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Kia Optima buying guide (Ireland, 2026)
What a used Kia Optima costs in Ireland, how it does at the NCT, what goes wrong and what it costs to fix. Based on 69 for sale right now.
Our take on the Kia Optima
A 2020 Kia Optima typically advertises at €19,900 and a 2015 one at €6,950, so it loses roughly 19% of its value a year at that age, faster than most cars. Most for sale are diesels (68%), which suit longer, regular drives; for mostly short trips a petrol is the safer buy. At the NCT, the 2012–2018 cars fail more often than other cars the same year, so a fresh NCT is worth paying a little more for. The 1.7 diesel is the most common engine (80% of those with a known engine), and it usually lasts around 320k km.
Check a Kia Optima's priceNCT pass rate by year
Used Kia Optima prices by year
Typical asking price by registration year, and typical mileage. Private sellers usually take 5–10% less than asking; expect dealers to be a little dearer.
| Year | Typical price | Typical mileage | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | €19,900 | 210k km | 5 |
| 2019 | €15,950 | 172k km | 15 |
| 2018 | €13,950 | 161k km | 18 |
| 2017 | €10,950 | 239k km | 12 |
| 2016 | €9,000 | 202k km | 8 |
| 2015 | €6,950 | 217k km | 7 |
Kia Optima NCT pass rate
How often Kia Optimas pass their NCT first time, compared with other cars the same year (Road Safety Authority (RSA), NCT make & model data 2025, initial tests).
| Year | Pass first time | Other cars, same year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 69% | 74% | |
| 2018 | 59% | 67% | |
| 2017 | 65% | 64% | |
| 2016 | 53% | 55% | |
| 2015 | 41% | 53% | |
| 2014 | 37% | 51% | |
| 2013 | 29% | 46% | |
| 2012 | 28% | 42% |
Most common reasons a 2018 Kia Optima fails: wheels & tyres (14% of tests, more than most cars), brake test (rollers) (12.3% of tests, more than most cars), brakes (8.8% of tests, more than most cars), lights & electrics (7.9% of tests).
Common Kia Optima problems
Known weak spots to check before you buy, with typical Irish garage costs if the problem is there.
Timing belt history · €350–€700
Ask when the timing belt and water pump were last done (usually every 160,000 km or 5–6 years). No proof = budget for it.
Automatic gearbox health · €300–€2,500
Make sure the gear changes are smooth when warm, check for a gearbox warning light and ask if the gearbox oil was ever changed.
Engines and how long they last
| Engine | Usually lasts | Motor tax / year | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.7 Diesel | ~320k km | ~€270 | 20 |
| 1.6 Diesel | ~320k km | ~€200 | 5 |
"Usually lasts" is the mileage these engines commonly reach before major work; service history matters more than the number.
Parts for the Kia Optima
Parts from AUTODOC Ireland: pick your car on the parts page to get the right fit.
Brake discsBrake padsClutch kitsTiming belt kitsShock absorbersWheel bearingsTrack rod endsFiltersWiper bladesHeadlight bulbsGlow plugsEGR valves
Quick bits on Amazon
Faster delivery for small things.
Wiper bladesBulbsBatteryOBD2 fault code readerJump starter
Before you buy a used Kia Optima
Run a history check on the reg (write-off, finance owing, mileage), ask when the timing belt was done and for receipts, and start it from cold yourself. The used car checklist takes you through a viewing step by step.
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