*sigh* I guess I'm out

[Mike_TX]

SCREWS?! That would be a moron trick (no offense intended, but seriously, if anyone screwed a spoiler on ... WHY!?).

Yeah, actually there ARE spoilers that screw on through holes in the underside of the trunklid (hatchlid in this case). I'm hoping this ain't one of them.

 

[Mike_TX]

Sounds like an M&S spoiler. There's two versions. One goes vertical one goes horizontal.. You may have the horizontal version.

I think you may be right, merlin. I looked it up and it does look pretty much like this one, except it's glossy black.

 

[Stinger GT SS]

Haha. I can give you a photo of the 2018 loaner I have, but I won't be able to get my actual car until next Wednesday. They thought it was PDI'ed, but it wasn't, so they just tossed me the 2018 they had and said see you after Christmas. Best time of the year to buy, but not to get things done. Here i am at the insurance agent's office.

View attachment 17020

Congrats on your new upgrade, at least you have a loaner to get used to, so when you get your new one it should fit like a glove.

 

[OliverNuther]

Congrats on your new upgrade, at least you have a loaner to get used to, so when you get your new one it should fit like a glove.

Plus you can scratch that launch control itch on someone else’s car. And that sideways itch, and that ‘Wonder what would happen if I did this....’ itch.

 

[Flameangel]

You know, Wayne, the 2018 Premium wasn't very compelling, given that it lacked so many basic features (ventilated seats, LED headlights, smart cruise control, lane departure, forward collision mitigation, rear cross traffic, blind spot, phone charger, etc., etc.). So I basically couldn't get excited.

But when those things showed up on the 2019, the car got interesting again, and I started taking a second look.

I totally understand you guys who have the GT's. I've had several cars with over 350hp, and one with 420, so I hear you. I'm getting a little older, though, and I live in an area that's getting more congested all the time, so all that grunt just sits there under the hood and mocks you. lol.

I have a 2018 Premium loaner with 400 miles on it until after Christmas, since they still need to PDI the new one and tint the windows. I've been putting it through the paces, and the 2.0-liter will put you in the back seat if you push it hard. Not like the 3.3, I know, but plenty of rush for me.

I'll freely admit the Stinger has been something of a struggle for me. I had the itch, but nothing out there was scratching it. I kept coming back, though, and finally took the plunge.

Congrats Mike, enjoy your new ride, I hope to be joining you in a Stinger soon ( albeit, on the other side of the ocean )

 

[Flameangel]

Plus you can scratch that launch control itch on someone else’s car. And that sideways itch, and that ‘Wonder what would happen if I did this....’ itch.

Yep, as long as he doesn't get carried away scratching that 'itch ' too wildly and end up in a ' ditch ' ( physically and perhaps metaphorically ) if he sees those blue/red lights in the rear view mirror. Oh, and now you've probs put me off 'demo models ' because now I know what you guys get up to in someone else's car

 

[Ozstung]

Have we established what colour and trim @Mike_TX has got? Did well to get a loaner . In 4 months my dealer couldn't even organize a test drive and when they did they cancelled so the service manager could drive it to the airport for a weekend away. Anyway well done on the loaner , drive it like you stole it.

 

[Ruturaj]

Congratulations Mike, I would have chosen Stinger as well just for better handling (with trade off of features), you will get to know it as you drive the car. I was about to buy WRX just for handling, so my reasoning might not be that relevant to you. It comes down to what you want the most. Welcome.

 

[Ruturaj]

Have we established what colour and trim @Mike_TX has got? Did well to get a loaner . In 4 months my dealer couldn't even organize a test drive and when they did they cancelled so the service manager could drive it to the airport for a weekend away. Anyway well done on the loaner , drive it like you stole it.

I think he got premium, black on black.

 

[Mike_TX]

I think he got premium, black on black.

Yes. I kind of wanted a Panthera Metal, but there wasn't one to be had in the area. So I fell back on Black/Black.

 

[Collybus]

You know, Wayne, the 2018 Premium wasn't very compelling, given that it lacked so many basic features (ventilated seats, LED headlights, smart cruise control, lane departure, forward collision mitigation, rear cross traffic, blind spot, phone charger, etc., etc.). So I basically couldn't get excited.

But when those things showed up on the 2019, the car got interesting again, and I started taking a second look.

I don't understand. I have a 2018 2.0 Premium and it has all of those features, except the ventilated seats and phone charger. It has a heated steering wheel as well.

It's a bit strange to me that many people feels that the only good Stinger is the GT. I find the available power from the 2.0 is fine for everything but racing and would likely rarely pedal down to that extent in regular driving. I also looked at the top Optima while at the Kia dealer and thought the interior was significantly less impressive in appearance and feel. It just looked so much cheaper than the Stinger's.

Sure, I'd have loved to buy the GT2 but I'd also like a BMW 1250RT over my Triumph Trophy, sometimes you gotta compromise a little.

 

[Mike_TX]

I don't understand. I have a 2018 2.0 Premium and it has all of those features, except the ventilated seats and phone charger. It has a heated steering wheel as well.

It's a bit strange to me that many people feels that the only good Stinger is the GT. I find the available power from the 2.0 is fine for everything but racing and would likely rarely pedal down to that extent in regular driving. I also looked at the top Optima while at the Kia dealer and thought the interior was significantly less impressive in appearance and feel. It just looked so much cheaper than the Stinger's.

Sure, I'd have loved to buy the GT2 but I'd also like a BMW 1250RT over my Triumph Trophy, sometimes you gotta compromise a little.

Yes, I stand corrected. I think you could get most of the stuff I mentioned via an added package (Sun and Sound or something?), and you also must have an AWD, since the heated wheel only came with AWD. It's all standard now, except for the heated wheel, which still requires AWD.

 

[TwiceStung]

May sound silly but I don’t like heated steering wheels. Had one in a rental once and really disliked it. Then again I don’t live in the winter hinterland anymore, but I used to where it would routinely be 10 to 20 below zero F. Just wore gloves. Probably just me, but I’m always warm anyway. Could have used ventilates seats but the remote start with AC on should do the trick. Merry Christmas to all!! Stay safe.

 

[eflyguy]

You can always not use it.

I've never had one but I have to say, I like it. Only needs a few seconds of use to get that chill out of the wheel. I have and have used gloves but it's rare I'll keep them on to drive. Wouldn't be a factor in choosing a vehicle considering where I live, but I like the option.

 

[Alagos]

2.0 is also enough for me
2 packages (without roof window)
Makes the 2.0 a 3.3 here, except some things ..
Less power
No Brembo brakes
No Nappa leather
No launch control
Side of the seats can’t be pumped..
Oh yes and it’s only RWD (with heated wheel )
Any other differences i can’t remember now ..

 

[Waynerm002]

I'm fairly certain launch control is on the 2.0T version as well.

 

[TwiceStung]

I'm fairly certain launch control is on the 2.0T version as well.

Yes, it is.

 

[Alagos]

It is ? Brochure says no ... hmm will test it in some months and after some miles

 

[washguy]

2.0 launch ? launch to where?...lol Wash

 

[mikben89]

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 feel you. Bought one for my wife. Not impressed. But she loves it, so I suppose that's a good thing. Honestly, I prefer my 2011 normally aspirated Sonata over the Stinger. To each his own, I suppose.