Discussion of Stinger paint quality (Was - Paint Chip Issue)

[StingerGT68]

I've been having trouble getting estimates for the repaint of my car.

A few of the places I've called (I sorta researched a radius of an hour from where I live) haven't wanted to estimate my car. Once I explain the level of work that needs to be done, they usually tell me I need restoration work and they don't do that (despite advertising they do "total paint" jobs). Some of them I've taken the car to in person, and one shop actually told me after looking at the car for a couple hours that Kia needs to buy the car back or I need to look into a lawyer / lemon laws. That regardless of the paint job it won't match how it should have been done at the factory (his point was that no place is going to disassemble the car to the point it was like at the factory when it was painted) and the value will be hurt. This shop refused to give me an estimate and wanted me to have the Kia rep call them...

I spent a day and a half researching areas and trying to get estimates and I've only got one so far. The whole repaint vs buy back has been in the back of my mind the entire time and it does bug me. I'm not really sure what I should do at this point, this was my first new car purchase, I even cancelled my Tesla Model 3 reservation for it (not that those haven't had their share of early issues).

The Kia rep wanted at least two estimates, so I may try to get another, the only estimate I have right now is lower than I thought it would be. I tried uploading my paint protection invoice to them, but Kia closed my case for the second time so I couldn't (come on Kia, why do you keep closing my case, nothing has actually been resolved yet). Between no mention of reimbursement for the paint protection, uncertainty about the quality of the repaint, how long I'll own the car (purchase not a lease) and it's value, I may ultimately push for a buy back. Maybe rebuy one later. They haven't mentioned a rental either if my car does get repainted (I'd be really surprised if they didn't at some point), all of the shops have said 6-8 weeks for this kind of work. Was planning on turning over my estimates to Kia tomorrow but since I only have one and am uncertain about the repaint at all I may hold off and think on it.

I've read every post on this thread so far, I'm open to the thoughts of those here.

I'm surprised you're having issues with the Kia side of things. My experience was all excellent and my case is essentially resolved.

What is it you're telling the paint shops? A good paint shop with good reviews should be able to handle this job...especially in less than 6 weeks (depending on what needs to be done).

 

[somedudedontknowwhoheis]

I'm surprised you're having issues with the Kia side of things. My experience was all excellent and my case is essentially resolved.

What is it you're telling the paint shops? A good paint shop with good reviews should be able to handle this job...especially in less than 6 weeks (depending on what needs to be done).

I've only considered shops with good reviews. I've told them the entire car needs to be repainted, including the primer under the paint, since we don't know what the actual problem is. The spots on my car have been all over, and I was simply told by Kia to get estimates, nothing for only certain parts of the car. Not all of these places are very large so I'm guessing they can't have someone working on it everyday. Didn't the guy from Australia have his being repainted for almost 2 months? I did get the one estimate, from what reviews say is a high quality repair center thats Tesla and Mercedes certified, they also told me several weeks.

 

[StingerGT68]

I've only considered shops with good reviews. I've told them the entire car needs to be repainted, including the primer under the paint, since we don't know what the actual problem is. The spots on my car have been all over, and I was simply told by Kia to get estimates, nothing for only certain parts of the car. Not all of these places are very large so I'm guessing they can't have someone working on it everyday. Didn't the guy from Australia have his being repainted for almost 2 months? I did get the one estimate, from what reviews say is a high quality repair center thats Tesla and Mercedes certified, they also told me several weeks.

I guess if you're getting the whole car redone then that amount of time is reasonable. My shop said in their opinion it didn't need to go down to primer and that the basecoat was just incredibly thin. I trust their opinion and have had work done with them before. Plus they guarantee their work.

 

[DiabloStinger]

Just let them take the car back. Seriously not a hard decision if it was me. Buy a different color and move on. You sound pretty shafted right now and washing your hands of it might feel better.

 

[Killianz26]

My dealer called back, said to bring it to their body shop and get an estimate for the repairs.
The district manager will make a decision on warranty paint work based on what they come back with.
I will go Friday.

 

[MerlintheMad]

I've been having trouble getting estimates for the repaint of my car.

A few of the places I've called (I sorta researched a radius of an hour from where I live) haven't wanted to estimate my car. Once I explain the level of work that needs to be done, they usually tell me I need restoration work and they don't do that (despite advertising they do "total paint" jobs). Some of them I've taken the car to in person, and one shop actually told me after looking at the car for a couple hours that Kia needs to buy the car back or I need to look into a lawyer / lemon laws. That regardless of the paint job it won't match how it should have been done at the factory (his point was that no place is going to disassemble the car to the point it was like at the factory when it was painted) and the value will be hurt. This shop refused to give me an estimate and wanted me to have the Kia rep call them...

I spent a day and a half researching areas and trying to get estimates and I've only got one so far. The whole repaint vs buy back has been in the back of my mind the entire time and it does bug me. I'm not really sure what I should do at this point, this was my first new car purchase, I even cancelled my Tesla Model 3 reservation for it (not that those haven't had their share of early issues).

The Kia rep wanted at least two estimates, so I may try to get another, the only estimate I have right now is lower than I thought it would be. I tried uploading my paint protection invoice to them, but Kia closed my case for the second time so I couldn't (come on Kia, why do you keep closing my case, nothing has actually been resolved yet). Between no mention of reimbursement for the paint protection, uncertainty about the quality of the repaint, how long I'll own the car (purchase not a lease) and it's value, I may ultimately push for a buy back. Maybe rebuy one later. They haven't mentioned a rental either if my car does get repainted (I'd be really surprised if they didn't at some point), all of the shops have said 6-8 weeks for this kind of work. Was planning on turning over my estimates to Kia tomorrow but since I only have one and am uncertain about the repaint at all I may hold off and think on it.

I've read every post on this thread so far, I'm open to the thoughts of those here.

Your scenario sounds positively beastly. I don't know what I'd do. Does a "buyback" mean that you can get a different car? I thought there was no "cooling off period" with buying/leasing cars. So how does a "buyback" work? Failing that, I guess that you need to get your two estimates, at places you don't get negative vibes from! Six to eight weeks. But you should have a really gorgeous Stinger at the far end of it all. "Vow to endeavor to persevere."

 

[KiaofMuncie]

Why are we getting quotes to have vehicles repainted if KIA has not told us what the cause of the problem is? Really makes zero sense. Is it the base/primer coat? Bad paint? Thin Paint? As I have told other members no need to rush this process. I do not see KIA buying anything back. I'd be waiting for a clear explanation from the manufacturer and a solution from the manufacturer so you can go about this claim process properly. A what if was what if your paint shop tried to cut corners and base coat was actually issue? You get car repainted and paint has issues again. I can just about guarantee they are only paying once. Has anyone asked the question......after repaint what is the factory paint warranty on the Stinger? Your paint shop now might hold that warranty and the factory paint warranty is over and done with. I think all important questions we must find out and or ask before we just get estimates and paint sprayed on. I know everyone is anxious and I would be as well but I prefer to have everything laid out so we can see the big picture.

 

[StingerGT68]

Why are we getting quotes to have vehicles repainted if KIA has not told us what the cause of the problem is? Really makes zero sense. Is it the base/primer coat? Bad paint? Thin Paint? As I have told other members no need to rush this process. I do not see KIA buying anything back. I'd be waiting for a clear explanation from the manufacturer and a solution from the manufacturer so you can go about this claim process properly. A what if was what if your paint shop tried to cut corners and base coat was actually issue? You get car repainted and paint has issues again. I can just about guarantee they are only paying once. Has anyone asked the question......after repaint what is the factory paint warranty on the Stinger? Your paint shop now might hold that warranty and the factory paint warranty is over and done with. I think all important questions we must find out and or ask before we just get estimates and paint sprayed on. I know everyone is anxious and I would be as well but I prefer to have everything laid out so we can see the big picture.

Some of us have gotten green lights to get the car repainted and yes, all warranties are still valid. It seems KIA HQ is going the route of a repaint vs buyback. I also think some cars are having more serious problems than others. My shop said the paint was very thin so they fixed that and added many layers of clear coat. Looks great and they said if they were wrong in their estimate of the paint issue, they would 100% fix it.

I would not say people getting quotes are rushing anything if KIA is the one giving them the go-ahead. But I do agree that maybe more guidance would be good.

 

[MerlintheMad]

If Muncie says "wait and see", that looks like good advice. So anyone hastening to get repainted had better have it in writing from Kia that they should go ahead. Case by case basis. I really think that there are few enough of these going on that Kia Corp can handle them this way. There won't be a recall. If there are any buybacks they will be handled case by case, probably with other mitigating circumstances afflicting a particular car, besides paint issues.

 

[StingerGT68]

If Muncie says "wait and see", that looks like good advice. So anyone hastening to get repainted had better have it in writing from Kia that they should go ahead. Case by case basis. I really think that there are few enough of these going on that Kia Corp can handle them this way. There won't be a recall. If there are any buybacks they will be handled case by case, probably with other mitigating circumstances afflicting a particular car, besides paint issues.

Exactly right, this looks like it will continue to be handled case-by-case.

 

[eflyguy]

.. for now, at least. You know this is being discussed internally and a long-term plan figured out. Some kind of TSB will most likely come out of it.

 

[StingerGT68]

.. for now, at least. You know this is being discussed internally and a long-term plan figured out. Some kind of TSB will most likely come out of it.

Yeah most likely, though it depends on how many people actually are affected by this. VIN numbers are likely being determined and the number may be lower than we think...who knows?

 

[SteveCo]

...who knows?

That, I think, sums things up nicely to this point.

Until (and IF) Kia makes some kind of statement on the matter, beyond the individual cars they've been addressing on a case-by-case basis, everything else regarding both cause and remedy is just speculation ...

 

[KiaofMuncie]

That, I think, sums things up nicely to this point.

Until (and IF) Kia makes some kind of statement on the matter, beyond the individual cars they've been addressing on a case-by-case basis, everything else regarding both cause and remedy is just speculation ...

I am hearing Canadians get the option to have snow machines as loaner vehicles this winter. True?

 

[SteveCo]

I am hearing Canadians get the option to have snow machines as loaner vehicles this winter. True?

Hey, we need something to park out front of the igloo.

 

[Mach_Tuck]

I will wait on "official" guidance from Kia. I have a Sunset Yellow and only showing signs of issue on the headlight. HOWEVER, this does not mean that the remainder of my paint is in good order. Id rather wait for a process from Kia and then go from there. Obviously my biggest worry is that i have the headlight rub issue fixed and then three years later other parts of the paint begin to flake away.

Would it not be better to push for a full repaint...especially since the Yellow seems most affected. Again, waiting on options and guidance from Kia before i make any decisions.

 

[KiaofMuncie]

Hey, we need something to park out front of the igloo.

Amazing you guys have internet in the woods. We will keep you updated on paint issues by pigeon carrier if need be.

 

[MattRain]

I just got a call back, asking to bring the car in for an even closer, extensive look into the chips. The dealership is working with KMA now with the pictures already taken, and will discuss a complete strip down and re-spray...

Was told I would get a loaner car during that time... better not be a Kia Rio or some slow ass car

 

[eflyguy]

Had to run an errand that took me close to my nearest dealer, so I stopped in and did a close inspection of the three Stingers out front - red, white, and blue, how cute. The blue and white appeared perfect but the headlight was definitely in contact with the bumper cover. The red had paint peeling from that contact, felt like a sticker or vinyl peel.

Sad young salesperson watched in dismay as I walked around each car, eventually asked what he could do to help me, to which I replied "nothing, thank you"..

Amazing you guys have internet in the woods. We will keep you updated on paint issues by pigeon carrier if need be.

Raven, James. Geez... keep up!

 

[KiaofMuncie]

Had to run an errand that took me close to my nearest dealer, so I stopped in and did a close inspection of the three Stingers out front - red, white, and blue, how cute. The blue and white appeared perfect but the headlight was definitely in contact with the bumper cover. The red had paint peeling from that contact, felt like a sticker or vinyl peel.

Sad young salesperson watched in dismay as I walked around each car, eventually asked what he could do to help me, to which I replied "nothing, thank you"..



Raven, James. Geez... keep up!

Lol......."nothing kind sir. Just looking at all of these damaged Stingers"