What car fo new DD? Kia Optima SX 2.0t vs. Buick Regal 2.0t

My turn for a "what car?" thread: strongly looking at a new DD and it's come down to an '11-12 Optima SX 2.0t or Buick Regal CXL 2.0t.

The Regal has slightly nicer interior materials and a proven drivetrain - it was in the Cobalt SS and HHR SS. Its trunk opening is larger and the opening with rear seats folded is wider than the Optima.

The Optima has more features, particularly cooled seats, which is very appealing because I am in FL. Torque steer is more noticeable than in the Regal. I like what Kia has acomplished with this car, but in the back of my mind it worries me that even their recent offerings don't seem to have necessarily held up particularly well over time.

Consumer Reports (I know, I know) says they're about the same: a few problems in '11, improved in '12. The seats in both are good, and rear seat headroom is about the same. Warranties are about the same if the Buick is CPO - good bumper-to-bumper and powertrain to 100k. Fuel economy is a consideration in the purchase and is about the same for both with 6a.

Other considerations: I really want a Regal GS. It has Hi-per struts on the front which should yield handling gains,and it has more powah. But even a used GS is a few thousand more than I am comfortable borrowing and there is a noticeable mpg hit to the 270-horse mill.

Additionally, the new-for-'13 Accord sedan has a lot going for it and the Sport trim level is appealing and in budget. Unfortunately, I just do not want a CVT, and (to my surprise) I HATED the shifter on the manual trans car. It is slightly larger than the other two and quieter at cruise thanks to active noise cancelling technology. However, it has the most and coarsest engine noise under acceleration, making it uninspiring to drive hard.

Any thoughts?

A friend of mine bought the new-for-'11 Optima SX. 28k trouble free miles later he is thinking of selling his modded STi because he just enjoys the SX more.

The Regal is smokin hot, and available with a proper manual IIRC. I do REALLY like the Kia. All things equal, I'd probably opt for the Kia because new. Screw Honda.

Regal - moar better pretty

In reply to 4cylndrfury:

This, I am still lusting over the GS......makes me also wish that we got the true Insignia VXR here, with its twin turbo 6, 6sp, and awd. Oddly enough, the GS bodywork is the VXR's

The CXL 2.0t is still a great little car though, prolly high-14's quick with the auto, handle well, and actually are nice on the inside.

On a side note to the OP, have you asked any of your local dealers if they will do a brand loyalty thing since I see you have had predominantly GM.

I can't believe you're having such a hard time, I think the Regal trumps that crowd easily.

Bryce

The Regal looks like it has a nice interior, but that green instrumentation reminds me of my mother's old 1986 Olds 98 with the digital dash and voice module. They need to change that.

I vote Regal...it really stands out among that group imho.

The Regal center stack has lots of capability but is not as easy to use or as well laid out as the Optima's . Regal has blue instrument panel at the trim levels under consideration. Serveral manufacturers have moved to blue recently. The shape of Regal's rear door means a parking lot whack to the guy parked next to me is inevitable, but I won't be carrying rear occupants very often.

I can finance a '12 of either at new-car rate even if it's used (hooray USAA). I bet the Regal has cheaper insurance - hadn't thought of that before and will check on that. Optima has a conquest incentive but dunno if the GTO qualifies for it. Will look into any loyalty incentives the Buford might offer. A GS is up to $100/mo more thank an '11 Regal. The Optima SX is a few thousand more than a CXL 2.0t, generally. Also, I prefer a color other than black, which further limits GS selection.

Appreciate the input so far.

In reply to conesare2seconds: pearl white looks fantastic on the GS.

I also vote Buick.

(Never thought I'd type that)

The styling of the Optima is... confused, in my eyes, while the Regal looks pretty nice. Even in white. I'd go Regal!

I am a BIG Kia fan and a BIG Buick hater, but even I think that is a tough call. Both are excellent in their own way and both have had glowing reviews. A co-worker just got a '13 Accord, and it has a very BMW-like quality to it IMHO. Really tough choice there.

Have you looked at the new Mazda 6? I hear that it will further cloud the decision and add some real-world MPG to the mix to boot. Arggh!

My local Buick Dealer is also my local Kia dealer, so even that would not sway the decision!

The newest Mazda 6 is out, for two reasons: road noise and slowness. Too bad, 'cause it's handsome and supposed to have good handling.

Optima turns out to be a couple hundred more/yr for insurance than the Regal. Regal will be almost identical to my current GTO.

I haven't driven any of them. So my opinion counts for E36 M3. That said, I've been keeping an eye out for a used, black GS manual. It'll be an interesting unicorn when it dips into the $5k range.

I live in Phoenix. Cooled seats are very, very nice during the hot months. Especially if your car is parked in the sun for long. Seats get up to cooking temperature, but your A/C never cools them down because you're sitting in the seat. So you just sweat. Sweat is, I'm betting, something you're familiar with in Florida... ;-)

Note: I've never owned a car with cooled seats but Ford/Lincoln lets me sit in theirs frequently. 8-)

David

Regal because it has a manual and it looks awesome.

regal. it's only close because the blake griffin kia commercials are funny. but honestly i'll never get over working on late 90's sephias enough to ever buy a kia.

Tough call. I like the look of both. Truedelta has the Kia ahead in reliability, but only just. HP is the same, the Kia should get better fuel economy and is cheaper.

If it were me, I'd buy the one you can get with a stick shift.

+1 for Regal.

Of the 3 in the first post, I'd be leaning most toward the Accord Sport, although I'd want to drive them all. Its significantly lighter than the Regal, has double wishbones, and I'm sure could be found quite cheap. Also, gets better mileage, has more passenger volume, more cargo volume, and doesn't ride on 19" wheels.

I'll take mine in black with all the goofy shiny bits and wheels painted black as well.

patgizz wrote: regal. it's only close because the blake griffin kia commercials are funny. but honestly i'll never get over working on late 90's sephias enough to ever buy a kia.

Yeah, but have you ever seen the Buick commercials with Shaq in them? They're trying to show the car is roomy by having him sitting in it. They must have had to use two tubs of Vasoline to wedge him in there. I know he's a giant, but it makes the car look tiny inside. Oh, and a lot has changed since the old Sephias. Would you not buy a Z06 Vette because you once drove a '77?

I haven't test driven either car myself. Being a multiple Kia owner, I'm a huge fan of their cars. However, I have to say I'm extremely impressed with what I've seen of the Regal (limited to sitting in one at the auto show). I'd have to test drive it, several times, then decide.

DWNSHFT wrote: I live in Phoenix. Cooled seats are very, very nice during the hot months. Especially if your car is parked in the sun for long. Seats get up to cooking temperature, but your A/C never cools them down because you're sitting in the seat. So you just sweat. Sweat is, I'm betting, something you're familiar with in Florida... ;-) Note: I've never owned a car with cooled seats but Ford/Lincoln lets me sit in theirs frequently. 8-) David

cooled seats? have a car starter. turn car on (make sure ac is cranked before leaving), enter car with cool seats. problem solved. get the regal dude!

Klayfish wrote: Oh, and a lot has changed since the old Sephias.

Frickin' Sephia took away my manhood at CMP in a Lemons race. I pulled on him in the Amazon at the exit of the corner and the berkeleyer outdragged me and took the line before the braking zone.

Made all of the BMW and 944 passing that day feel a little less impressive.