The Uncomfortable Truth: Was the Kia Stinger Actually Great, or Just Great For a Kia?

[LordKOTL]

Honestly if my Stinger got totaled?

I would either save my drachmas and go for a CT4 Blackwing, or go for a Genesis G70 and give up the hatch.

CT4 would be more expensive with added performance. G70 is alnost the same car...maybe a little more expensive.

 

[Chris Erickson]

The only car that might even come close with a similar combination of performance, cost, and style might be the Acura Integra Type S. Yes, it is Front Wheel Drive, but size, power to weight, and cost are comparable.

I do like the Integra Type S, but going from a rear wheel drive biased twin turbo V6 to a front wheel drive four banger feels like too big a shift. Can a luxury sport sedan fan truly find peace with torque steer, even if it's one of the best handling front wheel drive chassis ever made?

I already did that. It's why I have two Stingers. My original one wasn't totaled, it turned out. In fact it was fully healed.

As long as Stingers are out there to shop for, if I had to make the decision again, "what to drive", it would be another Stinger for me.

If Stingers are not practical anymore, I will completely change my focus and look around for an "old school" fun car. I'd likely get a Telluride for real life situations, and my fun car to drive would be the older one.

I like this plan! Splitting the duties between a daily cruiser like a Telluride and a classic muscle car or a front engine Corvette completely bypasses the nightmare of modern car spyware and telemetry. Plus, a make believe Cobra sounds like a blast. Honestly, did the death of the Stinger just kill off the idea of the "one car to do it all" for enthusiasts?

The chronic brake issues... worries about future repairs, etc... What would I buy? Possibly Ioniq 5 N, or maybe 340xi / M3. I COULD splurge for an RS6 (I love wagons), but it feels wasteful to spend that much on a car.

First off, "infinite space" in an Infiniti seat is a top tier roast. But those brake rotor deposits and tailbone issues are real world things that wear you down over a multi year ownership stint. If your company stock triples, you absolutely have to buy that RS6 wagon. Until then, the Ioniq 5 N is getting insane reviews for mimicking an old school gas car's soul. But going full electric means giving up that mechanical tuning path we were just talking about.

Honestly if my Stinger got totaled? I would either save my drachmas and go for a CT4 Blackwing, or go for a Genesis G70 and give up the hatch.

The CT4 Blackwing seems to be the ultimate consensus upgrade for anyone who values raw driving dynamics over everything else. But losing that utility liftback hatch hurts. It really highlights how unique the Stinger was. Kia gave us a grand tourer with a huge cargo bay, and now the car market tells us if we want a trunk that opens like a hatch, we have to buy a CUV.

So I guess we all agree that the Stinger wasn't just "good for a Kia" - it was a packaging miracle that literally nobody else has been able to match since for the money. Are there any other hidden gems out there with a liftback that don't cost six figures, or is the affordable grand tourer officially extinct?

 

[turboAWD]

I mean, if Subaru was still making an '05 style Legacy GT Wagon, I'd probably buy another one and "live with" 300-400 hp..

 

[Snicklefritz]

Honestly, did the death of the Stinger just kill off the idea of the "one car to do it all" for enthusiasts?

Honestly, that concept never entered into the decision to get a Stinger.

When I went to test drive one, the conscious thought that it was a hatchback/liftback wasn't there. I was testing the "feel" of the car. Months of reading about it hadn't convinced me. To say that I was skeptical is an understatement. When I realized that a KIA was also a Grand Turismo of build quality, that had grunt like I had only heard about before, only then did I instantly change my mind and want one.

It would carry enough ice chests and whatnot to suit any occasion/need. The hatch sealed my decision. In that sense the Stinger is "all in one" for me. If it didn't have a hatch I would never have owned a Stinger.

 

[LordKOTL]

...
The CT4 Blackwing seems to be the ultimate consensus upgrade for anyone who values raw driving dynamics over everything else. But losing that utility liftback hatch hurts. It really highlights how unique the Stinger was. Kia gave us a grand tourer with a huge cargo bay, and now the car market tells us if we want a trunk that opens like a hatch, we have to buy a CUV.

So I guess we all agree that the Stinger wasn't just "good for a Kia" - it was a packaging miracle that literally nobody else has been able to match since for the money. Are there any other hidden gems out there with a liftback that don't cost six figures, or is the affordable grand tourer officially extinct?

Basically, yes. I can't remember what article I saw this in, but it basically called the Stinger, "the best car nobody is buying." In my opinion, that says a lot. All of the Stinger's stats might not be earth-shattering, but it is no slouch in any respect and delivered at a great price for what you get. Most reputable reviews painted it as such. But, as good at it is as a GT Liftback, the buying public would rather have CUVs or SUVs for some reason.

I don't know if the affordable GT liftback is dead, or if there are other hidden gems out there like the Stinger. I am a, "buy new and drive it into the ground" type, and I'm only about 34k miles in. Maybe past 100k+ something else will be put that is a similar hidden gem. Who knows? Right now though, I plan to enjoy driving her.

 

[jinthadell]

Honestly if my Stinger got totaled?

I would either save my drachmas and go for a CT4 Blackwing, or go for a Genesis G70 and give up the hatch.

CT4 would be more expensive with added performance. G70 is alnost the same car...maybe a little more expensive.

My next step after the Stinger is a manual CT4V Blackwing. The wife has already approved. Now, to total out the Stinger. Lmao!

 

[ScottM]

You guys nailed it with the Kirkland Audi comparison, and it's a great point about the value proposition.

I had to comment, even after all the posts I read after this quote. This quote is it. No real debate past this. Same relative ingredients for less money. That's the answer. That's all there is to it. As I mentioned earlier, I totaled my 2018 GT2 Stinger in 2023 and looked high and low for anything that had dollar for dollar what the Stinger had for new. In 2023, there was nothing in my opinion. It will end up being a iconic...in the sense that it has/had it all for the price point in comparison. It's just "it"... period. End of story. That's all folks. So yes, that.

 

[777David]

What the Stinger has done for me, is this...

1. Before I saw a Stinger (prior to 2021), I’m not sure I would have purchased a Kia, plain and simple. Had a buddy in high school (mid-90s) who had one and it was junk.
2. Because the car had a look/style and performance that I didn’t see in any other vehicles AND I was in the market for a car, I did some research, went out on a limb and bought a 2022 GT1 brand new. Have had a great dealership experience.
3. Issues? It has 40,000 miles on ODO, I’ve had nearly no issues; however the one issue I’ve had was major (engine had to come out) but taken care of under warranty and I had no issues with my dealership or repair work.
4. Do I plan to keep the car? As long as it remains reliable, I will. I like this car. I do have some trepidation regarding reliability and costly repairs. That will determine how long I hold on to this car.
5. It has opened my eyes to Kia as a brand. I would likely purchase another Kia in the future, and am seriously considering purchasing a new Kia Carnival for my wife.
6. What do I think the future view of the Stinger will be? As another poster noted, like the Mitsubishi 3000 or Dodge Stealth. Neat niche cars for that generation. Don’t remember the last time I saw one of those on the road. The Stinger has such great style, I think it will be found attractive by future generations so it might be more desirable than those cars from a collector standpoint. Also, just because of its underdog status (it is a Kia) makes it appealing for some reason.
7. What would I get if I didn’t have the Stinger? Not sure. Maybe a Lexus IS350 F-sport or a used car of some sort, but I’ll always have an affinity for a Stinger. I still get excited when I see another in the wild.

 

[blnewt]

Always liked the Stinger since they came out. A loaded 3.3 at the time I was shopping were hard to find and when I did the cost was quite a bit over a loaded G70 3.3. Didn't need the extra hatch room so got the G70. So I guess that's an option for Stinger guys that want to continue on that familiar platform. That gloss gray Stinger GT2 is one of the best looking 4 doors on the road, just sex on wheels I think.

Love that 3.3TT, such a perfect match to that fine chassis and decent suspension. Only thing I added was aftermarket F&R sway bars.

 

[Alpinesting]

What the Stinger has done for me, is this...

1. Before I saw a Stinger (prior to 2021), I’m not sure I would have purchased a Kia, plain and simple. Had a buddy in high school (mid-90s) who had one and it was junk.
2. Because the car had a look/style and performance that I didn’t see in any other vehicles AND I was in the market for a car, I did some research, went out on a limb and bought a 2022 GT1 brand new. Have had a great dealership experience.
3. Issues? It has 40,000 miles on ODO, I’ve had nearly no issues; however the one issue I’ve had was major (engine had to come out) but taken care of under warranty and I had no issues with my dealership or repair work.
4. Do I plan to keep the car? As long as it remains reliable, I will. I like this car. I do have some trepidation regarding reliability and costly repairs. That will determine how long I hold on to this car.
5. It has opened my eyes to Kia as a brand. I would likely purchase another Kia in the future, and am seriously considering purchasing a new Kia Carnival for my wife.
6. What do I think the future view of the Stinger will be? As another poster noted, like the Mitsubishi 3000 or Dodge Stealth. Neat niche cars for that generation. Don’t remember the last time I saw one of those on the road. The Stinger has such great style, I think it will be found attractive by future generations so it might be more desirable than those cars from a collector standpoint. Also, just because of its underdog status (it is a Kia) makes it appealing for some reason.
7. What would I get if I didn’t have the Stinger? Not sure. Maybe a Lexus IS350 F-sport or a used car of some sort, but I’ll always have an affinity for a Stinger. I still get excited when I see another in the wild.

I must agree on number 7. Not sure about a Lexus or what would replace it. But it is really cool when you seen one in the wild especially when
is well cared for and you have a convo with the owner or just acknowledge each other. Just saw a really rare tribute edition today and that was
pretty cool.

On another note, I really hope that they can figure out their dealership situation. We have been lucky to have a good dealership close
to our location.

 

[Chris Erickson]

Amazing insights everyone! It's clear the passion for this platform runs deep.

This quote is it. No real debate past this. Same relative ingredients for less money. That's the answer. That's all there is to it.

You're doubling down on the Kirkland analogy, and honestly, that cost to performance ratio is impossible to argue against. When you look at it strictly as getting the exact same mechanical ingredients for thousands less, it's a win. It's the ultimate reality check for anyone who thinks you need to sport a German badge to have a fast car.

If it didn't have a hatch I would never have owned a Stinger.

But, as good at it is as a GT Liftback, the buying public would rather have CUVs or SUVs for some reason.

You two hit on the tragic irony of the Stinger. It's the best car nobody bought because the entire world went crazy for CUVs. Without that liftback cargo space, it sounds like the car loses its magic formula. If you have to give up the hatch, you end up like @blnewt looking at a Genesis G70, which is a fantastic chassis, but it forces you into a traditional trunk.

the one issue I’ve had was major (engine had to come out) but taken care of under warranty
It has opened my eyes to Kia as a brand. I would likely purchase another Kia in the future

This is wild. Having a major engine out repair at 40,000 miles would make a lot of people run away from a brand forever. The fact that your dealership handled it so well that you're now looking at a Kia Carnival is a testament to how a good service experience changes everything. It really highlights @Alpinesting's point that fixing the dealership lottery is the biggest hurdle for the brand moving forward.

What do I think the future view of the Stinger will be?
Neat niche cars for that generation.
The Stinger has such great style, I think it will be found attractive by future generations so it might be more desirable than those cars from a collector standpoint.

That Mitsubishi 3000GT and Dodge Stealth comparison is spot on. Niche, high tech, and totally unique for their era. But do you guys really think the Stinger will become a true collector car? Future generations might love the style, but are they going to want to deal with aging electronics, complex modern tech, or that sunroof rattle when the cars are twenty years old? Or will the underdog status make people look past all that? Cars aren't as easy to maintain deep into their life like they used to be.

Oh, and @jinthadell, don't total your car to get that manual CT4-V Blackwing! Though that wife approved upgrade path sounds pretty sweet!

Since a lot of you are sitting around 34,000 to 60,000 miles and planning to drive them into the ground, what's the one part or issue that makes you nervous about the long term survival of these cars? Is it the mechanical stuff, or just the thought of dealing with the service department out of warranty?

 

[BIG-D]

I don't deal with the dealer while under warranty I sure won't be going there after I have owned this thing for 7yrs.

Dealers are hard work...

The look on their faces when I first turned up with Slotted rotors /Vertini wheels/ Carbon Fibre bonnet and Bootlid and the noise coming out my exhaust said it all they were not happy.

Yeh well... I'm sick of the strut clunking /the sunroof creaking and the hatch rattling constantly in Sport mode!

I just asked them nicely to take a look for me after 2yr's of ownership?

They offered to fix my sunroof no problem and would need the car for 5 days, but would not consider replacing my R/F Strut which they stated had an issue because I had Aftermarket swaybars and Eibach lowered springs.

Fair enough I suppose, but they tried to blame my suspension for the sunroof creak and the hatch rattle as well even though it is a well known issue.

Both I fixed myself thanks to this forum and youtube.

I have fixed so much myself because of this Forum and BMS and K8 StingerStore ❤

I honestly would never have even tuned this thing if I knew beforehand the oil that was going to leak out the exhaust once I changed dump pipes/ exh components and specifically the lack of why?

Or the freakin' drone these v6's are renowned for, or the crap that would build up on my intake valves even though i have dealt with these GDI engines for 15yr's now after fitting a maintenance free catch in the first week of ownership anyway.

But I digress, I have now purchased CPI and a JB4 to control that, so hopefully gunky valves will be a thing of the past?

Although I doubt it... but I will keep you posted when I remove the manifold again in 6 months for a look see.

And a real negative about this brand and I hate bringing it up, but the amount of surface area that never received paint really burns my piss !

Boot area / Underneath / NO gloss finish in engine bays...

Here is some food for thought, I looked at a Genesis last month before I bought my last range of mods for this thing.

Yeh nah not for that price and still no paint applied where I would expect it for this price and who knows how that is going to transpire with rust issues in 5 - 10yr's time?

Peace

 

[jinthadell]

Amazing insights everyone! It's clear the passion for this platform runs deep.


You're doubling down on the Kirkland analogy, and honestly, that cost to performance ratio is impossible to argue against. When you look at it strictly as getting the exact same mechanical ingredients for thousands less, it's a win. It's the ultimate reality check for anyone who thinks you need to sport a German badge to have a fast car.





You two hit on the tragic irony of the Stinger. It's the best car nobody bought because the entire world went crazy for CUVs. Without that liftback cargo space, it sounds like the car loses its magic formula. If you have to give up the hatch, you end up like @blnewt looking at a Genesis G70, which is a fantastic chassis, but it forces you into a traditional trunk.



This is wild. Having a major engine out repair at 40,000 miles would make a lot of people run away from a brand forever. The fact that your dealership handled it so well that you're now looking at a Kia Carnival is a testament to how a good service experience changes everything. It really highlights @Alpinesting's point that fixing the dealership lottery is the biggest hurdle for the brand moving forward.



That Mitsubishi 3000GT and Dodge Stealth comparison is spot on. Niche, high tech, and totally unique for their era. But do you guys really think the Stinger will become a true collector car? Future generations might love the style, but are they going to want to deal with aging electronics, complex modern tech, or that sunroof rattle when the cars are twenty years old? Or will the underdog status make people look past all that? Cars aren't as easy to maintain deep into their life like they used to be.

Oh, and @jinthadell, don't total your car to get that manual CT4-V Blackwing! Though that wife approved upgrade path sounds pretty sweet!

Since a lot of you are sitting around 34,000 to 60,000 miles and planning to drive them into the ground, what's the one part or issue that makes you nervous about the long term survival of these cars? Is it the mechanical stuff, or just the thought of dealing with the service department out of warranty?

I wouldn’t worry about long term survival, just get an aftermarket warranty. They usually cover everything but basic maintenance. I’ve just hit 156k miles and I’m just getting into the high mileage stuff. Just swapped valve cover gaskets and it wasn’t as bad as you would think. Had to get a little creative on getting a few bolts out, but definitely manageable in your garage. It’s just a lot to remove to get to them and getting them out. High pressure fuel pump has to come out. But overall doable. Difficulty level maybe 3 out of 10. Up next is downstream O2 sensors. IMHO this car isn’t that hard to work on. I mean I’m not digging into internals should shit go south. That’s what my aftermarket warranty is for. But unless it’s a paid recall or absolutely necessary, no one touches my car.

 

[Snicklefritz]

Since a lot of you are sitting around 34,000 to 60,000 miles and planning to drive them into the ground, what's the one part or issue that makes you nervous about the long term survival of these cars? Is it the mechanical stuff, or just the thought of dealing with the service department out of warranty?

I am at 35K with the Premium and 83K with the GT1. Since I am a careful driver I expect my struts and shocks to last longer than most. Not looking forward to the GT1 ECS shocks. The Premium will likely never need either struts or shocks because of low miles and my age, ha hah.

Right now we have a mechanic who is tops for non warranty work. He put in the Brembos on the Premium and has worked on the GT1 for some minor stuff. I will trust him with anything that goes wrong electronically, which is my biggest worry. So far, no trouble.

There is the obsolete electronics issue. Ten years old the car may start to have issues with compatibility and modern tech. That is a concern, but future, so, again given my age, I am borrowing trouble to spend any time pondering the possible eventualities.

If I am still around in 2028 - likely - and my GT1 is ten years old and out of warranty, everything will be a hopefully slowly increasing battle to keep the car viable. Maybe there will be work arounds for older cars whose computer tech is now OLD. We can't tell how much "the powers that be" will support older car maintenance or sabotage it through legislation/prohibition, etc.

If I have to I'll give up tech to keep the car running as a performance car that is a luxury ride. Has anyone looked into the feasibility of "gutting" the computer interface, simplifying the electronics, and reducing the Stinger to an "old school" ride? Would it be possible, for instance, to ditch the computers altogether and just rig power windows, brakes, steering, and bare bones drivetrain controls? Maybe that wouldn't even be allowed modification to be street legal. I have no idea. Even if it was the modification would probably be prohibitively expensive.