Hello, guys ...

[Mike_TX]

I'm a 2017 Optima SX-L owner, really interested in the Stinger. Drove a 2.0 the other day and I was impressed. Basically the same engine as mine, and similar performance. The GT is obviously quicker and sportier, and I'll drive one of those soon.

Hope to learn more in this forum, and decide if I want to move up to a Stinger!

 

[Rufus]

Howdy, Mike!
Welcome to the forum--lots of great info and helpful members on these boards! I come from a musclecar background as does my wife, but "settled down". We just brought home our Micro Blue base RWD 2.0 and are plenty happy with its performance out of the box, as well as future mod-ability. Is it a monster? Definitely not, but if you're interested in a practical sport sedan that can also do small family duty (We have a 4yr old son) and handle like a world class gran turismo, you will be hard-pressed to find a better choice, ESPECIALLY if you're like us--initially considering something more mainstream like a Honda Accord/Mazda6, etc. Good luck! *Interesting side note--as we were comparing choices, we eyed a cpo '16 Mazda6 GT w/30k on the odometer. Our insurance agent quoted us $27/mo MORE for the 6 than a brand new base Stinger lol!

 

[Waynerm002]

Mike, Mike, Mike..., buddy from the Optima forums, welcome! Lots of info on the Stinger here, don’t hold out, go drive that GT and join the rest of us waiting to move into one!

 

[Mike_TX]

Hey, Rufus. I saw your thread about the new Stinger. The base is the only one I've driven so far, and to me it performs about like my 2017 Optima SX-L with essentially the same engine.

I'm surprised about the insurance cost thing - just like I was surprised when I moved from a 2016 Acura TLX to my first Optima ... the TLX cost more, but the Optima cot more to insure!

 

[Mike_TX]

Hey, Wayne. Yep, I'm poking around looking for more information. Like I said somewhere, it's only natural for us Optima guys to look at our big brother, the Stinger when we think about moving up.

I tell you, I've owned everything from Lexus's (5 of those), to BMW's (3), to a litany of Japanese cars (Infiniti's, Acura's, Honda's, etc.) ... and years ago, a GTO, a Turbo Supra, etc., etc. And the current Kia's are getting right up there with the best of them.

 

[Kia Stinger]

I'm a 2017 Optima SX-L owner, really interested in the Stinger. Drove a 2.0 the other day and I was impressed. Basically the same engine as mine, and similar performance. The GT is obviously quicker and sportier, and I'll drive one of those soon.

Hope to learn more in this forum, and decide if I want to move up to a Stinger!

Welcome aboard, @Mike_TX! Thank you for signing up. Well! I'm sure you're not feeling too much pressure to upgrade because the 2017 Optima SX-L is a really nice car. But I do feel the Stinger is a natural progression - especially if you want more power. In any event, I'm glad you found us. Make yourself at home!