by "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
Published 09/08/2017 at 23:18
by "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
Published 09/08/2017 at 23:18
Tags: Quick road test
STARS: 6
While my K900 was at the dealer getting new wheel bearings, I had a loaner Optima for a day. Anyone interested in what it was like? Read on.
Exterior
My car came in a pearlescent metallic white. I consider white to be my second least favorite car color after gray, but this looked good in the sun. Still, I think I preferred previous generations better. In this color and in this trim, the car looks like a fairly boring mid size sedan.
Interior
The inside is a curious mixture of cheapness and luxury features. On the plus side, the meaty steering wheel feels good, has easily used controls, and is heated. The instrument cluster is simple, but useful. The display between the guages is the size of a postage stamp, but has everything needed. I assume it’s larger in the higher trims. The seats, rather than being cloth at this level, are a rubbery-feeling pleather, are also heated, and have memory settings for the driver’s side. The dash is also rubbery. Aside from the obvious touch surfaces, there is plenty of hard plastic. This all sounds like I think it’s bad, but I don’t really. It’s all well constructed and solid, just priced down market from what I’m used to. My Sedona’s materials are much higher quality, and my K900 above that. So, I bet it’s just that this is the EX trim.
The infotainment system screen is also small, but it’s useful. One thing I really like is the way it puts radio presets on the touchscreen for easy access. The sound system is adequate. It’s a little tinny on the high end, but I got plenty of bass out of it for pop music.
Driving impressions
The 4-cylinder is the little engine that could. It’s got a good amount of pep. I never wanted for power out of a light or on an on ramp. It also has a cute little growl, like a puppy trying to be fierce. The 6 speed transmission shifts well and kicked down readily when I needed it. It has a manual mode, like everyone does now, and I tried it it’s pointless. Cornering was as confident as acceleration in normal traffic, and stability at highway speeds was good. There was the normal amount of tire and wind noise, but I could comfortably do a road trip in this car.
All in all, a decent mid sized sedan. But, I’d still rather have a Mazda 6.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
09/09/2017 at 00:22, STARS: 1
Sounds about right. I’d definitely get the 6 if I were the buy a midsize sedan.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
09/09/2017 at 00:40, STARS: 0
Even in base trim, the 6 just looks and feels better than any other base mid size.
Oh, I forgot to add perspective on the Optima. It’s head and shoulders above the POS rental Altima we had a year ago for 3 weeks. That was a miserable machine. This was actually reasonably pleasant to drive.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
09/09/2017 at 08:22, STARS: 1
Agreed on both counts. I think the Optima is a decent looking car too. The only thing that would keep me from being willing to buy a Kia, is our local dealer is a super scummy Ed Napleton dealership. Whenever I see someone driving a new Altima/Sentra/Versa, however, I question their judgement and decision making skills. Unless it’s a rental, then I just pity them.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
09/09/2017 at 13:09, STARS: 0
I get not wanting to reward scummy folks with your business. Our local dealer owner has this tag line, “if I can’t beat a deal on a new Kia, I’m just gonna give it to ya.” So how’s that work? “Sorry Mr Smith, I can’t match that price, so I’m gonna have to give you the car for free.” I hate when people say stupid stuff. I was reluctant to buy from them on principle.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
09/09/2017 at 14:09, STARS: 0
If I were in the market for a midsize sedan, I would seriously consider a CPO Optima Limited with the turbo motor, all the options, and this quilted leather interior.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
09/09/2017 at 14:14, STARS: 0
I think those options would transform the car. There is no doubt the quality is there.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
09/09/2017 at 14:21, STARS: 1
It’s also a $36.5k car with all those options. Still a good value for what you get but it’s definitely no longer in the “commodity car” price bracket.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
09/09/2017 at 15:54, STARS: 0
Ours is the kind of dealer to bury you in endless tacked on fees.
"RT" (rt-p)
09/09/2017 at 16:17, STARS: 1
“All in all, a decent mid sized sedan. But, I’d still rather have a Mazda 6.”
Accurate summary for any non-luxury mid-sized saloon on the market.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
09/09/2017 at 17:46, STARS: 0
I know they have to offer. For me, the difference is whether they just ask and then take no for an answer, or get aggressive and manipulative.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
09/09/2017 at 17:48, STARS: 0
Yes, but the beauty is that you can still get a mass market deal. Our Sedona was in that territory, but I had little trouble negotiating several thousand off. Still, you’re right that it becomes a different animal.
"wafflesnfalafel" (wafflesnfalafel1)
09/09/2017 at 22:57, STARS: 1
Altimas seem to have been going down hill for a while... which is too bad, they were a decent car 1st and 2nd gen...
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
09/09/2017 at 23:59, STARS: 0
To be fair, I had a rental spec, but still. Plastic everywhere, and that CVT. Every time I hit the go pedal, it sounded like I was strangling the gerbil under the hood. At least nothing squeaked.