass on this and go for the cheaper plain gasser.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

I view Kia about the same as Nissan and Ford. Mid-pack reliable transportation. I wouldn't want a turbo or a hybrid Kia yet though. Too soon to tell if they are going to hold up.

17k is high when a brand new optima can drive off the lot at around $22k and the hybrid can be found for a couple thousand more.

 

[RLGL]

I bought a '13 Civic for less than that last Sept. with 10.5K for miles.

 

[Kaido]

I bought a '13 Civic for less than that last Sept. with 10.5K for miles.

OT but I'm leasing a '13 Civic as well & it's been fantastic. I average 35 MPG, mostly highway driving - not a hybrid & takes regular gas, no premium required :thumbsup:

 

[Kaido]

KBB retail is ~15K on that car. Unless that 17K is out the door, it's high. Kia isn't really known for their hybrids. I would pass on this and go for the cheaper plain gasser.

The Turbo gets good reviews, might be worth checking that out too.

 

[Sulaco]

Ironically, my last three girlfriend's in a row have all driven Kia (two Rios and now a Forte).

In all that time, very few problems and little maintenance required. Quite boring cars to drive and look at almost across the board, but reliable, cheap "transportation appliances".

Also, as I've always done all the oil changes on the cars, I'm quite pleased with how easy they have been. Easily accessible, well-placed drain plugs and filters. It's not much, but if you do your own maintenance its a major plus.

 

[nerp]

There's really nothing wrong with that car. Price is a bit on the upper end. But a 2012 Kia for use as a means for transportation will be perfectly fine to drive and should be relatively reliable.

 

[Scarpozzi]

For the same money or less ($14.5-17k) you can get an Altima S. It won't have leather, but it will get 35mpg and won't be as questionable.

To answer your question though. My cousin likes Kia over Hyundai... He's owned 2 or 3 of them. I think they're alright. Definitely better quality than what they were 15 years ago, but their perceived brand value is what makes them worth buying. If you don't get them cheap KBB or less, don't buy...

 

[thomsbrain]

I'd pay $10K for it.

 

[core2slow]

Too high of a $ for an unproven hybrid powertrain..Not to mention the mileage. I wouldn't go more than 15.

 

[Kaido]

For the same money or less ($14.5-17k) you can get an Altima S. It won't have leather, but it will get 35mpg and won't be as questionable.

To answer your question though. My cousin likes Kia over Hyundai... He's owned 2 or 3 of them. I think they're alright. Definitely better quality than what they were 15 years ago, but their perceived brand value is what makes them worth buying. If you don't get them cheap KBB or less, don't buy...

imo Kia has more fun cars. Their newly redesigned van is great, the Soul is awesome, and Optoma is really really nice - regular, turbo, hybrid, plenty of options available for it. Hyundai has grown up into an almost semi-luxury brand & has some kind of halfway-cool cars. The Veloster is kinda neat (but kinda small), the Genesis is cool but crazy expensive, etc.