New Guy Question: Stinger versus... for lots of highway miles

[PeteD]

Need to turn in my dream car lease in a few months and am drunk on the horsepower that few reasonably priced cars will give me. Time to get back into the real world with a fun but smart car purchase.

Stinger GT is at the top of my list, followed by the Genesis G70 3.3, and a distant (but safe) third choice is the Camry XSE (300 HP). The issue is that I may well have a job change that requires me to drive some 700 miles per week (highway commute to and from new location before I move) for the next couple of years.

Frankly I think the Camry might have a bit more comfortable seats but it just does not get me very excited. Genesis would be a smart move based on the positive reviews, but since they are new, I assume not well discounted. The lease cash on Stinger and the raw looks puts it in first place, and I assume will run a good $10K less than the Genesis. But I saw on one review that the Stinger is not as great on the highway.

Any thoughts or opinions to support the Stinger GT for probably a 40,000 mile per year highway driver?

 

[GAP59]

I believe the Camry takes regular fuel, so based upon fuel prices in my area and the highway fuel economy of both vehicles, you'll save about $2k a year on gas with the Camry.

 

[app_master]

It is the perfect highway car ... that is what this GT excels at ... eating miles, fast too if you like.
PS. I am not sure what the GT2 and GT difference for you is ... but look to getting the driving aids and the top audio system as these features would float to the top of my list for highway commuting.
All the best with your search.

 

[PeteD]

I believe the Camry takes regular fuel, so based upon fuel prices in my area and the highway fuel economy of both vehicles, you'll save about $2k a year on gas with the Camry.

Yes, the regular gas is a consideration, given that many miles per year. But I also know that some people have advocated that you can run the Stinger on regular fuel as well. Not intending to open that can of worms in this thread, since it is well documented in other threads. Not suggesting I would run it on regular...need to research a bit more.

 

[Kamauxx]

For 700 miles per week I'd be looking at electric or hybrid with extended warranty.

 

[Oryan]

The Stinger is a GT. It's built for exactly that. But at those distances fuel economy starts to matter quite a bit more than it would for many. Not quite enough IMO to warrant a rolling appliance like a Camry, but I'd give Tesla a look. But that's so far on a daily basis some electric cars may run into issues of range depending on how you drive it and if you can charge it at work.

 

[GenesisG70]

Awesome, but Camry? Come ooooon... You won't see me driving in a car that is driven by other million people one the road, but is just me.

 

[PeteD]

The Stinger is a GT. It's built for exactly that. But at those distances fuel economy starts to matter quite a bit more than it would for many. Not quite enough IMO to warrant a rolling appliance like a Camry, but I'd give Tesla a look. But that's so far on a daily basis some electric cars may run into issues of range depending on how you drive it and if you can charge it at work.

Yeah...Tesla would be high on my list...but my commutes will be two 375 mile drives per week plus a little bit of around town stuff. So Tesla is out unfortunately. Hybrids might be in contention....but I do want something that looks pretty good an also has some cajones. Not sure anything jumps out at me...so I am prepared to pay at the pump on this one.

 

[PeteD]

I know, I know. Camry is the boring option here. But it would be smart for reliability and for overall cost. I think they did come up significantly on the styling with this generation...and the XSE does stand out for me. The Accord is probably the smartest choice...but man, that thing is butt-ugly, IMHO.

Right to assume that I'm not going to get the Genesis for anything close to the Stinger after the lease rebate and discounts, right? Anyone hearing anything different on that? I haven't taken the time to get to the dealer yet.

 

[Helo58]

I have taken my Stinger on two 8+ hour trips and absolutely loved the experience. The BEST car I have ever used on long trips. I knocked down 29mph on the highway using 93 octane. The hatchback is convenient, the rear seats fit adults very comfortably, the car exudes looks and class above its price point, and it is fun when you are not killing highway miles. If you can bill mileage or fuel cost isn't driving your decision, I would give the Stinger a hard look. There are deals to be had, but timing, availability, and your willingness to negotiate hard over the course of several trips to the dealer will determine the price you end up with.

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

Sounds like what you want is a Stinger but what you need is an Optima. lol Just had to give my standard plug.

 

[GenesisG70]

I know, I know. Camry is the boring option here. But it would be smart for reliability and for overall cost. I think they did come up significantly on the styling with this generation...and the XSE does stand out for me. The Accord is probably the smartest choice...but man, that thing is butt-ugly, IMHO.

Right to assume that I'm not going to get the Genesis for anything close to the Stinger after the lease rebate and discounts, right? Anyone hearing anything different on that? I haven't taken the time to get to the dealer yet.

The Camry is not only boring but cannot stand the Mommy car grocery getting common vulgar mundane aspect of the car driven by millions on the road. Cars for me are not only a mean of transportation but they are part of my personality and lifestyle. But good luck finding your Stinger or G70 both awesome cars was doing both.

 

[eflyguy]

You can run regular unleaded in the Stinger if you're just commuting, you'd be hard pressed to notice any difference in performance and you still get close to 30mpg if you're just cruising for hours.

 

[GenesisG70]

You can run regular unleaded in the Stinger if you're just commuting, you'd be hard pressed to notice any difference in performance and you still get close to 30mpg if you're just cruising for hours.

Ahhh.. don't say you can use regular is sacrilege for some here.

 

[Helo58]

You can run regular unleaded in the Stinger if you're just commuting, you'd be hard pressed to notice any difference in performance and you still get close to 30mpg if you're just cruising for hours.

I was hoping someone would post this. I looked a little through forum threads to see if octane rating affected mileage greatly with the Stinger and didn't find much (because I didn't look much). I guess it depends on how the engine is working at cruising speed. With a 10:1 compression ratio and no boost(?) at cruising speed, it should be fine on 87. I haven't seen any documented energy content difference between a gallon of 87 and 93 only the knock resistance additives. Anyone have any further thoughts or info on this?

 

[eflyguy]

There is no energy content difference, that's the big scam sold by producers. There is plenty of discussion here and elsewhere. For best performance when pushing to the max, you will want to run recommended octane - like if you're at the drag strip. Otherwise, there is no harm in running regular.

I got my highest average mileage on a 500mile road trip last week running 87 octane. The on-board showed over 30mpg at one point.

 

[robz32]

You are certainly looking at the right car for the right purpose. The Stinger is a GT more than anything else. Great space to fit adults in the front and rear. The hatchback design is a huge advantage, as it gives you almost SUV like storage space. Lastly the creature comforts and features found on the GT2 will make cruising on the highway for those 375 miles a breeze.

 

[Bjjpurple]

Accord hybrid is what I would go with driving that many miles. Stinger for sure would be more entertaining though.

 

[Rango]

If you have a job change that requires you to drive 700 miles a week ... I would relocate ... invest in real estate ... and buy a Stinger. Absolutely no regrets on my purchase. This pic might sway your decision. I wish you the best.

 

[MarkyMark]

Need to turn in my dream car lease in a few months and am drunk on the horsepower that few reasonably priced cars will give me. Time to get back into the real world with a fun but smart car purchase.

Stinger GT is at the top of my list, followed by the Genesis G70 3.3, and a distant (but safe) third choice is the Camry XSE (300 HP). The issue is that I may well have a job change that requires me to drive some 700 miles per week (highway commute to and from new location before I move) for the next couple of years.

Frankly I think the Camry might have a bit more comfortable seats but it just does not get me very excited. Genesis would be a smart move based on the positive reviews, but since they are new, I assume not well discounted. The lease cash on Stinger and the raw looks puts it in first place, and I assume will run a good $10K less than the Genesis. But I saw on one review that the Stinger is not as great on the highway.

Any thoughts or opinions to support the Stinger GT for probably a 40,000 mile per year highway driver?

Bjjpurple: I drive about 30k miles a year. I own an AWD GT. Love it. I drive 3-5 hours at a time on top of city stuff. I suppose it depends what you are looking for in a highway driver. KIA did not make this a über stiff AMG that'll having you sitting on the floor begging for some comfort. Some people like that for a long drive, I hate it. Rather KIA nailed it and I switch to Comfort or Eco mode when launching into smart cruise control around 75mph or so. The seats are FANTASTIC and the lumbar is solid for adjusting for long drives. It has some body roll, so it's not like driving on rails and feeling every crack. That's essential (IMHO) for long drive times. I don't get out of the Stinger sore and feeling beat up - at all! My Mazda6 was a bit too light on the padding and support and long drives gave me a sore back. Not the Stinger.

Gas mileage on the road is fantastic. I get probably 26 or so on the highway, at 75mph, and that's with the AWD version which is OVER any posted milage expectation KIA provides.

NOTE: That's a 2014 Mazda6 I'm mentioning. The new one's sit fantastically.

Hope that helped. Good luck!

My Next Car: Telluride AWD SX, w/Prestige Package (Gray Nappa)