Still can't decide what car to buy.

[awhattup]

I got a pretty good income boost. It's not enough to invest on a house (I live in SoCal) but enough to buy a fun car and still save some money. I currently drive a 2011 Elantra + NAV in excellent condition with 44k miles (some exterior damage here there)

Here are my candidates and opinions on them.
1. Kia Stinger Premium (I just can't go with the limited color option on the base model)
-Likes: satisfying performance, roomy, all the features (except some GT2 exclusives)
-Dislikes: poor rear visibility and the large size felt off to me (parking sucks here and people drive crazy)

2. Kia Stinger GT base
-Likes: not only much faster but looks better than the non GT Stingers.
-Dislikes: reaching my budget limit. Lacks some of the features that the Premium has.

3. Genesis G70
-Likes: right size, I love the interior, said to be a better performer.
-Dislikes: The Stinger is better looking, not available yet, some say not until winter, pricing unknown.

3. Keep the Elantra + Mazda Miata RF
-Likes: I have a convertible that is really fun to drive and still have a practical appliance on the side.
-Dislikes: I have 2 cars. Still have to drive the Elantra time to time.

4. Ford Mustang Ecoboost convertible
-Likes: good performance, practical compared to the Miata, it's a convertible.
-Dislikes: it's literally everywhere!!! It's a Ford XD

I wish Kia had more flexible packaging on the Stingers and some better visibility in the rear. It's almost supercar bad.

 

[Paul32]

I got a pretty good income boost. It's not enough to invest on a house (I live in SoCal) but enough to buy a fun car and still save some money. I currently drive a 2011 Elantra + NAV in excellent condition with 44k miles (some exterior damage here there)

Here are my candidates and opinions on them.
1. Kia Stinger Premium (I just can't go with the limited color option on the base model)
-Likes: satisfying performance, roomy, all the features (except some GT2 exclusives)
-Dislikes: poor rear visibility and the large size felt off to me (parking sucks here and people drive crazy)

2. Kia Stinger GT base
-Likes: not only much faster but looks better than the non GT Stingers.
-Dislikes: reaching my budget limit. Lacks some of the features that the Premium has.

3. Genesis G70
-Likes: right size, I love the interior.
-Dislikes: The Stinger is better looking, not available yet, some say not until winter, pricing unknown.

3. Keep the Elantra + Mazda Miata RF
-Likes: I have a convertible that is really fun to drive and still have a practical appliance on the side.
-Dislikes: I have 2 cars. Still have to drive the Elantra time to time.

4. Ford Mustang Ecoboost convertible
-Likes: good performance, practical compared to the Miata, it's a convertible.
-Dislikes: it's literally everywhere!!! It's a Ford XD

I wish Kia had more flexible packaging on the Stingers and some better visibility in the rear. It's almost supercar bad.

Have you considering leasing, Stinger has big rebates on lease. Might consider GT1? I started my search with the G70, saw it at the NYC auto show and started looking at the Stinger due to the back seat leg room in the G70. With me driving it's only a three seater, IMO. My GT1 was $38.5k after $7.5k rebate/discount. Also like the hatch.

 

[awhattup]

I'm a single in early 30s, rarely have a passenger but I have to haul stuffs myself sometimes since I live alone. That's why I'm reluctant on having a pure sports car by itself. I'm considering leasing heavily since I get bored out easily. The current one, the Elantra, is the first one to go over 20k miles (well.. it's more than double now)
The current leasing deal sounds great but the base Stinger lacks a lot of things. Do I want to pay the difference in order to upgrade?? that's kind of defeating the purpose of the deal. I haven't come across any rebate/discount after a few dealership visits. Where do I find those? $7.5k sounds like "hold that car, I'm coming in hot" I'm also a veteran so $500 is given but where do I find that 7k?
Also the blind spots really bothered me esp. the rear visibility. Probably because I'm so used to driving a small car with a great visibility in recent years (I used to drive full size sedans and tanks though) If I get that sweet deal, I might just walk in again hey.. I want to get another feel for the car!

 

[Paul32]

I'm a single in early 30s, rarely have a passenger but I have to haul stuffs myself sometimes since I live alone. That's why I'm reluctant on having a pure sports car by itself. I'm considering leasing heavily since I get bored out easily. The current one, the Elantra, is the first one to go over 20k miles (well.. it's more than double now)
The current leasing deal sounds great but the base Stinger lacks a lot of things. Do I want to pay the difference in order to upgrade?? that's kind of defeating the purpose of the deal. I haven't come across any rebate/discount after a few dealership visits. Where do I find those? $7.5k sounds like "hold that car, I'm coming in hot" I'm also a veteran so $500 is given but where do I find that 7k?
Also the blind spots really bothered me esp. the rear visibility. Probably because I'm so used to driving a small car with a great visibility in recent years (I used to drive full size sedans and tanks though) If I get that sweet deal, I might just walk in again hey.. I want to get another feel for the car!

Where are you? The rebate is a national Kia thing.

 

[awhattup]

Where are you? The rebate is a national Kia thing.

Uhhh... all I see on the web: "0.9% APR for purchase 75 months" and "$299/M(plus tax) lease for the base Stinger"
Enlighten me!

 

[Paul32]

Uhhh... all I see on the web: "0.9% APR for purchase 75 months" and "$299/M(plus tax) lease for the base Stinger"
Enlighten me!

I just built one, GT1 with the Driver Assist package, MSRP $46+k, 36mth lease, 12k miles per yr. It has a $5,700 rebate and $400 military discount. With $2k down + first month payment, it is $549 per month, plus tax. That should be your starting point, should be able to get the dealer to add additional discount. It does look like LA is holding more profit then Florida, where I am located.

 

[mldavis2]

Quick comment on rear visibility.

All Stingers have the backup camera which is excellent quality with good sharpness and a fairly wide field of view. If you have the Drivewise package, you have rear blind spot warning. On the GT2 the outside mirrors tilt down so you can see your car relative to the curb if parallel parking -- don't know if that is only the GT2 or if it's part of DriveWise. So although the back glass is small, you have all the visibility you need.

 

[Paul32]

Quick comment on rear visibility.

All Stingers have the backup camera which is excellent quality with good sharpness and a fairly wide field of view. If you have the Drivewise package, you have rear blind spot warning. On the GT2 the outside mirrors tilt down so you can see your car relative to the curb if parallel parking -- don't know if that is only the GT2 or if it's part of DriveWise. So although the back glass is small, you have all the visibility you need.

I agree, it's not an issue for me.

 

[Joseph Spiegel]

Uhhh... all I see on the web: "0.9% APR for purchase 75 months" and "$299/M(plus tax) lease for the base Stinger"
Enlighten me!

It’s a lease thing only. Each Stinger level has a different lease rebate. My GT2 RWD was -$6200. There is a chart somewhere in these forums under a lease thread. No buyout penalty if you want to buy. So lease then buy out.
If you’re a Costco member check out their car buy program. My combined deal was $9100 off MSRP.

 

[Paul32]

It’s a lease thing only. Each Stinger level has a different lease rebate. My GT2 RWD was -$6200. There is a chart somewhere in these forums under a lease thread. No buyout penalty if you want to buy. So lease then buy out.
If you’re a Costco member check out their car buy program. My combined deal was $9100 off MSRP.

Sounds like a good deal to me, let AWHATTUP know what dealer in LA you leased yours.

 

[mldavis2]

Slight correction to @Joseph Spiegel's post above. The rebate comes directly from Kia, not the dealer. It applies to both a lease, or to a finance with balloon payment at the end. There are two finance options, the balloon-finance option has a much higher (like 7.5%) interest rate and you have to pay the car off at the end of the time period (3 years?) or lose it. But there is no penalty for paying it off at any time. The balloon-finance option may not be available in all states so check that carefully. Some dealers claim not to know about it. I don't think the balloon-finance option has a mileage limitation which is a killer for me. I just paid the whole car off before incurring any interest on the balloon-finance deal. If you can find an alternate financing source, you could use that to pay the deal off from Kia which would give you the nice rebate. If you just want to pay cash for the car, you don't get any Kia rebate so you should use one of the two options.

 

[SteveCo]

1. Kia Stinger Premium (I just can't go with the limited color option on the base model)
-Likes: satisfying performance, roomy, all the features (except some GT2 exclusives)
-Dislikes: poor rear visibility and the large size felt off to me (parking sucks here and people drive crazy)

I've never found the rear visibility to be an issue. As stated previously, between the backup camera and the mirrors, you have all the coverage you need. The size you will get used to very quickly, like anything else it just takes some time behind the wheel.

2. Kia Stinger GT base
-Likes: not only much faster but looks better than the non GT Stingers.
-Dislikes: reaching my budget limit. Lacks some of the features that the Premium has.

That lack of features will come back to haunt you, if you see value in them now but opt for the lesser equipped car. You're going to have it for a while (even as a lease), don't be regretting what you skimped on for all that time. As for the performance, I've never driven the 2.0 but am a huge fan of the 3.3 - I don't think I could settle for the smaller motor after spending time with this one. Perhaps you can find a creative financing/leasing solution that will give you the best of both worlds.

3. Genesis G70
-Likes: right size, I love the interior, said to be a better performer.
-Dislikes: The Stinger is better looking, not available yet, some say not until winter, pricing unknown.

Two entirely different cars to me. I agree that the Stinger is better looking, and it also has the hatchback. Yes the G70 is lighter and smaller, and as a result performs slightly better. Unless a primary purpose is using the car on the track, you're not going to find the Stinger lacking - it is an outstanding performer in its own right. Pricing will be higher on the G70, but again don't let price be the deciding factor - get the car you want.

3. Keep the Elantra + Mazda Miata RF
-Likes: I have a convertible that is really fun to drive and still have a practical appliance on the side.
-Dislikes: I have 2 cars. Still have to drive the Elantra time to time.

I have the Stinger + a convertible. Yes it costs extra to keep and maintain two cars, but I love them both for different reasons. Not sure I'd feel the same way if an Elantra was the other option - no offence intended ...

4. Ford Mustang Ecoboost convertible
-Likes: good performance, practical compared to the Miata, it's a convertible.
-Dislikes: it's literally everywhere!!! It's a Ford XD

I work in SoCal occasionally, and usually get a Mustang convertible as a rental. I put up with the foibles because it's great to have a convertible down there, but I'd never purchase one for myself. And yes, there are a bazillion of them on the roads.

Good luck whichever way you decide to go - I can tell you that after owning a lot of cars over the years, the Stinger is my favorite.

 

[Joseph Spiegel]

Sounds like a good deal to me, let AWHATTUP know what dealer in LA you leased yours.

It doesn’t matter for the Costco deal and I don’t know where he is. They direct you to a dealer and sales pereson to contact. I didn’t do a lot of driving around trying to save a few more hundred as I had a very respectable offer from CarMax on my car that I didn’t want to take a hit on for missing the week deadline. I was happy with the combined total price to me considering everything involved.

 

[robz32]

@awhattup what is your location so that we can better help you

 

[StingerNYC]

Why do people complain about the view out of the rear window? What are you looking for? You can see well enough if someone is tailgating you, what else is there? The backup camera and sensors take care of everything else.

 

[CoconutRob]

Not trying to sway in any direction since I am confused for my own purchase, but have you considered Camry XSE V6 300hp and I believe large panoramic roof seems like it may meet your criteria.I have owned a miata nice car butToo cramped. Always loved Mustang but never owned. And stinger wanted since reveal but have backed off since recent quality issues. What about BMW 2 series convertible not sure on price. Good luck

 

[Hasasin]

I guess your search goal are a fun driving and possibly unique exterior, prefer coupe or short length sport car, and budget is under $40k. Hit me if I guess wrong
As a personal opinion, recommending to watch "Alex on Autos". He gives a rich product evaluation of this car, not advocacy nor useless performance.
here is link for full review & comparisons of Stinger

I think you will find your answer after watching. Also, do leasing or financing will give you a good rebate from dealer. mine GT2 is $7000 off MSRP for financing.

 

[Tonkabob]

Go for the GT. Looks are much better than the 2.0 and the engine is amazing. +1 on rear vis not being an issue. With the lease rebate (pay off and get other financing) you can afford a GT or GT1.

 

[forzanerazzurri]

Step one, move out of Commiefornia. Step two, buy a house. Step three, buy the new 40k car

 

[awhattup]

Thanks for all the replies!!!
@SteveCo I have Bender as my name and profile picture on my FB account XD! I think I can get used to the size. I actually did have a similar sized car. The Elantra has been paid off and it's really minimal to maintain, but yes, it's hella boring and I regret every time I get in the car. It's a great car but not something I would recommend to a car guy that enjoys driving.
@CoconutRob I actually owned the last generation fully loaded Camry. It was Lexus level nice and the V6 was a hot rod for the price bracket. I want something not so conventional.
@forzanerazzurri I'm actually nosing around for a place to move. I love the food, beaches, weather, and the variety of things to do here. However, it's not just the cost of living but the traffic is getting out of control. It took me around 4 hours to cover 40 miles today. That's just too much.
@Joseph Spiegel The dealers I spoke to didn't mention anything about the rebates. Is it something I have to deal with the manufacturer or the dealer?
@robz32 Los Angeles, CA

I'm just gauging my options at the moment. I still have a few months to decide. Going to be traveling throughout the Summer. Hopefully the Genesis G70 is out by then :0

updated: you think the rebate will end soon? or will compete with the G70 release?