Buying Guide
The best year to buy a used Kia Optima
If you are shopping for value, the 2017 Kia Optima is the year to target. It sits just past the steepest one-year drop in value, so the first owner absorbed the fastest depreciation, with a typical asking price around $15,248.
Best value year
2017
- Typical asking price
- $15,248
- Below original MSRP
- $10,192
Kia Optima depreciation by model year
Each year's value loss from original MSRP and its typical used asking price. The best-value year is highlighted.
| Model year | Age | Depreciation | Median price | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 yr | 24.6% | $19,094 | 22 |
| 2019 | 2 yr | 27.2% | $18,939 | 32 |
| 2018 | 3 yr | 31.9% | $17,991 | 50 |
| 2017Best value | 4 yr | 41.4% | $15,248 | 34 |
| 2016 | 5 yr | 44.4% | $13,998 | 56 |
| 2015 | 6 yr | 49.5% | $12,995 | 96 |
Want the full picture — depreciation curve, resale-by-age, cost to own, and current listings? See the complete Kia Optima depreciation guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best year to buy a used Kia Optima?
For value, the 2017 Kia Optima stands out: it sits just past the steepest one-year drop in value, so the first owner absorbed the fastest depreciation, with a typical used asking price around $15,248 — roughly $10,192 below its original MSRP. This is a value-focused pick from observed used-car listings; the right year for you also depends on mileage, condition, features, and budget.
When does the Kia Optima lose the most value?
The steepest one-year drop in our data is between the 2018 and 2017 model years, about 9.5 percentage points of extra depreciation. Buying on the newer side of that cliff lets the previous owner absorb the fastest loss.
Is it better to buy a used Kia Optima new or a few years old?
A Optima takes its largest percentage loss early, so a lightly used example is usually the stronger value than a new one — you skip the first, fastest stretch of depreciation. Compare the year-by-year table above and each year's price against its mileage before deciding.