2004 Kia Optima
 

I am posting to these newsgroups because of the vast expertise available.
Thank you for indulging me.

On April 30, 2007, I purchased a 2004 KIA Optima that had been used by the
dealer as a loaner. The car had about 19,000 miles on it when purchased by
me. The car had been placed in Service by the dealer on June 30, 2005.
When purchased by me, there was a little over 3 years and 40, 000 miles left
on the warranty. I have noticed on several occassions the car appeared to
be leaning to the left (when viewed from the rear) while parked in my
driveway. Yesterday, I took a few measurements in the driveway and the car
leans about 1/2" to the left. Measurements were taken at a point near the
left front, left rear, right front and right rear. I moved the car into my
garage, on a level floor, re-measured, and confirmed my original
measurements. I will be taking this up with the dealer but would like any
ideas as to what may have caused this problem and how to resolve it.

Thanks for any information.

Re: 2004 Kia Optima
 

Your not going to like this but the most obvious answer is it was
wrecked, the suspension damaged or unit body structure bent or both, and
then not properly repaired.

I'd take it to a good alignment shop and have them give it a through
going over. Or you might take it to a shop that does a lot of crash
repairs and get them to check it out for any damage or signs of repairs.

I actually had a vehicle (a Jeep Comanche) that had a definite tilt to
it for a while, it happened when I hit a piece of broken curb at about
45 mph and bent the front axle.

Good luck!

Jeff DeWitt

DodgeDriver wrote:
> I am posting to these newsgroups because of the vast expertise available.
> Thank you for indulging me.
>
> On April 30, 2007, I purchased a 2004 KIA Optima that had been used by the
> dealer as a loaner. The car had about 19,000 miles on it when purchased by
> me. The car had been placed in Service by the dealer on June 30, 2005.
> When purchased by me, there was a little over 3 years and 40, 000 miles left
> on the warranty. I have noticed on several occassions the car appeared to
> be leaning to the left (when viewed from the rear) while parked in my
> driveway. Yesterday, I took a few measurements in the driveway and the car
> leans about 1/2" to the left. Measurements were taken at a point near the
> left front, left rear, right front and right rear. I moved the car into my
> garage, on a level floor, re-measured, and confirmed my original
> measurements. I will be taking this up with the dealer but would like any
> ideas as to what may have caused this problem and how to resolve it.
>
> Thanks for any information.
>
>
>
>

Re: 2004 Kia Optima
 

I'd expect this is either due to low tire pressure on the left side or
slightly different spring rates. This is a common occurrence in most
vehicles (all makes and models), and 1/2" is usually considered the limit
of normal variation.

Re: 2004 Kia Optima
 

"hyundaitech" <notpublic@not.public.com> wrote in message
news:c4f97ce1109cf5f99b33aaf865b98e8b@localhost.ta lkaboutautos.com...
> I'd expect this is either due to low tire pressure on the left side or
> slightly different spring rates. This is a common occurrence in most
> vehicles (all makes and models), and 1/2" is usually considered the limit
> of normal variation.
>
Thanks for the suggestion. I failed to mention that I had also checked the
tire pressure. It is not a tire pressure problem.

Re: 2004 Kia Optima
 

"DodgeDriver" <wingnut@invalid.net> wrote in message
news:137jj4kadpkqs60@corp.supernews.com...
>I am posting to these newsgroups because of the vast expertise available.
> Thank you for indulging me.
>
> On April 30, 2007, I purchased a 2004 KIA Optima that had been used by
> the
> dealer as a loaner. The car had about 19,000 miles on it when purchased
> by
> me. The car had been placed in Service by the dealer on June 30, 2005.
> When purchased by me, there was a little over 3 years and 40, 000 miles
> left
> on the warranty. I have noticed on several occassions the car appeared to
> be leaning to the left (when viewed from the rear) while parked in my
> driveway. Yesterday, I took a few measurements in the driveway and the
> car
> leans about 1/2" to the left. Measurements were taken at a point near the
> left front, left rear, right front and right rear. I moved the car into
> my
> garage, on a level floor, re-measured, and confirmed my original
> measurements. I will be taking this up with the dealer but would like any
> ideas as to what may have caused this problem and how to resolve it.
>
> Thanks for any information.

Too much chocolate cake. Seriously, could be it was driven by someone that
was a bit on the heavy side and has some sag in the suspension. Usually
takes more than 19,000 miles though. Check the manufacturer's tolerance
too, it may be close to specification.

Re: 2004 Kia Optima
 

In article <137jj4kadpkqs60@corp.supernews.com>,
"DodgeDriver" <wingnut@invalid.net> wrote:

> I am posting to these newsgroups because of the vast expertise available.
> Thank you for indulging me.
>
> On April 30, 2007, I purchased a 2004 KIA Optima that had been used by the
> dealer as a loaner. The car had about 19,000 miles on it when purchased by
> me. The car had been placed in Service by the dealer on June 30, 2005.
> When purchased by me, there was a little over 3 years and 40, 000 miles left
> on the warranty. I have noticed on several occassions the car appeared to
> be leaning to the left (when viewed from the rear) while parked in my
> driveway. Yesterday, I took a few measurements in the driveway and the car
> leans about 1/2" to the left. Measurements were taken at a point near the
> left front, left rear, right front and right rear. I moved the car into my
> garage, on a level floor, re-measured, and confirmed my original
> measurements. I will be taking this up with the dealer but would like any
> ideas as to what may have caused this problem and how to resolve it.
>
> Thanks for any information.
I've seen this on much older vehicles, caused by the sagging springs of
a vehicle driven mostly by the lone driver.
If the KIA springs sagged that soon they must be of quite poor quality.

Re: 2004 Kia Optima
 

"who" <i@notaspammer.net> wrote in message
news:i-B76047.00433421062007@news.telus.net...
> In article <137jj4kadpkqs60@corp.supernews.com>,
> "DodgeDriver" <wingnut@invalid.net> wrote:
>
>> I am posting to these newsgroups because of the vast expertise available.
>> Thank you for indulging me.
>>
>> On April 30, 2007, I purchased a 2004 KIA Optima that had been used by
>> the
>> dealer as a loaner. The car had about 19,000 miles on it when purchased
>> by
>> me. The car had been placed in Service by the dealer on June 30, 2005.
>> When purchased by me, there was a little over 3 years and 40, 000 miles
>> left
>> on the warranty. I have noticed on several occassions the car appeared
>> to
>> be leaning to the left (when viewed from the rear) while parked in my
>> driveway. Yesterday, I took a few measurements in the driveway and the
>> car
>> leans about 1/2" to the left. Measurements were taken at a point near
>> the
>> left front, left rear, right front and right rear. I moved the car into
>> my
>> garage, on a level floor, re-measured, and confirmed my original
>> measurements. I will be taking this up with the dealer but would like
>> any
>> ideas as to what may have caused this problem and how to resolve it.
>>
>> Thanks for any information.
> I've seen this on much older vehicles, caused by the sagging springs of
> a vehicle driven mostly by the lone driver.
> If the KIA springs sagged that soon they must be of quite poor quality.
>

Don't know if it applies to Kia, as I've heard of it mostly in conjunction
with Ford, but it's possible a left side spring has broken near the bottom.
Corrosion from road chemical build-up in the spring seat is the culprit
AFAIK.

Mike

Re: 2004 Kia Optima
 

"Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote in message
news:kbmdnbnZO4Zi8OfbnZ2dnUVZ_v2knZ2d@sedona.net.. .
> "who" <i@notaspammer.net> wrote in message
> news:i-B76047.00433421062007@news.telus.net...
> > In article <137jj4kadpkqs60@corp.supernews.com>,
> > "DodgeDriver" <wingnut@invalid.net> wrote:
> >
> >> I am posting to these newsgroups because of the vast expertise
available.
> >> Thank you for indulging me.
> >>
> >> On April 30, 2007, I purchased a 2004 KIA Optima that had been used by
> >> the
> >> dealer as a loaner. The car had about 19,000 miles on it when
purchased
> >> by
> >> me. The car had been placed in Service by the dealer on June 30, 2005.
> >> When purchased by me, there was a little over 3 years and 40, 000 miles
> >> left
> >> on the warranty. I have noticed on several occassions the car appeared
> >> to
> >> be leaning to the left (when viewed from the rear) while parked in my
> >> driveway. Yesterday, I took a few measurements in the driveway and the
> >> car
> >> leans about 1/2" to the left. Measurements were taken at a point near
> >> the
> >> left front, left rear, right front and right rear. I moved the car
into
> >> my
> >> garage, on a level floor, re-measured, and confirmed my original
> >> measurements. I will be taking this up with the dealer but would like
> >> any
> >> ideas as to what may have caused this problem and how to resolve it.
> >>
> >> Thanks for any information.
> > I've seen this on much older vehicles, caused by the sagging springs of
> > a vehicle driven mostly by the lone driver.
> > If the KIA springs sagged that soon they must be of quite poor quality.
> >
>
> Don't know if it applies to Kia, as I've heard of it mostly in conjunction
> with Ford, but it's possible a left side spring has broken near the
bottom.
> Corrosion from road chemical build-up in the spring seat is the culprit
> AFAIK.
>
> Mike
>
>
>
Thanks, I'll have a look.

Re: 2004 Kia Optima
 

Biggest problem is that it is a Kia.
The car is already 3 years old, its probably pretty close to the end of its
life!
"Newby" <nobody@nowhere.net> wrote in message
news:137llhhd31t1ca4@corp.supernews.com...
>
> "Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote in message
> news:kbmdnbnZO4Zi8OfbnZ2dnUVZ_v2knZ2d@sedona.net.. .
>> "who" <i@notaspammer.net> wrote in message
>> news:i-B76047.00433421062007@news.telus.net...
>> > In article <137jj4kadpkqs60@corp.supernews.com>,
>> > "DodgeDriver" <wingnut@invalid.net> wrote:
>> >
>> >> I am posting to these newsgroups because of the vast expertise
> available.
>> >> Thank you for indulging me.
>> >>
>> >> On April 30, 2007, I purchased a 2004 KIA Optima that had been used
>> >> by
>> >> the
>> >> dealer as a loaner. The car had about 19,000 miles on it when
> purchased
>> >> by
>> >> me. The car had been placed in Service by the dealer on June 30,
>> >> 2005.
>> >> When purchased by me, there was a little over 3 years and 40, 000
>> >> miles
>> >> left
>> >> on the warranty. I have noticed on several occassions the car
>> >> appeared
>> >> to
>> >> be leaning to the left (when viewed from the rear) while parked in my
>> >> driveway. Yesterday, I took a few measurements in the driveway and
>> >> the
>> >> car
>> >> leans about 1/2" to the left. Measurements were taken at a point near
>> >> the
>> >> left front, left rear, right front and right rear. I moved the car
> into
>> >> my
>> >> garage, on a level floor, re-measured, and confirmed my original
>> >> measurements. I will be taking this up with the dealer but would like
>> >> any
>> >> ideas as to what may have caused this problem and how to resolve it.
>> >>
>> >> Thanks for any information.
>> > I've seen this on much older vehicles, caused by the sagging springs of
>> > a vehicle driven mostly by the lone driver.
>> > If the KIA springs sagged that soon they must be of quite poor quality.
>> >
>>
>> Don't know if it applies to Kia, as I've heard of it mostly in
>> conjunction
>> with Ford, but it's possible a left side spring has broken near the
> bottom.
>> Corrosion from road chemical build-up in the spring seat is the culprit
>> AFAIK.
>>
>> Mike
>>
>>
>>
> Thanks, I'll have a look.
>
>

Re: 2004 Kia Optima
 

"Jamco" <Homer@jamco.com> wrote in message
news:jJGei.933$qC1.456@edtnps89...
> Biggest problem is that it is a Kia.
> The car is already 3 years old, its probably pretty close to the end of
> its life!
Driving a 5 year old that I do service calls out of , basically beating the
crap out of it to put if bluntly, hauling around tools and parts , don't
think it's "pretty close to the end of it's life " or are you a previous
owner of one?

Re: 2004 Kia Optima
 

"PhilO" <philo@gnt.netSPAMMM> wrote in message
news:f5fjsm$nof$1@news.utelfla.com...
>
> "Jamco" <Homer@jamco.com> wrote in message
> news:jJGei.933$qC1.456@edtnps89...
>> Biggest problem is that it is a Kia.
>> The car is already 3 years old, its probably pretty close to the end of
>> its life!
> Driving a 5 year old that I do service calls out of , basically beating
> the crap out of it to put if bluntly, hauling around tools and parts ,
> don't think it's "pretty close to the end of it's life " or are you a
> previous owner of one?

FWIW, wife drives a 2002 Optima. The car has just shy of 100,000 miles on
it and is still fantastic. Only consistent issue we had was window
regulators which now are sorted. Very happy we bought the car.

Re: 2004 Kia Optima
 

"PhilO" <philo@gnt.netSPAMMM> wrote in message
news:f5fjsm$nof$1@news.utelfla.com...
>
> "Jamco" <Homer@jamco.com> wrote in message
> news:jJGei.933$qC1.456@edtnps89...
>> Biggest problem is that it is a Kia.
>> The car is already 3 years old, its probably pretty close to the end of
>> its life!
> Driving a 5 year old that I do service calls out of , basically beating
> the crap out of it to put if bluntly, hauling around tools and parts ,
> don't think it's "pretty close to the end of it's life " or are you a
> previous owner of one?
>
>
>

My daughter-in-law is on her second Sephia. Her experience is that it isn't
a rugged car, but as long as she treats it gently it is reliable enough.
It's those 3K mile oil change requirements to maintain the warranty that bug
her. She has to have 33 done by the time the warranty expires.

Mike

Re: 2004 Kia Optima
 

In article <-5GdnQjf-ZqK1eHbnZ2dnUVZ_oernZ2d@sedona.net>,
"Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:

> My daughter-in-law is on her second Sephia. Her experience is that it isn't
> a rugged car, but as long as she treats it gently it is reliable enough.
> It's those 3K mile oil change requirements to maintain the warranty that bug
> her. She has to have 33 done by the time the warranty expires.

That's one way to make a profit on the vehicle. >:)

Re: 2004 Kia Optima
 

In article <-5GdnQjf-ZqK1eHbnZ2dnUVZ_oernZ2d@sedona.net>,
"Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:

> My daughter-in-law is on her second Sephia. Her experience is that it isn't
> a rugged car, but as long as she treats it gently it is reliable enough.
> It's those 3K mile oil change requirements to maintain the warranty that bug
> her. She has to have 33 done by the time the warranty expires.

Cheap insurance, on any car.

Re: 2004 Kia Optima
 

"Elmo P. Shagnasty" <elmop@nastydesigns.com> wrote in message
news:elmop-614AD4.21500422062007@nntp1.usenetserver.com...
> In article <-5GdnQjf-ZqK1eHbnZ2dnUVZ_oernZ2d@sedona.net>,
> "Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:
>
>> My daughter-in-law is on her second Sephia. Her experience is that it
>> isn't
>> a rugged car, but as long as she treats it gently it is reliable enough.
>> It's those 3K mile oil change requirements to maintain the warranty that
>> bug
>> her. She has to have 33 done by the time the warranty expires.
>
> Cheap insurance, on any car.
>
>

I think 3K is awfully short. I do 5K on my cars and that's a short interval.
10K is stretching it just a little bit IMO. The manual on my Toyota calls
for 7500 mile changes (5K severe duty) but the European manual calls for 10K
mile or 15 K km changes. My daughter's '93 Honda calls for 7500 mile changes
in either regular or severe duty and it's still going strong at 235K miles.

The price difference between 5K and 3K changes (if not DIY) can be
substantial. Even at $20 the additional 13 changes is $260, and a $20 oil
change has to be one with oil and filter I would never put in a car I wanted
to keep. Again, my opinion. I realize this is one of those "religious"
topics, so everybody is welcome to follow their own star.

Mike