*sigh* I guess I'm out

[Mike_TX]

I've tried to like the Stinger, but I just can't pull the trigger on it. I know most of you don't care whether I like it or not, or whether i get one, but maybe my observations might be worth something to someone.

It's a cool car, and great-looking, and it has some advantages over my 2017 Optima. But my personal issues with it are:
- Outward visibility sucks, and the low roofline and small windows make it feel almost claustrophobic
- The 2.0 performs almost identically to my 2.0 Optima, so I'm gaining nothing there. (And no, I don't want a GT, for several reasons)
- The ride is more jittery than my Optima (and yes, I made sure the tires were properly inflated)
- There are a couple of KEY items missing from the Stinger that are on my Optima (360 camera, heated steering wheel, etc.)
- To my surprise I don't like the 8spd trans quite as well as my 6spd. Minor acceleration at city speeds usually brings on a slight hesitation and a gear change, whereas my Optima just moves on out. It's because the trans is in a higher gear than the 6spd Optima at a given speed and has to downshift to respond the same way
- The tech is the same as in my Optima (same slow-responding nav and voice commands, for instance), so no advancement there
- I don't have complete confidence in the stock tires, and don't want to start out spending an extra $800 on new ones

Yeah, I know, I know, don't let the door hit you on the way out, etc. But the forum has been helpful to me, and I appreciate the feedback from owners and members. And the door is still open a little ... I got a killer deal, and if I change my mind I can still do the deal. And who knows ... I might.

 

[Jimmer]

I've tried to like the Stinger, but I just can't pull the trigger on it. I know most of you don't care whether I like it or not, or whether i get one, but maybe my observations might be worth something to someone.

It's a cool car, and great-looking, and it has some advantages over my 2017 Optima. But my personal issues with it are:
- Outward visibility sucks, and the low roofline and small windows make it feel almost claustrophobic
- The 2.0 performs almost identically to my 2.0 Optima, so I'm gaining nothing there. (And no, I don't want a GT, for several reasons)
- The ride is more jittery than my Optima (and yes, I made sure the tires were properly inflated)
- There are a couple of KEY items missing from the Stinger that are on my Optima (360 camera, heated steering wheel, etc.)
- To my surprise I don't like the 8spd trans quite as well as my 6spd. Minor acceleration at city speeds usually brings on a slight hesitation and a gear change, whereas my Optima just moves on out. It's because the trans is in a higher gear than the 6spd Optima at a given speed and has to downshift to respond the same way
- The tech is the same as in my Optima (same slow-responding nav and voice commands, for instance), so no advancement there
- I don't have complete confidence in the stock tires, and don't want to start out spending an extra $800 on new ones

Yeah, I know, I know, don't let the door hit you on the way out, etc. But the forum has been helpful to me, and I appreciate the feedback from owners and members. And the door is still open a little ... I got a killer deal, and if I change my mind I can still do the deal. And who knows ... I might.

I wouldn't buy the 2.0 either. The GTs are full out rocking, though. I also wouldn't buy a V6 Mustang, cause I don't think those are Mustangs

Enjoy your Optima. I need the AWD.

 

[washguy]

As they say in Texas "Go Big or go home " Wash

 

[CaliSting]

Yeah it’s beyond me why Kia didn’t put heated wheel and 360 on more premium Stinger? I was surprised they removed those options in US. That wheel in winter gets down right chilly.

I have thought about upgrading to Optima for heated wheel. ....Not!

 

[nhcowboy28]

As they say in Texas "Go Big or go home " Wash

That’s not all they say...
(Full disclosure... I was born in Arlington).

 

[MerlintheMad]

(And no, I don't want a GT, for several reasons)

None of your other reasons seem like deal breakers to me. Why don't you want a GT trim?

 

[sting me]

View attachment 16923

That’s not all they say...
(Full disclosure... I was born in Arlington).

 

[Kamauxx]

View attachment 16923

That’s not all they say...
(Full disclosure... I was born in Arlington).

Well in this day of #metoo I have to be careful with my guess...

So....you're a steer, amirite?

 

[Abirud]

I've tried to like the Stinger, but I just can't pull the trigger on it. I know most of you don't care whether I like it or not, or whether i get one, but maybe my observations might be worth something to someone.

It's a cool car, and great-looking, and it has some advantages over my 2017 Optima. But my personal issues with it are:
- Outward visibility sucks, and the low roofline and small windows make it feel almost claustrophobic
- The 2.0 performs almost identically to my 2.0 Optima, so I'm gaining nothing there. (And no, I don't want a GT, for several reasons)
- The ride is more jittery than my Optima (and yes, I made sure the tires were properly inflated)
- There are a couple of KEY items missing from the Stinger that are on my Optima (360 camera, heated steering wheel, etc.)
- To my surprise I don't like the 8spd trans quite as well as my 6spd. Minor acceleration at city speeds usually brings on a slight hesitation and a gear change, whereas my Optima just moves on out. It's because the trans is in a higher gear than the 6spd Optima at a given speed and has to downshift to respond the same way
- The tech is the same as in my Optima (same slow-responding nav and voice commands, for instance), so no advancement there
- I don't have complete confidence in the stock tires, and don't want to start out spending an extra $800 on new ones

Yeah, I know, I know, don't let the door hit you on the way out, etc. But the forum has been helpful to me, and I appreciate the feedback from owners and members. And the door is still open a little ... I got a killer deal, and if I change my mind I can still do the deal. And who knows ... I might.

Uh, well, okay. No reason to get anything but a GT if you’re going to take the Stinger route. It’s completely different. And not at all comparable to an Optima.

 

[nhcowboy28]

Well in this day of #metoo I have to be careful with my guess...

So....you're a steer, amirite?

Hey... wait... this backfired.

 

[washguy]

That’s not all they say...
(Full disclosure... I was born in Arlington).

Im so sorry......

 

[Helo58]

I've tried to like the Stinger, but I just can't pull the trigger on it. I know most of you don't care whether I like it or not, or whether i get one, but maybe my observations might be worth something to someone.

It's a cool car, and great-looking, and it has some advantages over my 2017 Optima. But my personal issues with it are:
- Outward visibility sucks, and the low roofline and small windows make it feel almost claustrophobic
- The 2.0 performs almost identically to my 2.0 Optima, so I'm gaining nothing there. (And no, I don't want a GT, for several reasons)
- The ride is more jittery than my Optima (and yes, I made sure the tires were properly inflated)
- There are a couple of KEY items missing from the Stinger that are on my Optima (360 camera, heated steering wheel, etc.)
- To my surprise I don't like the 8spd trans quite as well as my 6spd. Minor acceleration at city speeds usually brings on a slight hesitation and a gear change, whereas my Optima just moves on out. It's because the trans is in a higher gear than the 6spd Optima at a given speed and has to downshift to respond the same way
- The tech is the same as in my Optima (same slow-responding nav and voice commands, for instance), so no advancement there
- I don't have complete confidence in the stock tires, and don't want to start out spending an extra $800 on new ones

Yeah, I know, I know, don't let the door hit you on the way out, etc. But the forum has been helpful to me, and I appreciate the feedback from owners and members. And the door is still open a little ... I got a killer deal, and if I change my mind I can still do the deal. And who knows ... I might.

Sorry to hear you won't be buying. With respect to the 2.0, you make very good points and aside from the AWD aspect there really is no reason to buy a Stinger given your reasoning. Many of the other woes were addressed for me with the 3.3T and Drivewise, although I do feel the rear visibility is relatively limited. I was driving a 10 year old car, so tech was an upgrade for me. Haha. If you never considered the GT or AWD though, you seem to be making the right decision.

 

[only1harry]

Mike: You are entitled to your opinion. At least for me it was very interesting reading your post and your reasons for not wanting a Stinger. After all car buying is very subjective. We don't all like the same things, and it's your money. You have to like the car and live with it, not the ones not paying for it. I am sure you are making the right decision for you. Good luck!

 

[Jimmer]

Jimmer: You are entitled to your opinion. At least for me it was very interesting reading your post and your reasons for not wanting a Stinger. After all car buying is very subjective. We don't all like the same things, and it's your money. You have to like the car and live with it, not the ones not paying for it. I am sure you are making the right decision for you. Good luck!

Are you sure you meant to address that to me? Cause I wanted and got the Stinger.

 

[westcoastGT]

..................you'll get a GT , just a matter of time ..................bets ???

 

[Flameangel]

I've tried to like the Stinger, but I just can't pull the trigger on it. I know most of you don't care whether I like it or not, or whether i get one, but maybe my observations might be worth something to someone.

It's a cool car, and great-looking, and it has some advantages over my 2017 Optima. But my personal issues with it are:
- Outward visibility sucks, and the low roofline and small windows make it feel almost claustrophobic
- The 2.0 performs almost identically to my 2.0 Optima, so I'm gaining nothing there. (And no, I don't want a GT, for several reasons)
- The ride is more jittery than my Optima (and yes, I made sure the tires were properly inflated)
- There are a couple of KEY items missing from the Stinger that are on my Optima (360 camera, heated steering wheel, etc.)
- To my surprise I don't like the 8spd trans quite as well as my 6spd. Minor acceleration at city speeds usually brings on a slight hesitation and a gear change, whereas my Optima just moves on out. It's because the trans is in a higher gear than the 6spd Optima at a given speed and has to downshift to respond the same way
- The tech is the same as in my Optima (same slow-responding nav and voice commands, for instance), so no advancement there
- I don't have complete confidence in the stock tires, and don't want to start out spending an extra $800 on new ones

Yeah, I know, I know, don't let the door hit you on the way out, etc. But the forum has been helpful to me, and I appreciate the feedback from owners and members. And the door is still open a little ... I got a killer deal, and if I change my mind I can still do the deal. And who knows ... I might.

You have made some valid reasons/observations for you not to buy the Stinger. I own an Optima too but mine is older than yours 2013 model, it's a platinum. Although I really like it ( my husband does not, he has driven my car numerous times but has a little Cerato, which he feels has better road handling than my car ) I want to trade it in on a GT Stinger sometime next year so it's an upgrade for me and from what I have read in reviews etc the Stinger does have good road handling capabilities.It also has a lot of safety tech, with the 360 camera, lane assist, rear cross traffic alert etc that my Optima doesn't have. Different courses for different horses as they say,
in the end, all that matters is your own opinion and choice. Good luck with whatever you decide on.

 

[Jimmer]

You have made some valid reasons/observations for you not to buy the Stinger. I own an Optima too but mine is older than yours 2013 model, it's a platinum. Although I really like it ( my husband does not, he has driven my car numerous times but has a little Cerato, which he feels has better road handling than my car ) I want to trade it in on a GT Stinger sometime next year so it's an upgrade for me and from what I have read in reviews etc the Stinger does have good road handling capabilities.It also has a lot of safety tech, with the 360 camera, lane assist, rear cross traffic alert etc that my Optima doesn't have. Different courses for different horses as they say,
in the end, all that matters is your own opinion and choice. Good luck with whatever you decide on.

The Stinger is also available in AWD and RWD, and the Optima is FWD. Not too similar except, you know, KIA. And I really like the Optima, it's a nice car, but to me it's just not comparable.

 

[Flameangel]

The Stinger is also available in AWD and RWD, and the Optima is FWD. Not too similar except, you know, KIA. And I really like the Optima, it's a nice car, but to me it's just not comparable.

Unfortunately here in Australia, we only get one choice, the RWD but it's better as you said than a FWD Optima. If we could get the AWD Stinger, that is the one I would purchase.
,

 

[only1harry]

Are you sure you meant to address that to me? Cause I wanted and got the Stinger.

My bad, I meant to address Mike.

 

[GRStinger]

I've tried to like the Stinger, but I just can't pull the trigger on it. I know most of you don't care whether I like it or not, or whether i get one, but maybe my observations might be worth something to someone.

It's a cool car, and great-looking, and it has some advantages over my 2017 Optima. But my personal issues with it are:
- Outward visibility sucks, and the low roofline and small windows make it feel almost claustrophobic
- The 2.0 performs almost identically to my 2.0 Optima, so I'm gaining nothing there. (And no, I don't want a GT, for several reasons)
- The ride is more jittery than my Optima (and yes, I made sure the tires were properly inflated)
- There are a couple of KEY items missing from the Stinger that are on my Optima (360 camera, heated steering wheel, etc.)
- To my surprise I don't like the 8spd trans quite as well as my 6spd. Minor acceleration at city speeds usually brings on a slight hesitation and a gear change, whereas my Optima just moves on out. It's because the trans is in a higher gear than the 6spd Optima at a given speed and has to downshift to respond the same way
- The tech is the same as in my Optima (same slow-responding nav and voice commands, for instance), so no advancement there
- I don't have complete confidence in the stock tires, and don't want to start out spending an extra $800 on new ones

Yeah, I know, I know, don't let the door hit you on the way out, etc. But the forum has been helpful to me, and I appreciate the feedback from owners and members. And the door is still open a little ... I got a killer deal, and if I change my mind I can still do the deal. And who knows ... I might.

No worries. It's your preferences, your decision, and your money. Personally, I was all but certain to buy either a Q50 3.0 or an Audi A5. The Stinger 2.0 was nice but of no interest to me. Then I drove the Stinger 3.3TT. A completely different experience. I was sold instantly. I'd suggest hanging on to the Optima for awhile, save some shekels, then take a GT for a drive next year.