Are Kia Stinger Sales Living Up To The Hype? Here Are The Numbers

Also does anyone know if Kia or some sales research company have printed sales numbers by model? I’m real curious to how many GT2 RWD cars are rolling around on the streets. Certainly that model most hyped in all Kia PR but didn’t see many in lots when I was shopping a few months ago.
 
Also does anyone know if Kia or some sales research company have printed sales numbers by model? I’m real curious to how many GT2 RWD cars are rolling around on the streets. Certainly that model most hyped in all Kia PR but didn’t see many in lots when I was shopping a few months ago.
Iirc, out of the 16 Stingers of all trims at Jerry Seiner, only two, maybe three, were RWD. This being Utah that is expected. Over half were GT2s. On this forum the GT trims dominate among Stinger owners; it seems at least four to one.
 
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I don’t think Stinger sales numbers are living up to Kia Execs expectations. US domestic pony cars significantly outselling Stinger. BMW 4 series and Audi A5 sales not down significantly so not grabbing traditional BMW or Audi buyers. Now that initial hype has faded Stinger sales down two months in a row. Kia isn’t very good at selling more premium vehicles either. Not enough special editions etc to boost numbers.

Don’t get me wrong I’m glad Hyundai group has stuck their toe in GT sedan water ...heck I love mine, but I don’t think they will ever emerge as threat to US pony cars or Euro Sedans.

Think Kia is pretty satisfied w/ US sales, tho probably would be happier if sales were more like 1,700 (which it hit a few months ago) as opposed to 1,500 monthly.

First off, the Stinger does not compete directly w/ the muscle cars (sure, there are some cross-shoppers); aside from being different bodystyles, the pony cars start a good bit lower in price (the Mustang starts at $25.6k).

At 1,500/month, the Stinger is not far off more established Japanese competition like the IS and TLX (both at around 2k) and probably not too far off the German competition A5/S5 (2.3k) and 4 Series (2.4k) when factoring out 2-door sales.

One area where the Stinger has done better than expected is in the take rate for the V6 - which is a good bit higher than what was projected.

(The market which has blown the projections on the V6 take rate, however, has been Australia where about 90% is for the V6 and over 80% for the very top trim.)

Once the Stinger gets the 2.5T - the turbo-4 should make-up a higher % of sales and it may bring in more buyers (300 HP/RWD is pretty enticing at around $33-34k).
 
First off, the Stinger does not compete directly w/ the muscle cars (sure, there are some cross-shoppers); aside from being different bodystyles, the pony cars start a good bit lower in price (the Mustang starts at $25.6k).

At 1,500/month, the Stinger is not far off more established Japanese competition like the IS and TLX (both at around 2k) and probably not too far off the German competition A5/S5 (2.3k) and 4 Series (2.4k) when factoring out 2-door sales.
Curious why you dont believe Stinger has direct competition from Dodge Charger which is an american muscle car or even Caddy CTS? I wasnt cross shopping when I compared Dodge to the Kia. Both 4 doors, similar performance, similar size, similar cost, similar options. If Kia wasnt such an odd duck I would have bought the Dodge but I like having a very unique car.

I still contend for a car that has been gushed over by press, super bowl adds, shopping mall and airport exhibits, Sema drift events, track events tons and tons of PR. Then given huge discounted incentives on the cars. 1500 units a month is ...well ...pee pee Will be interested to see what they do this month. If its down again car is doomed. They have already slashed prices

tell you what if Kia had put V8 in the car made it a little lighter 3600 lbs with aluminum doors and hood and kept price to say $45K car probably would have sold like hot cakes. Biggest complaint from all reviewers. "Car sounds like shit". Everyone who buys it is changing exhaust system . Also introducing car with 2.0 was mistake. Shoiuld have made 2.5 T a base model.

The other thing is this car is sort of confused to what it is. Its not a Grand Turismo. Its not a sports Sedan. Its in this weird space. I dont even know what to call it other than Awesome!
 
The other thing is this car is sort of confused to what it is. Its not a Grand Turismo. Its not a sports Sedan. Its in this weird space. I dont even know what to call it other than Awesome!
Your worldview lens is from a narrow interest. You are into sound of the engine. So are the reviewers I guess, who diss the engine sound. Unless it's making a godawful racket you think it sounds like crap. You want to show off. So do certain others. But those who want a high performance ride in comfort and luxury know this is what a gran turismo is about. The Stinger is one. I've said it before: it makes no sense to take a car that was designed to reduce noise in the cabin and turn it into a noise maker. You can always turn your sound system up. But it's just silly. So we are in a silliness comparison game. I like my kind of silliness. I have zero interest in yours, hot rod boy. :p ;)

Oh, and another month of lower sales signifies nothing. Certainly not something as extreme as "this car is doomed". But that sort of negative hyperbole does make for interesting reading.
 
Curious why you dont believe Stinger has direct competition from Dodge Charger which is an american muscle car or even Caddy CTS? I wasnt cross shopping when I compared Dodge to the Kia. Both 4 doors, similar performance, similar size, similar cost, similar options. If Kia wasnt such an odd duck I would have bought the Dodge but I like having a very unique car.

I still contend for a car that has been gushed over by press, super bowl adds, shopping mall and airport exhibits, Sema drift events, track events tons and tons of PR. Then given huge discounted incentives on the cars. 1500 units a month is ...well ...pee pee Will be interested to see what they do this month. If its down again car is doomed. They have already slashed prices

tell you what if Kia had put V8 in the car made it a little lighter 3600 lbs with aluminum doors and hood and kept price to say $45K car probably would have sold like hot cakes. Biggest complaint from all reviewers. "Car sounds like shit". Everyone who buys it is changing exhaust system . Also introducing car with 2.0 was mistake. Shoiuld have made 2.5 T a base model.

The other thing is this car is sort of confused to what it is. Its not a Grand Turismo. Its not a sports Sedan. Its in this weird space. I dont even know what to call it other than Awesome!
Should and went with the dodge.
 
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From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
Your worldview lens is from a narrow interest. You are into sound of the engine. So are the reviewers I guess, who diss the engine sound. Unless it's making a godawful racket you think it sounds like crap. You want to show off. So do certain others. But those who want a high performance ride in comfort and luxury know this is what a gran turismo is about. The Stinger is one. I've said it before: it makes no sense to take a car that was designed to reduce noise in the cabin and turn it into a noise maker. You can always turn your sound system up. But it's just silly. So we are in a silliness comparison game. I like my kind of silliness. I have zero interest in yours, hot rod boy. :p ;)

Oh, and another month of lower sales signifies nothing. Certainly not something as extreme as "this car is doomed". But that sort of negative hyperbole does make for interesting reading.

Not my world view? I’m perfectly happy with quiet motor and exhaust. Never have liked noisy commute cars as I’m on conf calls all the time. Funny as hell when I take dodge and goose the Hemi on a call. Everyone is like what was that? Just reporting on what majority of reviewers comment on , tons of posts on GT owners changing exhaust , countless YouTube’s , big exhaust aftermarket for car.

However fact is V8 would have made car more desirable to many potential buyers.

Have to understand where I’m coming from as a buyer. I wanted comfortable fun thrasher commute car to keep miles off my nice cars. The stinger was on top end but popped for it as it was feature rich, quirky, fun to drive, awesome warranty. Replaced my 2017 Honda Civic Si 4 door hatch commuter that I found a bit uncomfortable. Miss handling and mpg of the Honda though! That car was deal of century too $22000 out door for loaded civic Si . Damn civic seats just didn’t agree with me on longer commute .

Kia Sales numbers for a car that truly undercuts most competition by wide margin especially given factory incentives has been a bit dismal for a Kia. It’s one of worst selling cars in their lineup along with failed k900 and cadenza?

August and Sept numbers will be telling with all hype and PR spend over. Time will tell.
 
Should and went with the dodge.
Already have one in SUV form and love it too. Completely different experience with brutish hemi V8 in Mercedes designed chassis. The Dodge SUV actually gets same number of compliments as stinger when I’m public . Have to say I still get shit eating grin when I nail throttle in the Dodge even though it’s slower than Stinger. And comments I get at red lights in dodge are hilarious! ....That hemi gots some gidiup and go ...ain’t it?
 
However fact is V8 would have made car more desirable to many potential buyers.
Yeah, hot rod boys/girls; not those impressed by the concept of the car, a gran turismo "redefined". (If there is one thing I do well, it is quote.) A louder V8 is not part of that concept.

August and Sept numbers will be telling with all hype and PR spend over. Time will tell.
I agree. We just have to wait and see. Already, though, there are enough Stingers sold/selling to guarantee the model for years to come. If it had lots of first year issues I would not be saying that. But the car is so solidly conceived and carried out that there is no reason to expect anything less than longevity. We have 2019s arriving. I expect Stingers to be coming out for at least three years minimum.
 
What's interesting is there are still some places that have listed their Stingers at or above MSRP on websites and in their own advertising. The car is at the end of its first year and some are still trying to gouge people on price. I see places with quite a few in inventory in my area and based on folks posting here, they are still playing games instead of telling folks how they can get into this vehicle for the type of savings KIA is offering in terms of the rebate and what the dealers can do on price.
 
What's interesting is there are still some places that have listed their Stingers at or above MSRP on websites and in their own advertising. The car is at the end of its first year and some are still trying to gouge people on price. I see places with quite a few in inventory in my area and based on folks posting here, they are still playing games instead of telling folks how they can get into this vehicle for the type of savings KIA is offering in terms of the rebate and what the dealers can do on price.
Well one thing for sure no way should anyone not pay under MSRP. I didn’t even have to try before I had dealer invoice offers then below dealer invoice offers from multiple dealers. And I got what I paid new on my trade in. Plus .09% financing. They had a ton of Stingers on the lots too. Many with older build dates which tells me they aren’t moving these cars as expected.
 
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
Well one thing for sure no way should anyone not pay under MSRP. I didn’t even have to try before I had dealer invoice offers then below dealer invoice offers from multiple dealers. And I got what I paid new on my trade in. Plus .09% financing. They had a ton of Stingers on the lots too. Many with older build dates which tells me they aren’t moving these cars as expected.

I got above blue book but still about 10k under new car value on a 6 month old 8k mile car.

A dealership gave you new car value on a used car trade-in? How old was the car you traded in? Was it a low mileage F12 Berlinetta, by chance?
 
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Yeah, hot rod boys/girls; not those impressed by the concept of the car, a gran turismo "redefined". (If there is one thing I do well, it is quote.) A louder V8 is not part of that concept.
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Unsure why belief a Hyundai sourced 5.0 V8 wouldn’t be a perfectly fine “Gran Turismo “ motor? Even a “redefined” GT? The Hyundai V8 is very refined. Hell in much of the hype before the Stingers release there was talk of the V8. Grand Turismo cars have often had V8s. Why not. Modern Korean made V8? Refined, bold and yes even quiet. Quiet enough to put in their luxury cars. But also snarly in right tune.

And can assure you this sound appeals to more than hot rod fans.
 
I got above blue book but still about 10k under new car value on a 6 month old 8k mile car.

A dealership gave you new car value on a used car trade-in? How old was the car you traded in? Was it a low mileage F12 Berlinetta, by chance?
I bought a red 2017 Civic SI at invoice 21700 when they first came out. Drove it for 5 months 6000 miles and got same price on trade with below invoice pricing on Stinger. They put civic on lot for 24000 and sold it next day.

I typically only buy new cars at or below invoice so I don’t take as much of depreciation hit. Had to really work to find a dealer that would sell Civic Si at invoice. I really wanted type r but none of dealers would go below MSRP.
 
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Unsure why belief a Hyundai sourced 5.0 V8 wouldn’t be a perfectly fine “Gran Turismo “ motor? Even a “redefined” GT? The Hyundai V8 is very refined. Hell in much of the hype before the Stingers release there was talk of the V8. Grand Turismo cars have often had V8s. Why not. Modern Korean made V8? Refined, bold and yes even quiet. Quiet enough to put in their luxury cars. But also snarly in right tune.

And can assure you this sound appeals to more than hot rod fans.
I know. I'm just being difficult. The V6 is going to get better gas mileage, right? And weigh less? And the V6 is enough. Why pile on more and increase the cost unnecessarily? The Stinger is the art of compromise and balance.
 
I bought a red 2017 Civic SI at invoice 21700 when they first came out. Drove it for 5 months 6000 miles and got same price on trade with below invoice pricing on Stinger. They put civic on lot for 24000 and sold it next day.

I typically only buy new cars at or below invoice so I don’t take as much of depreciation hit. Had to really work to find a dealer that would sell Civic Si at invoice. I really wanted type r but none of dealers would go below MSRP.

I figured it must have been a Honda or Toyota. I was guessing 4runner. Good deal!
 
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
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