Car financing: 2012 Kia Optima
None for sale by us right now: rent one for a week first, or ask us to find one. Rated 6.5 to 9.0 L/100 km combined (EPA). 6 NHTSA recall campaigns. CarmaCars is not a lender, dealer or lessor, and does not arrange financing or leases. We rent cars, and sell one only when it is listed for sale on this page with its price.
- For sale by us
- 0
- Combined
- 6.5 to 9.0 L/100 km
- Recalls
- 6
For sale
We do not have a 2012 Kia Optima for sale right now. We are a rental company: rent one for a week to try it, or tell us what you want and we look for one for you.
CarmaCars is not a lender, dealer or lessor, and does not arrange financing or leases. We rent cars, and sell one only when it is listed for sale on this page with its price.
2012 Kia Optima specs
| Spec | Powertrain 1 | Powertrain 2 | Powertrain 3 | Powertrain 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L 4-cylinder hybrid | 2.4L 4-cylinder | 2.4L 4-cylinder | 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Hybrid (gas) | Regular gas | Regular gas | Regular gas |
| City | 6.9 L/100 km | 10.0 L/100 km | 10.0 L/100 km | 10.6 L/100 km |
| Highway | 6.2 L/100 km | 6.9 L/100 km | 7.0 L/100 km | 7.2 L/100 km |
| Combined | 6.5 L/100 km | 8.6 L/100 km | 8.6 L/100 km | 9.0 L/100 km |
| CO₂ | 153 g/km | 205 g/km | 205 g/km | 212 g/km |
| Cost to drive 100 km | $10.08 | $13.33 | $13.33 | $13.95 |
2012 Kia Optima: every figure
| Figure | Powertrain 1 | Powertrain 2 | Powertrain 3 | Powertrain 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.4 L | 2.4 L | 2.0 L |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| MPG city (US) | 34 | 24 | 24 | 22 |
| MPG highway (US) | 38 | 34 | 34 | 33 |
| MPG combined (US) | 36 | 27 | 27 | 26 |
| MPG combined (Imperial) (converted from the US figure) | 43 | 32 | 32 | 31 |
| Luggage volume (litres converted from EPA's cubic feet) | 283 L (10 cu ft) | 425 L (15 cu ft) | 425 L (15 cu ft) | 425 L (15 cu ft) |
| Fuel cost a year (EPA) (EPA: 15,000 miles at its fuel prices) | US$1,850 | US$2,500 | US$2,500 | US$2,600 |
| Fuel cost for 20,000 km (at $1.55 a litre) | $2,016 | $2,666 | $2,666 | $2,790 |
Sources: fuel use, MPG, CO2, electric range, battery, charge time, luggage volume and the annual fuel cost are the US EPA's (fueleconomy.gov). Imperial MPG, litres, inches and pounds are converted from those figures. Figures no free source publishes for this car (power, torque, acceleration, top speed, fuel tank, towing) are left out.
What to check when buying the 2012 Kia Optima
- NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. Ask the seller for proof each one was fixed; a dealer can check it by the VIN.
- Owners filed 1,029 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine (470), steering (197) and electrical system (144). Have those parts checked before you buy.
| Campaign | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23V652000 | 2023-09-25 | service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an... |
| 22V560000 | 2022-08-01 | structure:body:roof and pillars | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment. |
| 20V750000 | 2020-12-02 | engine | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving. |
| 18V907000 | 2018-12-19 | engine | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects... |
| 18V363000 | 2018-06-01 | air bags: air bag/restraint control module | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying. |
| 17V224000 | 2017-03-31 | engine and engine cooling:engine | Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine. |
Source: NHTSA (US) recall campaigns and owner complaints for this model year.
The 2012 Kia Optima: before you buy
CarmaCars is a rental company and does not have the 2012 Kia Optima for sale right now. Rent one for a week first, or ask us to look for one. CarmaCars does not finance cars. Renting is not a loan, so there is no credit check to rent. This page sets out the 2012 Kia Optima for buyers, in plain words.
A buyer's checks
A pre-purchase inspection at a shop you choose is money well spent. A private seller in Ontario must give you a Used Vehicle Information Package. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model; ask the seller for proof each one was fixed. Owners filed 1,029 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine, steering and electrical system; have those parts checked.
The figures, translated
Under the hood: the 2.4L 4-cylinder hybrid and front-wheel drive. As a hybrid, it does best in stop-and-go traffic, where the electric motor does more of the work. Front-wheel drive is the usual layout for cars this size, predictable in the rain and the snow.
Fuel use is rated 6.5 L/100 km combined, so 300 km needs about 20 litres. A 300 km weekend costs about $30.24 in energy at our price setting. The EPA estimates US$1,850 a year in fuel for 15,000 miles.
Inside and out
Its car body is low and settled, with a separate trunk. EPA lists 283 litres of luggage space, enough for about two large suitcases and a few soft bags.
Who it is for
It suits anyone who needs a car for a few days, a week or a month without buying one. It suits a weekend away when the train does not reach where you are going.
Rent it for a week first
If the Optima is in our fleet, its page shows the rates; if not, a similar car helps you judge. If it is in our fleet, rent it; if not, a similar car gives you a feel for the class. A week with the Optima answers more than any brochure.
Money matters
The EPA estimates US$1,850 a year in fuel for 15,000 miles at US prices. Ask what a set of tires costs for this trim; sizes and prices vary. At our price setting, 100 km costs about $10.08 in fuel.
Narrowing it down
Ask the seller which trim it is; badges can be swapped and options vary. Set a budget that includes tax, licensing, insurance and the first set of tires. If you are unsure between two options, rent one of them for a week first.
When you know your dates
Ask us anything about renting before you buy.
Rent it for a week before you buy
A week of your own driving tells you more than a test drive: the commute, the parking, the fuel. Rent a 2012 Kia Optima from us first.
Ask us about the 2012 Kia Optima
Tell us your budget and when you want to buy; we look for a 2012 Kia Optima for you and reply within one business day.
Buying the 2012 Kia Optima
Does CarmaCars sell the 2012 Kia Optima?
Not right now. CarmaCars rents cars; it sells one only now and then. Tell us what you want and we look for one, or rent one for a week first.
Can I rent a 2012 Kia Optima before I buy one?
Yes. Request it for a week (or longer, up to 365 days) and drive it as your own; nothing is charged until we confirm and you approve.
Does the 2012 Kia Optima have recalls?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for it, in the table on this page. Ask for proof each was fixed.
What does the 2012 Kia Optima cost in fuel a year?
EPA puts it at US$1,850 a year for 15,000 miles at its fuel prices; at our price setting, 20,000 km cost about $2016.00.
Where do the figures come from?
Fuel use and fuel cost from the US EPA (fueleconomy.gov), dimensions and weight from NHTSA vPIC Canadian specifications, recalls and complaints from NHTSA. We leave out any figure no free source publishes.