KIA OPTIMA 2011 – 2018

2011 Kia Optima

2011 Kia Optima

Kia has expanded rapidly in Australia in recent years. Good scores in build quality and customer satisfaction have played their part but the introduction of Kia’s seven year / unlimited distance warranty in 2014 is probably the biggest factor of all. This impressive warranty is transferrable to subsequent owners.

Kia Optima been in Australia since 2001. In this used car review we are looking at the third generation version that was launched here in January 2011.

This gen three Optima had a strong leap forward in quality and, with its Aussie-based suspension, it makes a lot of sense to find one if your budget is up to it.

Kia’s Optima is a medium-large four-door sedan with room for four adults, usually with little need to compromise on legroom. The fourth generation of November 2015 was larger and had additional space in the back.

2014 Kia Optima

July 2018 saw Optima receive a minor facelift, but the biggest changes were inside, with the infotainment system being pretty quick in its reactions. Safety systems with an emphasis on trying to keep inattentive drivers out of trouble were added to the 2018 model.

A deep boot can swallow plenty of luggage the depth created by the use of front-wheel drive, which comes as a pleasant surprise to those moving from one of the old style Aussie sixes that lose space to the rear-drive system. A handy feature is that the 60:40 rear seat backs can be dropped. The 2015 model had an even larger boot than the superseded car.

Kia Australia has been working on Australian suspension tuning for quite a few years and Optima handle handles pretty well for what it is – that is, a family sedan.

Large alloy wheels and lowish profile tyres can be harsh on some rough roads and coarse-chip surfaces may create quite a bit of tyre noise. The lower cost models often have more sensible tyres than so are likely to be more comfortable. Try for yourself on roads you will be travelling on.

Power from most Kia Optimas comes from a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine. Performance is good without being exciting, fine for the average driver, but if you’re someone who likes to drive check it meets your standards.

The arrival of an Optima GT in in November 2015 introduced a fair bit of zip. It uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, putting out 180 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque.

If you do like a Kia with character it’s smart to look at the Stinger. It’s larger than Optima and still relatively new Downunder and so expensive second hand.

2017 Kia Optima GT

Kia Optimas sold in Australia have a six-speed automatic transmission with manual overrides and a Sport mode. There’s no full-manual gearbox as Australian drivers in this class have pretty well given up on DIY gearchanges.

Most Kia dealers are in the major cities, but some country cities and big towns now have Kias in their showrooms and service departments.

Servicing costs are about average this class and we have heard of no real complaints about availability and pricing of spare parts.

There used to be differences of opinion about insurance costs from the major companies, but this seems to be settling and premiums on the Optima are coming closer to one another.

If shopping around for insurance make sure the offerings are exactly the same from company to company. Keep in mind that it’s smart to have a long history with one company if you do have a crash as they may be kind and not increase your premiums overmuch next time.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Quality control problems gave Kia some poor reports in the early days but Optimas being reviewed here are pretty impressive in their build.

There were engine build troubles in some 2011 to 2014 Optimas. A recall was issued so check with the selling dealer or contact Kia direct on kia.com or 131kia (131452).

Gear changes should be all but impossible to feel unless the Optima is being driven hard. Slurred changes may indicate a problem – which is another good reason for a professional inspection.

Take it for a drive on a rough road and listen for squeaks and rattles.

Look at the condition of the interior for signs of sun fading on the exposed areas. Also for cracks and damage, particularly in the back seats, due to rough treatment by bored kids.

Similarly, check out the condition of the boot in case things have been roughly shoved in and / or the car has been thumped around bends.

HOW MUCH?
Set you budget from $7000 to $11,000 for a 2011 Kia Optima Platinum;
$8000 to $12,000 for a 2013 SLi; $10,000 to $15,000 for a 2015 Si; $11,000 to $17,000 for a 2014 Platinum or a 2015 Si; $13,000 to $19,000 for a 2015 Platinum; $16,000 to $23,000 for a 2016 GT Nav; $20,000 to $28,000 for a 2017 GT Nav; and $26,000 to $35,000 for a 2019 GT Nav.

CAR BUYING TIP
Family cars are usually driven gently but some may have been fanged by keen drivers… Another good reason to have that professional checkup.

RECALLS: To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/

About Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy, a long-time car enthusiast, was Technical Research Librarian with the NRMA from 1970 until 1985. He worked part-time as a freelance motoring journalist from 1977 until 1985, when he took a full-time position as Technical Editor with Modern Motor magazine. Late in 1987 he left to set up a full-time business as a freelance motoring journalist. Ewan is an associate member of the Society of Automotive Engineers - International. An economy driving expert, he set the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled in a standard road vehicle on a single fuel fill. He lists his hobbies as stage acting, travelling, boating and reading.
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