Extended Test Drive

[thethunderbird]

My wife's Volt lease is up in September and I'm looking to get her into a Stinger GT2. Sometime between now and then, I'd like to give the Stinger an extended test drive and see if there is anything about the car we can't live with, as we'll probably keep her car for a long time. I would rent one on Turo, but the nearest is 500 miles away. Has anyone had any luck arranging any kind of extended test drive?

 

[NS_Stinger]

A Volt to a GT2 is going to feel like one hell of a step up, especially in the power department. If you're looking to keep the car long Kia is the right brand to move to when it comes to warranty.

 

[thethunderbird]

A Volt to a GT2 is going to feel like one hell of a step up, especially in the power department. If you're looking to keep the car long Kia is the right brand to move to when it comes to warranty.

My car is an SL63 AMG and although the Volt is my wife's car, I end up logging more miles on it when we have visitors than she does during her short commute. I'm looking to buy her something that makes me feel less... sad.

 

[NS_Stinger]

My car is an SL63 AMG and although the Volt is my wife's car, I end up logging more miles on it when we have visitors than she does during her short commute. I'm looking to buy her something that makes me feel less... sad.

Well A brand new SL63 AMG it’s only about .5 secs quicker to 60 than the Stinger, so it will definitely make you less sad, especially with the practicality that the Stinger brings to the table over your SL.

 

[thethunderbird]

Well A brand new SL63 AMG it’s only about .5 secs quicker to 60 than the Stinger, so it will definitely make you less sad, especially with the practicality that the Stinger brings to the table over your SL.

Yeah, I think the power and acceleration will be more than enough for what I'll be using it for. I love the SL and where it really shines is in passing power (60-100 MPH), the sound of the AMG V8, Mercedes refinement and the top-down action that I never get tired of here in California. I'm looking forward to the Stinger's practicality, surprising rear seat space and comfort, and its cabin tech.

I still want a longer test drive, though. Something small that I can't change will annoy me to no end and kill the deal, or make me want to get rid of the car shortly if I do buy it.

 

[NS_Stinger]

Anything specific you’re concerned about let me know and I will do my best to help you out. I commute with my GT to work about 1.5hrs daily.

 

[thethunderbird]

Anything specific you’re concerned about let me know and I will do my best to help you out. I commute with my GT to work about 1.5hrs daily.

Thanks! There's nothing off the top of my head that I couldn't check in a short test drive, but the small annoyances tend to only appear after living with a car for a while. E.g. the Volt has a shockingly low front-end (I think for aero) that scrapes everywhere. Not a deal-breaker but an annoyance. Have you run into anything like that?

 

[NS_Stinger]

Not really, I have the AWD which happens to sit a bit higher in the front than the RWD models. I would say the biggest annoyance with the car is a hatch thump that I solved with a DIY fix.

 

[ElChanclo]

Anything specific you’re concerned about let me know and I will do my best to help you out. I commute with my GT to work about 1.5hrs daily.

Not sure what you drove before the stinger, but do you feel any pinch at the pump?

 

[Kgh31386]

I did an extended test drive...pretty simple with the dealer here. I signed the demo agreement, made copies of my insurance and I had 48 hours with it. No strings, no credit check, no hassle. I’m actually the one bugging them to notify me of incentive changes and slash the price.

 

[MerlintheMad]

I've been on an "extended test drive" for almost a year by now. There isn't anything about this car that annoys me, but almost everything about it is a pleasure and delight. Maybe after a lifetime of used vans, wagons and sedans I am just easy to please.

 

[thethunderbird]

I did an extended test drive...pretty simple with the dealer here. I signed the demo agreement, made copies of my insurance and I had 48 hours with it. No strings, no credit check, no hassle. I’m actually the one bugging them to notify me of incentive changes and slash the price.

Mind sharing which dealer?

 

[NS_Stinger]

Not sure what you drove before the stinger, but do you feel any pinch at the pump?

Prior to the Stinger I drove a 2012 Acura TL with a 3.5L SOHC V6. The TL was a little better on fuel from what I can tell but I also have a lot more fun with the 3.3TT, so that could be part of the difference. Both cars require premium fuel which I've been accustomed to for a while now because my car prior to the TL (2005 Acura TSX ASPEC 6spd, loved this car) needed it too.

 

[Sabz]

Find someone near you and let them borrow your amg and just switch for a day lol I’m sure someone will do it

 

[MerlintheMad]

Both cars require premium fuel

Kia recommends premium (91+) gasoline for the Stinger. It is not "required".

 

[thethunderbird]

Find someone near you and let them borrow your amg and just switch for a day lol I’m sure someone will do it

That's actually a great idea. I wonder if my insurance would cover this, though.

 

[Sabz]

That's actually a great idea. I wonder if my insurance would cover this, though.

Yea def look into that haha

 

[Kgh31386]

Mind sharing which dealer?

Kia dealerships in Austin do the extended test drive. I was at Kia South Austin