There are some solid deals out there on 2018 Kia Stinger GT2's, but I'm afraid to purchase a 2018 model due to all the issues I've read about (rattles / squeaks / rotors / paint / etc.). Is there such a thing as a "good to go" 2018 Stinger? Is there a VIN number range I should avoid? Thanks for your time and help.
I have a 2018 no issues to report, I do believe KIA has a fix out on those issues. Just ask the dealership to make sure all of your concerns are looked after.
You've been victimized by one of the classic blunders: listening to the gathering of gripers and complainers. This forum has provided a place for them all to come and air their grievances. So you will hear about everything that has gone wrong. Many of these flaws are so rare they are once-offs. But your list is the "common" ones. Look at how many of us there are (well over 6K by now) and look at how many of us have lodged complaints. And look at how many have not said anything pro or con (cons speak out, pros usually don't even think of saying anything because good things seldom get noticed). There are many Stinger owners who are completely satisfied; and many who have dealt with an issue or two (some with a few) and now everything is satisfactory. I believe that well over 90% of the Stingers from the first to the latest are as perfect as a manmade machine can be. Mine is.
Just buy it, I don't think there is any catastrophic issues and doubt you'll have a problem. Probably you hear bad stories because if you are unhappy you are inclined to post it but likely the vast majority of 2018 owners are happy with their Stingers.
I’d personally go for a 2019 (I posted on the Facebook group the myriad of issues I’ve had so far). But despite my issues I love the car and Kia has fixed 99% of my issues without a fuss. But I have an Oct 2017 build. If you get something later in 2018 you should be better off. Just test drive the car and really spend some time going over the paint before you buy to try and make sure yours is issue free. But I highly recommend going with some level of paint protection - ppf, ceramic or both.
I would say the overall quality of the 2019 models should be better, but isn't fully guaranteed. With enough of us with issues airing our grievances with Kia, there should be fixes for all the common problems, and lots of warranty to get it fixed. If you're someone who'd prefer absolute piece of mind, I'd go with a '19. If you're looking to save a few dollars but are willing to risk some warranty heartache, get a '18.
If going with 2018, stick with a May 2018 build or later. I believe factory fixed the major issues starting with that months build. I haven't experienced hatch rattle ( only in thetsuper cold weather but returned back to normal.) and radio fading to rear.
"Later build" is good, of course. But that doesn't equate to earlier builds exhibiting more problems. There are plenty of forum members with '17 and early '18 cars with zero issues.
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.
Any 2018s that are still sitting on the lots will be a late 2018 build. IMO It doesn't matter, I have a Nov 2017 build and have not had any major issues.
the Lexus GS350 (which was one of my options) has been considered a 5 star car in reliability and durability by just about every automotive review site--- for many years.
try googling lexus gs 350 body squeaks or dashboard squeaks.
We look towards the stinger because we want a practical,roomy,comfortable,powerful
vehicle....but we have to be practical too.
these are all 3500-4000 pound hunks of metal/plastic/glass with a lot of moving parts that are brutalized by the outdoor environment on a daily basis.
the Lexus GS350 (which was one of my options) has been considered a 5 star car in reliability and durability by just about every automotive review site--- for many years.
try googling lexus gs 350 body squeaks or dashboard squeaks.
We look towards the stinger because we want a practical,roomy,comfortable,powerful
vehicle....but we have to be practical too.
these are all 3500-4000 pound hunks of metal/plastic/glass with a lot of moving parts that are brutalized by the outdoor environment on a daily basis.
My first Stinger was built in Dec, 2017. On day 2, it had a massive engine oil leak. My dealership exchanged it with a new one. My second Stinger was built in Jan, 2018 and has got no mechanical issue yet with 7k miles now. But, I've been experiencing rattling noise from the god damn sunroof. Overall, it's a great car to drive, and I love it. But, do a good test drive before buying it!
Mine was build on November 2017 and it is the infamous micro blue color where people are having problem with. So I far I have no issue with it except add a washer to the rattle hatch.
