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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

32331 messages,  Last post on May 20, 2013 at 3:46 AM

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Messages Page 3004 of 3234

#30024 of 32331 Re: Optima EX w/pano roof [ateixeira] by sandman_6472

Feb 09, 2013 (8:39 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 09, 2013 5:48 pm)
Drove a LX rental unit last week and was duly impressed with the car. Seats were comfy, SAT radio, cruise, all power features even a power drivers seat. It was pretty new, about 2900 on the clock and still smelled new. Very smooth when cruising and the engine noise wasn't objectionable really and think the dash is a bit better than the Sonata's actually. I would enjoy owning this car and it would be ideal if it were a little smaller. Make this car the size of the Forte and drive exactly the same as this one, I'd purchase in a second...it is that good! I do agree that Kia is no longer the Kia of old...a complete 180 degree turn around! Especially liked the dash oriented towards the driver. And I'll bet the price is very competitive with the other players in this segment...a win/win for the savy consumer!
 
The Sandman

#30025 of 32331 Driving Experience by sandman_6472

Feb 09, 2013 (8:59 pm)

Driving all these different vehicles has just shown me how far the auto industry has come since I bought my Civic in 2006...cars in general just drive so much better! Sure, I'm driving relatively new cars at work but even the lowly compacts and sub compacts have all gotten so much better! Case in point...one day last week I drove 22 cars within an 8 hour shift. Sure I only spent as little as 10 minutes in a few of them but enough time to make some observations. Very impressed with the Kia Rio GDI(?) hatch...a very well screwed together runabout. It had all the power stuff except drivers seat but I was able to get the proper, comfortable position. I mention this particular model because the wife really wants to down size next year and though it is on the smaller side, it fits into what she wants nicely. I did like the way it drove, sure a bit noisy when a quick burst of speed was needed but nothing objectionable. No squeaks or rattles ans even had XM radio plus cruise...this would be perfect for myself also come to think of it! It looks generic import but not in a bad way. Even the fabric was above average and nothing to show it's lower price point.
Sure it's older brother Optima drove nicer, it does have the larger 4 banger and didn't want for more power. Accelerating onto the expressway was effortless with a pleasant growl from the engine. It had everything the Rio had plus a power drivers chair, so I was one happy camper. I definitely can't wait to get a chance to do one of the longer runs to Tampa very soon. Have become addicted to Sirius/XM and having no commercials is just the icing on the cake. Owning any Kia product should be a very positive experience as I think they've found the secret to building comfortable affordable vehicles that the consumer wants. And to get all the goodies as the mjor players have for a lower price point is the smart move. I give Kia/Hyundai high marks for finally giving the consumer great value for the buck at entry level prices...it works for me!
 
I still do love my Civic but the bar has been raised and I can't wait till I'm able to swap out into a new vehicle. With the valuable knowledge I'm getting now, it'll be interesting to see what I plunk my money on for the next Sandmanmobile!
 
The Sandman

#30026 of 32331 Re: Driving Experience [sandman_6472] by stickguy

Feb 09, 2013 (9:09 pm)

Replying to: sandman_6472 (Feb 09, 2013 8:59 pm)
I notice this when I drive my recently purchased 2000 Integra, which at the time was really a well-equipped, "upscale" small sporty car.
 
Now, it does have 166K on it, but was well kept and the interior is like new (a testament to the quality of the materials) but the difference in feel and features to even a basic new car is drastic.

#30027 of 32331 Re: Driving Experience [stickguy] by roadburner

Feb 09, 2013 (9:28 pm)

Replying to: stickguy (Feb 09, 2013 9:09 pm)
Honestly, if my 1995 Club Sport had another 100 bhp and heated seats I wouldn't even look at a newer car; it ticks almost all the boxes for me- small, light, responsive and communicative steering, comfortable and supportive seats, decent brakes, no electronic nannies, and RWD.

#30028 of 32331 Re: Driving Experience [stickguy] by sandman_6472

Feb 09, 2013 (9:31 pm)

Replying to: stickguy (Feb 09, 2013 9:09 pm)
Absolutely and you're lucky that y'all can see how far Acura has really come over the years. I've just noticed how outdated my Civic really is and how much I want new tech in my dd. Just hit 36k this week but I know my mileage useage will be going up with the 52 mile round trip to our meeting place. I should reach 50k in the next couple of years. But since I drive new cars all the time now, no need to purchase my own. I have noticed a squealing from the front of the vehicle and I'm betting it's the brakes and the noise is from the sensors. Plan to go see the mechanic sometime this week and wondering if i should spring for a better brake pad than what came on the car. Is the bang for the buck really worth the added price or will I just be throwing out my dough? Driving on the interstate for 90% of my commute now makes me think the better pads might be worth it. Any advice would be very helpful on this matter folks. T I A all!
 
The Sandman

#30029 of 32331 Re: Driving Experience [sandman_6472] by stickguy

Feb 09, 2013 (9:38 pm)

Replying to: sandman_6472 (Feb 09, 2013 9:31 pm)
I don't do many brake jobs (an advantage of not putting a lot of miles on anything), but I believe in getting upgraded pads when I do. Mostly because it is relatively low cost upgrade (if you are smart about it), and much of the job cost is labor that is the same regardless.
 
so spending say $30 instead of $10 to get much better pads, same cost to install, seems like a deal to me.
 
just make sure that it is better performance you are spending on, not just longer life, since in your case, that does not seem like it would matter much!

#30030 of 32331 Re: Driving Experience [sandman_6472] by roadburner

Feb 09, 2013 (10:50 pm)

Replying to: sandman_6472 (Feb 09, 2013 9:31 pm)
I like Hawk HPS pads or Hawk Performance Ceramic pads. Both are street oriented pads.

#30031 of 32331 Re: Driving Experience [roadburner] by corvette

Feb 09, 2013 (11:53 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Feb 09, 2013 9:28 pm)
"Honestly, if my 1995 Club Sport had another 100 bhp and heated seats..."
 
Well, you can add the heated seats without affecting the reliability of the car. Adding 100 bhp might create some durability/drivability issues, though!

#30032 of 32331 Re: I feel smug already [fintail] by ateixeira

Feb 10, 2013 (6:30 am)

Replying to: fintail (Feb 09, 2013 7:41 pm)
The regular Prius felt a lot quicker, too, more responsive.
 
The V gets real pricey with the pano because you have to go all in. Those are $35k. I guess a loaded Odyssey is $10k more than that but I associate fuel economy with value and by mid 30s that erodes. If I had to give up the van and the Miata that would make more sense.
 
CT is interesting, it's small like the C but has the more substantial engine from the big one. The back seat is tiny, is it's a hard sell to the family. It would seem to combine the things I want. Maybe a CPO when gas prices are low, because prices plunge. Small moonroof though.
 
It's funny, on car gurus I've seen prices fluctuate $1500 up and down in a matter of days. Consumers are hysterical and overreact I guess.
 
Time it right, buy low and later on sell high, and you might not see any depreciation at all.

#30033 of 32331 Re: Optima EX w/pano roof [roadburner] by ateixeira

Feb 10, 2013 (6:39 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Feb 09, 2013 7:49 pm)
packed with features that were only found on the most expensive luxury cars a few years ago
 
I don't think the Kia's cooled glove compartment was common.
 
There was a surprise every where I looked. It totally exceeds expectations.
 
To be honest I'd probably pick a loaded Optima over a CPO CT, they cost roughly the same.

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