Stinger Owners.....what other cars made your final list?

[Oryan]

Let's see. A BMW M235i/M240i, C43 AMG coupe, and the Abarth Fiata. Also gave a bit of thought to a 392 Challenger Scat Pack Plus Shaker. I don't need or really want 4 doors, to be honest. However I have liked Kia/Hyundai since my Genesis Coupes and I like the looks, interior and potential of the Stinger a lot. This and maybe the A7/S7 are the only 4-door cars that remotely interest me and it's mostly due to them not having that generic sedan profile and at the same time not ending up looking like downturned bananas on the road like the CLA/CLS do in their efforts to be 4 door "coupes". Also worth saying that if I thought Fiat would remain in NA for 5 more years I'd probably have gotten that one over the stinger. Even still may try to find one used in a couple of years.

 

[Lawrence Williams]

Let's see. A BMW M235i/M240i, C43 AMG coupe, and the Abarth Fiata. Also gave a bit of thought to a 392 Challenger Scat Pack Plus Shaker. I don't need or really want 4 doors, to be honest. However I have liked Kia/Hyundai since my Genesis Coupes and I like the looks, interior and potential of the Stinger a lot. This and maybe the A7/S7 are the only 4-door cars that remotely interest me and it's mostly due to them not having that generic sedan profile and at the same time not ending up looking like downturned bananas on the road like the CLA/CLS do in their efforts to be 4 door "coupes". Also worth saying that if I thought Fiat would remain in NA for 5 more years I'd probably have gotten that one over the stinger. Even still may try to find one used in a couple of years.

Which Fiat? Great storyline....similar taste!

 

[Callum]

- 2019 Charger HellCat - Interior was a nope
- 2018 Grand Cherokee SRT8 - Well, for the money and the performance it just didn't match up.
- 2018 Alfa Gulia QV - MMI was awful, a few tacky things that killed the car.
- Used 2012-2015 E63(S) AMG - No warranty and looming financial disaster waiting to happen.

I sold my AMG and got into a Optima for a "cheap DD" while I saved up. Ended up falling in love with the KIA brand. I tried my hardest not to go look at a Stinger but at the end of the day I couldn't stop thinking about dollar per dollar value of the brand. I finally drove one and I was sold. Sure, didn't go as fast as the others...didn't have the "badge", didn't have the passion or flare of the others but it's a damn solid car and I love the Stinger.

 

[Oryan]

Which Fiat? Great storyline....similar taste!

The 124 Abarth. In a straight line their performance is laughable compared to the Stinger but it's amazing to me in pretty much every other way. It's a shame Fiat isn't doing more..or anything, to advertise it. It's also got a really good manual gearbox. I know I could have gotten the M240i in manual if I'd gone that route but I HATE BMW manuals.

 

[Trineo008]

I crossed shop a 2019 Mustang Ecoboost. I looked at all the luxury brands too but way more expensive when you had all the options of the Stinger GT Limited.

I'm trading in my 2011 Sorento EX V6 to get the Stinger.

 

[Jimmer]

IMO, it's the best looking car in its class. It's absolutely gorgeous. It's super fast due to how quickly the punch kicks in and of course overall limit Its just bada$$.

Throw in how practical it is and it's about as great as a car gets.

 

[XZe]

Audi A5/S5 S3
BMW M2/M240i
Charger
Q60
CLA45
Was actually looking at a 2 door car more than anything, but the Stinger was just too good.

 

[Alagos]

What do you mean ? ^^
Nah for real .. checked some cars .. first I wanted the Lexus IS200.. then watched over some typical cars Audi bmw and so on .. the cars I like from outside are way too expensive ..
Then watched more about the Stinger .. well - got nervous like I would date my dream wife as I stood before it ..and I knew - it has to be the stinger.

Even if it costs more than I get paid in a full year but at least it’s something I love - because if money it will be the 2.0 .. but that’s okay - it’s way more than I ever imagined. 2 Months and the wait will be over i Hope..

If the Stinger wouldn't be, i would have chosen the Hyundai I30 Fastback N Performance but the order is made and I’m happy with it.

 

[Bharat]

Not an owner yet, but on the way there.
Honestly had heard about the Stinger only about a year back. Didn't think too much of it, and wan't in my shortlist. Then i started seeing review scores, watching youtube reviews, and then decided to check it out for myself.

I had a bit of a dilemma whether to go for a good car, or choose a brand, and I ended up with a lot of confusion and my thought process was all over the place.

Ones on my shortlist were

Kia Stinger GT - Exciting to drive, value for money, street cred, exclusivity, respect from Kia since you've bought their top of the shelf model
BMW 430 i GranCoupe - exciting to drive, but expensive
Audi A5 Sportback - the interiors didn't excite
Mercedes C 200 (free upgrade to C 300) - Didn't like it
VW Arteon - Feels too big to drive and boring interiors
Volvo XC60 - Only SUV I considered, and still have a soft spot for it. Beautiful vehicle, and if the Stinger wasn't there, would have gone for it
Mercedes GLC - Dated and didn't like the drive
BMW 3 series 2019 - Wait for it to see how good it was? Didn't have the patience.

Please don't flame me for not having Stinger as the only model I wanted since my childhood!

 

[1RADKIA]

Was holding out for the the release of the FT-1 (Toyota Supra), but the design kept changing and the car release date kept getting pushed.... so - I turned towards the Lexus RC-F. Beautiful automobile - but the interior just doesn’t work for me. Once I saw the Stinger on YouTube, that started me searching more in depth. That turned to me considering a test drive, then more information, then trying to talk myself OUT OF BUYING A KIA STINGER. Didn’t work!!! And no looking back! A year into ownership and it’s still one of my all time favorites!
On a side note - must say the Mustang GT-350 debut @ Detroit auto show is completely Bad Ass!!! It’s a looker!
Enjoy those Stingers my fellow car enthusiasts!! I sure do!! db

 

[Jimmer]

Was holding out for the the release of the FT-1 (Toyota Supra), but the design kept changing and the car release date kept getting pushed.... so - I turned towards the Lexus RC-F. Beautiful automobile - but the interior just doesn’t work for me. Once I saw the Stinger on YouTube, that started me searching more in depth. That turned to me considering a test drive, then more information, then trying to talk myself OUT OF BUYING A KIA STINGER. Didn’t work!!! And no looking back! A year into ownership and it’s still one of my all time favorites!
On a side note - must say the Mustang GT-350 debut @ Detroit auto show is completely Bad Ass!!! It’s a looker!
Enjoy those Stingers my fellow car enthusiasts!! I sure do!! db

just wait till the GT500 comes out 2020.

 

[Schpok]

Was holding out for the the release of the FT-1 (Toyota Supra), but the design kept changing and the car release date kept getting pushed.... so - I turned towards the Lexus RC-F. Beautiful automobile - but the interior just doesn’t work for me. Once I saw the Stinger on YouTube, that started me searching more in depth. That turned to me considering a test drive, then more information, then trying to talk myself OUT OF BUYING A KIA STINGER. Didn’t work!!! And no looking back! A year into ownership and it’s still one of my all time favorites!
On a side note - must say the Mustang GT-350 debut @ Detroit auto show is completely Bad Ass!!! It’s a looker!
Enjoy those Stingers my fellow car enthusiasts!! I sure do!! db

I initially was waiting for the supra too, but now that I saw it, I'm happy I didn't wait.

 

[NCPinz]

The new Stinger Gt is actually my son's. The other vehicles on the list included the VW GTI either in SE or Autobahn trim, a used Q50, and we toyed with looking at the Charger in Daytona form (used). We only drove the GTI and the Stinger. He loved the Stinger ride, exterior, and especially the red leather interior.

 

[flycaster]

Don't have a Stinger, yet, but have been doing a ton of research. My present drive's (2016 MB C-300 coupe) lease is up this August, and my other car is a 2013 ATS Lux. My previous cars, all bought new and each kept for around 10 years, were BMWs, 2002 325i and a 2005 Z4. As I'll be keeping the ATS as I consider it to be my BMW, handling wise, I never considered a new BMW (they just don't handle like the E46 become ATS.) BTW, I'm 80 and never had "nice" cars until I retired 20 years ago. Anyway...

All the cars I looked at were RWD. I was first interested in the Audi Sportback as I never had an Audi, but aside from cost when loaded, I just felt that the car was too conservative looking for me. The next car I looked at was the Alpha Romeo Giulia TiSport. Really liked it, but smallish back seat and didn't have enough bells/whistles. But then the 2019 Camaro 3LT V6 caught my eye as it had all the bells and whistles, was comfortable and drove well, and cost quite a bit less than the Giulia; but as its rearward vision was very, very bad, I went back to the Giulia (a very fine driver's car.) However, V6 engine's were starting to take over from 2L turbos, and then I turned to the Stinger GT2. I really like coupes and small cars, but as my friends were having trouble getting in and out of my ATS and would have the same negative experience with the Giulia (remember we're old farts,) I started considering the GT2. It certainly would be fast, sporty enough, comfortable, good looking, and the back seat would be more accommodating than the other cars. However, now with the G70 Prestige in view, I do have to take a closer look at it compared to the GT2. I happen to like the exterior of the GT2 better and I also like the GT2's dash better...but there is something about the G70 I like, but can't explain. BTW, getting in/out its back seat wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it is easier in the GT2. The GT2's hatchback is not a necessary condition as I don't really need the room. So, it is between the GT2 and G70, and I suspect that the final decision will rest on competitive costs???

 

[Veliladon]

BMW 230xi, M240xi
BMW 330xi
Genesis G70 AWD 3.3T
Mercedes A class
Subaru WRX
Subaru BRZ

In the end, I decided I wanted the comfortable GT which knocked the WRX and BRZ off the list. The A class is missing in action and FWD biased (which is what knocked the A3/A4 off even the short list). The equivalent BMW was at least 10 grand more expensive than each Stinger trim.

I test drove the Genesis but the dealership was pretty garbage. It was just a Hyundai dealer, no Genesis frontage, the sales guy wasn't interested in selling a premium car, it wasn't even as nice or as good as my local Honda or Toyota dealer. The Kia guys were way more enthusiastic about the model, it had a nicer sitting position than the G70. The red leather was a snap decision but I'm glad I ended up going for it.

It's such a beautiful car and it just surprises you that Kia of all people made it. Badge envy is a thing but I'll sleep at night on the 10 grand I saved over a BMW.

 

[Jimmer]

Don't have a Stinger, yet, but have been doing a ton of research. My present drive's (2016 MB C-300 coupe) lease is up this August, and my other car is a 2013 ATS Lux. My previous cars, all bought new and each kept for around 10 years, were BMWs, 2002 325i and a 2005 Z4. As I'll be keeping the ATS as I consider it to be my BMW, handling wise, I never considered a new BMW (they just don't handle like the E46 become ATS.) BTW, I'm 80 and never had "nice" cars until I retired 20 years ago. Anyway...

All the cars I looked at were RWD. I was first interested in the Audi Sportback as I never had an Audi, but aside from cost when loaded, I just felt that the car was too conservative looking for me. The next car I looked at was the Alpha Romeo Giulia TiSport. Really liked it, but smallish back seat and didn't have enough bells/whistles. But then the 2019 Camaro 3LT V6 caught my eye as it had all the bells and whistles, was comfortable and drove well, and cost quite a bit less than the Giulia; but as its rearward vision was very, very bad, I went back to the Giulia (a very fine driver's car.) However, V6 engine's were starting to take over from 2L turbos, and then I turned to the Stinger GT2. I really like coupes and small cars, but as my friends were having trouble getting in and out of my ATS and would have the same negative experience with the Giulia (remember we're old farts,) I started considering the GT2. It certainly would be fast, sporty enough, comfortable, good looking, and the back seat would be more accommodating than the other cars. However, now with the G70 Prestige in view, I do have to take a closer look at it compared to the GT2. I happen to like the exterior of the GT2 better and I also like the GT2's dash better...but there is something about the G70 I like, but can't explain. BTW, getting in/out its back seat wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it is easier in the GT2. The GT2's hatchback is not a necessary condition as I don't really need the room. So, it is between the GT2 and G70, and I suspect that the final decision will rest on competitive costs???

I felt crunched in the back seat of the G70 and the cargo space is sad. It's also stiffer. G70 would be a good option if I was single and maybe 10 or more years younger. Plus it's not anywhere near as good looking as the Stinger.

 

[MerlintheMad]

BTW, I'm 80 and never had "nice" cars until I retired 20 years ago. Anyway...

Ah! Move over, @Paul32 and share that "most venerable Stinger driver" podium with @flycaster! (Oh, wait on that: he doesn't have a Stinger just yet...)

 

[flycaster]

Hey Jimmer, thanks for the input. Yeah, although the G70 I found that getting into the G70's back seat wasn't too bad, it is a tight fit and I know that my friends won't appreciate the squeeze. As for the tight ride of the G70, I got that with my ATS, and maybe I will opt (when the time comes) for the GT2 and its more accommodating interior space. Actually, I have test driven both, and find the GT2's ride sporty enough (won't be tracking). Also, the GT2 is the better looking car, IMO.

 

[DarthVaderIX]

The only cars on my list were a Audi RS3 and a gulia quadrifoglio. I have a buddy that works at a volume dealer. He talked me into a test drive. I resisted the stinger the whole way. Even after my purchase I was not warned up completely to the car and was having fantasies of the others. Then it changed I learned to love the car looking beyond the badging and realized this is an incredible machine. And as parts and tuning development increases it’s only going to get better. I wanted/want to go fast. And have my amenities too. The rs3 is extremely small and not as comfortable all around as the stinger. BUT you can go 10s@135 plus easily. Same with the QV. with all that said a stinger with 550hp/550tq will be just as satisfying I am sure if it. For a great deal on a stinger contact Anthony Amado @(208)466-7000

 

[Veliladon]

The biggest problem with the RS3 is the same as all the German compact executives. They gouge you for thousands on stuff you don't want for features that you do. Want adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist for making long distance driving? Well if you go to the Germans they want you to pay $3-5K for the LCD cockpit before they'll even talk to you about paying another $1.5-2K for the driving assists.