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Just picked up a 2012 Kia Optima SX

Discussion in 'General Automotive' started by 2003RC51, Dec 27, 2011.

  1. Dec 27, 2011 at 8:08 PM
    #1
    2003RC51

    2003RC51 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    This is an incredible car for the price. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a midsize sedan. We got the SX model with Premium and Tech packages and love everything about it. The build quality on this car is better than any other car I have owned or been in. I think Kia getting the Audi designer was the best thing that they could have done. We took it out of town on Christmas and knocked down an average 35mpg(hwy) and around 27(hwy/city) which is welcomed after dealing with the Tacoma mileage. I am pretty happy that Kia kinda has a stigma attached to the name or else this car could have easily cost around 40k.

    Here are a couple shots I just took.

    SDC103471_4b22cd5c8571d19beb03037384ae6d8e19a231e2.jpg

    SDC10350_7dd5a64832dc633d72150dcdbb986497a7e46e9c.jpg

    SDC10353_897c6652a8b1ff958b17b05d83c94ccce6eb8d2c.jpg
     
  2. Dec 27, 2011 at 8:09 PM
    #2
    memario1214

    memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Moderator Vendor

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    Kia has been getting their shit together as of late... nice car
     
  3. Dec 27, 2011 at 8:10 PM
    #3
    2003RC51

    2003RC51 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks. Technically the wifes car. I am sticking to the Tacoma. We were sharing the Tacoma because she was in Nursing school but now that she has her own car I can do what I want with the Tacoma. So we both kinda win.
     
  4. Dec 27, 2011 at 8:12 PM
    #4
    elmo7

    elmo7 Easily Replaceable Member

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    Those Kia's have come a long ways. Just think back to those first Hondas and Toyotas that made it ashore. Now you have Acura and Lexus. Hyundai and Kia will make their way as well. That Optima offers a lot of perks for the buck, as you said.
     
  5. Dec 27, 2011 at 8:13 PM
    #5
    CHPTR11

    CHPTR11 Team Impulse Red

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    Great looking cars, just needs to be lowered a little to fill up the fenders.
     
  6. Dec 27, 2011 at 8:13 PM
    #6
    2003RC51

    2003RC51 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I know. When I first heard someone mention the Kia I was like... "yea, ill take a look a it". Then I saw one and I could not believe how much they changed from the previous generation. I think Peter Schreyer(previous Audi designer) just turned Kia around.
     
  7. Dec 27, 2011 at 8:13 PM
    #7
    TACOMABOSS

    TACOMABOSS Well-Known Member

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    nice. turbo charged too right?
     
  8. Dec 27, 2011 at 8:15 PM
    #8
    2003RC51

    2003RC51 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    If it was mine I would definitely lower it. Would also build a front mount for it, open up the exhaust, increase the turbo size and up the boost. I think 400-450 would be easy and reliable, but unfortunately, it's the wifes and she would kill me if I tried to modify it.
     
  9. Dec 27, 2011 at 8:18 PM
    #9
    2003RC51

    2003RC51 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yep... I think it needs a big front mount and some more boost but that will have to wait.
     
  10. Dec 27, 2011 at 8:19 PM
    #10
    TACOMABOSS

    TACOMABOSS Well-Known Member

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    nice
     
  11. Dec 27, 2011 at 8:22 PM
    #11
    PLYDRTY

    PLYDRTY Well-Known Member

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    Nice choice. That's ALOT of car for the money. And killer mpg as well.
     
  12. Dec 27, 2011 at 8:23 PM
    #12
    medictrack

    medictrack Well-Known Member

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    My Daughter drives a 2011 KIA Sorento, we got it as a third vehicle. But she gets to use as her first car. Outstanding car. I can't find any thing I dont like about it, And it keeps her away from my truck! :D
     
  13. Dec 28, 2011 at 3:13 AM
    #13
    bobg03

    bobg03 Well-Known Member

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    The Hyundais/Kias are a great vehicle in all aspects and since taking over Kia a few years ago the improvement shows there also. They have both come a long way since the early 2000's.

    I'm saving my pennies as I have my heart set on a Hyundai Genesis w/an 8 in it. If someone had told me in the year 2000 that I would pay almost 40K for a car I'd have laughed.

    My first Hyundai cost $7600 in 2000 out the door and went 280K w/routine maintenance.
     
  14. Dec 28, 2011 at 3:20 AM
    #14
    paintdiddy

    paintdiddy Machine gun shits

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    That's a sharp looking car. Can we ask what you paid out the door?
     
  15. Dec 28, 2011 at 11:47 AM
    #15
    2003RC51

    2003RC51 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Out the door was just under $32. I paid about 2k more than most but It was the only one that matched what I needed. Although I did pay more they tinted the windows, are going to install a 3M clear bra and I received free oil changes. This one also had the bumper and door appliques which is around $400.

    I have seen some people getting them as low as 29K out the door but you are going to spend a lot of time haggling with them. If you have the time I would go that route.
     
  16. Dec 28, 2011 at 12:51 PM
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    ItalynStylion

    ItalynStylion Sounds Gooooood

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    Great choice! I like those :)
     
  17. Dec 28, 2011 at 12:57 PM
    #17
    JaSkynyrd

    JaSkynyrd Ron F. Swanson

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    Gorgeous car, the wheels are fantastic looking.
     
  18. Dec 28, 2011 at 1:52 PM
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    goufcustom

    goufcustom 7.62x63mm

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    Sweet car, it was my second choice when I bought my Tacoma, and I sometimes wish I had bought the Optima, bad ass looking car, that is economical.
     
  19. Dec 28, 2011 at 2:02 PM
    #19
    TacoDawgfan

    TacoDawgfan Hunker Down You Hairy Dawg!

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    :cheers: We were going to buy a Sonata a year ago which is pretty much the same car, but wound up getting a fully loaded Accord for less than they would give us on the Sonata so with the resale value of the Accord thought we couldn't go wrong.

    BTW my father has an 08 Optima and he loves it.
     
  20. Dec 28, 2011 at 3:57 PM
    #20
    2003RC51

    2003RC51 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I went into it knowing the resale value would not touch the Tacoma. I don't plan on selling it a this point though. After the Tacoma I don't think anything will compare on resale value. The way these trucks hold their value is insane.

    I bought a 2005 Cadillac Brand new for $52K. When my wife went to nursing school I had to sell my V and after 5 years, that car lost $25k worth of value. Although I do like GM vehicles, that ensured that I will NEVER by another GM vehicle. The bailouts and union pretty much killed any other thought of buying another "American" car.
     

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