I had a test drive of the Optima a couple of years back and thought it looked okay but some of the stuff inside was 'blingey'!

It doesn't half remind me of the Superb 3 though which is no bad thing.

Cleaned it today :-)

That was it - all new one, New York Motor Show reveal.

 

 

Damn fine looking car that is.

I actually prefer the current version. The latest one looks too American for me..

Thought I better update as its been a while. Still got both so..

The optima. Now on 26k miles (bought on 8.5k) Had a major service at 20k and has been OK. Had a consistent issue with the car not engaging the turbo when pulling away..mainly when outside is over 15 degrees. Been in a few times for it but no fault could be found. Went in again yesterday and the DPF hadn't done a regen in a lot of miles. Apparently there should be around 0.6g of soot in the exhaust system..the system was registering 12.5g so he did a manual regen which went to 650 degrees!!! Seems to be running better..but need to keep an eye on it.

The copen hasn't been out since July. Going to try and go and get it out over the next week or so and get it running. Replace the headlight bulb and get it sorted. Then tidy it up, and probably try and sell it again.

Bit of an odd issue on the Optima that! And that's a lot of soot to get rid of 

 

I'd do some tidy up bits on the Copen, then aim to get it up for sale in the Spring. Market for that sort of car tends to pick up from that time of year onwards  

Yeah. The optima issue reared its head when my satnav took me through London to get to Thorpe park. Went to pull away at a roundabout and nothing....skip lorry heading my way...thought it was just me but it has done it on and off ever since. The revs drop and even with foot to the floor nothing then all of a sudden everything kicks in, wheelspin, redline bouncing. But dealer can't find a fault.

I love the copen and I am dissapointed in myself that I haven't taken more of a interest in it. I think that will change now I'm actually going to attempt to get it sorted etc.

2 new tyres on the Optima today and then it was onto the Copen.

Got to the Copen to find (predicted) flat battery. No worries..I've got jump leads from last time. Oh yeah I've put them in the boot....which is electric....cue Google and how to manually open the boot. 45 minutes later I'm in, get the jump leads and off we go. While its warming up I do a quick visual check, one fairly flat tyre and a lot of moisture inside but nothing too major. Oh and the brakes were stuck on...so now it shakes and dosent feel to great. It also still has the boost leak and the plan was to go and get it to my mums, and have a go at sorting that..but I'm suffering from manflu and was not feeling it. Maybe next week.

I love the copen and the quick drive I did have in it today reminded me why I bought it.

I just can't see you in a Copen Chris!

 

I hope you are well btw

Last Skoda dealer I worked at was a Daihatsu dealer for a short while , just as they was launching the Copen , yes I was impressed m they went well too , love the looks , so well done for that

I now work at Hyundai , mmm another name for Kia

I did not want to like Hyundai.....but I am warming to them

Sounds like you have taste Young man

But a Skoda will always be where the heart lies ☺️

Sarah

Edited 26 November, 201510 yr by TissMe

I just can't see you in a Copen Chris!

I hope you are well btw

Welcome back :-) I'm very well! Hope you are well too.

Yes I have a copen...not sure I was entirely thinking straight but was a good idea at the time!

The Optima might be looking for a new home soon...here is hoping!

How come Chris? Opting for something else?

Yeah. I love the optima...it looks awesome, turns heads and is a nice drive..but its let down by its small (1.7 diesel) engine. It's great for people who are commuting, sitting at 70 etc but when you live on back roads and fancy a blast there just isn't enough get up and go. The new one is due out in January with the same engine but rumours suggest a 2.0 turbo petrol will join the lineup in September.

I've spotted a car I really really like the look of if the figures can stack up. Will update as soon as I can work out if its a goer or not

Going older?

 

Its a shame they didn't do the 2.5 GDI petrol over here as that was a cracking engine in the Optima. 

Going older?

Its a shame they didn't do the 2.5 GDI petrol over here as that was a cracking engine in the Optima.

Possibly. My Kia appears to have depreciated like a rock (no surprise) so may need to rethink. There are some bargains to be had on some big engined barges though!

Oooo go big engined barge, you won't look back!

I used to have a BMW 740i and I'm hankering for something newer but similar. I really really want an Audi A8 or S8 but they are hard to find and holding their value.

I've seen a couple but have had the 4 seat option fitted. I need 5 seats. I'm leaning towards a A8 6.0 W12 as I can get it with the long wheelbase. And its a 6.0 W12.

The 6.0 W12 A8 in LWB form has different ratios in the transmission, to give a more leisurely drive. If you want to to take full advantage of the W12 you need it in SWB form as then it has the standard box.

I think I chose the right time to buy mine, got it two years ago and put 20K miles on it. Value today is the same as what I paid back then, possibly slightly more. I did a search on Autotrader, and its a struggle to find a good one for the 4K I paid 2 years ago.

Yep, I'm struggling. Not many swb 6.0s about and the lwbs seem to have the 4 seat option which is no good for me.

I've also seen something else that is taking my fancy though, just waiting for an official yes/no as I put in a cheeky offer....

The plot thickens

 

Would you also look at something like a bigger engined 5-Series? I often look longingly at something like an E60 550i 

The plot thickens

 

Would you also look at something like a bigger engined 5-Series? I often look longingly at something like an E60 550i 

 

In Manual SE flavour...

Yes, perfect

 

But probably quite rare!

I need to be able to fit 3 car seats across the back, hence the need for a wide barge. I also want a bit of fun so hence the big engine.

All will be revealed...soon hopefully.

VW Phaeton?