I looked a the phaeton but I don't like the seats and interior dosent do it for me. No execy toys like rear heated seats, no flappy paddles etc.

Garage has replied so let's see what happens next. Mmm

Should hear today.....fingers crossed.

Update?

Yeah, its a no go. Too much negative equity in my optima. Looks like its staying for now. Gutted.

Shame, still plenty more time for research.

So a quick update. The Copen got sold a couple of weeks ago. The optima has been with Kia for 2 weeks and has had a replacement clutch, master cylinder and now DMF. I was having problems changing gear and having to force the lever into position. Picked it up yesterday and it's the same! Not impressed so another phone call today.

Car is still with the dealer. They have now had it 5 weeks in total. They also have another Optima albeit an older one with the exact same issue. I've been told today that they have been given authorisation to replace the gearbox in that to see if that resolves it's problem and if it does they have authorisation to do mine too...I'm looking at another couple of weeks I reckon. Need to speak to the finance company as I'm paying for a car I can't actually drive!!

Yikes. Have they given you another Optima in the meantime?

Nope. I had a new Sorrento 2.2 diesel which I put 2k miles on for them and yesterday picked up a 65 plate old shape Sportage 1.7 diesel.

Ah well, least they haven't just thrown a Picanto at you!

Haha. They only have 1 picanto..an auto and they keep that for the customers that need an auto. So I'm lucky! I did suggest they leant me a new optima but that would mean the boss wouldn't have a car apparently!

Well, Optima is still broken...left it with the finance company to deal with as its ongoing with no end in sight.

On the flip side I may have just bought a new toy.....

Did you buy a Barge like toy???

Nope. I decided to hold off on the barge...

Optima is back. Picked it up yesterday evening. Turned out it needed new gear cables? I'm still not convinced it's 100% right but it's certainly better than it was. Kia have said this is as much as they will do so we will have to see if it gets worse again etc. Finance company don't want to know either. At least it's back and drivable!

So I've had it back a while, thought it was time for an update.

It's about to hit 40k miles so it's booked in for its second service. Just done a European road trip covering France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. No issues and very comfy. Vented seats are nice when the weather's like it has been and the panoramic sunroof cool too to soak up the rays!

I've got to say, it's a great car and it does everything you could want. It's just let down by the tiny 1.7 diesel engine.

Good news....I've replaced the Copen. Bad news for the bank balance but hey ho.

Not giving too much away yet...it's a German Hatch. Not VW/Audi Group and cost less than 5k. And it has a turbo petrol engine.

B200?

B200?

Nope...

Smart car? Maybe a Brabus coupe? (Arguably a hatchback...)

I need to make these more difficult! I've bought a Smart, but not a coupe. I've bought a ForFour Brabus. Hopefully picking up this week.

Ah, I forgot the ForFour. There's a silver Brabus one in the car park at work - looks pretty cool I think.

Ah, I forgot the ForFour. There's a silver Brabus one in the car park at work - looks pretty cool I think.

 

Mines (Well almost mine!) silver. With a few tweaks thrown in for good measure

Maybe picking it up today!!