Rynil2000
Stinger Enthusiast
Mine is a tragic tale. A tale of youth, idiocy, and the damage that comes from each. Gather round...
It happened this past Mother's Day 2019. I am driving back from Charlotte, NC down I-85 southbound, which is already a terrible drive in either direction due to the congestion and construction along the two lane interstate. My fiance and dog are also in the car as we slog through some traffic just north of west butt-f#@& nowhere. The kind folks ahead of me decide that slamming on their brakes to let someone merge from the on-ramp was the generous thing to do. In turn, I have to stop short and wouldn't you know it, the kid behind me ('02 Sentra) rear ends me. Not only that, but the guy behind him ('08 Prius) hits both of us, as well. Needless to say, I was furious. We couldn't have been traveling more than 20 mph.
What I can say is that the Stinger sure can take a hit. The relatively low speed hit knocked off the rear splitter, popped out some of the rear sensors, and dented the lower spare wheel tub from what I could see initially. Driving home (taking it easy for ~150 more miles) I did not have any noticeable vibration, alarms, or decrease in driveability which was nice.
The initial estimate from the shop was around $4500 for repairs, but once the shop completed the teardown, there was an added $1500 on top. Around $6k total for new bumper, sensors, floor pan, and rear "impact bar" - all Kia factory parts. Which leads to my next gripe - it's been just over a month since I have driven my Stinger and oh, how I long to get the F out of this rental car.
The real tragedy of this story is that I had not even made the first payment and had only 1700 miles on the clock when it happened. All I could think of on the way back was the loss in value. It will forever be a "But the Carfax says..." car.
The pick up date is scheduled for next week. I cannot wait to get her back out on the streets.
Silver lining - They also quoted parts and labor to replace my stock mufflers due to the impact area. However, instead of the factory pipes, I opted to have them fit the Borla cat back system instead.
Now she'll sing! 
Crime scene pictures below:
^ The 2002 Nissan Sentra. Now bug-eyed ^
It happened this past Mother's Day 2019. I am driving back from Charlotte, NC down I-85 southbound, which is already a terrible drive in either direction due to the congestion and construction along the two lane interstate. My fiance and dog are also in the car as we slog through some traffic just north of west butt-f#@& nowhere. The kind folks ahead of me decide that slamming on their brakes to let someone merge from the on-ramp was the generous thing to do. In turn, I have to stop short and wouldn't you know it, the kid behind me ('02 Sentra) rear ends me. Not only that, but the guy behind him ('08 Prius) hits both of us, as well. Needless to say, I was furious. We couldn't have been traveling more than 20 mph.
What I can say is that the Stinger sure can take a hit. The relatively low speed hit knocked off the rear splitter, popped out some of the rear sensors, and dented the lower spare wheel tub from what I could see initially. Driving home (taking it easy for ~150 more miles) I did not have any noticeable vibration, alarms, or decrease in driveability which was nice.
The initial estimate from the shop was around $4500 for repairs, but once the shop completed the teardown, there was an added $1500 on top. Around $6k total for new bumper, sensors, floor pan, and rear "impact bar" - all Kia factory parts. Which leads to my next gripe - it's been just over a month since I have driven my Stinger and oh, how I long to get the F out of this rental car.
The real tragedy of this story is that I had not even made the first payment and had only 1700 miles on the clock when it happened. All I could think of on the way back was the loss in value. It will forever be a "But the Carfax says..." car.
The pick up date is scheduled for next week. I cannot wait to get her back out on the streets.
Silver lining - They also quoted parts and labor to replace my stock mufflers due to the impact area. However, instead of the factory pipes, I opted to have them fit the Borla cat back system instead.
Now she'll sing! Crime scene pictures below:
^ The 2002 Nissan Sentra. Now bug-eyed ^
She’s back! 
