NEW RIDE New daily driver: 2022 Stinger GT-Line AWD 2.5T

Dan00Hawk

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TCG Premium
Apr 10, 2011
3,697
7,715
Plainfield
I took advantage of the inflated used car market to trade in my 17 GTI. The VW was flawless for me and I'll miss it. I owned it for nearly 3 years, put on 40k miles, and got $1800 less than I bought it for. Dealer was within $300 of Carvana, and $1k over Carmax.

I needed something with more cargo room for my work products (34" to 36" plastic rings) and AWD as I'll be traveling through the northern Midwest at various times of the year. The Stinger gives me a whopping 72" from the back of the front seats to the end of the hatch with the seats folded down. I'll add a hitch for my cargo rack for the times I need extra capacity (photo of my GTI as reference). My coworkers all have vans and pickups, so they'll probably be shocked at what I can load in this versatile hatchback that'll also tow my motorcycle.

After considering many vehicles, I landed on the 2022 Stinger GT Line with their updated 2.5 turbo (300hp, 311tq) and AWD in Snow White Pearl. Port and direct fuel injection in the 2.5T solve the carbon buildup concerns that typically plague higher mileage direct injected motors. The cost savings over the GT 3.3tt (368hp) was substantial. But that was tempting and would be the way to go for someone that wants more power potential... Ultimately I was able to buy new for $2200 under MSRP. TrueCar indicates the market average is a paltry $73 off MSRP, so I feel like I negotiated well.

I plan on shopping for some lightweight 19" wheels (oem is 18") and also a JB4 tuner (TCG Performance Parts hook me up!) in the coming months as that will get me close to the acceleration levels of the 3.3tt which is my modest goal. Jb4 also allows me to keep the 5 yr/60k basic and 10 yr/100k powertrain warranty by not flashing the ECU. I already removed the Gary Lang logo, and have an appointment for ceramic window tints later this month.

Meanwhile, I'm learning all the new driving assist features which will come in handy on long days on the road, and following a mild break in procedure. I'm looking forward to having some fun with this car!

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Dan00Hawk

TCG Elite Member
TCG Premium
Apr 10, 2011
3,697
7,715
Plainfield
Congrats :bigthumb: I've wanted to drive the Stinger with the 2.5 but haven't had the chance yet. The 2.0 is pretty wheezy, and this 2.5 is fantastic in everything else I've driven with it.
Thanks for the feedback! I've liked what I've read about this powerplant too. This 8 speed auto isn't the slick dual clutch version in a bunch of those others, but it feels acceptable in this chassis. I've only driven it with the 87 octane that the dealer puts in, and haven't really pushed mine too hard. The other demo I test drove that I felt more carefree with flooring it responded decently. I think it should be 0-60 in around 5.0-5.5 range with the quarter in the mid to high 13's and over 100mph. The AWD should help launching compared to those that are struggling for traction, and of course it'll be tons better on surfaces that aren't dry.
 

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