Kia Stinger - Australia discussions (pre-release)

[app_master]

Fair call skyguy. Still a big leap from the orig $40-$50k range...

 

[Paul]

For me if its above $60K its a cancel pre-order for me.
Based on all the media and press releases from KIA my expectation has been set at $50K to $55K, anything more than that I just feel like I've overpaid - regardless of the perceived competition. I'd rather wait for the hype to die down and the discounts to come or - For that sort of money ($60K+) I'll go back to my original plan (before I found out about the Stinger) and look at a second hand Merc C43 or E43 or a slightly older C63 or E63.

 

[STNGRNV]

$60K? They'll lose me if it is even sniffing that amount.

 

[Shark16]

Based on all the media and press releases from KIA my expectation has been set at $50K to $55K, anything more than that I just feel like I've overpaid - regardless of the perceived competition.

I agree wholeheartedly Paul.

I would never have been attracted to a KIA but when they brought out the specs and KIA Australia personnel were quoting in the $40 -50K range, it certainly took my interest and cash deposit. Now as we are getting within weeks of the launch, the figure has now crept up to the mid $60k. And I don't accept the illegal practice (at least in Australia) of quoting prices that are not driveaway. Its like quoting with no wheels but they are certainly needed to take the vehicle from the dealership so definitely should be included in any price.

This car was going to be the new halo car, top of the line for the brand. And if this is going to be how the company treats their potential top of the line customers, heaven help us for after sales service. Further, imagine how we will feel, when mid next year, the price drops off to the mid $50K and we have lost a cool 10 large, before depreciation even starts.

I know other people will disagree, but I'm only making these assumptions based on KIA's history.

 

[richard]

Had a chat to my dealer this morning and he said there are lots of rumours going around about the price but he said they were still expecting the GT to be mid to high 50K and just on or under 60 k drive away. He also stated that all the preorders have paid deposits on this price so if there is a big increase in price the dealers will be returning a lot of deposits and they won't be happy about that so let's wait and see

 

[Marco-Oz]

Going back when I sat down with my dealer at the start of June whilst confirming the specs for my pre-order he said that the dealers know the prices but are not allowed to disclose, apparently until the launch.
Although it was frustrating I understood so I then asked him "will I be disappointed?" To which he replied (while looking at my contract with the $60,000 price) "No".

This has helped me to remain calm and not jump at shadows.

It's now 6 weeks later and still no updated info. My email from him at the start of this month said there were no changes and that my order showed 'in production'. Whether they know the prices or have guides only, all the dealers are on par.

 

[Paul]

I think there is an opportunity for KIA with this many pre-orders .... certainly if the price was aligned with expectations and the Car is as everybody expected I will certainly be a 'Brand Ambassador'. If KIA want to position the car around the $60K Potentially KIA could consider a discount for pre-orders to ensure the 150 odd Australian pre-orders achieve the expected circa $50K. Pre-order customers would also then likely become 'Brand Ambassadors' . Imagine the impact of 150 Stinger owners around the country selling the brand. This certainly would help build Brand perception in Australia and allow KIA to increase prices (and also likely sales) over the medium timeframe.

By all accounts KIA are keen to change the perception of the Brand but changing perception does not happen overnight.

Hopefully they take a strategic view.

 

[Shark16]

Oh Paul, I love your optimism.

I agree with your sentiments but knowing car manufacturers, they will squeeze the highest price, for as long as possible. Its a great idea though.

Just keep the dream alive.....................

 

[Shark16]

Just received Newsletter #4 from KIA Australia.

Its gives no more information than #1-3.

Hope that they are not spending too much on their marketing as it has been poor to date.

 

[richard]

Yep it's all getting a little bit boring. All we want is the price. Starting to think there might be a catch coming. I'm already starting to talk to other brand dealers just in case the price is not right for me.

 

[Nujee]

I doubt it........i highly doubt this car is going to cross the psych barrier of 60k drive away. It might get a little over with the optional exhaust- which is BS but that's probably the most the buying public will allow this company. I will reiterate my expectations roughly (plus onroad costs):

Base 2: 42,500k
Mid 2 45,000k
Top 2 48,000k

Base 3.3: 52,000k
Mid 3.3 55,000k
Top 3.3 58,000k

Expect 2k for the optional exhaust on each of the 3.3

I expect Kia to discount/ discontinue the Optima GT and bring back the platinum.

 

[richard]

Hope you are right Nujee. What is the normal time for a company to release there prices of a new car?

 

[Nujee]

Hope you are right Nujee. What is the normal time for a company to release there prices of a new car?

They should have done it by now tbh. Its normally a couple of months prior to release. I am expecting something by mid Aug latest.

 

[richard]

I think that might cause a few people concerns if its mid Aug. Looking at your expectations that would put the GT with pipes and on road costs at around 65K in Tassie and I would be looking at other options if that's the case.

 

[Gilgamesh]

Isn't it suppose to be on sale for you guys in like September? It's pretty worrisome that there isn't an official price for Australia yet hell its worrisome that the price hasn't been released here in the US. I'm just hoping that there isn't going to be any delays or other bad news on the way.

 

[STNGRNV]

I'm with you guys. I'm starting to think the price is going to be silly. Otherwise, why not release it? Also, people make plans to buy ahead of time, but since there isn't any information coming out they may choose another manufacturer. But at the prices Nujee is expecting it may be out of my range anyway.

 

[app_master]

The link in that newsletter 4 article again talks of 55k so the Gt needs to be under 60k on the road with the exhaust option.

 

[app_master]

Fyi. Just got advised "my" VIN number. Cool.

 

[richard]

Did your VIN number come with a price?

 

[app_master]

Did your VIN number come with a price?

Nope. Was just advice "my" stinger was assigned a number, meaning the dealer can track it...