Stingers in VA

[AnyVare]

Cars.com is starting to show listings for Stingers in Virginia, so exciting. I'm going to make a short drive and see if I can test drive a GT2 AWD and see some colors in person.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Cars.com is starting to show listings for Stingers in Virginia, so exciting. I'm going to make a short drive and see if I can test drive a GT2 AWD and see some colors in person.

Exciting indeed! Please let us know what you think and if you get that test drive!

 

[AnyVare]

Well..... cars.com listed them at the dealership, and the dealer's website also listed them as in stock. But upon arrival today at the dealer, no stingers anywhere on the lot. But the GM said they were at the port in Baltimore they expected them to be delivered in a few days. When I asked why they updated their website and listed the cars "in stock" they stated they do that once they get the VIN from the port. Thankfully, the dealership was near other more interesting stores and my day wasn't a complete waste. Here's to more waiting for a test drive and seeing colors in person.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Well..... cars.com listed them at the dealership, and the dealer's website also listed them as in stock. But upon arrival today at the dealer, no stingers anywhere on the lot. But the GM said they were at the port in Baltimore they expected them to be delivered in a few days. When I asked why they updated their website and listed the cars "in stock" they stated they do that once they get the VIN from the port. Thankfully, the dealership was near other more interesting stores and my day wasn't a complete waste. Here's to more waiting for a test drive and seeing colors in person.

Another story of "no test drive"... This is certainly very common...

 

[AnyVare]

Update for VA - most of the local dealers now have a black premium RWD. I visited one today that had both a black 2.0 RWD and AWD Premium. Inside the dealership they had all their incoming Stingers printed out and taped to a glass wall. They had a good mix of cars (18) incoming by the end of January, some already sold.

I had a great dealership experience and test drive! There was no credit checks, no long wait and the manager/salesman were excited to let me and my wife test drive the 2.0 RWD. Both Stingers were 2.0 and on display on the sidewalks in front of the dealership. The 2.0 AWD still had plastic on the seats and no gas, so we test drove the 2.0 RWD. The salesman move the car off the sidewalk, slapped on a plate and let me get behind the wheel for about a mile test drive.

Immediate impressions of the 2.0 RWD were good with the most positive parts being: fit/finish and trim level of the premium, acceleration of the 2.0, and fantastic steering feel. There were some lows, mostly covered on these forums: there was a rattle in the hatch, the view in the rearview mirror, and the audio was kinda lame. Oh and of course the missing: 360 view and wireless charging. Overall, can't wait for the GT2.....which should be by end of January.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Update for VA - most of the local dealers now have a black premium RWD. I visited one today that had both a black 2.0 RWD and AWD Premium. Inside the dealership they had all their incoming Stingers printed out and taped to a glass wall. They had a good mix of cars (18) incoming by the end of January, some already sold.

I had a great dealership experience and test drive! There was no credit checks, no long wait and the manager/salesman were excited to let me and my wife test drive the 2.0 RWD. Both Stingers were 2.0 and on display on the sidewalks in front of the dealership. The 2.0 AWD still had plastic on the seats and no gas, so we test drove the 2.0 RWD. The salesman move the car off the sidewalk, slapped on a plate and let me get behind the wheel for about a mile test drive.

Immediate impressions of the 2.0 RWD were good with the most positive parts being: fit/finish and trim level of the premium, acceleration of the 2.0, and fantastic steering feel. There were some lows, mostly covered on these forums: there was a rattle in the hatch, the view in the rearview mirror, and the audio was kinda lame. Oh and of course the missing: 360 view and wireless charging. Overall, can't wait for the GT2.....which should be by end of January.

Thank you for the review. I'm glad to hear you have a positive dealership experience and, generally, liked the Stinger. I'm sure the GT will be even more impressive. The sound of the audio system should improve with time (break-in) but I don't think surround-view camera or wireless charging will get any better as time goes on. The rear window probably won't grow either but nobody has had their Stinger long enough to know for sure...

 

[STIinger]

Update for VA - most of the local dealers now have a black premium RWD. I visited one today that had both a black 2.0 RWD and AWD Premium. Inside the dealership they had all their incoming Stingers printed out and taped to a glass wall. They had a good mix of cars (18) incoming by the end of January, some already sold.

I had a great dealership experience and test drive! There was no credit checks, no long wait and the manager/salesman were excited to let me and my wife test drive the 2.0 RWD. Both Stingers were 2.0 and on display on the sidewalks in front of the dealership. The 2.0 AWD still had plastic on the seats and no gas, so we test drove the 2.0 RWD. The salesman move the car off the sidewalk, slapped on a plate and let me get behind the wheel for about a mile test drive.

Immediate impressions of the 2.0 RWD were good with the most positive parts being: fit/finish and trim level of the premium, acceleration of the 2.0, and fantastic steering feel. There were some lows, mostly covered on these forums: there was a rattle in the hatch, the view in the rearview mirror, and the audio was kinda lame. Oh and of course the missing: 360 view and wireless charging. Overall, can't wait for the GT2.....which should be by end of January.

I think I went to the exact same dealership last week. Did you hear anything about some kind of mandatory protection package?
I also testdrove the 2.0T premium and I liked everything except I felt like I needed a little more power.

 

[Plainolmoo]

Would this be Fairfax Kia? I was actually planning on going there because they show two Ceramic Silver GT2 as in stock. If so, you saved me an hour drive. Thanks.

 

[STIinger]

Would this be Fairfax Kia? I was actually planning on going there because they show two Ceramic Silver GT2 as in stock.

I was talking about the one in Chantilly but I went to fairfax kia yesterday. They only had black premium on lot. Others on their website seem to be in transfer.
I was kinda disappointed after the visit tho. The salesman did not know anything about the stinger. I still like their list of free stuff.

 

[Kia Stinger]

The salesman did not know anything about the stinger.

It's like they have no incentive to learn about a car that could make them a lot of money...

 

[AnyVare]

I think I went to the exact same dealership last week. Did you hear anything about some kind of mandatory protection package?
I also testdrove the 2.0T premium and I liked everything except I felt like I needed a little more power.

I was at Ourisman KIA in Chantilly. I didn't hear about mandatory packages, but did notice on their printed out inventory that every car included the following options: Floor matts, Cargo Nets, Cargo Tray, OwnerShield, Appearance Package. I'm ok with the first 3, but I'm not sure about the OwnerShield or Appearance Package yet.... I need more info.

 

[AnyVare]

Would this be Fairfax Kia? I was actually planning on going there because they show two Ceramic Silver GT2 as in stock. If so, you saved me an hour drive. Thanks.

Nope, it was Chantilly. I've been to Fairfax Kia once, and I won't go back. They could be a great dealer, but I was turned off by their building, lot and location.

 

[STIinger]

Nope, it was Chantilly. I've been to Fairfax Kia once, and I won't go back. They could be a great dealer, but I was turned off by their building, lot and location.

I bought my Forte there and actually had nothing but good experience. But back then they had a great sales team.

I was at Ourisman KIA in Chantilly. I didn't hear about mandatory packages, but did notice on their printed out inventory that every car included the following options: Floor matts, Cargo Nets, Cargo Tray, OwnerShield, Appearance Package. I'm ok with the first 3, but I'm not sure about the OwnerShield or Appearance Package yet.... I need more info.

Yes, it's those two that I was talking about. I forgot what the prices were, but it wasn't even close to I would want to pay.
I'm gonna have to check with them again.
Some of the cars in the showroom had that appearance package and they looked horrible.

It's like they have no incentive to learn about a car that could make them a lot of money...

Exactly! Product knowledge is really important but some salesmen don't even care.
Our manager made us memorize cargo volume and stuff when I worked at a dealership.
Not knowing what you're selling just doesn't make any sense.

 

[AnyVare]

I bought my Forte there and actually had nothing but good experience. But back then they had a great sales team.

Yes, it's those two that I was talking about. I forgot what the prices were, but it wasn't even close to I would want to pay.
I'm gonna have to check with them again.
Some of the cars in the showroom had that appearance package and they looked horrible.

I can vouch for David Kim, he's been great, very knowledgeable... and so have the GM and SM so far too. I got a brief explanation of the packages, but not a price breakdown. Personally I'm not a fan of the rubber bumper molding on the door edges and wheel wells. But, if they really matched the paint well and had a great warranty from the dealer, it might be ok.

 

[STIinger]

I can vouch for David Kim, he's been great, very knowledgeable... and so have the GM and SM so far too. I got a brief explanation of the packages, but not a price breakdown. Personally I'm not a fan of the rubber bumper molding on the door edges and wheel wells. But, if they really matched the paint well and had a great warranty from the dealer, it might be ok.

I am really happy with my salesman at Ourisman. I just hate those moldings. If they HAVE TO sell it with the car then I would pay for the package and tell them to remove it before the delivery.

 

[davebo]

I can vouch for David Kim, he's been great, very knowledgeable...

David Kim is the one who texted me photos of the Korean spec Stinger when they first got that in and we all thought my local Herson's Kia in Rockville, Md wouldn't be allowed to sell them yet. I appreciated his following up but my dealership just got four Stingers in a few days ago. Stopped by yesterday to sit in one and loved it, but didn't have time for a test drive. I want to test drive a GT1 since that's what I'm looking for, and forgot to check if any of theirs were GT1's. Still holding out to see if they'll be able to order Sunset Yellow though.

 

[Waynerm002]

David is the man at Chantilly, ever notice the awards at his desk? I plan on going there to take one for a drive. It would be replacing the wife's S60 in about a year so I might go with the 2.0T. I'm just disappointed about the lack of color options (was hoping the brown interior would make it here) and how the chrome trim looks on the 2.0T cars. I might end up going with the GT1 or 2 if the options don't change on the 2.0 Premium for next year or if the G70 come out being a better ride overall. I like the Ceramic Silver but that is not available on the 2.0T. You folks notice how KIA changed up their available exterior colors based on trims? There used to be more color choices on the lower end and less on the top. On the Stinger they have less for the 2.0 and more for the GT. I guess they are testing the market as a lot more folks are going with CUVs these days.

I'll have to go this weekend to drive the 2.0T to see what's it like.

 

[davebo]

I don't recall Kia having more color choices on lower trims. All I know is in 2012 you could only get Corsa Blue on the top trim Optima SX, which was fine by me because I wanted both the SX trim and blue. Was that on stuff like the Forte and Soul?

 

[STIinger]

Ourisman just got a blue GT RWD and a red GT2.
Not sure which trim the red one was tho.

The blue GT looks amazing.

 

[Waynerm002]

I wonder if that’s the Korean version from the sales floor. If they got GTs in that’s good as. Am planning on going there this weekend.