2004 KIA Optima

Jun 20, 2007 4 Replies

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.


Maybe talk to a bodyshop first ? Call around you may be able to get a free lookover, a good guy can spot a redone paint job. Also try posting this in a general auto question group

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.

It could be something as simple as a bad shock absorber, Bounce test the corner of the car that sits lower than the rest of the car. If the car floats up and down more than two or three bounces, that could be the problem. Have a mechanic lift it up for a look-see!!

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