Kia Optima - alternatives

[fatandwheezing]

After my other have cruelly made me get rid of our V50 T5 we are without an estate. Anything I buy will be my main car and I do 80 miles a day so economy and comfort are main priorities.

Also want something fairly new - I really like Android Auto.

Budget is about £15k, and a few Kia Optimas can be found in good spec for that.

I assume they are dull as hell to drive, but they look good and have loads of kit.

Any alternatives I should look for? All the rest that meet the search criteria are smaller, Leon, 308, or Mégane.

[ZX10R NIN]

They're loaded with kit but unfortunately they're not as great on fuel in the real world (my brother has one as a daily) but the peace of mind with the long warranty makes the fuel worthwhile.

Alternative Estate options:

Mondeo Vignale I have one (210) of these & it brilliant as a daily loaded with kit as being a good steer.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

210 Auto

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or the titanium with the X Pack

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Another very good alternative is the 508 GT spec:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mazda6 Sport Nav

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

All three are IMO better alternatives than the Kia

[Jag_NE]

My brother has one of these and he is far from a car nut. He isn’t happy as he thinks the interior is low rent (he had an Octavia prior!) and the mpg is crap for a low performance diesel. Cheap for a reason but you do get that warranty.

[Miner49er]

I had an ISG3 estate for two years which replaced an Octavia Scout. The Optima by comparison was terrible and ended up sat on my drive for the last twelve months of the lease because I disliked it so much.

The dealership I used was also appalling, the finance company useless.

The whole Kia experience was terrible and I was so glad to see the back of it.

It had a decent stereo though.

[ninjag]

XF Sportbrake (3.0d)
5 series touring (Watch out for rear suspension problems)
Accord Tourer

[fatandwheezing]

Hmm, I don't mind it being a bit crap to drive, I currently have a C5 after all, but crap economy is surprising.

I currently get around 50mpg on the Citroen (110hp).

I thought about the 508 as it's basically the same as the Citroen, but the new model is so lovely looking it makes the old one look ancient.

Looks like Mondeo's are back in the frame then.

[ZX10R NIN]

It's because of the lack of power & the weight of the car that add up to the not so great economy on the Kia, which is why the offerings above will give better real world economy & they'll be a better steer than the Kia too.

It would either be the Mondeo or 508 for me.

I forgot the VFM option which is the Insignia in Elite Nav form:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or a newer C5:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...