USED 2009/2010 Genesis 4.6 vs NEW 2011 Kia Optima SX

[|2idicu|ous]

I have a confession to make. I've been lurking around these forums for several months in anticipation of buying a used 2009/2010 Genesis 4.6 with Tech as the prices came down. But I'm thinking about switching over to the new Kia Optima SX with Technology and Premium Touring packages. More features, much better gas mileage, still powerful and fun to drive, still big enough for my needs, would get full warranty, could take advantage of low interest financing, but would probably cost a few thousand more than I would pay for a used Genny.

current USAA price with applicable rebates for Optima $27970. likely auction price for used 2010 genesis right around $25000. [FYI current USAA price for new 2011 gen 4.6 is $36150]

has anyone else taken a hard look at the Optima SX? your thoughts?

 

[jonsocal]

I have driven several of the new Optimas. They are fantastic cars and full of features. They drive completely different than the Genesis and are a different level of vehicle. The Optima Turbo has a lot of power and phenomenal gas mileage. The issues for me are the rear head room, the visibility restrictiion due to the "B" pillar and the noise the turbo engine makes during warm up. Other than that it is a spectacular car. The Genesis feels more luxurious and solid. The Optima has even more options than the Genesis. I am a huge fan of the cooled seats and the fact that the Optima has the option to give that to the passenger is huge to me. The fact that there is a ginormous sunroof in the Optima is great too. The Optima is a great car with a great warranty. The Genesis is also a great car but it is much more luxurious, rear wheel drive, the torque feels more powerful, though it is probably similar to that of the Optima turbo. If you can find a smoking deal on a Genesis, that that could be the way to go. If you are looking to own the car until the wheels fall off, then the Optima may be the better route due to the warranty and gas mileage. Eventually the extra 5-8 average mpg will come in very handy. I of course love the Genesis Sound system and rear wheel drive, that was the difference for me.

 

[Stoofpilot]

It's real simple for me. It's like white and black. Many Genesis drivers like myself are ex BMW/Lexus drivers who want the luxury and quality without the $50,000 to $65,000 price tag. The Optima might be a nice car yet it's more like a Fusion or Accord. Buy the Genesis and feel like a king driving down the road. You'll fell great.

 

[maxpowers]

I am in the same boat. Looking at a used genesis vs another new or slightly used sedan like the optima or sonata. There are lots of changes coming in 2012 and I will probably be waiting till then to see what these manufacturers are putting out. I want a car packed with tech, with a luxurious interior and a smooth ride. All these tech features are starting to become standard on even the lower end cars.

 

[tompass]

Same for me. Previous 2 cars were Mercedes S and BMW 7. Did not want to spend the big bucks but still wanted a car that delivered the goods.

 

[TJPark01]

The Genesis is in a whole different league versus the Optima. However, if you are not the enthusiast type and just wants basic reliable transportation while having a car that looks nice, the optima is a compelling package. Also the Genesis, will have higher operating cost, act worse in the snow,get poor fuel economy. The Optima will, understeer when driven hard, has less of the luxury feel. Depends what you really want out of a car.

 

[tonygxp]

to the op, i've driven the sonata turbo and the Kia turbo, although the optima SX is quick and has lots of features i can't compare either to the genesis. like comparing a c350 to an S550 or a 3 series to a 7, etc.

 

[|2idicu|ous]

i haven't driven the optima yet so we'll see how that goes. its strange that the genesis is supposed to be the luxury flagship but has less features than the midsize optima.

 

[Gurkha]

i haven't driven the optima yet so we'll see how that goes. its strange that the genesis is supposed to be the luxury flagship but has less features than the midsize optima.

Agreed, it is a bit odd but keep in mind the Genesis is an older design from 2008.
I faced a similar situation a few months ago. Thought about a Sonata 2.0T or the upcoming Optima SX, didn't drive either one but I did look and sit in them. My decision to go with the Genesis was based mainly on having something different after over 20 years of driving mid size FWD mainstream sedans. As good as the Sonata/Optima were to me, they were still FWD mainstream cars; cars that you will see everywhere, everyday. I wanted something different for a change.
A lot of the comments made here are true; a car is more that this feature or that feature - it's about how it drives and feels as well. In the end a used Genesis cost me thousands less than a new 2.0T/SX and I will use the difference to offset future operating costs.

 

[tonygxp]

call me old school but i cannot for the life of me pick a fwd anything when there's a rwd alternative. i hate fwd. nothing fun about driving a fwd car/suv.

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[DJaxx]

call me old school but i cannot for the life of me pick a fwd anything when there's a rwd alternative. i hate fwd. nothing fun about driving a fwd car/suv.

+1.....when you demand power and acceleration from a RWD, the result is entirely superior to that of a FWD......no comparison really......and no torque steer!!

 

[Pahaska]

Yesterday, I followed a new Kia Optima with temp plates around a bend at 70 mph and I was amazed that he could maintain that speed and how flat the Kia cornered. Most folks go through there about 60 or less. I have looked down and found myself at 75 in the Genesis and I have never had the nanny cut in.

 

[|2idicu|ous]

drove the optima this afternoon. good engine. steering just doesn't feel right. rear visibility is poor. otherwise a very nice car. looks real good in person in the dark gray color.

i'm back to the genesis. baby i always loved you.

 

[viguanna]

I agree with most everyone. RWD is the way to go! There is nothing better than being "pushed" down the road instead of being "pulled".

Another point to make is..... in a few years that kia will be worth far less in value than the Hyundai. Kia has not caught up with decent resale values like Hyundai's higher end cars have.

 

[Gurkha]

otherwise a very nice car. looks real good in person in the dark gray color.

+1. I love the look of the Optima. Not as classy or upscale like the Genesis, but a very nice modern design that completes well within it's intended market.
Reminds me a bit of past Acura offerings. Love it in white
Mr. Schreyer did an excellent job!