Should you buy a USED Kia Optima? What goes WRONG?

[@chrislucas1183]

$80k every 4weeks! I now have a good car, house and can now afford anything and also support my family

[@tamekagilhot5295]

I'm genuinely curious to know how you earn that much monthly. Please help others too ❤❤

[@lindatugel9226]

I'm so happy for you dear, please can you elaborate more about this? I definitely believe you're God sent 🙏

[@chrislucas1183]

I thank God for bringing Mildred Evelyn Rooney brokage service into my life. I'm happy for God's grace have found me through her ❤️😊

[@gabriellemetott1887]

I know her! God has used her to save so many lives including mine, could remember when I started with her back in 2023

[@marcuscooley3019]

I know her too. If you are born and raised in NY you'd know her too. She's my family's Broker for 3yrs now and a very good one if you ask me

[@davkar3491]

Had a catastrophic failure of the 2.4l engine at 177k last year, 6 months outside of a 7 year warranty, but because I had a service history with the Townsville Kia dealer, I got a new short motor fully installed under warranty without asking. Took a while, but I was amazed they did it.

[@Jaibin9111]

Same issue here at 180 mileage. Awaiting Kia’s decision. Catastrophic failure in 100 km freeway and I’m really blessed to be alive now.

[@rotarpowered6665]

I wonder what would have happened if you never got the car regularly serviced by the KIA Townsville Dealer? 🤔

[@paulsimpson8990]

Must admit that’s good engineering to have it explode just outside the warranty…..ford has perfected the 3 year engine and gearbox fuse but Kia has gone the extra mile 😂

[@MrInternFTL]

@@rotarpowered6665I’m an American and work at a Hyundai dealer so I’m not the most reliable, but in the US 2.4 and 2.0t powered cars have heavily extended warranties due to a class action lawsuit because the engines are extremely prone to failure. If you have any regular service history they’ll give you an engine if it fails. (They often do)

[@bpgt1951]

Ex had a 2016 gt with the 2lt turbo. I was honestly so surprised by it in many ways. More features and excellent ride and handling for the price. While the interior is nice, some parts are clearly cheap as chips. Prefered driving it to my 2014 passat tsi When we broke up it was about 6 years old 100thou ks and no issues other than i think 1 flat tyre

[@michaelallen3918]

Just watched your video, currently own a 2017 Si Optima. The elephant in the room with engine issues....213000 km, serviced every 7500km (religiously), not any issues, uses about 700ml between oil changes... gets carbon clean every 15000 - 20000km, fuel economy...on highway low as 5.5 per 100km. Around town 7.5 - 9.0 per 100km (at worst). Had minor issues, boot lid latch replacement, AEB camera replacement, electric park brake replacement.... apart' from that nothing but routine maintenance, (brakes, tyres, wiper blades, fuel filter). I heard your comments regarding automatic gearbox, had it serviced by Kia at 200000 km (first time). No issues, all good, overall very reliable, well built car with very few complaints, good reviews guys.

[@Onover2]

I had a catastrophic failure on my car as well. 2.4L engine, a year out of warranty. They did a check the year prior and said everything passed, but I got stranded just outside of the Domain tunnel during rush hour - not pleasant at all. Anyway, Kia in Dandenong replaced and installed the engine under warranty. Was a bit surprised the new engine had a 1 year warranty on it though.

[@lakeside8069]

I had the 2016 2ltr turbo Gt version fantastic car needed to upgrade to a bigger vehicle would love to buy one back 1 day.

[@bradleybyrnes9907]

I had the previous generation known as the Magentis here in Aus and I loved that car. It haď more get up and go than the same year Camry. It had the better Theta 2 that didn't have any issues. It may have looked boring but it was reliable and good to drive.

[@phillipevans9414]

I had the 2.7 V6 Magentis, all the performance you need, economical, heaps of kit, and super comfy to cover long distances, plus never had a problem with it. Sold it about 5 years ago, and I still see it around town and it still looks in good nick, and clearly reliable. Also previously had a early model Cerato, and it was a bullet proof little bugger too. Would happily have another Kia...just probably not the 2.4L Optima. Cheers!

[@russell3436]

Use to own a 2017 Optima GT with the 2.0L turbo 180kW/350Nm motor, was a brilliant car, the one that had the sunroof before the facelifted models that stripped away most of the features.

[@champanekzn1656]

I also have a 2016 optima gt with the 2.0T bought it new been a great car and loads of standard features

[@DavidRamyan-f8k]

My dad has had the pre facelift model for the last 12 years and it’s still going strong with around 140,000km. He did have his engine replaced 70,000km ago under warranty but it turned out to be a faulty alternator. I was so impressed with his I also bought a lightly used one and had it for 5 years until I traded it for a Stinger. Both of ours were the Platinum model and had the factory nav which was descent for the time. I’m 6ft 3 and found the seats to be pretty comfortable though they are on the firmer side. My old one recently came up for sale and looks to have held up very well in the 6 years since I sold it!

[@glanciaeltro1271]

Plenty of door lock actuator failures on Kia/Hyundai models after several years. 1st time I had ever seen door lock failure, particularly bad in hot weather.

[@M4rt_FX]

Compared to Japanese competitors? These things should be 1/3 of the price.

[@yslee1401]

Compared with Chinese branded cars which depreciate by more than 75% within 12 months, Hyundai is a way better buy

[@MrInternFTL]

@@yslee1401it’s a race to the bottom atp

[@1969cmp]

A BMW dealer told me, 'people rag on Kia....until they drive one.'

[@lukuscannon9697]

What a lovely review on a Kia optima ohhhh could you guys do a review on the second generation Kia soul? I know it wasn't a very popular car here in Australia. I just really like them 😎

[@sonic4urmind722]

Love the show gents... keep it up. Will you please do an episode on the Infinity Q50 petrol and diesel variants?

[@burtonsmiddleclassreview4511]

2.4 litre engine is the worst pile of junk ever put in a Kia/Hyundai. Could you please do a review on the Kia Rio around 2017/2018 model with a l.4 litre naturally aspirated engine? Great reviews guys!👍

[@michaelallen3918]

Seems that the ones from 2017 have sorted most of the issues, but definitely wouldn't extend the oil changes like dealer recommends, going on my own experience....

[@realvibephotography9706]

Ditched my Sportage because of oil and engine failure... back to a barra Territory

[@Izack1535]

Was looking to buy a 2017 Optima GT with the 2.0 turbo engine. Hoped Jim would cover it

[@damilolaakanni]

2017 is the generation after this, although they look very similar to this one.

[@davidb1630]

These engines require, like all new engines, an oil and filter change to start with at 1,000 km, just after run-in. They must be run-in properly. A dealer will say they are run-in at the factory, but that is crap. They are started and run for 5 minutes, checked for leaks, then turned off. Then oil and filter every 6 months or 5,000 km, whichever comes first. Don't do it by handbook times. These engines, like all new engines, run with fine tolerances. Use the correct viscosity synth oil and no problems. The average new engine at 1,000 km has around 2,000-4,000 parts per million of copper, zinc, and alloy. That needs to be got rid of. By the 3rd oil change, so by 12 months, you will have around 2-6 parts per million and an engine to last for years. If an engine does 12 months with 2,000-4,000 parts per million of debris in it, it will be cactus.

[@cahilla54]

I’d imagine the reason they are run for just 5 minutes is to not cause a backup/delay on the production line

[@Posy13]

Agreed and it should be done with every car. But most people don’t give a shit. It is a bit of a fuss pot engine when compared to a Honda, Toyota or Mazda. I had a friend with a 2010 Mazda 6 he drove 20,000kms every year and only oil changed once a year. He didn’t understand whichever comes first🤣 car still ran fine and still doesn’t have an issue point is cars shouldn’t be that weak but some are and you should take care of them anyway

[@michaellamb4001]

Im surprised you didnt mention about the "kia boys" and how easy they are to steal, at least in America

[@williamlam1661]

Fortunately, it's not a problem here in Australia.

[@aaryeshg.6526]

The models in the US didn't come with an immobilizer.

[@HughesyTech]

Great looking car but glad I bought a Cerato new and not the Optima new, back in 2020 😮

[@brendezen]

You inspired alot of us aussie content creators and for that redriven is one of the goats. Apppreciate it. Ps - Not driving a kia though brother 😊

[@1969cmp]

I have a JF Si. Okay, not the model shown here, but..... I've had it since it was 5000kms old and have done over 100,000. I really like it and trips up and down the Stuart Highway are effortless and very good fuel economy, about 7.5L/100kms at 125-130km/h (N.T). Alice, Adelaide, Darwin.....a breeze. Great handling, rear seat room is very good as is boot space. Ergos are 'a' class, quiet NVH, punchy engine. I average 9.5L/100kms around town and a trip to the airport yielded 5.6L/100kms. Port Augusta to Port Lincoln with four adults and full of lugguage at about 6.7L/100kms. Best to use 95RON and occassionally injector cleaner. Oil consumption is near zero. Dashboard is still very good and feel 'BMW'. What has gone wrong. The alloys on the right side discoloured and replaced under warranty. The VCM and fuel pump failed at about 75,000 and replaced under warranty. Kia has been good to deal with. Occasionally, about once or twice a year at start-up the engine will only rev to about 1,000rpm. Simply turn it off and on again. It could be a sensor reacting to the temperature as I think it's only happened in summer. Paint clear coat on the upward facing surface has gone to crud. The Central Oz summer sun is punishing. Would I buy one again. Sure, the GT 2.0 litre with red leather 🙂...and not in black paint but white or silver.

[@sentiencepsn2714]

Here in the States, the only reason anyone would recommend it is the factory ten year warranty. Which is not transferable to the second hand owner. But yeah, they have a horrific reliability reputation here.

[@finalroar]

US customers get the ones built in the states, which are miserable compared to the Korean-built ones.

[@markbullock6446]

Cars made/assembled in the States had more issues.

[@jeremywentworth1833]

In Europe the warranty is transferable with the car but only 7 years & 100,009 miles

[@williamegler8771]

​@finalroar That's hilarious! People thinking just because it's assembled in America it's going to be unreliable Honda and Toyota have been assembling vehicles in the States for decades and they are some of the most reliable on the road. Honda has even exported several models built in its US factories back to Japan. Mercedes and BMW have been building certain models in the US and exporting them back to Europe. Only a couple of Australian-built cars have been imported into the states and the two most popular the Mercury Capri and the Pontiac GTO are both very problematic so what is the Aussies' excuse?

[@thomasschumacher5362]

Every car has reliability issues in the USA

[@BC-cp5vr]

I have a 2016 Optima GT 2.0l Turbo, 9 years on and No problems at all, nothing but regular services.

[@chrisfromkatunga6245]

Sub-Optima? It’s okay, I’ll show myself out.

[@SShari-bs2kx]

is the engine failure only apply to Thetha II engine? in my country they only sell the 2.0 Nu MPI only

[@phillipevans9414]

As far as I know, yes. Cheers!

[@m6780]

Interesting that we don't hear Nissan products being mentioned as alternatives. Kind of a shame. I would steer clear of a used CVT equipped one myself as well.

[@MrLurchsThings]

Re; the stereo. CJ Industries seem to do a fascia + Android Head unit (wireless CarPlay etc) for this model Optima. I got one from them for my Cerato Koup and although I had some problems, the after sales service and support was excellent.

[@marklittle3551]

Good car apart from the oil consumption from 100,000klms on.He got rid of it despite 7500k oil changes etc.Was using about a litre every 1500klms.Kia said it was fine when checked at the recall.

[@dostayer3369]

Wouldn't touch this thing with a barge pole because of its engine problems. The last thing I want is to be stuck on a highway with a burning engine... Their new engines are also hit and miss (1.6T), and their transmissions as well (their DCT is worse than the European competition).😂 One thing I've never understood is the entire car value stuff, it's a used car, and it already has lost its value, so what's the point? Also, how much of the problems on Euro cars are due to neglect rather than design flaws? Because I'm under the impression that a lot of the problems are because of this, especially with the ridiculous service intervals...

[@markbullock6446]

I own a 2014 Optima just about to clock 100,000km, l have not had an issue with the interior, exterior or mechanicaly, the only part l have had to replace is one battery and does not use oil Just make sure its serviced regularly. I love the car and still look back😁 Its been a great car. P.S l also own a 2018 Stinger, another great car but a little more fun.😂😂 Its amazing how many people that have had no owner experience love to trash other brands the dont know anything about. Pure trash trolls.

[@bb-qk8mp]

GEE YOUR MUST BE THE LAST ONE ON THE ROAD THEN, Theta engine is a dog.

[@markbullock6446]

@bb-qk8mp As l said just a troll. Find a bridge to climb under.😉

[@MrBirdylol]

Picked a ZB commodore over this, better driving dynamic, locally tuned, more space, nicer interior and even better looking

[@mattthambirajahpt286]

Is it still worth getting one now that Holden has shut down?

[@Realisicdriving]

The optima has Australian ride and handling tuning?

[@MrBirdylol]

@@mattthambirajahpt286 GM service centres are still a thing, and the ZB is just as serviceable as any other discontinued car

[@jamay1878]

My 2016 Hyundai Sonata with the 2.4L failed at 94000km. Was regularly serviced at a private mechanic and surprisingly Hyundai replaced the short block out of good will since it had a good service history and my mechanic verified it was serviced with the right oil, although it did take a lot of back and forth emails.

[@frankacunzo5205]

I have a 2014 kia optima platinum with 128000km Drives beautifull like new

[@Jaibin9111]

You better sell that quickly, I had mine terrible Engine failure @ 180k mileage. It was good ride until decided to quit its life. Trust me now is the good time to sell it, I lost a lot of money after the failure but obviously engine rebuilt by Kia they know the issue. Also check your dip stick colour, if it’s yellow or orange.

[@paulsimpson8990]

That’s not many km though

[@michaelallen3918]

​@@Jaibin9111what's the significance of the different colour dipstick? Just curious.

[@jeffs9509]

Surely you're doing the honda accord next

[@girthycucumber4274]

It's interesting how this Is not a particularly reliable or well-built vehicle, but since many are on their second engine which often has less than 100,000 mi on it, I wouldn't be surprised if there's still plenty of these driving around 10-15 years from now even if they look like hell.

[@ashleymalamute]

I've always wondered how much commonality there is between the Optima and the Stinger.

[@MotoringBoxTV]

Zero

[@haydenwood8211]

Kia optima gt? Been desperately searching the Hyundai sonata/Kia optima gt for the reliability of them 2.0t. please make a video for it sometimes soon.

[@heint8169]

I concidered to buy an Optima hybrid seven years ago. It's a big car. But I went for an is300h instead. I had a better belief in Toyota quality. The Lexus has now 240.000km on the odometer, without any issues.

[@paulklp8262]

Do a video on the Volvo S60 and V60/CC. Thinking of buying one.

[@perpetualgrin5804]

A request or order ?

[@yslee1401]

To be specific, it’s a Geely Volvo

[@damcyk4]

Interesting. Recently stumbled acris optima, rather rare in Europe and as gar i have noticed, they come exclusively with 1.7 diesel engine. Same goes to twin: Hyundai i40. And another interesting factoid: in Europe quite often Hyundai i40 and occasionally Optima are being used by taxi drivers, so surely they can't be that bad? How about model after 2015? Especially diesels 1.6 and 1.7? Maybe 2.0 plug in hybrid? I'm not recalling coming about any kia petrol here in Europe. Not many materials across internet about those. Hint, hint. Love the Channel Guys. Keep up the good job, greetings from Wales

[@phillipevans9414]

4-5 years ago, I nearly bought a 1.7L diesel i40 wagon, and from my research they are great reliable engines, if a little down on performance compared to similar competition. Ended up getting a Skoda Superb Tdi hatch, which I absolutely love to drive, but which has unfortunately, not been fault free. Cheers!

[@XtraNwera]

Yes Honda Accord Euro! I wonder how the newer model from 2007 performs 😅😊

[@dddd-fr3te]

Hey reddriven can you review a gle43 amg coupe?

[@yslee1401]

US auto channels uses the term that Hyundai/Kia engines have a habit of grenading even at 60,000miles

[@sydjaguar]

Do one for Ioniq 5

[@paulsz6194]

10:51 well , of course they had to tune the suspension of the 1st gen optima to local conditions, if they were going to take on the Toyota Camry, Mazda 6 Honda Accord & Ford Mondeo of the day… haven’t you heard the saying : " you only get one chance at a first impression"… so o surprises here…😂 P.s I don’t know why the Mondeo was overlooked as a segment competitor.

[@phillipevans9414]

Powershift aka Powershit💣 transmission is the reason. Cheers!

[@murrieteacher]

I knew if I said it enough get a Lexus you would see my reasons. The 3rd gen IS is a good looking car and it is reliable.

[@Shifty319]

would be good if you got your hands on the GT/N versions of these Kias and Hyundais

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Not for me, but sure as houses going to watch as I'm sure I'll learn somthing from these Ozzy legends

[@ambitiousautos1064]

im from the UK, we only had the 1.7 diesel for a long time, and by god, what a difference, the diesel are virtually (not always of course, there's always a few exceptions!) bulletproof, mines done 278K or 287K, can't think at the minute, 🤣, and never broke down, its on my channel 👍👍👍

[@ambitiousautos1064]

oh, forgot to add, its all on the original suspension, exhaust, starter motor, alternator, etc

[@bohemicus8280]

So.... I should NOT buy the Optima, I guess... I liked the older videos better - you just clearly said if I should or should not buy a car.

[@1969cmp]

Depends which year. The later JF was much better.

[@jasongarufi8187]

You did say Hyundai at 10:31 lol! Kia is owned by Hyundai.

[@andrewg2618]

Another cool G Shock

[@dylanbobyeoh6062]

Now this car would knock it out of the park if it had a japense engine

[@joppewijnberger]

What about the 1.6 T-GDI and the 2.0 T-GDI petrol that is sold in some other places? Are those more reliable? Do you or anybody in the comments know?

[@Shifty319]

I'm pretty sure the 1.6 and 2.0's are made in different plants to the 2.4 - they're generally considered pretty reliable

[@evgeny7039]

All of their engines are cheap shit

[@Arskv23]

Need a Subaru Liberty 5th gen for review ?

[@skilgour44]

The Optima looks okay but the Mazda 6 looks better and (in petrol form) is more reliable. It would be my choice in this class, followed closely by the Honda Accord (or, even better, the last of the Accord Euros with a manual transmission). I'm a little confused about why Redriven would be recommending a second generation Lexus IS given that the interiors disintegrate (according to their own video).

[@danieltoth371]

The two Lexuses (Lexi?) are good alternatives, unless you are looking for an estate/wagon. So Mazda 6 or Honda Accord it is then.

[@TwistedDonners]

Were the engines in the Optima the same ones involved in the class action lawsuits against Hyundai Kia? I have to admit that the Optima has an understated cool fact about its design. Shame that these have the ? over them because of the engines as they look like they'd be a nice unit to own and drive. Good work as always guys and as per usual I look forward to Sunday's video 👍.

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

Kia Kaboom Series.

[@mkvector9539]

lol 4 cylinder not so Optimal.

[@kmuinde]

Get wagon mazda 6 instead

[@mrgurulittle7000]

It’s a Kia. I hope it comes with a spare transmission and at LEAST a couple new engines.😂

[@QBIX04]

11L/100km?! My W124 300E has the same average 😅

[@liberty0758]

Same as my 2012 Aurion.

[@markbullock6446]

@@QBIX04 l average under 10 lt in normal driving, it only goes over 11 in heavy stop start traffic. Around 6.5/7 lts under highway conditions.

[@yslee1401]

It’s extremely thirsty for a Front Wheeldrive vehicle

[@yslee1401]

@@liberty0758the Aurion is a 3.5V6

[@QBIX04]

@@markbullock6446 yes, but average is combined. For everyday city driving and weekends further trips 11 it is :D

[@peterwilliam4681]

Why do it to yourself.

[@TyrGraveby]

Find a Renault Talisman!

[@richieduck67]

Not really Optimal

[@nsz2302]

C'mon it doesn't look bad but it's far from looking great. An Alfa giulia looks great not this thing...

[@Posy13]

It’s a scam Mazda 6! Looks good like the 6. Drives like a big sports car, like the 6. European quality like the 6. A big 2.4L engine the 6 has a 2.5L that thankfully doesn’t blow up. Second best car in its class as long as the engine doesn’t blow up. Kia have come a long way since.

[@ArmySigs]

Hey! There is nothing pretentious about a Picolo!

[@kTSWaynos]

GTs came out from 2015 and are fantasic cars, lots of features and the 2L turbo has plenty of power. Drove a GT press car many years ago and everyone that went in it raved about it.

[@jamesmcgowen1769]

Commercial vehicle reviews…

[@ReDriven]

What do you mean?

[@Erko1337]

Owned 2014 euro spec variant (facelifted). We didn't get the 2.4 engine in EU, but 2.0 NA and 1.7 diesel. I owned the 2.0 gasoline variant. I have not heard these engines having any catastrophic issues. Owned it for almost 9 years, bought it new and drove 100k KMs, which is not much. Didn't have any issues with it, started even in -30C colds without a hitch on original battery which I never had to change. KIA warranty was also great, no questions asked, few things like parking sensor and backup camera gave up at some point which they then replaced. One of the best and most trouble-free rides I've owned so far. My recommendation is to get the facelifted model on highest trim (TX in EU). Interior gets a very nice upgrade with the facelift, also there's a lot included in highest trim level that you otherwise didn't get with the competition of the same year, but had to pay for extra, such as cooled front seats, heated rear seats, nice LED front foglamps, full LED taillamps, blind spot detection, automatic parallel parking and lane keep assist to name a few. 550W Infinity premium audio was pretty decent also. Facelifted highest trim variant should also get full touch screen, which looks far more modern than the lesser variants or pre-facelifted systems, and it worked flawlessly for me also, had no connectivity issues or any that sort of stuff.

[@kevinbarry71]

No. Never buy a KN. At least in United States, the values plummet. Even the used ones. The engines fail. Dealerships have an enormous backlog of warranty engine replacements. At first a car like this might seem superior to some alternatives, but I assure you it is not.

[@paulklp8262]

This is Australia and ROW, your advice doesn't apply.

[@kevinbarry71]

Really? I guess you guys get the good engines. Oh wait, that's not what he said

[@markbullock6446]

@@kevinbarry71 U.S made quality.

[@kevinbarry71]

@ especially the ones manufactured in Korea. Of course we cannot talk about Australian made quality because there's no Australian made anything. Except terrible beer

[@yslee1401]

Yeah, Scotty Kilmer, Car Care Nut etc says that there engines tends to granede itself even at 60,000miles

[@DerekTong-lm6ot]

Will you review mercedes ~2014 a/cla/gla class🥹? Cla was my childhood dream car, not sure if it is as reliable/unreliable as the w205.

[@cryotasticshitposting]

Nice car! Not so nice engine!