My TrailBlazer's 4L60E died yesterday. So now we're shopping. Found a 2009 Kia Optima that fits the bill. It's an LX with the 2.4 litre and an automatic. Boring, yes, but this is a commuter and I'm paying cash. Is there anything to look out for? Isn't this is about the period in time that Kia/Hyundai began improving their build quality and reliability?
My lovely wife has had two of them, a 14 and a 16, and they have both been awesome. For an A to B, it tough to argue. Its like an Accord without the Honda tax.
Be prepared to be underwhelmed.
2006 is when Hyundai/Kia became a top-tier player. I bought the sister car, a 2009 Hyundai Sonata, just like yours: four cylinder automatic GLS. That was in 2012 when it had 37K miles on it.
Eight years later it has 197K miles on it. The only repair I've done is a rear wheel bearing. Oh, and the plastic catch for the armrest to flip up.
We had a few electrical gizmos repaired under the 60K mile warranty, like window switches and brake pedal switch.
The car has been great.
The cruise control likes to not set speed when told. One rear window makes an unhappy noise when activated so we don't use that one. Right front suspension bushings are worn out. The car still tracks straight and tire wear is good so I have ignored this. Bushings aren't available separately; you have to buy the entire control arm. Other than yellowed headlight covers I can't think of anything else it needs.
The automatic transmission can be shifted manually which I often do. It can be frustratingly slow to shift but it's not a sports car; at least I can get it in and/or hold it in the gear I want.
Interior space is good. Trunk space is good. I think the styling is derivative from Mercedes but it's a conservative, well-styled car.
I have been so impressed with the quality and reliability I bought a 2018 Sonata new.
In reply to DWNSHFT :
sounds great man, thanks!
You'll need to log in to post.
