An idle thought on a rainy Sunday, day one after dealer visit.

[antne]

After yesterday's accidental stop at my local KIA dealer (where I purchased Optima SX-T in 2013) and looking at $52 K GT2 AWD models, had some back to reality thoughts.

1. KBB says I'd get maybe $11K on trade so I'd need to rustle up another $14K to "only" finance roughly another 25 large for at least 60 months .
2. Edmunds says that an in-state purchase (with rapacious $ 300 dealer prep fee) would be another 4000+ in taxes and fees .
3. Tire Rack shows the OEM Michelin Sport 4 to run between 250 - 300 depending on F/R UTOQ of 280 AA.
4. I've had several RWD cars (MR2/ 944 Turbo / Infiniti G35 6MT) and prefer to FWD or AWD.
5. Just for giggles, because of #4, checked Lexus web site for certified pre-owned vehicles. Apart from a 2017 RC F, can do a lot for under $40 K.
6. Back seat headroom of the Stinger is well, tight, so why not just get another coupe ?. I'm single, no kids or pets, no need for full back seat. But can't argue with humongous trunk of the Stinger.
7. Apart from a new set of tires and a detailing come spring, the (paid for) Optima doesn't need anything.

OK, the morning caffeine buzz has worn off, sorry to ramble, thanks for the use of the hall.

 

[Kia Stinger]

After yesterday's accidental stop at my local KIA dealer (where I purchased Optima SX-T in 2013) and looking at $52 K GT2 AWD models, had some back to reality thoughts.

1. KBB says I'd get maybe $11K on trade so I'd need to rustle up another $14K to "only" finance roughly another 25 large for at least 60 months .
2. Edmunds says that an in-state purchase (with rapacious $ 300 dealer prep fee) would be another 4000+ in taxes and fees .
3. Tire Rack shows the OEM Michelin Sport 4 to run between 250 - 300 depending on F/R UTOQ of 280 AA.
4. I've had several RWD cars (MR2/ 944 Turbo / Infiniti G35 6MT) and prefer to FWD or AWD.
5. Just for giggles, because of #4, checked Lexus web site for certified pre-owned vehicles. Apart from a 2017 RC F, can do a lot for under $40 K.
6. Back seat headroom of the Stinger is well, tight, so why not just get another coupe ?. I'm single, no kids or pets, no need for full back seat. But can't argue with humongous trunk of the Stinger.
7. Apart from a new set of tires and a detailing come spring, the (paid for) Optima doesn't need anything.

OK, the morning caffeine buzz has worn off, sorry to ramble, thanks for the use of the hall.

It sounds like you're in a position to keep that Optima SX-T - but there's nothing wrong with that. The Stinger will be there when the time comes. In the meantime, how about showing us a picture of your Optima?

 

[antne]

Per your request

 

[Kia Stinger]

Per your request

Nice blue! You're still driving around in what is basically a new car. Keep it and enjoy it until the time is right to step into a Stinger...

 

[Luminary]

Per your request

Very nice! Mine was a 2014 SX-T also in Corsa Blue. Let me tell you it was sooo hard trading my babe in. But I had been following and dreaming of a Stinger for many years. In the end, I do not regret it, not one bit. But sometimes I do miss my Optima.

 

[Waynerm002]

Nice blues on you cars! I’ve got a 2017 Hybrid in a different shade of blue. I’m looking to go Stinger in the future but that will replace the Volvo. Here is my Optima:



This is what the Stinger will replace:

 

[Rufus]

Change can be hard, and the "known" will always be more comfortable than the "unknown." I restored/modded a '64 Chevelle which was my daily driver for 3 yrs before selling it as the down payment on our 1st home. I do not regret the decision though I think about "Stella" almost every day, 13 yrs later. BUT, if I hadn't taken that painful step, it wouldn't have led me to here, now. To be honest, my 05 Accord hybrid was on its deathbed and we needed a new car anyway, so for me this was an easy decision to step into a Stinger. So if I were driving a pretty Optima SX-T with plenty of life left in it, I cannot say if I would pull the trigger on a new car. I've been clocking the development of this model since the GT concept, so my guess is I'd be on this forum anyway lol!

 

[antne]

Very nice! Mine was a 2014 SX-T also in Corsa Blue. Let me tell you it was sooo hard trading my babe in. But I had been following and dreaming of a Stinger for many years. In the end, I do not regret it, not one bit. But sometimes I do miss my Optima.

View attachment 2628

Nice that the wheels changed in 2014 or are they after market?

 

[Luminary]

'64 Chevelle

Ohh yeah that would be hard to let go. I have always been a Chevy girl myself, and had at one time a beautiful 1969 Camero, 5.7 350 with a 350 Powerglide, burgundy with gray run away stripes. Too bad I spun a bearing in it and had to sell it...

Nice that the wheels changed in 2014 or are they after market?

Those are stock. The Optima was awesome, pushing 276 HP, she would get up and go like no tomorrow. I traded her in because she was still worth some money. I took extreme good care of her, and the next buyer is going to get one hell of a deal. 70K miles but in great condition.

Used 2014 Kia Optima For Sale | Chantilly VA
Am I allowed to post a link? Look at her Carfax...