Stinger as Possible GS350 Replacement
#91
Lexus Fanatic
The reviewer is wrong about the phone thing, he probably didn’t test it long enough to figure it out, but Kia/Hyundai/Genesis include both Bluetooth and CarPlay/Android auto; you can use either, but not both together. If you are carplay connected (hard wired) then you have to disable Bluetooth either on the phone or on the car as it will conflict with CarPlay.
and that is true on any car, my Lexus RCF had the same issue, as does my wife’s 2017 Camry, if hard wired to the usb then the enform system got all weird with the Bluetooth connection. Same with some of my former cars.
As as I recall BMW and Audi are offering wireless CarPlay so apparently the issue doesn’t happen, but in those cases you have to have a subscription for the wireless 4g in the car to make wireless CarPlay work, if you don’t use the subscription service and do the hard wire for CarPlay then the issue arises even in the BMWs. Co-workers M4 has the same issue when hardwired.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 10-15-18 at 05:03 PM.
#92
The pursuit of F
JDR76, wow, where have I been the last fews days! Oh yeah, driving my Stinger
I'm late to the bandwagon here and have tried to catch up skimming through the many posts. Here are my comments to the comments...
Badge concern: You clearly don't have this issue which is great or you'd not even consider the Stinger. I had it at first and with zero-intention of buying one, I checked out the Stinger and no turning back. I put on the S. Korean badging to ease me into the transition I like the S.Korean badging as it makes the car look even more premium. That aside, I have no qualms knowing it's a Kia because I KNOW the car is that good.
Build and materials quality: Materials are up there with an IS and A4, but build not as tight as the IS. Maybe 1st year build quality issues such as the rear hatch rattle and occasional door panel creak when pressing against it, but the car still feels solid over bumps (no rattles) and a nice quality thump of the door slamming shut.
Handling and Ride: Rear end does float a bit over bumps. Ride quality is smooth to me especially great on long trips. Impact harshness is decent, similar to my past IS F Sport, but not too surprised you find it firm coming from the GS F Sport.
NVH: Noise is pretty good, better than the IS so quite happy with it. But it's not as quiet as the RX which is about like the GS. Vibration/harshness virtually non-existent - very smooth refined TTV6.
Styling/Uniqueness: What's there to say. This car is special and a head turner. Keep getting compliments on the car and I continue to take pleasure in seeing their reaction when I tell them it's a Kia!
Cost-cutting: Yes there is some in the Stinger, but not more than an IS's lower hard-plastic sections. There are a couple more though. Turn signal and wiper stalks feel ok but not premium, the paddle shifters are cheap and flimsy, and the durability on the Nappa leather is questionable - early signs of wear on my bolster and some other owners have complained too.
P.S. Love the red exterior. That was my second choice. If the deal is right, go for it. Only caveat is the reliability long-term is a question but for me a non-issue as I keep cars 2-3 years max.
Any questions, let me know!
I'm late to the bandwagon here and have tried to catch up skimming through the many posts. Here are my comments to the comments...
Badge concern: You clearly don't have this issue which is great or you'd not even consider the Stinger. I had it at first and with zero-intention of buying one, I checked out the Stinger and no turning back. I put on the S. Korean badging to ease me into the transition I like the S.Korean badging as it makes the car look even more premium. That aside, I have no qualms knowing it's a Kia because I KNOW the car is that good.
Build and materials quality: Materials are up there with an IS and A4, but build not as tight as the IS. Maybe 1st year build quality issues such as the rear hatch rattle and occasional door panel creak when pressing against it, but the car still feels solid over bumps (no rattles) and a nice quality thump of the door slamming shut.
Handling and Ride: Rear end does float a bit over bumps. Ride quality is smooth to me especially great on long trips. Impact harshness is decent, similar to my past IS F Sport, but not too surprised you find it firm coming from the GS F Sport.
NVH: Noise is pretty good, better than the IS so quite happy with it. But it's not as quiet as the RX which is about like the GS. Vibration/harshness virtually non-existent - very smooth refined TTV6.
Styling/Uniqueness: What's there to say. This car is special and a head turner. Keep getting compliments on the car and I continue to take pleasure in seeing their reaction when I tell them it's a Kia!
Cost-cutting: Yes there is some in the Stinger, but not more than an IS's lower hard-plastic sections. There are a couple more though. Turn signal and wiper stalks feel ok but not premium, the paddle shifters are cheap and flimsy, and the durability on the Nappa leather is questionable - early signs of wear on my bolster and some other owners have complained too.
P.S. Love the red exterior. That was my second choice. If the deal is right, go for it. Only caveat is the reliability long-term is a question but for me a non-issue as I keep cars 2-3 years max.
Any questions, let me know!
#93
Lexus Test Driver
You are talking facts; I am talking mindset. I don't see how you can just say someone that drives a V6 with 270-300HP is going to automatically just say "Oh, yeah, sure, I'll get the 4-banger." Some will; some won't. I'll bet there are plenty of people that haven't embraced the turbo 4 yet.
It sounds like the people who prefer V8 over TT V6.
Build and materials quality: Materials are up there with an IS and A4, but build not as tight as the IS. Maybe 1st year build quality issues such as the rear hatch rattle and occasional door panel creak when pressing against it, but the car still feels solid over bumps (no rattles) and a nice quality thump of the door slamming shut.
My cousin owns an Audi A4 and I have spent time in one. I also own a Lexus IS.
From my experiences, when I got into the Stinger at my local dealer and also test drove it - the IS and A4 definitely feels better built and has better material.
#94
drives cars
Ehhhhhhh that's partly why I chose the IS over the A4 or 3 series. The additional cylinders make it smoother. For the same reason, I'd have a hard time settling for a four-cylinder Stringer - though, it also comes with less oomph than the GT.
#95
Lexus Test Driver
I think what Tex and I were talking about in the context of power.
#96
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
I'm late to the bandwagon here and have tried to catch up skimming through the many posts. Here are my comments to the comments...
Badge concern: You clearly don't have this issue which is great or you'd not even consider the Stinger. I had it at first and with zero-intention of buying one, I checked out the Stinger and no turning back. I put on the S. Korean badging to ease me into the transition I like the S.Korean badging as it makes the car look even more premium. That aside, I have no qualms knowing it's a Kia because I KNOW the car is that good.
Badge concern: You clearly don't have this issue which is great or you'd not even consider the Stinger. I had it at first and with zero-intention of buying one, I checked out the Stinger and no turning back. I put on the S. Korean badging to ease me into the transition I like the S.Korean badging as it makes the car look even more premium. That aside, I have no qualms knowing it's a Kia because I KNOW the car is that good.
Build and materials quality: Materials are up there with an IS and A4, but build not as tight as the IS. Maybe 1st year build quality issues such as the rear hatch rattle and occasional door panel creak when pressing against it, but the car still feels solid over bumps (no rattles) and a nice quality thump of the door slamming shut.
Handling and Ride: Rear end does float a bit over bumps. Ride quality is smooth to me especially great on long trips. Impact harshness is decent, similar to my past IS F Sport, but not too surprised you find it firm coming from the GS F Sport.
NVH: Noise is pretty good, better than the IS so quite happy with it. But it's not as quiet as the RX which is about like the GS. Vibration/harshness virtually non-existent - very smooth refined TTV6.
Styling/Uniqueness: What's there to say. This car is special and a head turner. Keep getting compliments on the car and I continue to take pleasure in seeing their reaction when I tell them it's a Kia!
Cost-cutting: Yes there is some in the Stinger, but not more than an IS's lower hard-plastic sections. There are a couple more though. Turn signal and wiper stalks feel ok but not premium, the paddle shifters are cheap and flimsy, and the durability on the Nappa leather is questionable - early signs of wear on my bolster and some other owners have complained too.
P.S. Love the red exterior. That was my second choice. If the deal is right, go for it. Only caveat is the reliability long-term is a question but for me a non-issue as I keep cars 2-3 years max.
Any questions, let me know!
#97
Lexus Fanatic
I saw one at the amusement park (inside at a Kia display) on Sunday, and I liked everything about the car (except the lack of a manual which there's not a lot we can do)....so I saw it up close but no opportunity to drive. Driving would tell all, but again up close? Liked it....
#98
Pole Position
The Stinger is an awesome looking car. I think it would be a good replacement option for a GS. I saw one a couple of months ago that just had an "E" badge on the front - that's apparently how they are branded in the Korean market and there were lots of people looking at it trying to figure out what it was.
Good luck on your decision!
Good luck on your decision!
#99
Speaks French in Russian
The one downside I have seen with my Stinger is.... The smallish gas tank! That is something that doesn't get talked about ever because the highway fuel mileage is GREAT, but I live in the middle of a dense city. 15 gallon tank to me is kinda small when all my previous cars could hold 3+ more gallons.
But, it's a GT car. Meant for the highway. 28-30mpg highway has been the norm for me which I think is pretty good for the amount of power the engine makes and it's weight.
But, it's a GT car. Meant for the highway. 28-30mpg highway has been the norm for me which I think is pretty good for the amount of power the engine makes and it's weight.
#100
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
I saw one at the amusement park (inside at a Kia display) on Sunday, and I liked everything about the car (except the lack of a manual which there's not a lot we can do)....so I saw it up close but no opportunity to drive. Driving would tell all, but again up close? Liked it....
The Stinger is an awesome looking car. I think it would be a good replacement option for a GS. I saw one a couple of months ago that just had an "E" badge on the front - that's apparently how they are branded in the Korean market and there were lots of people looking at it trying to figure out what it was.
Good luck on your decision!
Good luck on your decision!
The one downside I have seen with my Stinger is.... The smallish gas tank! That is something that doesn't get talked about ever because the highway fuel mileage is GREAT, but I live in the middle of a dense city. 15 gallon tank to me is kinda small when all my previous cars could hold 3+ more gallons.
But, it's a GT car. Meant for the highway. 28-30mpg highway has been the norm for me which I think is pretty good for the amount of power the engine makes and it's weight.
But, it's a GT car. Meant for the highway. 28-30mpg highway has been the norm for me which I think is pretty good for the amount of power the engine makes and it's weight.
#101
Lexus Fanatic
As I see it, not if the vehicle meets your needs. Some years ago, I went from a 1Gen Lexus IS300 to a 3Gen Subaru Outback, and didn't look back once. The IS300, yes, was a nice car, but, at the time, it simply did not meet my needs.....and the AWD Outback did, at a reasonable price.
#102
The pursuit of F
+GFerg, yep probably my biggest negative is the small gas tank.
Car is a great hwy cruiser. Two road trips, one to Ottawa (300 miles), another Chicago (500 miles), in total family comfort. Pic below at a rest area towards Chicago.
Car is a great hwy cruiser. Two road trips, one to Ottawa (300 miles), another Chicago (500 miles), in total family comfort. Pic below at a rest area towards Chicago.
#103
Advanced
But I'm convinced that there will be good "in between solution" coming up in a few time. Like 2.1 inline sixe's with Turbos or a 2.4 V8 with double turbo.
Just imagine if Lexus would offer a 2.7 V6TT version. It would replace a large range of engines and would be plenty than enough to power up a whole range of cars.
#104
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
#105
Lexus Test Driver
Yeah, we know, we are somewhat of idiots. I love the harmonics coming out of a V6 and V8, not the harmonics from 4 cylinders. I literally dream about revving a Lexus RCF around 5'000 rpm. 4 bangers could be superior in every way (they also very probably are), I would still prioritize 2 or 4 more cylinders, just for the growl I will be able to feel.
But I'm convinced that there will be good "in between solution" coming up in a few time. Like 2.1 inline sixe's with Turbos or a 2.4 V8 with double turbo.
Just imagine if Lexus would offer a 2.7 V6TT version. It would replace a large range of engines and would be plenty than enough to power up a whole range of cars.
But I'm convinced that there will be good "in between solution" coming up in a few time. Like 2.1 inline sixe's with Turbos or a 2.4 V8 with double turbo.
Just imagine if Lexus would offer a 2.7 V6TT version. It would replace a large range of engines and would be plenty than enough to power up a whole range of cars.