Man this blew up quickly. I will say this in defense of Kia I had a 2013 genesis 3.8 r spec bought brand new any issue I had with it got taken care of traded it in at 50k miles with only normal maintenance. My wife had a 2016 is350 and I had more of a headache with that car than my genesis. No car manufacture is perfect every single one will have issues I’ve had numerous brands of cars Jeep, Ford, Hyundai, Lexus, Honda, Acura and every single manufacturer had some sort of issue. My Acura TLX has to have the transmission replaced at 15k miles and they pushed back every opportunity to get the issue resolved I went to 4 different dealerships all gave me the run around on a known issue.
Stinger vs Lexus GS 350
- Thread starter SoonerBornATX
- Start date
Well considering that Benz made the first car, by your argument they should have the most dependable car. They don't. Your posted JD Power award results also lists Hyundai/Kia at just above the industry average. Using your argument, they should be just as high as Genesis. They aren't. So, in a round about kind of way, you are making the point I tried to make to the OP... Kia is capable of fixing my car and making the situation right, however they choose not to for any number of reasons.
Maybe because Genesis represents a higher margin car (as others have mentioned) that allows them to make cars right from the start and to solve problems before they start. It is a mindset chosen by a manufacturer, not a byproduct of how long they have been in business. (It also doesn't hurt that Genesis had only 3 models in the survey and 1/10 of the sales of Lexus.) But hey a win is a win that Genesis has earned by doing the things that I am advocating for Kia to do. I am fairly confident that had I purchased a G80, we would not be having this discussion.
Also, for a fun fact... Did you know that most of Genesis conquest buyers come from Lexus? Hmmm, I guess Lexus buyers see a lot to like at Genesis. Wait till the GV80 comes out, it will only get better (or worse depending on your point of view). I can see it now, Genesis dealers knee deep in old-people and women. Yikes, even old-women people. Egads!
I traded a 2014 GS F-Sport AWD for a late build 2018 Stinger GT-2 AWD.
Take it from someone who has owned both for a good chunk of time and miles. I'll remind people that the GS is rather different than the ES or IS models most people are familiar with. Very few people (other than me) buy these things. The GS isn't optimal for larger bodied people. I'm a 37 year old marathon runner for what it's worth. But I find both to have great seats.
I'll tell you from experience the Lexus is infinitely reliable and simply does not have issues pop-up. As terms as Lexus models go, while the GS is a bit dated - it is in their top 3 in terms of reliability along with the GX. You can look this up through many vehicle reliability sites such as consumer reports. I'll also add the build quality and fit and finish in the GS is considerably better. The Kia has some minor shakes and rattles detailed in this forum, but nothing major. The Lexus drivetrain will last >300k. But like any modern vehicle - the electronics? I'm not so sure. Also as mentioned the Lexus service costs are higher.. but any work on it, they put you in a brand new loaner and you're on your way. The service experience is exceptional with Lexus. I can't even really describe their waiting area after four years of ownership, take the keys and out the door in a loaner you go.
The GS will also get you slightly better gas mileage and if you live in a snow prone area, the GS has a better suited AWD system for it.
As for the Stinger.. you might appreciate a hatchback more than you realize. And while the Lexus is a sleeper.. the Stinger GT is much quicker and handles better. It's a fun car.
As for value.. I'd give the edge to the Kia if buying new. That's how I got in one.. check out the prices paid thread. Kia will give big discounts. They top out at 54k... but realistically you'll be around 45-47 out the door. Another trend I noticed? For a while in 2018/19 you would see a lot of GS 350s at Kia dealerships from trades. I was told I was the fourth person to switch at that dealership. That is a lot since Lexus sells so few of them. It's a very uncommon model these days - but certainly a great one. If you like the GS, you may really enjoy the Stinger.
Either way.. you can't really go wrong with either of these choices.
Take it from someone who has owned both for a good chunk of time and miles. I'll remind people that the GS is rather different than the ES or IS models most people are familiar with. Very few people (other than me) buy these things. The GS isn't optimal for larger bodied people. I'm a 37 year old marathon runner for what it's worth. But I find both to have great seats.
I'll tell you from experience the Lexus is infinitely reliable and simply does not have issues pop-up. As terms as Lexus models go, while the GS is a bit dated - it is in their top 3 in terms of reliability along with the GX. You can look this up through many vehicle reliability sites such as consumer reports. I'll also add the build quality and fit and finish in the GS is considerably better. The Kia has some minor shakes and rattles detailed in this forum, but nothing major. The Lexus drivetrain will last >300k. But like any modern vehicle - the electronics? I'm not so sure. Also as mentioned the Lexus service costs are higher.. but any work on it, they put you in a brand new loaner and you're on your way. The service experience is exceptional with Lexus. I can't even really describe their waiting area after four years of ownership, take the keys and out the door in a loaner you go.
The GS will also get you slightly better gas mileage and if you live in a snow prone area, the GS has a better suited AWD system for it.
As for the Stinger.. you might appreciate a hatchback more than you realize. And while the Lexus is a sleeper.. the Stinger GT is much quicker and handles better. It's a fun car.
As for value.. I'd give the edge to the Kia if buying new. That's how I got in one.. check out the prices paid thread. Kia will give big discounts. They top out at 54k... but realistically you'll be around 45-47 out the door. Another trend I noticed? For a while in 2018/19 you would see a lot of GS 350s at Kia dealerships from trades. I was told I was the fourth person to switch at that dealership. That is a lot since Lexus sells so few of them. It's a very uncommon model these days - but certainly a great one. If you like the GS, you may really enjoy the Stinger.
Either way.. you can't really go wrong with either of these choices.
itguy61
Stinger Enthusiast
I am finding it interesting that two people who don't own a Stinger are arguing about this. At least one is being reasonable, the other just provocative. I find it laughable comparing Lexus with Kia on the subject of who takes better care of their customers. I drive a Kia, it is my third, customer service and fixing problems is their biggest weakness at this moment. At least it is to me.
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
Lawrence Williams
Stinger Enthusiast
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You beat me to it.......downright ridiculous on this forum
General_Vodka
1000 Posts Club!
Buy salvage and avoid the dealer like I did. actually the parts department was a lot better that the sales lol, they even gave me a discount. Something that the sales guy was absolutely unwilling to do.
It is not my intention to make things worse here but I would like to point out that the original post was seeking input from Lexus GS shoppers/owners. The OP himself drew comparisons between the Stinger and GS and sought opinions to further aid in his decision. Based on these two points, it should come as no surprise that comparisons between any and all aspects of Kia v. Lexus would arise. To those who take offense to talk of Lexus on a Kia forum, then I would address my concerns to the OP who originally sought this very information.
As I still own my Stinger, formerly owned a Lexus, and am shopping GS's, it seemed obvious to me that I might have something to add to the conversation. Comparably equipped, a CPO GS-F and Stinger GT2 are priced similarly. I cross shopped both cars originally and don't find the comparisons of customer service unjustified based on price points of the respective vehicles. To me, I simply want my ownership experience to be "X" if I spend "Y" dollars. I can spend those "Y" dollars at Kia or Lexus.
@SoonerBornATX , if you have any further questions that you would like to ask, you can message me. As I stated before, it is not my intent to trash Kia here on the forum, only to share my experience. Apologies to anyone who felt otherwise.
As I still own my Stinger, formerly owned a Lexus, and am shopping GS's, it seemed obvious to me that I might have something to add to the conversation. Comparably equipped, a CPO GS-F and Stinger GT2 are priced similarly. I cross shopped both cars originally and don't find the comparisons of customer service unjustified based on price points of the respective vehicles. To me, I simply want my ownership experience to be "X" if I spend "Y" dollars. I can spend those "Y" dollars at Kia or Lexus.
@SoonerBornATX , if you have any further questions that you would like to ask, you can message me. As I stated before, it is not my intent to trash Kia here on the forum, only to share my experience. Apologies to anyone who felt otherwise.
MisterMac
1000 Posts Club!
I don't think you were the target of the disgruntled as you still own your Stinger.
I do not still own my Stinger, although I did have it for 25,000 miles and 1.5 years. Of those 1.5 years, she spent over three months in the shop.
Nonetheless, I have much more distain for the Genesis G70 character than Kia's service department. In 9 months and 15,000 miles on our Telluride, it's only spent two total hours in the shop for oil changes. Lexus doesn't have an SUV that competes with the Telluride.
itguy61
Stinger Enthusiast
Helo, no big deal. You are a Stinger owner at the moment and I don't feel anyone should take any issue with you sharing your experiences (bad unfortunately) with our Stinger. Nothing wrong with contributing opinions on other cars you have experience with either. I am just finding the irony of an argument about Lexus by two people who don't own a Stinger on a Stinger forum hilarious. Mac did own one and had a legitimate bad experience (3 months in shop) but who knows about G70. I have never seen any information as to what he actually owns. I also find laughable to be comparing Genesis service to Lexus. Most all Genesis dealers are Hyundai shops at the moment and their service is not better than Kia. I guess they get the bone thrown in of a nice loaner and concierge service.
Having owned BMW and Audi products I am feeling that the Stinger has about as many problems as some of those cars have. But the HUGE difference here (applies to Lexus too) is that when I had these kind of problems the service experience was totally different. They always fixed it and did not deny any kind of problem (brakes), you got a nice loaner and got treated well in general. Bad service is the bitter pill you have to be willing to swallow to own one of these cars, especially if you are one of the unlucky ones who have several big problems.
Having owned BMW and Audi products I am feeling that the Stinger has about as many problems as some of those cars have. But the HUGE difference here (applies to Lexus too) is that when I had these kind of problems the service experience was totally different. They always fixed it and did not deny any kind of problem (brakes), you got a nice loaner and got treated well in general. Bad service is the bitter pill you have to be willing to swallow to own one of these cars, especially if you are one of the unlucky ones who have several big problems.
______________________________
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
Well said sir. Thank you.
John Strednansky
Member
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I had a 2015 GS F-Sport, great car, not a single issue in 3 year ease but bored me... My 2018 Stinger GT2 AWD is much more fun, in spite of my computer blowing up and the head unit failing - had to be fully replaced, I still prefer the Stinger.
General_Vodka
1000 Posts Club!
Wait what blowing up computer? Was it a note 7? Lol. Good thing the warranty took care of it.
Soca Boy
1000 Posts Club!
I tested out both IS and GS before I got my Stinger, they just didn’t feel special. For reliability, let’s face facts, not too many keep their cars for 15 to 20 years these days.
street heat
Active Member
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My wife has leased 3 different Lexus since I've known her....good vehicles but to be perfectly honest I enjoyed driving my 2013 SXL optima more. Also my sound system was way better which is pathetic for vehicles that all range from 40-50k. Two had F sport on them and weren't sporty at all. I was amazed just how slow they were. None of them were the GSF though which seems like a great car.
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
Where these the GS she's owned? Or other models?
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John Strednansky
Member
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Yeah, all my instrument cluster information was going haywire switching randomly, HUD was dimming, going out randomly... they had to replace the head unity, a week in the shop and they scratched up the trim above the stereo and around the three dash vents. while doing the work. Yes, warranty covered it, now I am waiting on getting the trim replaced.
GenesisG70
1000 Posts Club!
Lexus started in the 80s making cars,
Yes my former wives total of 5 they all drove Lexus, my aunt drives a Lexus, my sister drives a Lexus and even my attorney who happens to be a female drives a Lexus...
Lord3Putt
Member
That explains A LOT
MisterMac
1000 Posts Club!
I believe that how long a marriage lasts is a strong indicator of whether a person has quality decision making abilities.
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
