What are some good tips for keeping my 2016 Kia Optima in good shape? I already know about changing the oil every 3000 miles and only using synthetic oil. Is there anything else I should be doing to make this car last a few more years?
Regular maintenance is key. I haven’t personally seen one go past 200,000 miles though.
I came across this while looking for info on my car!
I’ve had this model since 2018, and it’s at 145,000 miles now. My warranty saved me when my engine failed and my turbo went out at 137,000 miles. If you hear any strange noises or clicking sounds, take it in right away. My warranty covered most of the repair, but it would’ve been $16,000 without it. I ended up paying $3,000 out of pocket. Keep all your receipts for oil changes and services! It’s important because this isn’t covered under the recall for the LX model.
Other than that, it’s been a great car and very reliable. My dealership even called it a unicorn for being so low maintenance outside of the engine issue.
@Brady
So if my LX just threw the rod code today, am I out of luck?
Blaire said:
@Brady
So if my LX just threw the rod code today, am I out of luck?
Sorry I missed this earlier. You should take it in as soon as you can to get it checked. My car didn’t show warning lights until the engine was almost done for. I had been reporting a clunking noise and a shutter when shifting from reverse to drive, but the dealership couldn’t catch it happening. Keeping all my service receipts helped me get most of the repair covered under warranty. If you’re hearing anything odd, don’t wait to get it looked at.
The LX is covered under the engine recall, but mine is the LX Turbo, so my engine and turbo replacement weren’t part of that. My warranty covered $10,000 of a $16,000 repair because I had records showing I’d kept up with maintenance. I hope everything works out for you! Aside from this issue, the car has been amazing.
@Brady
Thanks for the reply! Good news, they approved a full engine replacement. I’m driving a rental now, a 2023 Altima, and it’s not bad. My service advisor is an old friend, and she made sure their best tech worked on it.
Make sure you’ve had the KSDS update done. Engine failure is a pretty common issue with these.
Use only good-quality gas. Also, get the detailed maintenance done every 30,000 miles.
Fife said:
Use only good-quality gas. Also, get the detailed maintenance done every 30,000 miles.
I only use BP gas. What do you mean by detailed maintenance?
Fife said:
Use only good-quality gas. Also, get the detailed maintenance done every 30,000 miles.
I only use BP gas. What do you mean by detailed maintenance?
How many miles do you have on your car right now?
Check your manual for the 60,000-mile service details. Avoid dealerships—they’re overpriced. Look for a reliable local shop to get the work done.
Fife said:
Use only good-quality gas. Also, get the detailed maintenance done every 30,000 miles.
I only use BP gas. What do you mean by detailed maintenance?
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@Bin
I always thought BP gas was good because it seemed to last longer.