Yumcha

Generally speaking, cross-border shopping for a car is only worth it if it is for a higher-end car. So, I think the rule of thumb is if the MSRP in Canada is over $60K, then consider it.

For a mid-range car, usually, the hassles are not worth it and the savings does not work out. There have been articles posted online suggesting what the threshold value is, I recall.

The Dougler

iTrader: (1)

I agree I wouldn't do it unless the savings were substantial and I don't think they will be.

dom

Yes. Test drove the NA 2.4 and Turbo version. Love the interior of the car and the value proposition is hard to pass up.

Its a tough call between the Optima, Passat, Accord and Fusion...Lots of give and take.

Yumcha

Do you have the invoice pricing for all four...?

And if you are "close" and can't decide, then, my suggestion is to let the $$$ decide for you. Find out the invoice price, give it GST, and 3% profit and use that as your starting negotiation point for any of the cars.

Whichever dealership gives you the best price, wins the dom-new-car derby.

dom

Yes, have all the info. Negotiation is not an issue for me to be honest. I just genuinely can't decide on the car. I think the Passat is my favorite of the 4 but it doesn't have a back up cam or push button start/keyless entry.

Accord is too much money and shitty interest rates

Fusion too is lacking in features at that price point

So maybe your idea is the way to go?

Yumcha

Well, if you like all 4...then, I would suggest to let money talk.

That's kinda how I ended up with the Countryman and FX -- we had "finalist" cars and just let the $$$ decide for us.

dom

Then the Optima in a slam dunk. Its the cheapest by at least 2k similarly equipped.

Just not certain I like it best.....

Yumcha

It's definitely one of the best-looking.

Kia's warranty package is pretty decent too. I dunno, if you want to go German, I would suggest you consider a gently used Audi A4...?

charliemike

At this mileage, it probably settles your decision for you:

VW Passat TDI sets 77.9 mpg fuel economy record through Lower 48 states

8,122 miles and an average of 78mpg (US). I'm sure he was hypermiling like a boss but still, that's amazing. That's 3x what I'm averaging in my Focus ST.

crazyasiantl

iTrader: (7)

Crappy interest rates on an accord? Does Honda US and Honda Canada have different rates? I got 1.9% on my civic

The Dougler

iTrader: (1)

^2.99 right now. 3.99 if you opt for the V6. Fusions 0% right now.

dom

Accord is 3.99 across the board for all models isn't it?

I missed out on the Fusion last month. There was 0%, + $1000 Costso, + $750 rebate + what I negotiated off. I didn't bite.

Brother law bought a Edge last month and got a total of something like 6K off between Rebates, Costco and negotiation.

May as well wait for the July programs at this point. Can only get better with 14's on the way.

dom

Just not sold on the diesel. Want something with more pep. Maybe I'm being silly but I really want that back up cam....

Moog-Type-S

Just get the Optima and be done with it.

The Passat is the better driver's car & has a more upscale interior & quality, but when fighting price point, you can't beat the Optima in terms of features.

That being said, the Optima is no Camry driver, and the interior quality is far from the old Chrysler parts bin from day of old.

Again, get the Optima, you will be very happy. It's a good choice.

Yumcha

Yeah, dom.

It's rare that Waldorf and I agree on anything (well, that's not true). But, notice how we are BOTH telling you to get the Kia?

dom

I thought the Optima's interior quality of materials and fit and finish (never mind layout) was second only to the Passat's. Its layout was the best of the bunch.

I'm all over the map, today the Fusion has peaked my interest again.

dom

You guys realize that that I likely wouldn't be getting the SX but an EX Turbo. The SX has the stiffer suspension, bigger wheels and a few other goodies. From reviews, the EX is a bit softer in the handling dept.

Yumcha

Yeah, noted. I like both...even if well, the SX is obviously more fun.

Moog-Type-S

Listen to Statler, he knows what he is talking about!









































Except when speaking of NHL goaltenders, then he's clearly off his rocker.

Yumcha

^ Zipit, Waldorf.

jhumbo

iTrader: (1)

Why wouldn't you get the SX?

I have the SX and the stiffer suspension provided a much sportier driving experience over the EX-Turbo.

Also, regarding backup camera... Before getting my Optima, I never had a backup camera and though of it as a nice feature to have, but didn't really care if it was there or not. After having a backup camera for a couple month, I really love it a lot more than I ever thought I would and find it extremely useful. Great for seeing what's going on in parking lots and also helps a ton with parallel parking. Just my $0.02 in case that help your decision since you felt you might be putting too much emphasis on backup camera.

dom

^ After my several test drives in various cars, the back up cam became a must have in my book.

Reason for not going SX is the $$$. I's be stretching the budget. We'll see what can be done when its time but an SX will be closer to 35-36K out the door, while the EX about 33.

dom

Statler and Waldorf in agreement on something

Omen? There is no other choice than the Optima.

Costco

it's either that or some bus passes.

Moog-Type-S

It pays to listen to the nutjobs in the balcony. :wink:

dom

Don't even need them yet. In Canadia women get a year off with pay for maternity leave. So I'm good with one car for another year or so at least. Or before my wife gets fed up walking everywhere.

charliemike

This is pretty much the voices I read their posts to each other in ...

dom

New Optima EX Turbo or Demo Accord EX-L V6 with 12K km (7,500 miles)?

About the same price.

Accord will have 2.5 years of warranty left compared to the 5 years for the Optima.

Sarlacc

Hmmm...I like the new accords...but I also like my in-laws optima and its a non-turbo...I Think I'd have to go Optima.

Yumcha

Yo, dingis. OPTIMA.


You will be infinitely happier cuz Gawd knows, your hockey team sure won't be giving you any joy.

dom

Why?

Yumcha

Because it looks better and drives better.

dom

Have you driven the Accord? not doubting just asking. Its been awhile since I drove the V6. Going again after work today to take out the demo.

To be honest I think I prefer the Accord. Like the styling, prefer the V6 vs Turbo and I'm still a Honda fanboy at heart. What I don't like is that its going to be about 1K more (if I get the price I want on the demo) and the warranty is far less than the Kia.

Wife also prefers the Kia...Tough call. But a car will be purchased today or tomorrow.

honda_nut

Get the accord. Something about a V6 just sounds more reliable than a turbo 4.

Yumcha

The last time you bought a Honda, you became even more bitter than the Cup drought. So, I dunno. BUT, if you truly love the new Accord, then, you know what you want.

And no, I have not driven the new iteration of the Accord.

Sarlacc

stop talking.

dom

Have a few offers out there. Lets see what happens. Found a 2013 Optima SX demo with only 5,000 km's. If they can meet my price that may be the car. Bit far from home though. The Canadian car market is so much smaller than the US. Not easy to find what you want locally sometimes for low sellers like an Optima. Accord's are more plentiful up here.

dom

Well, offer on the Accord was turned down. It's out of the running.

TylerT

iTrader: (1)

Go with the Optima.

Yumcha

@ Optima then!