Would you trade in a Lexus RC F (and IS) for a Stinger GT Limited?

[corradoMR2]

I love cars and like to change into a new one every 2 or so years. Full disclosure, I'm a Lexus fan and a senior moderator of a popular Lexus forum. I have owned several over the years and I am blessed to have a trio at this present time. However, with all the accolades and praises of quality and reliability, the gap has narrowed between mainstream brands and the luxury segment in the areas of styling, technology, and luxury feature content.

However, refinement and quality of materials are still of value to me which I have yet to validate on the Stinger in person, and I have a hard time shaking off the Kia brand stigma (coming from many years of owning luxury cars Lexus, Acura, and Audi).

Note. I'd also get rid of the IS (separately) since the Stinger can fill in my appetite for power (RC F) and practicality (IS). As a bonus, I'd free up my garage during the 4 winter months of the year when the RC F is stored.

The Stinger I'd get is Thunder Grey/Red Nappa. Love this dark gray and reminds me of Smokey Granite Mica for any Lexus fan out there.

So the question is, would you equal trade in a '15 RC F (9k miles) Carbon Fiber (TVD/Performance Package) for a loaded Stinger GT Limited (in Canada has 360 Camera, wireless charging, heated rear seats, etc), and separately get rid of a '17 IS ? Or am I nuts to even consider this and keep both Lexus vehicles? Want you honest opinions! Thanks!

 

[ralzod]

If you're asking relative to the cars, I'd say why not. You've already made the case in your mind for how one Stinger can fulfill what two Lexus'es (Lexi?) currently are. If you're asking relative to price/value, I can't answer (no idea what the RC F is worth on trade-in). If you have concerns about your status in Lexus forum land...well, that's probably the trickiest of all. At least you'd still have that SUV.

 

[corradoMR2]

If you're asking relative to the cars, I'd say why not. You've already made the case in your mind for how one Stinger can fulfill what two Lexus'es (Lexi?) currently are. If you're asking relative to price/value, I can't answer (no idea what the RC F is worth on trade-in). If you have concerns about your status in Lexus forum land...well, that's probably the trickiest of all. At least you'd still have that SUV.

Thanks. Basically I'd be getting 52K as a trade-in making it a wash for the Stinger which is acceptable to me from a dollars-perspective.

Nah, don't care about forum status and in fact most moderators have a mix of car brand

 

[Kia Stinger]

First, I love Lexus. I won't get into a long story on that.

Onto your question. While reading your message I was looking down at your red RC-F, back up to read, back down to the RC-F - and I was just about to say "NO" I would not trade. I'd keep the RC-F. But then I scrolled down more and saw the Thunder Grey Stinger GT.

YES.

I'd make the trade. You can get everything you need out of one car, saving garage space, and never need to switch for any reason. That Thunder Grey Stinger is REALLY nice. Plus, you get ALL the features and a great price in Canada. I love Lexus and I love the RC-F - but I'd take that dark grey Stinger...

 

[Gilgamesh]

Wait so trade in both cars to get the Stinger? If that's the case I'd definitely pass.. I'm assuming the IS is a lower trim for this to even be thought of because if it was a 17 IS 350 AWD f-sport the prices would be nearly identical.

I hate getting screwed by dealers though so I'd probably take the slow route of selling my cars privately so that I get at least close to what the car is worth.. I'm sure cars like that are fairly hard to sell privately because heck I even had a hard time selling my FR-S several months ago.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Wait so trade in both cars to get the Stinger? If that's the case I'd definitely pass.. I'm assuming the IS is a lower trim for this to even be thought of because if it was a 17 IS 350 AWD f-sport the prices would be nearly identical.

I hate getting screwed by dealers though so I'd probably take the slow route of selling my cars privately so that I get at least close to what the car is worth.. I'm sure cars like that are fairly hard to sell privately because heck I even had a hard time selling my FR-S several months ago.

He's actually not trading BOTH cars FOR the Stinger - just the RC-F. He's selling the IS outside of the Stinger transaction...

 

[corradoMR2]

He's actually not trading BOTH cars FOR the Stinger - just the RC-F. He's selling the IS outside of the Stinger transaction...

Correct.

@Gilgamesh. 52K trade-in is for the RC F only. It's not worth selling privately for which I'd get around 60K since if I do go that route then buy the Stinger, I would have to dish out 59K with tax anyway making it a wash with the headache of selling it privately. As a trade-in, it's 52K for the Stinger minus 52K for the RC F making the tax on 0$ and net cost 0$. Well worth the trade-in as a transaction with no hassles...

 

[Gilgamesh]

He's actually not trading BOTH cars FOR the Stinger - just the RC-F. He's selling the IS outside of the Stinger transaction...

Gotcha I see it towards the end of the post I kind of just skimmed through it after reading the title which made it sound like he would be trading in both cars to get the Stinger. Sorry for the mistake!

@corradoMR2

If that's the case then it's definitely in your best interest to trade the vehicle in to save yourself the hassle like you said. If you're sold on the Stinger and know you'll have almost as much driving it then it would be worth it.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Sorry for the mistake!

Don't worry, you're in good company. I make more mistakes than anyone.

 

[corradoMR2]

So I got the call from my dealer as they just got their first Stinger. Very nice car...

 

[Kia Stinger]

So I got the call from my dealer as they just got their first Stinger. Very nice car...

Good morning! So you went to see it?

 

[corradoMR2]

Yes! Test drove this black on black...





To answer my own poll question, the answer is Yes! Done deal! ThunderGray/Red coming the end of Dec.

Deal was sweet - Dealer was definitely interested in my RC F (it's a very rare car in Canada and US too for that matter). They will add it to their premium used car dealership lot of cars where they more "commonly" have Ferraris, Lambos, and Porsches. In short, I had some leverage considering the limited Stinger supply in Canada. Got not only an excellent trade-in value but also got 1. tinted windows (mandatory for me); 2. also mandatory for me, I wanted all-season (not summers - we're in Canada AWD only model, eh!?). Since it was difficult for them to source and swap A/S tires, I got my "A/S" tires in the form of an $800 cheque I will use to buy my own tires and have them installed at time of delivery. I just purchased online a set of Pilot Sport A/S 3+ (sweet tires) so I will lose very little in performance yet gain the light winter traction I need. I get to keep the Pilot Sport 4S summers and will sell them in Spring!

 

[Kia Stinger]

Yes! Test drove this black on black...

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To answer my own poll question, the answer is Yes! Done deal! ThunderGray/Red coming the end of Dec.

Deal was sweet - Dealer was definitely interested in my RC F (it's a very rare car in Canada and US too for that matter). They will add it to their premium used car dealership lot of cars where they more "commonly" have Ferraris, Lambos, and Porsches. In short, I had some leverage considering the limited Stinger supply in Canada. Got not only an excellent trade-in value but also got 1. tinted windows (mandatory for me); 2. also mandatory for me, I wanted all-season (not summers - we're in Canada AWD only model, eh!?). Since it was difficult for them to source and swap A/S tires, I got my "A/S" tires in the form of an $800 cheque I will use to buy my own tires and have them installed at time of delivery. I just purchased online a set of Pilot Sport A/S 3+ (sweet tires) so I will lose very little in performance yet gain the light winter traction I need. I get to keep the Pilot Sport 4S summers and will sell them in Spring!

Awesome! I'm so glad a test drive helped convince you even after owning a Lexus IS-F! Great! And it sounds like you got everything you wanted, just the way you wanted it. You're very luck! When do you get to take it home?

 

[corradoMR2]

Awesome! I'm so glad a test drive helped convince you even after owning a Lexus IS-F! Great! And it sounds like you got everything you wanted, just the way you wanted it. You're very luck! When do you get to take it home?

Thanks! ETA by end of Dec. Time to order badges...

 

[corradoMR2]

Got my Thunder Grey/Red Stinger!

 

[ralzod]

Got my Thunder Grey/Red Stinger!

Man, I really think that's the color combination I want, but can't get it in US trims!

 

[corradoMR2]

Man, I really think that's the color combination I want, but can't get it in US trims!

It's a really sharp color combo. Sporty yet upscale matching well the "Grand Tourer" that this car is.

I thought someone posted in another thread that Thunder Grey/Panthera Metal is now available in the US? Or is it only with black interior perhaps?

 

[ralzod]

I thought someone posted in another thread that Thunder Grey/Panthera Metal is now available in the US? Or is it only with black interior perhaps?

Panthera Metal only available in the US on the GT1, and only w/black interior.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Got my Thunder Grey/Red Stinger!

Congratulations! Your Stinger looks excellent! What do you think? I doubt you're beating it up yet but - IF you are - how does it compare to the Lexus IS-F??

 

[corradoMR2]

Panthera Metal only available in the US on the GT1, and only w/black interior.

Perhaps worth the trip to Canada and get one up here. With the exchange rate, you'd even save a few bucks. In fact my dealer told me today they are in the process of selling one to a buyer from Connecticut! I wonder if this person is on this forum...

Congratulations! Your Stinger looks excellent! What do you think? I doubt you're beating it up yet but - IF you are - how does it compare to the Lexus IS-F??

I'll create a more detailed comparison at some point after a few more miles but initial impressions of the Stinger GT AWD are very favorable from a quality and performance standpoint!