Are 2018 Stingers "safe" to buy?

[forzanerazzurri]

In your mind. You see what you can't avoid. The real world of thousands of satisfied Stinger owners doesn't hear or see what you do. "Stigma" would be something pervasive. Even the paint issues are not pervasive. They exist and always will, on all makes and models. But "stigma"? What failure with the first year Stinger puts that on it? For a first year car the Stinger is gratifyingly free of issues.

I am sorry you disagree.

 

[NS_Stinger]

You don't have anything to worry about on the 2018 models but my advice would be that unless you're saving a decent chunk of change just shop for a 2019. It's not untrue that first year cars get a bad reputation, especially on a brand new platform, that goes for any car out there. I broke 3 of my cardinal rules when I bought my 2018 Stinger, never buy a KIA, never buy a 1st model year, and never buy new hahaha, but I'm having a total blast with mine. Life is short.

 

[twig2121]

I also avoid first model years, but I felt comfortable lurking on the forum for a year before buying our '18 at the end of year. We're 7k miles in and been great. Go for it if you find a deal

 

[Mack-VA]

The dealer replaced my rotors for free (with 10k miles on them) as well as fix the recall while i had it in for an oil change, I was in and out in 2 hours. No paint issues or any other complaints here...except i hate the "smart ventilation" lol

 

[DiabloStinger]

Buy it. I've had two. Outside of some little paint issues nothing else would stop me from buying again. Nothing mechanical .. nothing deal breaking. Don't listen to the morons who think Kia changed a bunch of stuff for 2019. They really didn't.

 

[ElChanclo]

never buy a KIA, never buy a 1st model year, and never buy new

If you replace "KIA" with "German" you'd pretty much have my mantra too. Then again, I always thought red interiors were gaudy too, but here we are .

 

[Dummyinacan]

I just got my 2018 GT1 about 4 weeks ago or so and so far I’ve had 0 problems. I got a good deal on the lease compared to a 2019 GT1 and I am only missing a few features which aren’t important to me. I’ve been looking through the forum and I’ve read some of the issues people have been having on their 2018s and I have not experienced any of them. Like someone here said, if they are still at the dealer, they are most likely a newer build and Kia most likely fixed most of the issues. Mine is a March(or May, I have to verify) 2018 build if that makes a difference.

 

[Revvdmedia]

Don't listen to the morons who think Kia changed a bunch of stuff for 2019. They really didn't.

I don't take any personal offense to this comment, but I would like to note that any competent manufacturer would review common issues and make revisions to the manufacturing process to ensure subsequent builds aren't plagued by continuous issues that will cost Kia warranty expenses. Of course there is a certain magnitude to the cost/benefit analysis of said changes; case in point - Ford Pinto exploding fuel tanks. My logic is Kia will fix some particular issues, like noisy sunroofs that apparently cost Kia 6000 dollars to replace. I don't imagine Kia estimated that type of payout on warranty expense on a model of car, or maybe if the estimated warranty liabilities are included in new car pricing (likely are), this is another reason why cars became so expensive?