Worthy alternatives to the Stinger?

[medellon]

Hello all, I was considering a Stinger GT2 but can't quite swing the $50k price at this time. Wife needs a car and would like something "sporty" in the $30k range. I was thinking maybe a Honda Accord 2.0T, Maxima, Regal GS, or perhaps a 2.0T Stinger. What would you all recommend?

 

[corradoMR2]

I would skip the Maxima thanks to its CVT and lacks the "sporty soul" of the Maxima from the '90s.

Stinger 2.0T would be my pick if handling performance and practicality are tops, over a Regal.
Then Camry XSE V6 over the Accord among the sedans for its smooth V6 power and top reliability.

 

[hummus]

Hello all, I was considering a Stinger GT2 but can't quite swing the $50k price at this time. Wife needs a car and would like something "sporty" in the $30k range. I was thinking maybe a Honda Accord 2.0T, Maxima, Regal GS, or perhaps a 2.0T Stinger. What would you all recommend?

It would depend on priorities and use case. All cars have pros and cons, and of course none are perfect. Does your wife care more about safety, handling, space, comfort, noise, power, looks, size, ride height, fuel efficiency, brand cachet, or amenities? Will the car be used for road trips or just local commuting? How important is the ability to transport children, resale value, ease of service for DIY or dealership service experience?

If you've already decided all of that and still want a Stinger: if $35k is in your range, you could probably swing a base GT, without some of the safety and comfort amenities, or a 2.0T with all the amenities except upgraded leather, some cosmetics, adjustable suspension, and a big heap of performance--although if we're being honest, the 2.0T is plenty of performance for a daily driver. If you're okay without a sunroof, a more basic stereo (which is plenty fine IMO) and less ornate headlights, you can probably still get a base model 2.0T for well under $30k. It's still very well equipped, plenty refined, and does not look like a base model of any kind, much less a sub-$30k one.



For what it's worth though, if I was looking for an additional commuter for the wife, I would take a close look at the Kona electric. 250 miles of range, 290 ft-lbs of instantaneous torque, great packaging for around town, and reportedly fun to drive. Of course, she would immediately show me to the dog house and demand a GTI.

 

[YEH]

Another option would be the recently launched Genesis G70 2.0T ($34.9k starting price).

A bit tighter at the rear, but has a more luxurious interior and is sportier than the Stinger.

Problem is, right now, there are a limited # of dealerships selling the G70.

A good # of states (and dealerships within states already offering the G70) won't be getting the G70 until later this year (as they are working out licensing issues).

 

[MerlintheMad]

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Oo! Near miss with that shopping cart there. WTH is a shopping cart doing anywhere in the vicinity of a Stinger? Somebody is not being enough of a parking fanatic.

 

[AV8R]

There is only 1 car... stinger gt2 period.

 

[BBB]

There is only 1 car... stinger gt2 period.

stinger gt limited!

 

[BBB]

I would skip the Maxima thanks to its CVT and lacks the "sporty soul" of the Maxima from the '90s.

Stinger 2.0T would be my pick if handling performance and practicality are tops, over a Regal.
Then Camry XSE V6 over the Accord among the sedans for its smooth V6 power and top reliability.

I think the Camry XSE V6 looks really nice and sporty, and I don't mind the lift-back look of the Accord Sport, but neither of these cars is a true competitor to the Stinger. I never cross shopped these cars when I bought my Stinger. I was cross-shopping the A5 and the C43. IMO, the Buick is just down right wrong.

 

[AV8R]

Camry's are for grannies sorry

 

[Roarbomb]

I seriously cross shopped an accord touring trim. It actually drove really well and for the money it had ALOT of features. I fell in love with the stinger GT1 and while saving up for a down payment, convinced myself I needed the GT2. It took me longer to save but i was able to do it.

If you look at the accord though id drive the one with a HUD, because its truly one of my favorite features on the GT2 and i cant ever see myself owning a car without one.

 

[Stinger GT SS]

What about a GT Line Optima? Fully Loaded.
Surely that would be in your price guide being in the US, excuse my Aussie ignorance if this is incorrect.

 

[Ruturaj]

Hello all, I was considering a Stinger GT2 but can't quite swing the $50k price at this time. Wife needs a car and would like something "sporty" in the $30k range. I was thinking maybe a Honda Accord 2.0T, Maxima, Regal GS, or perhaps a 2.0T Stinger. What would you all recommend?

Adding one more, WRX. Sporty but less of everything else. I would try to get last year Stinger Premium around that range.

 

[Soca Boy]

stinger gt limited!

Yep

 

[rocket23]

stinger, 2.0t you wont be sorry, but hold out for a '19 a lot of stuff comes standard that isn't in the '18's...

 

[Doel]

she wants "sporty" but what does that mean exactly? Is she going canyon carving? Taking it to the drag strip? How much cargo and passenger space does she want? Does she just want good passing acceleration? Does she just want an aggressive look? Need more info, "sporty" means a lot of different things to a lot of different people.