Two weeks in...

"fhrblig" (fhrblig) 09/06/2015 at 20:03 • Filed to: None

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I’ve had my Optima for almost two weeks now and a little over 600 miles, and I’m enjoying my immersion in teh beige. I’ve always had a natural inclination towards big, comfy cars, and this is definitely one of them.

They even made the interior the correct color!

It’s been nice to drive a vehicle where I step on the gas pedal and there’s genuine acceleration. Don’t get me wrong, the 500 was a fun and tossable, but I always felt it needed another 30 hp. The Optima isn’t a sporty car, but the handling isn’t as numb as I was worried it would be. I took it up some mountain roads yesterday, and though there was some body roll it was still fun. I do sort of wish it was a V6, even if it was the same 200 hp as the 4. V6s have always felt smoother to me. Still, it’s a good engine.

The interior is pretty much like every other midsize car out there. It’s comfortable, roomy, and thoughtfully laid out. Even though this is the base LX model, it isn’t missing anything I actually want. In fact, I only count 4 switch blanks. Most of the materials are a huge step up for the Koreans. I wouldn’t say class-leading, but still a good effort. I worry about the screen on the radio though, it already has some images burned into it and the car hasn’t hit 30k.

So far I’ve only come across a few negatives. The doors are really tinny when you shut them. The fabric on the seats is... not good. It feels super cheap and attracts dirt. I’m going to have to vacuum it all the time. The worst, though, is the sound system. I’ve heard better speakers in an elevator. I can live with it, but I’d consider replacing them. Finally, I’m probably going to miss the mpg of the Fiat. I’ve gotten 27 so far in mixed driving, which is about 10 less than the 500. The EPA rating for highway is 35, but I doubt I’m ever going to see that.

All in all, I’m happy with my decision. I know it’s not a car anyone here would aspire to, but there’s something to be said for having a car that fits your needs exactly.

Chargingstar - E92 M3 pilot > fhrblig 09/06/2015 at 20:20

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Might want to see if you see if you can replace the radio screen under warranty - it falls under it’s own 3 year/36,ooo mile warranty line item.

fhrblig > Chargingstar - E92 M3 pilot 09/06/2015 at 20:22

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I should do that. It’s going in for a recall in a week so I’ll ask about it.

Amoore100 > fhrblig 09/20/2015 at 14:05

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I always loved that generation of Optima. Clean and classy while looking sleek and stylish but not horrifically overwrought like the Sonata or new Optima...personally I don’t think those wheels fit the car though...might want to pick something up aftermarket...

I like these but they might make it seem like you’re trying to make your car look more upscale than it is (i.e. “trying too hard”...)

Maybe this?

Note: Don’t take these suggestions too literally, as it’s mostly my personal preference...it is your car after all :)