Jan 13 2012, 09:30 AM
QUOTE(saujana @ Jan 12 2012, 09:57 PM)
Agree. but, when buy a car, you also buy the whole package. which means, the services, the spare parts availability, etc etc.
I also want to place a booking, but rethink..... kia services? sucks.... this price, is on higher side, which also means, likely low sales.
When low sales, do you expect spare parts to be available to the level we want? and, with low sales, I would expect the competency level of the technician to be low too........
I am not concern at all the resale value, but others.... made me think twice.
and, just look at what happen after the launch? this thread is almost silent, the showroom having the same response too......even the SA that I chat with, come with much lower tone now.... despite the fact that K5 offer the most impressive features in its segment.
ai, Naza, you really disappointed a lot of ppl......
If you check my previous threads, you'll know that im an ardent Toyota fan having driven a Toyota for 8.5 years and loved the experience (and many ppl here know that). But the new models coming from the Koreans and the lack of effort from the Japanese has got me starting to incline towards the Koreans more & more. Im now considering a number of options: Peugeot 508, upcoming Toyota Camry, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and the Kia Optima. Ive struck the 508 off the list after 4 test drives and alot of analysis. Now focusing on the other models. Not much news yet on the Camry but its design is a turnoff. I also want to place a booking, but rethink..... kia services? sucks.... this price, is on higher side, which also means, likely low sales.
When low sales, do you expect spare parts to be available to the level we want? and, with low sales, I would expect the competency level of the technician to be low too........
I am not concern at all the resale value, but others.... made me think twice.
and, just look at what happen after the launch? this thread is almost silent, the showroom having the same response too......even the SA that I chat with, come with much lower tone now.... despite the fact that K5 offer the most impressive features in its segment.
ai, Naza, you really disappointed a lot of ppl......
Ive visited the Kia showroom about 4 times since its launch and spent about 1hr there every time while reading up on the car. I must say after all that effort, im impressed with the Optima. Yes the price is not ideal but then again for a CBU with all that specs thrown in, im sure Kia wants an equal standard to the Camry.
Yes im aware of all that talk about resale value, after sales service and durability/availability of parts and i agree. Those are concerns for me too. But i think, its a mindset change thats in motion here. Yes the Koreans gave us crap for many years but since the introduction of the Kia Forte, the Koreans have been churning out great models with great specs. So far nobody has been able to beat the Koreans in terms of having good design, great specs with affordable prices. After sales service is still a concern but then again, you cant expect to have everything perfect can you?
Resale value depends on demand and so far the Koreans have been getting demand. Although sales are not at the level of the Japs but its still much better than previous Korean models. The Forte's resale value has increased compared to older Korean models. The same with the Hyundai Sonata. And i only see that improving in time as more and more ppl start becoming conscious of the Korean revolution. 5-7 yrs down the line, im sure the Koreans will be enjoying a good following of loyal supporters the same as the Japanese.
Here's another reminder on the specs for the Optima (CBU) for those who dont already know:
RM 143,888 (OTR) CBU with 5 year (3+2) unlimited mileage manufacturer warranty. Specifications:
1) Theta II 2.0L MPI engine with 165PS and 198 Nm torque (Teana 2.0L is 136PS and 190Nm torque)
2) 6 speed automatic Dual CVVT with paddle shifters and Eco mode
3) HID Xenon headlights with Auto Leveling & Static Bending Lights
4) Daytime LED running lights (DRL)
5) Rear LED lights and LED side turn signal lights
6) Auto Light Control System with Escort Lights and washers
7) Electric foldable side mirrors
8) 6 airbags (front, side & curtain airbags)
9) Anti Lock Braking System (ABS)
11) Electronic Brakeforce Distribution System (EBD)
12) Traction Control System (TCS)
13) Hill Assist Control (HAC)
14) Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
15) Brake Assist System (BAS)
16) Rear Parking Assist System with rear camera
17) Speed Sensing Auto door lock
18) Impact Sensing Auto door unlock
19) Auto Cruise Control
20) 18 inch sporty alloy wheels with full disk brakes and full spare alloy wheel
21) MacPherson type suspension with Gas shock absorbers with High Performance Dampers (HPD) with sliding valve
22) Infinity Surround Sound system with 8 speakers & subwoofer
23) 6 in dash CD changer system with Bluetooth, AUX, USB & iPOD connectivity
24) Dual zone auto air con with rear air con vents
25) 8 way power seat (driver) with memory function
26) Push Start ignition with Smart Key
27) 3.5” Color TFT LCD display
28) Premium Leather seats
29) Panoramic Electric Sunroof
30) First Korean car with 5 Star NHTSA crash rating from America
This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Jan 13 2012, 09:35 AM
Quote
, Front wheel ). (resale value need not consider) 
) from the pre-facelift Camry 2.4. He's going to test drive it next week. He test drove a Citroen C5 earlier, and he really liked it due to the looks mostly and the drive is much more interesting than his Camry (which he finds very boring). I sat in the rear seats of the C5 during the test drive and it's not as comfortable as the Camry, probably due to the seats. He's considering the 508 as it is Rm 20k cheaper and comes better equipped and stylish interior.
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