My car search journey took a long winding road...Warning, my explanation may be just as long lol.
It all started at the 2016 International Auto Show. I fell in love with 2 extremely different cars, Dodge Charger SRT/Scat Pack & Lincoln MKZ 3.0T.
Dodge had a big V8, was really quick & sounded mean as hell! Made me miss my big block Trans-Am..
Lincoln was quite luxury with impressive technology & options, yet felt surprisingly quick too.
When I finally took a management position I decided to find something a little nicer than my Optima SXL. This wasn’t easy as nothing in its price range could compare to its features, so I moved up to the $40-50k market. I loved my SXL and wanted the same types of features(Nappa Leather cooled seats, panoramic moonroof, upgraded audio, etc) but I also needed MORE POWER!
Kia didn’t offer anything at the time so I started looking at slightly used Audi S5/S7, BMW 440i/640i, MB C43, CTS Vsport, SRT, Infiniti Q50 RS400, MKZ 3.0T, Jaguar XE S, or anything similar. Surprisingly the CTS Vsport was the best combo of loaded luxury, power & value in that range. But I became worried about reliability & long term cost on all of the used cars...
So I started shopping sign & drive leases to see what I could afford new. The Audi’s, BMWs, MBs, & Vsports I wanted we’re all $15-20k or $150-200/m more than I wanted to spend. Only versions in my budget were stripped down base models.

I was left with Scat Packs, Q50 RS400s & Alfa Giulia's.
Which is when I discovered, and started stalking the Stinger. A 365Hp luxury GT from Kia! It was like my dreams came true and couldnt wait for it to come out. As soon as my dealership got a sample I went and saw it in person. What a beautiful car and couldn’t believe it was loaded for only $50k(equivalent S5, 440, C43 all $20k more). Then the drive, OMG...the amazing ride mixed with unbelievable torque, I was hooked.
I went and drove the SRT, Q50 & Giulia to compare. The SRT had amazing exhaust and great top end power, but had a basic interior and was far from a refined luxury car. The Q50 seemed quick but didn’t really feel like it, and even though it’s interior was high tech it felt cramped and similar to an upgraded Altima. The Giulia had the nicest interior, and a sporty comfortable ride, but was easily the slowest of the 4.
I went back and took my time reviewing the Stinger. It was simply a better car than anything I had tested it was no longer a comparison. The Stinger is obviously a “poor mans” S7 and can see why Kia is competing with the Panamera & 640i Msport.
When I saw I could get the loaded GT2 Micro Blue with White Nappa Leather for about $40k w$0 down I really felt I found my dream car.

SOLD!
It was a long journey but well worth the trip. Hope some of you made it to the end of this one and that my long review was a little helpful.