Do u expect new owners to have problems with their rides? The problem with Peugeot or other Korean cars is usually after a few years so check again early 2014. Pointless asking now as the answer would be mostly positive. But be reminded that these are new generation cars so dont judge according to previous records.

---

Added on November 25, 2012, 10:08 pmHavent heard of anybody who plans to own a specific model with a 3 year timeframe. 99% chance it wont happen as by then there would be many more affordable cars in the market. Hopefully by then other premium conti's would be more affordable.

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Nov 25 2012, 10:08 PM

Happened to have some free time today so did a test drive on the 408 Turbo at TTDI. Ive tested the 508 many times before i chose the Optima. And there's a clear difference between the 508 and the 408T. The more premium feel of the 508 is quite evident. But the 408 does not disappoint. Quite powerful thanks to the 240Nm torque. But i did sense a slight turbo lag when i floored the pedal. Cabin was well insulated but the lack of tyre noise could be due to the Michelin tyres and smaller rim. Took a few corners hard and road grip was good. The expansive windscreen gives you the feeling that you're driving a big car. But step into the rear seat and you know immediately that ure not in a D segment. Although rear legroom is more than satisfactory but putting 3 normal size adults side by side makes it quite cramped width wise. But the seats are comfortable and firm typical of conti's.

Overall i think the 408 is a more than average car with more than adequate power on the tap. If only Peugeot had improved the rear design, im sure we would be seeing more 408's on the road. The location of the cruise control is also weird and nt easily accessible. Peugeot should have placed it on the steering wheel as it did for the 508. For 125K, i think Nasim could have thrown in power seats and HID headlights which is considered quite 'standard' these days. HID lights are quite essential especially during night drives on the highway. But im refering to the factory fitted ones here not the overly bright ones you get from accessory shops which should be banned for the safety risk to other road users. In terms of handling, i rate the new Ford Focus a few notches higher. Steering response is also better.

So if your budget is max 125K, then the 408 would be a good and logical choice. But 125K also puts many car buyers within range of some D segment makes out there.

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Nov 25 2012, 10:55 PM

For car servicing, the mileage travelled is a more important indicator compared to time as carbon buildups in the engine oil happen more often during actual driving. But most car manufacturers use periodic servicing to make money hence their intervals are governed more by profit than actual technical implications to the car. Most of the new generation fully synthetic engine oil can easily last 15,000km or more. The 10,000km service interval for synthetic lubricants was in practice way before 2005 so with the current blend of more refined engine lubricants, why cant the service intervals be longer i wonder.

So dont be too bothered about the service intervals. As long as you service every 10-11K, no car manufacturer can fault you even with warranties. Ive had 3 Peugeot's in my family in the past 10 years so quite well versed with Peugeot.

Even with Toyota, ive never followed the 10K interval exactly. Ive usually serviced every 12K actually and regularly went well beyond the 6 month duration per service and Toyota didnt have any issues with it. The car engine was in near perfect performance despite being 9.5 yrs old. No problems whatsoever with the engine or gearbox. Im doing the same with my new Optima. Both service managers at Kia Ipoh and Red Cube PJ agree that the current synthetic engine oil can easily last 15,000km. But im sticking to about 11-12k for each interval. But we should note our driving conditions as well. If ure frequently in stop go traffic then you should not push your intervals too far apart as wear & tear during such driving is generally higher.

Just my 2 cents.

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Nov 25 2012, 11:11 PM

Generally i find Peugeot engines loud. The 408T is no exception but its probably due to the turbo. But then again, it might be a similar case to the Optima K5 which has a loud engine during cold starts but once warmed up, its relatively quite when idling.

Read my post again. This is what i said:

But 125K also puts many car buyers within range of some D segment makes out there

I never implied any D segment costs 125K. I said 'within range'.

Yes slightly different engine which is why power output differs. The 508 hp is 156 while the 408 churns out 163Hp. Torque output same. Similar case to the Kia Optima K5 2.0L. The latest version launched last month gives out 170Hp as compared to the earlier version which gives out 163Hp only.

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Nov 26 2012, 10:23 AM

Because all those were previous generation cars and i have confidence that the current generation will be better. I dont have alot of confidence in Peugeot as some of their new generation cars were still having issues. Hence among the reasons why i chose the Optima over the 508. But i think both are still great cars with their respective plus points. Surely better bets compared to the other Japanese makes out there.

---

Added on November 27, 2012, 12:53 pmA wider car doesnt neccessarily mean a wider interior. Alot depends on the side door panels, width of the door itself and seat design. I spent some time in the 408 last weekend and although it had good legroom but interior width was lacking. But for a C segment is more than sufficient but quite different to a D segment i must say.

As for wheelbase, although a 2710mm distance is small when you take the unit into consideration but in the automotive industry even a difference of 50mm is considered big. You can't say its very close in this sense.

Compared to other C segments, the 408 is surely top in terms of internal space and even design i might say. But i dont think it should be compared with the D segment category. Yes its closer to the dimensions of a D segment car but there's still a considerable difference.

In terms of specs, everbody knows that the Japs arent value for money which is why many of us are opting for other makes right? But what happens when you compare with a non Jap make like the Kia Forte 2.0L?

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Nov 27 2012, 12:57 PM

Wow...u seem to have a serious grudge against the Teana eh? Ex gf driving one ah?

Haha! Why? Spec wise, design and internal space still ranks above. Only limitation is the smaller power output but still very much acceptable for a 2.0 NA engine i guess. So far the only car that might make me 'regret' buying the K5 would be the upcoming Mazda 6 launching next year but considering the time frame in between, it wont really be a regret.

Yes i know.

Dont worry. Compared to 2 years ago, the level of public perception about non Japanese cars has become much better. Its up to ppl like us to spread the news that there are some much better cars out there besides the normal Japs.

Yeah i guess so. Must be the credibility of the brand and also the design. Not many can accept the design especially the rear. Quite different from other conti's like VW. Even i cant.

I would take power seats with memory anytime over paddle shifters. The dual memory function on the Optima 8 way power seats are a real plus. Makes things so much easier especially when you have someone else driving your car often enough (e.g spouse).

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Nov 28 2012, 02:23 PM

For those not in a hurry to buy a new car, the upcoming Kia Forte K3 might be a good choice. I hope they bring in the 2.0L version. Quite a powerful engine from the specs. 173Hp, 209Nm torque for a normal petrol engine.

What sales stats are you refering to when you say the 408 is selling well in Malaysia? And which model are you comparing against?

Bro, this list is so outdated la. U cant possibly use figures from 6 months ago to justify sales now.

We all know why there is no sale figures because of legal issues surrounding the Competition Act. Thats why i asked u where you get your info from. Btw, i dont see Peugeot on that list so how did u come to the conclusion that the 408 is selling well?

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Dec 1 2012, 09:14 AM

Alright.

This is the same function as the 508 rite?

I wonder why you would take a 2012 model now which would be worth about 10K less come 1 Jan 2013? Are the discounts worth 10K?

Ive spent alot of time at that showrom during my many visits to 'evaluate' the Optima but havent come across any outstanding ladies either in Kia or Peugeot. So dont get your hopes up.