In what way is the Optima overpriced? How much would you say its worth?

If Kia were to offer the Optima with exactly the same specs as the current Camry 2.0G and charge you say RM 130K would you buy it then? Say they offered a premium model with all the goodies listed above and charged you an extra 14K for the new transmission, a more powerful engine, the whole range of safety equipment, gas shock absorbers, comfort kits, xenon HID lights with static bending, premium sound system, etc? Not to mention better design and more interior space and the extra 5 years unlimited mileage manufacturers warranty. Would anybody say that an extra 14K for all of these is expensive?

That price was chosen so as not to weaken demand for the Hyundai Sonata but on paper the Optima has better specs than the Sonata so ure getting more for the same price.

As ive said on other threads, ill make my decision in April as im targetting the WWR number plate. So ive got another 2 months to make a decision and push off my current 2003 Vios. But so far, the Optima is leading the pack and if it stays that way till April, then that would be my car of choice.

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Feb 9 2012, 11:31 AM

Which Toyota model did u buy?

Any updated specs or info about the Malaysian Camry?

Which Toyota did u own before?

Yes the Teana is quite comfortable. Nissan is known for its comfort. EVen the Sylphy is quite spacious and comfortable. But besides comfort, Nissan cars have little else going for them. Teana has a slight advantage with the Xtronic CVT but spec wise they are behind. Designs (especially interior) are quite outdated and Nissan is well known as the 'old man's car.

But you should have tested the Optima. Its really good. Handling is quite impressive and specs much better than the Teana. Design really impressive. The only drawback is probably the after sales service and the resale value to a certain extent.

Yes ive driven the Teana and found its acceleration to be marginally better than the Optima. Probably due to the Xtronic CVT. But i think the Optima is more value for money for sure. The amount of specs you get for RM143K+ is amazing. Plus it has that wow factor which is lacking in most Jap D segment cars including the Teana.

---

Added on March 1, 2012, 2:41 pmU must be either blind or really old fashioned.

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Mar 1 2012, 02:41 PM

I managed to get a 2nd test drive today on the Optima K5. Im more impressed now. Here is my take on the car:

Acceleration & pickup

I had 4 adults in the car including the salesman. Managed to get a straight clear road and floored the pedal. The acceleration was sluggish for the first 2 secs and then the power kicked in. I must say its very much comparable to the Teana with its Xtronic unlike what i mentioned earlier. The engine has got a certain vroom to it more like a rumbling tiger when the RPM passes the 2000 mark. Some might love it but i think it didnt sound too refined for my taste. The Teana and Camry were a tad more refined. But the power was there and the pickup was really impressive despite its heavier weight. I would think the harshness of the engine will improve over time since i was the 1st to test this car when it arrived yesterday.

Handling & Road Grip

I chose a deserted roundabout and did about 7 rounds at about 80kmph with the full load of passengers. I must say i am quite impressed with its cornering ability and road grip. There was only marginal body roll (much better than the Camry at lower speeds). The 18 inch tyres and probably traction control really kept the car stable. Not sure if 80kmph was fast enough for a roundabout but its certainly the fastest ive been on one. Its a small roundabout so turns would have been sharper.

Brakes

The brakes are quite good and stopping power was quite evident. I even tried cornering braking while taking the roundabout and the stopping power was really good. I hit about 110kmph before i came up to a traffic light and slammed the brakes (not enough to engage the ABS though). It surely has a confident feel.

NVH & Wind Noise

As mentioned earlier, i hit 110kmph and tried different scenarios with the sunroof just to gauge the NVH of the sunroof. I tried with the ceiling panel open but with the glass closed and also with both closed. The effect was the same. Virtually no wind noise even at high speeds. Not sure if it will hold up at around 140-150kmph though. Didnt feel any windo noise coming from the doors or windows as well which mean the door seals are quite good. Hope they last though. But during hard acceleration, the engine could be heard and it does sound a bit harsh. But once you reach cruising speed, the engine is virtually silent.

The whole test drive lasted about 1 hour (longest ive been). I must say im more impressed now. Im almost certain to get the Optima K5 now. Have started asking around to get the best deals. Best i got so far was a RM700 rebate.

Yes good move. But i think u should have waited 2 months till the new Camry is launched. They will then push off the current Camry for much less. When the discounts started for the Camry, it was RM2k. Now its RM8k. It will be much more as time goes by. I think by the time the new Camry is launched, the discounts would be easily RM15K or above.

Thats typical salesman talk la. Why dont u ask them if Rm8K will be the biggest discount Toyota will give. I bet you they will say yes. But u try again in about 1 months time and ull see them offering RM10K. Simple sale psychology.

From history, Toyota will continue selling till almost the last possible moment. Even now, there is surplus stock coming in from Thailand. Most showrooms have ready stock with more on the way. The discounts will drop for sure. Happened with the Altis before. They were offering discounts up to 20K when the new Altis was launched. I know cuz my neighbour got one.

Why would you buy a Sonata over a Kia Optima K5? The Optima nails the Sonata in most aspects. I dont see any advantage in the Sonata at all. Many of those who have placed bookings for the Sonata are also changing to the Optima.

Well choosing a car based on 1st & 2nd shittiest isnt exactly a good example of making the right decision is it? If ure comparing between Kia and Toyota then yes i would say after sales service would be a vast difference. But anybody who chooses the Sonata with its much lesser specs and value for money merely due to the 1st & 2nd shittiest argument isnt actually making a wise decision for sure.

7K discount is not money in the pocket mind you. Thats the drop in resale value which the company is absorbing. Ure still getting a 1 yr old car and when u sell ure selling a car thats 1 year older. So isnt a discount at all. U get a 7K discount now and ull get 7K less when it comes to selling later on. Simple math.

I still dont see why that would make the Sonata a good choice. Ure still paying about RM136K for a 1 year old car with half the specs found on a 2012 Optima costing RM 143K. Does that sound like a smart move to you? Not IMHO.

Have u driven the Optima? I suggest you do. The suspension on the Optima is not the same as the Sonata. It has Nitrogen pressured gas shock absorbers. Ive driven the Teana and found it to be quite comfortable as most Nissan cars are but the Optima is quite similar in comfort. I was quite impressed and yes ive sat at the back so got a good feel over bumpy roads.

The specs have been out for some time already. The 2.0L Camry will use the same 4 speed gearbox and same engine as the current model. Only the 2.5L will get the new dual VVTI engine and 6 speed gearbox. So do you think spending RM 155K on a poorly designed car with an old engine and 4 speed gb is worth the price despite it being a Toyota?

---

Added on March 6, 2012, 2:44 pmOnly the 2.5L model gets the new engine and gearbox. The 2.0L model is the same as the current Camry.

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Mar 6 2012, 02:44 PM

Yes thats wht i said. 4 speed auto for the 2.0L version.

The discount is for the 2011 Sonata la. Yes, it doesnt make any difference because of the drop in resale value whether is 3yrs or 7 yrs. Its still no different.

Already reported in the news la.

158K for a 4 speed auto and old 2006 generation engine and very limited specs??

Despite me being a Toyota man, ill say boycott Toyota for such crap. Btw, the new CRV isnt all that great as well. Rear shape looks quite odd and weird.

[/quote]
But passat only 2.0 right? Seems underpower lol. Who knows the launching price will drop around 175k?
[/quote]

Are u still with that old fashioned thinking that engine capacity = power? Power is determined by the amount of horsepower and torque against weight of the car.

The Passat TSI is a 1.8L engine with 158Hp and 250Nm torque while the current Camry 2.4L has 165HP and 224Nm torque. The new Camry 2.5L would have 178Hp and 230Nm torque. So if ure looking at efficiency, the Passat would still rank higher and it would still be more powerful due to the 7 speed DSG and higher torque.

U'll still choose the Passat 1.8TSI despite its boring interior & exterior looks and lesser specs compared to say the Optima K5 at RM27K cheaper?

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Mar 19 2012, 05:14 PM