Need a car but not urgently, used GT2 at the top of my list, any other cars I should consider? (plus some Q's)

[psperl]

Hello everyone. I'm looking to get a second car and I've loved the Stinger since the day it was announced. We already have a very similar car, a Panamera 4, but I don't want to spend that much again I am primarily considering a used 2018 GT2 with ~30k miles. It seems you can get these on Vroom or Carvana for $37k before taxes. I don't love that price, but it's not exactly a good time to buy a car. I have some questions!

1. Is there any reason not to buy a 2018 model specifically? I don't really care much for the 2022 updates, and otherwise the car appears virtually identical between 2018 and 2021, is that right?
   
   
2. Is the back seat too small for a family coming from a Panamera? Fear of tiny back seat is the #1 reason I'm not looking at a G70. The internet is all over the place on this issue. I read that the Stinger has more rear legroom than the G70 while at the same time some people say that it's still too small for a family.
   
   
3. I've been reading this forum for a bit and it seems like some people think the Stinger isn't as far ahead value-wise in 2021 as it used it be. Personally though, I can't find any comparable cars in the price range. I'm not into SUVs, although I did look at the Tucson, Seltos, Telluride, and GV70. The only other sporty AWD hatch I like is the new Mazda 3 Turbo, but that is kinda expensive and smaller/slower than the Stinger. I am not into BMW, Audi, or Mercedes. If I was willing to spend more, I'd get a Model 3 or Y performance. So, Is there anything else I should be considering in this price range?

Thank you!

 

[chattanoogastinger]

I'll be brief, since I highly doubt anyone on here buys a higher number of performance cars than I do so hopefully my advice will help.

Prices are horrible right now but are trending downward. 2022 models are hitting lots, this will drive the prices slightly downward the more stock that becomes available. I bought from Carvana just like you are considering, just be careful to check their spec sheets for things they have replaced if you don't want weird paint touchups and half assed repairs etc. I've bought 7 vehicles from them in the past 2 years, only 4 of them arrived in the condition stated. (then again, I noticed things most would not) When their stock sits a while, they drop the prices on it, and I waited until the one I wanted had been sitting and they dropped it a couple times.

1. No reason at all other than warranty. I've checked, I cannot find any first year model issues specifically with the 2018's. Updates are tech and some small interior/exterior updates as you go from 2019 to 2022.

2. No, the back area is reasonably large for a mid sized sedan, leg room is good for the class. My son is about to be 16, is 5 ft. 11 inches and fits back there very comfortably.

3. C43 AMG and the M340i are the other two ways I'd go, and I've owned them both. Both fantastic cars, both similarly priced on the used market. The Stinger gets you more tech than those two before adding options, and the warranty is slightly better. (I'm not owning any vehicle like these out of warranty) Audi RS3 would be the one to get, but the prices are not doable right now.

 

[psperl]

Prices are horrible right now but are trending downward. 2022 models are hitting lots, this will drive the prices slightly downward the more stock that becomes available. I bought from Carvana just like you are considering, just be careful to check their spec sheets for things they have replaced if you don't want weird paint touchups and half assed repairs etc. I've bought 7 vehicles from them in the past 2 years, only 4 of them arrived in the condition stated. (then again, I noticed things most would not) When their stock sits a while, they drop the prices on it, and I waited until the one I wanted had been sitting and they dropped it a couple times.

1. No reason at all other than warranty. I've checked, I cannot find any first year model issues specifically with the 2018's. Updates are tech and some small interior/exterior updates as you go from 2019 to 2022.

2. No, the back area is reasonably large for a mid sized sedan, leg room is good for the class. My son is about to be 16, is 5 ft. 11 inches and fits back there very comfortably.

3. C43 AMG and the M340i are the other two ways I'd go, and I've owned them both. Both fantastic cars, both similarly priced on the used market. The Stinger gets you more tech than those two before adding options, and the warranty is slightly better. (I'm not owning any vehicle like these out of warranty) Audi RS3 would be the one to get, but the prices are not doable right now.

Thanks! I'm glad to hear #1 and #2 are not problems. I'm not in a total hurry so I am happy to wait a little bit in the hopes that prices continue improving as you indicated.

All things considered I'd much prefer a Kia than a BMW/Audi/Mercedes, which I know isn't the usual take. I was hoping there were some other non-german cars that I'd missed, but it doesn't look like that's the case.

 

[Maljey]

I feel like $37K is a lot to ask for a 2018 GT2. I'm probably in the pre-covid pricing mindset, but frankly I would look at a new 2022 GT-Line., especially if AWD doesn't matter that much to you. You could get a new 2022 with RWD with close to that price. Even though you'd bet getting the 2.5L Turbo 4, it still has plenty of power. Plus you'll get the full warranty.

The car can seat 4 adults semi comfortably. You will have issues if you need to seat taller adults in the read, as the headroom is compromised but otherwise it can definitely handle family duties.

How important is the hatch? If the hatch isn't a requirment, would you consider a new K5 GT or Sonata N-Line?

 

[psperl]

I feel like $37K is a lot to ask for a 2018 GT2. I'm probably in the pre-covid pricing mindset, but frankly I would look at a new 2022 GT-Line., especially if AWD doesn't matter that much to you. You could get a new 2022 with RWD with close to that price. Even though you'd bet getting the 2.5L Turbo 4, it still has plenty of power. Plus you'll get the full warranty.

The car can seat 4 adults semi comfortably. You will have issues if you need to seat taller adults in the read, as the headroom is compromised but otherwise it can definitely handle family duties.

How important is the hatch? If the hatch isn't a requirment, would you consider a new K5 GT or Sonata N-Line?

The hatch isn't a hard requirement, but AWD is. I ski a lot and want the extra capability of AWD. I do like the new K5 GT, N-lines, and Mazda 3 turbos, but they seem like much less car than a 2018 GT2 and they aren't exactly cheap. The GT2 features are quite nifty, and after coming from a Panamera, I don't really want to get a barebones car.

Edit: I agree $37k is a lot, maybe I should just wait.

 

[chattanoogastinger]

I feel like $37K is a lot to ask for a 2018 GT2.

Not for a decent mileage example and AWD. Especially if it's warranty is still 2-3 years out from expiration.

There are no vehicles to be had in that price range that offer what the Stinger does for $37k.

 

[psperl]

Not for a decent mileage example and AWD. Especially if it's warranty is still 2-3 years out from expiration.

There are no vehicles to be had in that price range that offer what the Stinger does for $37k.

Yeah this is my problem. Getting "only" a $15k discount compared to MSRP on a 4-year old car isn't great when compared to normal times, but I can't find anything better.

 

[chattanoogastinger]

Yeah this is my problem. Getting "only" a $15k discount compared to MSRP on a 4-year old car isn't great when compared to normal times, but I can't find anything better.

Sadly, the times are just not normal but I feel your pain. The way I always look at it is simple, you should be able to get a decent performance oriented vehicle for around 40K no matter what the economy is doing. With the Civic Type R, Stinger Gt, C43, M340i, Audi S3 etc. you still can.

 

[RM7]

Hello everyone. I'm looking to get a second car and I've loved the Stinger since the day it was announced. We already have a very similar car, a Panamera 4, but I don't want to spend that much again I am primarily considering a used 2018 GT2 with ~30k miles. It seems you can get these on Vroom or Carvana for $37k before taxes. I don't love that price, but it's not exactly a good time to buy a car. I have some questions!

1. Is there any reason not to buy a 2018 model specifically? I don't really care much for the 2022 updates, and otherwise the car appears virtually identical between 2018 and 2021, is that right?
   
   
2. Is the back seat too small for a family coming from a Panamera? Fear of tiny back seat is the #1 reason I'm not looking at a G70. The internet is all over the place on this issue. I read that the Stinger has more rear legroom than the G70 while at the same time some people say that it's still too small for a family.
   
   
3. I've been reading this forum for a bit and it seems like some people think the Stinger isn't as far ahead value-wise in 2021 as it used it be. Personally though, I can't find any comparable cars in the price range. I'm not into SUVs, although I did look at the Tucson, Seltos, Telluride, and GV70. The only other sporty AWD hatch I like is the new Mazda 3 Turbo, but that is kinda expensive and smaller/slower than the Stinger. I am not into BMW, Audi, or Mercedes. If I was willing to spend more, I'd get a Model 3 or Y performance. So, Is there anything else I should be considering in this price range?

Thank you!

Stinger is bigger than a 3-series and 4-series, specs are closer to a 5-series in interior space. Wheelbase shows this too. The extra wheelbase space seems to be mostly in the rear seat space. Significantly better than my 4-series Gran Coupe. I think Kia did this intentionally, to make it a little bit bigger than their direct competitors. The VW Arteon is supposedly significantly bigger than the Audi S5, that's the only other one in the class that might be as spacious or slightly bigger. This isn't a mystery though, just go to car and driver and look up the cars specs you want to compare. They have all the dimensions on there.

Value IMO is still significantly higher on my 2022 model, since it comes with so much that is extra with an BMW or Audi, where you'd have to be specing options and packages to get things like the active cruise control, etc. But that's where your 2018 may not be as good of a value. Options and add-ons depreciate a lot more IMO than just the car itself, so you might find a 2018 bmw, merc or audi that is not significantly more than the stinger, but better optioned, at least less price difference than on a new car.

 

[Maljey]

The hatch isn't a hard requirement, but AWD is. I ski a lot and want the extra capability of AWD. I do like the new K5 GT, N-lines, and Mazda 3 turbos, but they seem like much less car than a 2018 GT2 and they aren't exactly cheap. The GT2 features are quite nifty, and after coming from a Panamera, I don't really want to get a barebones car.

Edit: I agree $37k is a lot, maybe I should just wait.

The K5 GT is the top-of-the-line model starting at 31K-ish. It gets a lot of standard features, and even offers an additional 4.2K package for even more features.

I don't know anything about skiing, haha. However could you get by with winter tires + studs (or chains)? Although it's a FWD car, its still the second best winter option behind AWD.

I guess the main thing is what features on the Stinger GT2 are absolutely must haves for you. If you're shopping Mazda 3 AWD, K5 GT, and Sonata GT-Line in the mid 30K range then you're buying the top of line models for those cars. They certainly won't be bare bones and they will have many features comparable to GT2.

Either way, good luck!

 

[psperl]

The K5 GT is the top-of-the-line model starting at 31K-ish. It gets a lot of standard features, and even offers an additional 4.2K package for even more features.

I don't know anything about skiing, haha. However could you get by with winter tires + studs (or chains)? Although it's a FWD car, its still the second best winter option behind AWD.

I guess the main thing is what features on the Stinger GT2 are absolutely must haves for you. If you're shopping Mazda 3 AWD, K5 GT, and Sonata GT-Line in the mid 30K range then you're buying the top of line models for those cars. They certainly won't be bare bones and they will have many features comparable to GT2.

I was considering a new GT1 because I didn't really need the GT2 features, but as you said, the cost differential between GT1 and GT2 narrows when buying used. You are right that I am talking about top-of-the-line K5s and Mazda 3s, because I'm coming from a Panamera and want a nice experience. These cheaper cars won't be lacking in options, but they also won't save me much over a used Stinger. Will I enjoy a new maxxed-out K5 as much as a maxxed out Stinger with 30k miles? I don't think I will. It would save a few grand and have more warranty, but be much slower, have worse ride quality, worse handling, less trunk space, and no AWD. That's my thinking at least.

edit: AWD is pretty important. FWD is fine, but it's not the same, and I want the extra safety.

 

[Vonrichthofen]

If I had extra funds, I‘d get a Hellcat Red Eye Dodge Challenger.

 

[trooperducky]

Hello everyone. I'm looking to get a second car and I've loved the Stinger since the day it was announced. We already have a very similar car, a Panamera 4, but I don't want to spend that much again I am primarily considering a used 2018 GT2 with ~30k miles. It seems you can get these on Vroom or Carvana for $37k before taxes. I don't love that price, but it's not exactly a good time to buy a car. I have some questions!

1. Is there any reason not to buy a 2018 model specifically? I don't really care much for the 2022 updates, and otherwise the car appears virtually identical between 2018 and 2021, is that right?
   
   
2. Is the back seat too small for a family coming from a Panamera? Fear of tiny back seat is the #1 reason I'm not looking at a G70. The internet is all over the place on this issue. I read that the Stinger has more rear legroom than the G70 while at the same time some people say that it's still too small for a family.
   
   
3. I've been reading this forum for a bit and it seems like some people think the Stinger isn't as far ahead value-wise in 2021 as it used it be. Personally though, I can't find any comparable cars in the price range. I'm not into SUVs, although I did look at the Tucson, Seltos, Telluride, and GV70. The only other sporty AWD hatch I like is the new Mazda 3 Turbo, but that is kinda expensive and smaller/slower than the Stinger. I am not into BMW, Audi, or Mercedes. If I was willing to spend more, I'd get a Model 3 or Y performance. So, Is there anything else I should be considering in this price range?

Thank you!

Depending on your current situation there is always the leasing option for 2022s. Mine was zero down for 549 a month depending on money down and other factors that could save you money, then in the end you can buy it out and sell it for more than its worth or keep it. I honestly chose my stinger over a 340i cause I could lease the stinger for a lot less money up front than buying a used 340i.

 

[psperl]

Depending on your current situation there is always the leasing option for 2022s. Mine was zero down for 549 a month depending on money down and other factors that could save you money, then in the end you can buy it out and sell it for more than its worth or keep it. I honestly chose my stinger over a 340i cause I could lease the stinger for a lot less money up front than buying a used 340i.

I've always just bought cars outright, but considering these are strange times I will read the fine print on some leases just in case you are right.

 

[trooperducky]

I've always just bought cars outright, but considering these are strange times I will read the fine print on some leases just in case you are right.

Mine was MSRP of 47k after taxes and stuff was 51k. For a lease you pay the taxes and fees and it was $3,750 out the door for a new car. When you lease they do a residual value which is what you can buy the car for after the lease is up. Mine will only be $27,700 plus taxes again. That's a hell of a deal for a stinger if you ask me. You could easily sell it for more or take that deal and keep it. Your numbers might be a little different than mine, but I would say it should be in the same ball park.

Keep in mind if you drive a lot and are worried about going over your lease miles, if you buy the car at the end of the lease, those miles don't matter and you will not be charged. You will get charged if you are over your miles and decide to give the car back to the dealership instead of purchasing it.

My lease is 3 years 10k a year. I fully plan to buy the car out so thats why i did 10k miles a year cause it wont matter if i go over.