buy now or wait the 2019 model?

[MerlintheMad]

The price/lifespan ratio isn't good. That seems to be the only downside. I'm guessing that toward the end of the wrap's lifespan, it starts to look tatty. Literally "peeling at the edges". (?)

 

[Billy M]

The price/lifespan ratio isn't good. That seems to be the only downside. I'm guessing that toward the end of the wrap's lifespan, it starts to look tatty. Literally "peeling at the edges". (?)

I think with the plastindip that wouldn be the case, with a wrap it’s more fading towards the end of its life span, I believe.

 

[eflyguy]

Neither are an issue if done right.

I was going to wrap a stinger, but since learning more about 'dip', I'm leaning that way, if I can't buy the car in the color I want. I've been quoted a price about 1/3 of what a wrap would have cost.

There is a whole industry around dip now - it's not rattle cans from walmart, and there are some spectacular examples out there.

 

[stingermang]

I'm able to write a check right now and I'm waiting until 2019 (I'm in the US):
- The chance that black chrome *might* be traded out for carbon fiber (Ala TUON). I like the black chrome, I just don't like that I can't find black chrome inserts for the hood "vents", and I don't want to wrap all the bits CF. Picture CF hood vents+black chrome+bright chrome wheels = I look like I couldn't decide on a trim unless I change rims.
- Bimodal exhaust is a dealer option - only in Australia. Dammit. I don't want to risk violating my warranty for the sake of a catback (despite third party manufacturers like K&N and others trying to fight back).
- Color options are most awesome in Korea. Inside and out.
- 360 camera option?
- "Atlantica" edition this early in the line at a 50k-ish price point seems more like a fragmentation than an enhance/refinement. If it was indeed pulled, perhaps someone at Kia figured out the Stinger line is still super young. Awesome...give us more color options and advanced packages in more places. 10 years from now, release an uber special edition or something.

I've often wished I was a more patient person. Thanks for the exercise, Kia.

mang.

TL;DR - Offer more options and PLEASE TAKE MY MONEY: Performance, Packages & Colors.

 

[MerlintheMad]

...

I've often wished I was a more patient person. Thanks for the exercise, Kia.

mang.

TL;DR - Offer more options and PLEASE TAKE MY MONEY: Performance, Packages & Colors.

I love the car already. But of course, I've never had anything like it before, so I am not a jaded owner, not by a long stretch.

It will be nice if the model continues to please, which will create the environment of innovation that you lust for. Meanwhile, I will continue to rack up the miles in my 2018, for years to come, God willing, of course ...

 

[stingermang]

It will be nice if the model continues to please, which will create the environment of innovation that you lust for. Meanwhile, I will continue to rack up the miles in my 2018, for years to come, God willing, of course ...

I believe they will figure it out. This car has some excellent industry minds behind it.

This is the first time in my life I can "responsibly" drop money on a very nice car. After a bunch of test drives, my short list was a used 911, Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport, BMW M series and the Stinger. Can't trust Italians where longevity is concerned, BMW features are great but quickly becomes a poor money/value equation and they're everywhere. Porsche was amazing...but so was the Stinger: I totally expected Kia of the 90s. (Then I did a bit of research.)

Rack 'em up (miles). Looks like fun from over here!

mang.

 

[MerlintheMad]

What sold me on the Stinger was the "recipe" they followed: lengthy development through concept cars, testing and testing and testing, from Death Valley to Scandinavian winters, and the Nurburgring. I mean, seriously, a KIA test center on the main straight of the most gnarly race track in the world (and my favorite)? The result was this car that has room inside. That cargo/trunk without the seats down is as big as refrigerator; 44.4 cubic feet with both seats down. Performance and quality at c. half the cost of the "prestige" brands, and a bigger car for traveling in, not just zipping about.

I think that the Stinger's finer points really come out when traveling. I had agreed to drive to where my wife flies (I do not fly), and this car awoke the dormant traveler in me (I have never been a traveler, being a homebody instead), making me imagine coast to coast, relaxed drives in total comfort, a rolling soundroom, and FAST passing (and even top end available for who knows what).

 

[Salman]

@MerlintheMad I totally agree with you !

I have already made plans to take a trip vacation on the road early October. I'm just waiting for my STINGER to arrive end of July.

 

[Alagos]

Hm.. my Dealer denied Knowledge of other Models..

 

[MerlintheMad]

Hm.. my Dealer denied Knowledge of other Models..

Do you mean other trims? There are five trims of Stinger in the US. Two with the 2.0 liter engine and a "twin scroll" turbo, and three (GT) with the 3.3 liter engine and twin turbos.

 

[Alagos]

Do you mean other trims? There are five trims of Stinger in the US. Two with the 2.0 liter engine and a "twin scroll" turbo, and three (GT) with the 3.3 liter engine and twin turbos.

I mean 2019 Models - Everything Stays as it is
1 2.0 Turbo T-GDI
1 3.3 double Turbo
And i think 2 or 3 Diesels
But interior or Exterior won‘t Change for the next months (no other Display,...)

 

[Jayce]

Yeah it sounds like they didn't come to their senses and fix the US models. Quite annoying.

 

[eflyguy]

My GF is picking up a Mercedes CLS400 today - which not only has the 360º camera, but everything else you can think of. It can find a suitable parking spot and park itself!

After driving it, and other comparable vehicles over the last couple of weeks, I'm sorely tempted to pass on the Stinger for now. It's where I started early last year, considering an M3, M4, AMG merc, or Lexus F series. Then I found out about the Stinger, and have been waiting, and waiting, and waiting....

I've been a VERY happy KIA customer for close to a decade now, but the limitations placed on US buyers are just ridiculous.

 

[stingermang]

My GF is picking up a Mercedes CLS400 today - which not only has the 360º camera, but everything else you can think of. It can find a suitable parking spot and park itself!

After driving it, and other comparable vehicles over the last couple of weeks, I'm sorely tempted to pass on the Stinger for now. It's where I started early last year, considering an M3, M4, AMG merc, or Lexus F series. Then I found out about the Stinger, and have been waiting, and waiting, and waiting....

I've been a VERY happy KIA customer for close to a decade now, but the limitations placed on US buyers are just ridiculous.

Did you look at the Genesis G70? Same engine, stiffer suspension if the reviews are to be believed, 360 camera, Mechanical LSD on the AWD model, manual option on the lower trim...it's a shorter, lighter car which means you have less room and it's not a hatchback. I don't think anyone can go wrong with either car - depends what you want.

My Stinger purchase hinges on what is announced in the next couple months. I officially cancelled my (year plus old!) Model 3 reservation, so I guess I'm officially committed.

mang.

[EDIT: Heh. Some of you might want proof.]

 

[MerlintheMad]

@eflyguy: It's all about affordability. That was the contest KIA built the Stinger to enter; to "sting" the competition. They offer a terrific car with nearly the quality, performance and features of cars costing up to twice as much.

 

[Jayce]

@eflyguy: It's all about affordability. That was the contest KIA built the Stinger to enter; to "sting" the competition. They offer a terrific car with nearly the quality, performance and features of cars costing up to twice as much.

They still could have given us the features that damn near every other country has....

 

[MerlintheMad]

Ignorance is bliss. I do not even know what is "missing" from my wonder machine.

 

[tofu]

Korean page: 기아 스팅어 특징 - 프리미엄 퍼포먼스 세단 | 기아자동차 공식 사이트

 

[MerlintheMad]

Ignorance is meant to die. I'll take a look ...

(edit: what am I looking at that is missing from the US cars? "Real carbon" finishes? Anything specific that makes you wish you had a car from Korea?)

 

[stingermang]

Ignorance is meant to die. I'll take a look ...

(edit: what am I looking at that is missing from the US cars? "Real carbon" finishes? Anything specific that makes you wish you had a car from Korea?)

I truly agree with your sentiment 'ignorance is meant to die'.

Humans gravitate and lend their strength to others when they see their aims and wants reflected in others actions.

Speaking totally selfishly, I want a high performance sports sedan with f*kn awesome reliability at a price tag I can afford. Seems that package comes from Korea these days...sure as heck isn't coming from Germany. American muscle is "huge", but it feels like fast food: low quality/high quantity.

...or something!?
I wanted to buy Italian but my brain wouldn't let me.
I wanted to buy American but my experience wouldn't let me.
I wanted to buy Japanese but my heart wouldn't let me.
I wanted to buy G...no I really didn't.

mang.