2013 Kia Optima EcoDynamics Luxe 1.7 CRDi

Summary:

Huge improvement over the Magentis

Faults:

Really nothing out of the ordinary wear and tear that you would get with any car. I look after it well, gets every service.

General Comments:

Modern Optima is the car that replaced the dated Magentis. A fine family/executive vehicle, this car is as good as any Ford Mondeo or whatever you want to compare it to. Not quite up there with the German giants, but a fine effort from Kia - really sorted cars nowadays.

Interior is comfortable and this Luxe model has the lot.

1.7 CRDi is fast and will get you 50 mpg.

Alloy wheels are big and gorgeous, really like the look of the car. Even makes the common grey colour look special on this car.

Forget any preconceived notions you had of Kia of the past, the Optima is a great car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th January, 2023

2012 Kia Optima EcoDynamics 1.7 CRDi

Summary:

Surprisingly good

Faults:

New exhaust, front shocks changed, discs and pads renewed, and all the usual wear and tear, plus regular oil changes.

Interior is a little worse for wear, but nothing is broken, on the outside it is looking a little faded paint wise, but no rust or anything out of the ordinary for a 10 year old car.

General Comments:

A very surprising car, I was always told to avoid cheaper Korean branded cars, but this KIA was just as good as any other regular car I have had before from the usual big players (Ford, Vauxhall, etc).

The Optima is a mid/large sized family car, very similar to the Hyundai i40. Lots of space inside and the car has all the usual electrics you would expect. Seats are comfortable if not the most hard wearing.

1.7 turbo diesel "CRDi" has a decent turn of speed and everyday driving will get you just over 50 MPG.

Looks wise it will not win any wards, mine is silver with alloy wheels and looks like every other sedan/hatchback car on the road, it does not stand out but it is not ugly either.

It is really hard to say anymore about it as it is a dull run of the mill family/business car, however if you are looking for something cheaper and a little different as a daily driver, check out these cars, KIA like Hyundai have come a long way in regards to quality and reliability and I will gladly drive this car for another few years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd February, 2022

25th Sep 2022, 15:04

They must be good cars, they are not exactly cheap now either - a similar aged and mileage buying used Ford Mondeo / Vauxhall Insignia is the same price as a Kia Optima or Hyundai i40.