Final Views on Two Stingers Over the Last Year

[andyecon]

I have now sold and replaced my '22 GT2 AWD, so I am (almost certainly) an ex-Stinger owner. After owning two GT2's over 18 months, I wanted to share some thoughts:

1. The Stinger is one of the most fun to drive cars I've ever owned. Steering feels great, power is immediate both from a stop and rolling at interstate speeds, and the tech/stereo are top notch.

2. The Stinger's hatch and length make it as practical as many small SUV's. I have a 3 year old and every car seat fits easily with plenty of room for the person in front of her. I can carry loads of stuff in the hatch (just bicycles are a bit challenging).

3. If you are coming from luxury manufacturers, the dealership experience is just not satisfying. I don't think any Kia dealerships offer loaners, so if you are not used to waiting for service then it can be a drag. Furthermore, while some dealerships have comfortable enough waiting areas, they are behind other non-luxury brands I've owned in the past, such as VW and Mazda (at least the dealerships around me).

4. If you can't deal with interior creaks, then you are gambling with a Stinger. My 2021 didn't have anything after about 5000 miles, but my 2022 had moonroof and driver-side door noises that I just couldn't live with. While Kia offers a great warranty, I couldn't get any help from two dealerships and honestly got the sense that I was annoying them even bringing it in.

5. Fuel economy is worse than I would have expected. I had a BMW m550xi for an extended test drive and the twin turbo v8 in that returned better MPG than my Stinger.

I am going to keep my eye out on Kia/Hyundai/Genesis. If a Genesis branded Stinger replacement (maybe EV) appears one of these days, then I will definitely give it a try.

 

[G70LEbyAdoom]

I am going to keep my eye out on Kia/Hyundai/Genesis. If a Genesis branded Stinger replacement (maybe EV) appears one of these days, then I will definitely give it a try.

A G70. You're talking about a G70.

 

[andyecon]

A G70. You're talking about a G70.

Hah, I tried a G70 before buying my first Stinger, but the trunk/backseats were totally impractical. Otherwise I would have gone that route to get the concierge service.

But good point, the practicality of the Stinger is a huge positive, gonna add it to my original.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Good assessment. And I have always wondered how extraneous noises, unresolved, would taint my enjoyment: if not too horrible or continuous I'd probably just shrug them off. But some like are described rather often on the forum, pernicious and loud, I would not be able to live with either. The practicality factor is what made me buy the Stinger, after everything else: lacking practicality, I would never have bought one.

 

[stoopid]

I have now sold and replaced my '22 GT2 AWD, so I am (almost certainly) an ex-Stinger owner.

I may have missed the memo on this... what replaced the Stinger?

Fair assessment.

 

[andyecon]

I may have missed the memo on this... what replaced the Stinger?

Fair assessment.

I bought a 22 Porsche Macan. Not as fast or as sporty to drive as the Stinger, but Porsche service is amazing (I already had to use it because of a creaking issue).

 

[Oryan]

I agree with just about all of that. I love my Stinger but I'm getting around to looking at what's next..Part of me is looking at that MY23 Grand Touring package but if I'm buying another Korean car, it's going to have the 3.5TT. Why it isn't in the refreshed G70 boggles my mind and while I do like the G80 Sport..a lot...the new M2 is coming...

 

[andyecon]

I agree with just about all of that. I love my Stinger but I'm getting around to looking at what's next..Part of me is looking at that MY23 Grand Touring package but if I'm buying another Korean car, it's going to have the 3.5TT. Why it isn't in the refreshed G70 boggles my mind and while I do like the G80 Sport..a lot...the new M2 is coming...

I can only imagine how bonkers the new M2 will be. I think the previous gen m2’s are quickly becoming modern classics.

 

[stoopid]

I bought a 22 Porsche Macan. Not as fast or as sporty to drive as the Stinger, but Porsche service is amazing (I already had to use it because of a creaking issue).

I see these regularly here in Vegas, nice looking/proportioned car. I'd want 'more' performance though if plunking the money for a Porsche. But I wouldn't complain if I got a new one for the current price of a Stinger GT2, which might be a thing as I'm sure demand for them isn't that high. Is the maintenance super expensive?

 

[Guzman]

I see these regularly here in Vegas, nice looking/proportioned car. I'd want 'more' performance though if plunking the money for a Porsche. But I wouldn't complain if I got a new one for the current price of a Stinger GT2, which might be a thing as I'm sure demand for them isn't that high. Is the maintenance super expensive?

My wife has a Macan S and it is as sporty as my Stinger in 99% of situations. It is just as fast, and for being an SUV (or tall hatchback) it handles incredibly well, more composed, especially on rougher surfaces. Build quality is significantly better, everything feels so solid. Customer service and dealer experience are at a whole other level, but they do become less interested once you purchase, like all dealers. Service can be expensive, but she has a service plan that was less than 3 dealer visits. Still love my Stinger though!

 

[andyecon]

I see these regularly here in Vegas, nice looking/proportioned car. I'd want 'more' performance though if plunking the money for a Porsche. But I wouldn't complain if I got a new one for the current price of a Stinger GT2, which might be a thing as I'm sure demand for them isn't that high. Is the maintenance super expensive?

The 2022 base Macan is surprisingly quick given the 4-cylinder engine (0-60 in 5.4 or so and 5-60 in 6) and a lightly optioned base is the way to minimize depreciation (I only plan to keep it for two years).

Maintenance over the first two years is about $800, which is around 2x what I was looking at on the Stinger.