- #7 of 70
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Re: Not wild about the changes I've seen... [backy]
by dovid2
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Mar 21, 2008 (8:39 am)
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Replying to: backy (Mar 20, 2008 9:56 am)
The more I've thought about it, the less I like it. While I had looked forward to getting one whenever I finally decide to buy, I now doubt if it will be an Optima. I've never owned a Ford product, but I really liked the Mercury Milan I saw at the car show, and if they will throw in an extended warranty, I might do it. It comes in a Premiere trim with a four and is very attractive and has good reviews.
Maybe the Optima will look better in black. I'm not in any hurry, so I'll wait and see.
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- #8 of 70
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Re: Not wild about the changes I've seen... [dovid2]
by backy
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Mar 21, 2008 (8:56 am)
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Replying to: dovid2 (Mar 21, 2008 8:39 am)
What it does is open up an opportunity for me late this year, when I will buy a car, to get one of the last 2008 Optimas (LX, with ESC/ABS and the mandatory Appearance pkg) at a big "close out" discount, maybe at the same price as a smaller car like the Elantra and less than a comparably-equipped 2009 Sonata.
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- #9 of 70
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Re: Not wild about the changes I've seen... [backy]
by dovid2
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Mar 21, 2008 (11:27 am)
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Replying to: backy (Mar 21, 2008 8:56 am)
And that's a good idea, but I know exactly what I want, and I'm not optimistic about finding it when the '08's have been picked over. That's why I think a larger company would have more selection than Kia seems to have.
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- #10 of 70
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Re: Not wild about the changes I've seen... [dovid2]
by backy
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Mar 21, 2008 (11:35 am)
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Replying to: dovid2 (Mar 21, 2008 11:27 am)
Well, I don't know that I'll find an Optima I want at that time either. At the end of last year, there were two 2007 Optima LXes with ABS/ESC in the five-state region around me. But it IS an option. Multiple options are good. And makes for a firmer negotiating position. 
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- #11 of 70
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Re: Not wild about the changes I've seen... [backy]
by dovid2
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Mar 24, 2008 (8:34 am)
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Replying to: backy (Mar 21, 2008 11:35 am)
As far as multiple options, of course I would look at competing models. And, if I found one I liked, would be sure to tell them I was looking at other brands (and that they had offered me a great deal!).
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- #12 of 70
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Re: Not wild about the changes I've seen... [dovid2]
by mickeyrom
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Mar 24, 2008 (9:36 am)
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Replying to: dovid2 (Mar 24, 2008 8:34 am)
I really do like the 2009 model better.The whole front as well as the tail lights,look much more attractive.I have not seen the interior.
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- #13 of 70
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09 Optima....eeeh..
by csandste
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Mar 24, 2008 (10:07 pm)
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Like many Hyunkia mid platform adjustments, neither bad nor good. I agree that the front clip looks a bit Ford-like. Instrument cluster looks a bit Malibu-ish. Really like my semi-electroluminescent blue on white instruments quite a bit better, including having electronic gas and termperature indicators rather than the old style needles. And that red is so Mazda-Pontiacish...
Frankly the more time that elapses, the more I prefer my Malibu Maxx to my 07 Optima. My wife on the other hand prefers the Kia.
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- #14 of 70
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Re: 09 Optima....eeeh.. [csandste]
by mickeyrom
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Mar 25, 2008 (4:02 am)
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Replying to: csandste (Mar 24, 2008 10:07 pm)
CS....you always did have a love affair with your Max..I have never driven one,but the Malibu looks pretty nice and even the low end model comes with lots of options as standard equipment.The only remaining issue I have with my Optima is the ride over bumps. Not too smooth at all.The Accord sure seems more substantial,but of course you pay for it.
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- #15 of 70
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Motor Trend Visual Comparison
by csandste
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Aug 12, 2008 (11:05 pm)
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http://www.motortrend.com/photo_gallery/112_0803_2009_kia_optima_comparison_phot- o_gallery/index.html
Hate to dis a car I haven't seen in person but I don't think I like the styling at all:
1. Front clip Fordish slant-- like the 065-08 better
2. Sides-- No real changes
3. Back clip-- two generations ago Accord--- nah!
4. Interior garish-- like the present appearance group semi-electroluminescent much better. This one belongs on a Pontiac.
All in all, at least in pictures, it's a big disappointment despite the improved 4 cylinder. The present car is one of the most attractive mid-sizers, the new one is a mish-mash of competing design clues. Is this the result of the sacking of lots of American talent at Kia in the last few years?
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- #16 of 70
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Re: Motor Trend Visual Comparison [csandste]
by mickeyrom
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Aug 13, 2008 (3:33 am)
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Replying to: csandste (Aug 12, 2008 11:05 pm)
I like the new mirrors and it looks like they have MPG on the trip computer.The rear to me looks the same as my 2006.5. The rest,I agree with you.I'm quite happy with mine,but perhaps the 2009 drives better...whio knows?
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