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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

32348 messages,  Last post on May 20, 2013 at 2:48 PM

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What is this discussion about? Car Buying

Messages Page 3003 of 3236

#30014 of 32348 Re: Optima EX w/pano roof [ateixeira] by nyccarguy

Feb 09, 2013 (6:21 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 09, 2013 5:48 pm)
Good write up. Bold move foregoing the turbo for the base engine. I'm impressed.

#30015 of 32348 Re: I feel smug already [ateixeira] by fintail

Feb 09, 2013 (6:25 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 09, 2013 6:17 pm)
Does the 18K one really have heated pleather? My friend has the middle model - nav and wheels but no sunroof, and cloth seats which I am pretty sure aren't heated. He bought it in GA though, maybe a regional thing.
 
Just don't take it on roads that move at 60mph or more with hills...it's a useful car for city people, but for many drivers would get tiresome quickly.
 
Maybe engine size is a part of start/stop roughness? C has a 49cc scooter engine, right? Could probably pull start it with fishing line
 
The insanely high wages for tenured lucky people in the DC area might give a different outlook, but poor people couldn't dream of a 19K car.

#30016 of 32348 Re: Optima EX w/pano roof [ateixeira] by steve_ HOST

Feb 09, 2013 (6:30 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 09, 2013 5:48 pm)
Kia sent my wife an offer for a $25 visa gift card for test driving any new Kia.
 
Was that from a sign-up at the auto show?
 
All I got was a Hyundai tote bag.

#30017 of 32348 America's Most Hated by ateixeira

Feb 09, 2013 (6:34 pm)

I mentioned earlier I had not driven a Prius since the year the Gen II came out, so while I was at it...
 
This is a much more substantial car than the Prius C. It is roomy and comfy front and back. The cloth is plush and the A-pillar is nicely wrapped. The "leather" is better finished than the C.
 
Off the line, it feels much quicker. You get instant response from the electric motor, and the gas engine gives a nice boost and you're gone. This is NOT a slow car, blame the driver if you're ever stuck behind one.
 
I drove it like I stole it and still got 36mpg over a couple of miles with an ice cold engine. It rides well, handling is ok (better than expected).
 
Visibility is good and the Nav has a nice backup cam, the C did not.
 
Overall, better than expected. More to the point, it's a much better car than most enthusiasts are willing to admit.
 
I'd pick this over the C, even a used one.

#30018 of 32348 Re: Optima EX w/pano roof [nyccarguy] by ateixeira

Feb 09, 2013 (6:38 pm)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Feb 09, 2013 6:21 pm)
My GPS says my average speed is 20 mph.
 
200hp seems like enough for that! LOL

#30019 of 32348 Re: I feel smug already [fintail] by ateixeira

Feb 09, 2013 (6:44 pm)

Replying to: fintail (Feb 09, 2013 6:25 pm)
18k is two tone cloth. I liked it. 2 was in the showroom but I drove a loaded 4.
 
I rarely go fast but I'd still fell better surrounded by a more substantial car.
 
My Miata is light but feels substantial.
 
1.5l in the C isn't small for its class. I just think I will shop one class up, even if it's used.
 
My first job was near minimum wage and I earned scholarships and worked my way up so you'll get no apologies from me.

#30020 of 32348 Re: Optima EX w/pano roof [steve_] by ateixeira

Feb 09, 2013 (6:45 pm)

Replying to: steve_ (Feb 09, 2013 6:30 pm)
My wife will look up the link for that test drive offer, Steve.

#30021 of 32348 Re: I feel smug already [ateixeira] by fintail

Feb 09, 2013 (7:41 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 09, 2013 6:44 pm)
The cloth in my friend's car is of better relative quality than the dash materials, anyway. It might not really owe an apology as it is a lower line car though. I am kind of picky about interior finishes. Sure doesn't feel like a 1.5 either, I can't imagine it with 4 people on board.
 
I'd choose a normal Prius or a V (which at least looks like a wagon kind of thing instead of a normal Prius shape) over the C.
 
How would you compare a normal Prius to a Lexus CT?

#30022 of 32348 Definitely a keeper by nyccarguy

Feb 09, 2013 (7:43 pm)

Our 2011 Pilot is my wife's daily driver/weekend family hauler. Since we bought in in May of 2011, I haven't gotten to drive it in the snow. I had a chance today and I am impressed. With 18" of snow on the driveway, I backed out of the garage, put the transmission in 1st gear, locked the center differential, & blasted out of my driveway with absolutely zero drama. I know the Pilot is considered a mall crawler/soft roader compared to a Jeep/Tahoe/Pickup Truck, but its perfect for our needs.

#30023 of 32348 Re: Optima EX w/pano roof [ateixeira] by roadburner

Feb 09, 2013 (7:49 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 09, 2013 5:48 pm)
Kia sent my wife an offer for a $25 visa gift card for test driving any new Kia. Perfect timing.
 
I received the same offer a while ago; I drove the regular Turbo. This is the capsule review I wrote:
 
Kia Optima SX Turbo: The stylish Optima is aimed at the mid-sized sedan market, and pretty much hits its mark. It is handsome, relatively quick, and packed with features that were only found on the most expensive luxury cars a few years ago. Voice activated navigation, heated/cooled/seats, the SX has them all. I was especially impressed by the interior(Kia hired away one of Audi's chief designers and the result is evident here). EPA mileage is 22/34. Best of all, the Optima Turbo costs less than $31,000, and comes with Kia's 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. Be aware, that the Optima is not a sports sedan, but having said that I'd note that it is no less fun to drive than the new BMW 528i- which is certainly no sports sedan either.

Messages Page 3003 of 3236

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