According to the Comerica Auto Affordability Index, the average price paid for a new car in 2005 was near $28,000. A 2006.5 Kia Optima EX V6 with all the bells and whistles runs $24,200, including the $600 destination charge. And that’s the sticker price, which is a blue sky proposition in the midsize market. With most of the Optima’s competitors going for invoice, or less, due to intense competition that forces even the class front-runners, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, to discount, nobody’s gonna buy this Kia for what’s shown on the window label. At the very least, that number represents the amount you’re rolling out the door for: tax, title, license, and killer warranty plan included.