During the first three years of ownership, the Kia Optima depreciates extremely little, showing excellent value retention. In addition, this model has one of the greatest private-party sales values of any automobile in its class, particularly if it has only been driven a maximum of 15,000 miles annually.
In This Article...
Do KIAS hold their resale value?
Fiat has the worst resale value among well-known brands, declining by an average of 59.3 percent in the first five years. Buick (58.0%), Chryster (56.5%), and Kia are next in line (55.2 percent ). Volvo has the worst resale value among luxury brands, with values dropping 61.3 percent in the first five years. Dec 2, 2020
Is Kia Optima worth?
The 2020 Kia Optima maintains its position as a stylish midsize sedan that provides good fuel efficiency, technology, value, and everyday use. It’s also available as an Optima PHEV, which can travel up to 28 miles on electricity alone before requiring the gasoline engine, or a 45-mpg Optima Hybrid.
Do Kia Optimas break down a lot?
A KIA Optima is said to have a 200,000-mile lifespan. Many owners have gone over the 100,000-mile mark without any major issues. Jul 30, 2020
Is the Kia Optima a wise investment?
The 2020 Optima is a reliable used car, yes. This sedan offers a comfortable ride, a stylish interior, a sizable trunk, and a feature-rich and user-friendly infotainment system. Additionally, it offers a ton of safety features and one of the best safety ratings among midsize cars.
How long are Kia Optimas good for?
The Kia Optima has a typical lifespan of 200,000 miles, which equates to around 13 years of service when you consider the average annual mileage of 15,000 miles. Because of this, the Kia Optima is an affordable option on the used automobile market that will last you for many years.
What are the Kia Optima’s primary issues?
Engine issues with the Kia Optima are widely documented. According to reports, the 20112014 Kia Optima has a serious manufacturing problem with the engine that could lead to premature bearing wear. Uncontrollable engine seizing could result from this, raising the possibility of collisions or crashes.
Which vehicle maintains its worth the longest?
You could require a new car, but you’re unsure of which model is best for you. You can make the appropriate decisions by being aware of the brands that retain their value the best. then, choose the size or body type that appeals to you the best.
Which automaker’s stock has the best value? We collaborated with IntelliChoice to acquire the five-year average retained value for all of the model lineups from automakers in order to answer this question. All automobiles lose value over time, however some brands’ automobiles do so more slowly than others. Continue reading to learn which brands hold their value the best.
Honda: 52.5 Percent Retained Value
Honda automobiles have excellent quality and dependability, which means they are less prone to depreciation than some other models. Those looking to purchase a used Honda may be sure that whatever vehicle they choose will continue to run for a very long time. Hondas are likely to remain popular even as consumer preferences shift because the brand offers a wide variety of cars and SUVs. Many drivers automatically choose certain of those models, such as the Civic, Accord, Odyssey, or Pilot, only based on brand recognition. They are often pleasant to drive. All of this aids Honda in maintaining a 52.5% value across its lineup. That is, however, the least of all the automakers on this list.
Chevrolet: 52.5 Percent Retained Value
We’ve all witnessed the dependability of Chevrolet cars and trucksjust think of the used SUV, sedan, or truck you’ve seen on the road. Whether they are ferrying the family around or working hard on a jobsite, these cars continue to run smoothly after years of service. Within their respective segments, Chevrolets like the Silverado, Malibu, or Traverse are well-liked vehicles. The Camaro and Corvette are more examples of American performance icons. These have a definite appeal as collectibles and resist devaluation as a result. They have an impact on the 52.5 percent value retention of Chevrolets over that time.
Dodge: 53.3 Percent Retained Value
Dodge cars have strengthnot only horsepower, but also endurance. The company is well-known for its Hemi V-8 engines, which give its cars the ability to burn rubber as well as generate sales among lovers of muscle cars. The Challenger and Charger are mainstays in their respective markets thanks to their ample interior capacity, appealing features, and appealing appearance. That also applies to the Durango, which stands out among three-row SUVs for its raucous personality. Even Dodge cars with V-6 engines, which are more logical, have the same shine as their powerful rivals. It all contributes to Dodges, on average, keeping 53.3 percent of their value.
GMC: 54.6 Percent Retained Value
Drivers turn to GMC when Chevrolets aren’t quite nice enough. All of these General Motors brands produce vehicles that are relatively similar to one another, however GMCs tend to have more premium aims. Some of GMC’s most well-known vehicles include the Yukon full-size three-row SUV, Terrain compact SUV, and Sierra medium pickup truck. Each can be had in Denali trim, which includes additional high-end features and aesthetic elements. The desirable durability and adaptability of GMC cars, in any trim level, contribute to their 54.6 percent value retention over five years.
Ford: 55.1 Percent Retained Value
Ford, one of the industry’s pioneering automakers, has found out how to create cars that are both interesting to drive and reliable for a long period. Ford offers some of the most well-known nameplates in the business, including the Explorer, Escape, Mustang, and F-150. With multiple trim options, engines, and specifications available inside each model, the Blue Oval has a Ford to suit almost every taste. Some drivers won’t settle for anything other than a Ford because of the brand’s rich history and American heritage. All of this results in an average value retention throughout the whole Ford lineup of 55.1 percent.
Subaru: 57.0 Percent Retained Value
Subaru vehicles are versatile, balancing all-wheel drive capability with practicality for daily driving. While the Legacy and Impreza offer comfort and affordability for sedan consumers, crossovers like the Outback and Crosstrek cater to those with an appetite for adventure. For families, the Ascent three-row SUV has grown in popularity. The rally-inspired WRX and STI from Subaru continue to set the bar for fast small vehicles. Regardless of model, Subaru’s 57.0 percent retention over five years may be attributed to feature content, performance, cheap cost of ownership, and safety.
Ram: 58.1 Percent Retained Value
Ram is a manufacturer of pickup trucks with a history of winning Truck of the Year awards for their reliability, capability, technology, and affordability. The larger 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty vehicles, as well as the midsize 1500 truck, all contain segment-leading features and abilities. Whether on a road, off a road, or when towing a huge load, good driving behavior always prevails. The ProMaster vans broaden Ram’s selection of commercial vehicles. Whatever the case, the brand’s well-designed automobiles contribute to its position as a leader, in addition to its remarkable 58.1 percent value retention average across its array.
Jeep: 58.4 Percent Retained Value
Few vehicles can withstand depreciation like the storied Wrangler, making it one of the finest investments in the whole industry. It contributes significantly to the brand’s strong average value retention. The Gladiator, a pickup-based alternative to the Wrangler, doesn’t deviate much from its starting price over time either. Each and every Jeep, from the smaller Renegade to the bigger Grand Cherokee, is designed for off-road capability. The popularity of Jeep is maintained by this as well as its design, feature set, and adaptability. Drivers are thus willing to pay for used cars, as seen by Jeep’s 58.4% value retention.
Toyota: 58.6 Percent Retained Value
Value is a distinguishing feature of Toyota automobiles, regardless of whether they are brand new on a dealer lot or have a six-digit odometer. They are also furnished with features and technology to meet the requirements of modern drivers, in addition to being inexpensive, dependable, and efficient. The Corolla and Camry continue to be popular choices even though consumer demand for sedans is declining in favor of SUVs. There are plenty of SUV alternatives from Toyota, including the RAV4, Highlander, and 4Runner. The value of Toyota’s trucks, the Tacoma and Tundra, is also very high. In addition, drivers who want to save money at the pump continue to favor the Prius hybrid. Together with other models, Toyota has the best brand retention of any automaker, holding 58.6% of its value on average over a five-year period.
What Kia Optima years should I stay away from?
The Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima are competitors of the five-seat mid-size Kia Optima. The spacious Kia Optima is a mid-size car with simple controls and numerous active safety features. Despite being well-liked, the Optima does have certain problems, and there are a few particular years you should watch out for. These Kia Optima years should be avoided.
Short Answer: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
The Optima from Kia is one of several automaker manufacturers that appear to have at least one model that is an absolute failure. The five-year period between 2011 and 2015 turned out to be the Kia Optima years to avoid, and if you’re interested in buying one, you should give subsequent model years a second look even though there are fewer complaints about them.
The Optima is not one of the most dependable solutions available even if it has a wonderful overall design, sells well, and is an economical option because of its numerous mechanical problems. Its low rating isn’t due to a lack of contemporary features or a high starting price, but rather to persistent major mechanical problems that affect both new and old versions.
The Kia Optima was intended to be a cost-effective sedan for the typical consumer, but its cost-effectiveness was overshadowed by a lack of dependability. The Optima is a modest base car that costs between $20,000 and $30,000 for the majority of regular variants and has some issues that drive up maintenance expenses.
You can always be sure that you got the greatest value possible since CoPilot scans your neighborhood and notifies you if there is a better deal on a comparable vehicle nearby. The best approach to purchase a car is through the CoPilot app.
Kia Optima Years to Avoid: 2011
2011 was the worst year on record for the Kia Optima, according to figures compiled from complaints received about the vehicle over its lifetime. The 2011 Kia Optima’s most frequent issue is engine failure, which often occurs under 100,000 miles and has an average repair cost of over $4,500. A class-action lawsuit was brought against Kia because there were sufficient problems and significant customer pressure along with widespread criticism. In the end, the automaker recalled various vehicles, including 2011-2014 Optimas with 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines.
What was initially a cheap automobile quickly racked up repair costs. Total engine failure was the worst and most frequent mechanical event in 2011. That is something you would anticipate from a Honda Accord with 300,000 miles, but not from a more recent Kia. Kia issued a number of recalls as a result of numerous incidents in which the engine seized while being driven, leaving drivers and their families stranded on the side of the road. If Kia hadn’t issued these recalls, consumers would have had to spend hundreds of dollars to replace the entire engine or purchase a new vehicle.
There were expensive engine problems with other models besides the 2011 one. In the 2013 model year, catastrophic engine failure occurred even in vehicles with fewer than 75,000 miles. The project was destroyed by the issue because it was so significant and expensive to fix.
For the 2011 model year, these common problems:
- issues with the steering
- difficulties with the fuel system
- Interior fixtures that are malfunctioning
- electric problems
- A broken set of brakes
- Pains in the body
By 2016, the majority of the problems that had existed in prior years had mostly disappeared. By the 2017 model year, all issues had been resolved. The finest model years to choose from are the 2017 to 2020 range because they are quite reasonable and are currently the only options available for the Kia Optima that are used or semi-owned.
Until you use the CoPilot car shopping app, you won’t understand how out of date other car search applications are. CoPilot does the legwork for you by scanning through every listing in your region and smartly compiling a customized list of the best deals that fit your criteria.
Kia Optima Years to Avoid: 2013 & 2014
A recall was issued for the Kia Optima model years 20132014 that used the 2.4liter and 2.0liter turbocharged fourcylinder engines. The engines’ low-pressure fuel lines occasionally fractured and leaked, creating a serious fire hazard. Although the exact cause of the cracking was unknown, heat from the engine bay seems to be the main problem, which affected a small but sizable number of Kias.
Typical problems with the 2013 and 2014 model years are:
- Recalls of engines
- Fire risk
- High upkeep expenses
Kia Optima Years to Avoid: 2015
According to CarComplaints, certain 2015 Optimas still had engine failure complaints. With an average of 500 to 1000 complaints made across the four years, the years between 2012 and 2015 experienced many of the same problems. On the highway, the 2015 model experienced the biggest problems, with engines frequently seizing. There have also been incidents where many cars have caught fire, posing a risk to the driver, passengers, and other people.
Typical problems with the 2015 model year:
- engine failure completely and poor performance
- Fire risks
Despite receiving fewer complaints than earlier model years, the 2016 Optima nonetheless has a number of flaws. Some 2.4-liter vehicles had to be recalled because their front driveshafts were damaged. Window regulator failure has also been reported by certain owners, however according to CarComplaints, this problem seems unlikely. Finally, Consumer Reports reports that sunroof-equipped automobiles have issues with their sunroofs not closing, the tracks warping, or just rattling due to worn seals.
Typical problems with the 2016 model year:
- roof collapse
- power window management
- inadequate sealant insulation
Kia Optima Recalls by Year
- 0 in 2000
- 3 in 2001
- 3 in 2002
- 2 in 2003
- 1 in 2004
- 0 in 2005
- 2 in 2006
- 2 in 2007
- 3 in 2008
- 1 in 2009
- 1 in 2010
- 4 in 2011
- 3 in 2012
- 5 in 2013
- 4 in 2014
- 2 in 2015
- 4 in 2016
- 2 in 2017
- 1 in 2018
- 1 in 2019
- 0 in 2020
The majority of the repeat recalls occurred within the five-year period between 2011 and 2015. Although general problems are more likely to arise as people age, these five have continuous repair and maintenance needs.
These are the ideal vehicles for college students since they can transport you, your friends, and your belongings everywhere you need to go, whether you need to squeeze into a small campus parking space or transport ten loads of laundry home.
What are the good Kia Optima Model Years?
There are essentially no issues with the Optimas for 2017 through 2019. They will undoubtedly be discounted in the near future since a facelift is anticipated for the 2021 model year. All of the 2016 Optima’s problems, meanwhile, are not necessarily fatal provided the recall work was done properly.
Even the greatest Optimas from 2017 and 2018 have been recalled, but just the hybrid models, exactly like most other strong vehicle years. Some 2019 vehicles have been recalled due to a front-collision warning system software issue. With the highest CR reliability rating of the group, the 2019 Kia Optima. One of the models from the most recent generation in the last five years is a sure choice if you’re looking for a used Optima.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The simplest way to purchase a car is using the CoPilot auto shopping app. You may create a customized list of the top car listings in your area by telling us what you’re looking for, and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area.
Just seeking for more recent models? The search engine for virtually new vehicles is CoPilot Compare. only observe recentfive years or lessautos with little mileage. The greatest place to look for off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO vehicles is CoPilot Compare.
What’s best? We have more information on each vehicle than our rivals since CoPilot was developed using the same technologies that dealerships use to acquire and sell their inventories. Since CoPilot doesn’t partner with automakers, there aren’t any sponsored posts or other dubious tacticsjust the most information about the best vehicles. To learn more about CoPilot’s operation, see our About Us page.