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1-18 of 18 Results
  1. Wheels, Tires and Suspension
    Does anyone know if there's been any suspension differences between the MY2011 to MY2012-15?
  2. Wheels, Tires and Suspension
    My 2012 Kia has a USA VIN since is starts with 5XXGR. But the struts I ordered for a USA optima did not fit my car, see this photo you can see the strut mount bracket on the new strut does not match my OEM strut. So can someone tell me does my OEM strut looks like a USA or a Korean Optima...
  3. 3rd Generation Optima (2011 - 2015)
    Hello, everyone! Per a suggestion from another forum member, I wanted to start a post of the design differences between Kia Optimas from 2011 onwards. I will post front, side, and rear shots of an Optima from that particular year and trim level. Because a number of these changes happened almost...
  4. The Dealership
    Today I decided to go to a different dealership to buy my oil filter, which is about 5 miles farther from my home. Guess what, it was $1 cheaper than at my usual dealership. I usually go to Rick Case KIA for my oil filters but I am charged $8 including tax for the oil filter and crush washer...
  5. Wheels, Tires and Suspension
    I know people have mentioned the front suspension being a little different between model years (hence the different coilover kits from Megan) but is there a difference in the rear too? Need to find out for sure if they are the same. Buying something from a 2012 and want to make sure it's going...
  6. Interior and Exterior Modifications
    Hi all, I'm doing the DRL upgrade to my SX, and decided that I'd just go ahead and buy a new bar rather than cut mine. I hated to because of the expense, but I thought since I already took the plunge, I'd take advantage of the situation and take some side-by-side pictures so that anyone else...
  7. Interior and Exterior Modifications
    I'm looking at adding some interior LEDs and have been checking out exLED and Diode Dynamics. I saw that at exLED, the picture of the LEDs looks like cut out panels and/or bulbs and diodes attached to some sort of plastic housing or sheeting (see below as my descriptions are brutal haha)...
  8. 3rd Generation Optima (2011 - 2015)
    More of a question thread than an observation. First, when I step out of my wifes 2013 I touch the lock button and the doors lock. When I do this with the 2011 the car beeps and the doors will not lock. The only way for me to lock the door is with the remote. Is this just the way it is or am I...
  9. 3rd Generation Optima (2011 - 2015)
    Hi all, First time visiting here in the forums. I'm in the market for a new car. Time to retire my old 1994 Explorer haha I had the Optima, Accord, and Mazda6 on my short list and I think the winner will be the Optima. I'm not entirely interested in buying brand new, but looking to find a...
  10. Hybrids
    Hello all!. Dropped my my local Concord (No. California) KIA dealership and they had TWO '13 hybrids. They were kind enough for a quick test-drive and a photo shoot! 1. Visual Differences. Compared to my 2012 there's a EX on the trunk and Hybrid on the sides - that's it; There are no...
  11. Engine and Technical Discussion
    They look the same but I know the turbo one have like a valve inside to produce back pressure for quicker spooling but as far as diameter of inlet/outlet is there a difference in the two just wondering because I want better flow without the noise lol any help is appreciated
  12. 3rd Generation Optima (2011 - 2015)
    Do the 2011 hybrid and LX have the same seats? I know the covers are different but are the seats the same. I have the chance to buy new hybrid OEM seat covers and want to put them on my LX but need to know if they fit? Anyone know?
  13. 3rd Generation Optima (2011 - 2015)
    Can anyone tell me the differences between the 2011 and 2012 Optima. I can get a great deal on a 2011 but want to know if I should hold out for the 2012 models to reach Canada.
  14. 3rd Generation Optima (2011 - 2015)
    I'm assuming Canadian models are same as US. As a new owner... (i love my car by the way) ... I was thinking that the black above foglights was too large. Now I see why. On UK models (maybe korean model too?) they have the led accent strip that goes there like on the sportage. Also had...
  15. 3rd Generation Optima (2011 - 2015)
    Now I've got a friend of mine who want to go the cheaper route and get the 2011 Optima SX. All seem very similar. Are there any differences at all? Besides tires?
  16. Interior and Exterior Modifications
    I have a 2011 LX that I have done quita a bit of mods to but I have a few questions. I have heard that the SX's have some carbon fiber trim? What is carbon fiber and does anyone have any pictures to show? I have added a lot of CF to my interior but there is still room for improvement and I would...
  17. Wheels, Tires and Suspension
    Hey everyone....is the ride height between the different submodels the same? Wen i see an SX it looks like there is less fender gap than the other models but i cant tell if its because the wheels r 18s or if it because the wheels r bigger and its lower...anyone know?
  18. Engine and Technical Discussion
    I was pretty surprised when I read that the Optima 2.0 turbo can run off regular 87 octane fuel. Is there any performance advantages (with the stock ECU) to running 93 octane? I know some cars have octane sensors that will de-tune the car to make sure there is no pre-detonation. I have...
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