Prospective New Owner

[Fiveiron]

Hi All,

Found these forums and joined up a few days ago, have already done my fair share of searching and lurking, figured it was time to go ahead and post. I'm hoping to be the new owner of a Stinger, I've been scouring all the online retailers like mad (dealerships are pretty baron at the moment), and have found two Stingers that would be within my budget when it's all said and done.

The used market is RIDICULOUS right now (I can't afford new)...I don't really know what's going on...but I've been involved in almost two purchases thru Carmax that have both fallen thru at the last minute as the vehicles I was after were sold before I could get through financing (they were both in a different state and would need to be shipped to me, lost em both on account of someone else locally in those areas getting to them first).

What I'm looking at right now...

Option A: 2020 GT in Panthera Metal / 5K miles / AWD / 19" OEM wheels
Option B: 2019 GT1 in Panthera Metal / 19K miles / AWD / 18" OEM wheels with A/S tires

Would like to pull the trigger on one of these in the next 24-48 hours, have already secured financing and my trade-in has been valued. The problem I'm having inside my own head is...weighing what these cars are actually offering....

Option A yields:

• An essentially "new" vehicle...with the factory warranty lasting until 2025 or an additional 55K miles
• The larger 19" wheel setup (which I really do prefer)

Option B yields:

• The better Harmon/Kardon sound system
• The nicer/bigger LCD display in the gauge cluster
• A sunroof
• A slightly more used vehicle with a smaller balance remaining on factory warranty (both in years and miles)
• The smaller 18" A/S wheel setup (which speed limits the car to 130mph)

I colored pros (green) and cons (red) from my perspective. The sunroof is really the only GT1 "perk" that I could care less about. I also don't ever see myself spending money to upgrade the stereo. I could live forever with the Harmon/Kardon system but I've never heard the 9-speaker system to compare. I also don't feel that I really need the larger touch screen from the GT1 or the actual navigation...I have my phone for that.

Going with the GT1 (option B) would give me a nice excuse to just use the OEM 18's as a winter setup and then purchase a different set of wheels for my other 3 seasons (Wisconsin)...but I'm still bound to that 130mph limiter. Now...It's arguably VERY rare, if ever, I'd eclipse 130mph. That being said, if that need ever arose (you know...when I'm in Mexico), I'd be forced into a tune (assuming I've swapped to higher rated tires, right?), which isn't out of the cards but absolutely not something on my immediate radar. On the other hand...I'd be personally happy with the OEM 19's on the GT (option A) as a full year-round setup. I think the OEM wheels look amazing personally.



Anyway thanks for reading, sorry that was kind of long winded. Glad to be here and looking forward to being a active member once I've made a purchase.

 

[GenesisG70]

If I was you I go with option B, there cars are very reliable so 10k more miles won't make a difference. Congrats and welcome!

 

[MerlintheMad]

The smaller 18" A/S wheel setup (which speed limits the car to 130mph)

I believe the 2019 GT1 with A/S tires (18" wheels) is limited to 140 MPH. Welcome to the forum.

 

[powermatt]

You get ventilated seats with the GT1 as well. These are a game changer if you've never had them before. For Winter, the GT1 will also have a heated steering wheel. I'm not sure if the AWD GT's got that option.

Allegedly the 18" wheels also provide better ride quality (my GT2 is on the 18" all-season setup), though I've not driven a stinger on 19" wheels yet.

 

[Fiveiron]

If I was you I go with option B, there cars are very reliable so 10k more miles won't make a difference. Congrats and welcome!

Agree 100% on the reliability. The mileage difference is irrelevant to me mechanically speaking...just peace-of-mind for warranty purposes.

I believe the 2019 GT1 with A/S tires (18" wheels) is limited to 140 MPH. Welcome to the forum.

I'm looking up window stickers. Every single time I've seen the 18's as "additional installed equipment" it has been listed as a 130mph limit. Example...

You get ventilated seats with the GT1 as well. These are a game changer if you've never had them before. For Winter, the GT1 will also have a heated steering wheel. I'm not sure if the AWD GT's got that option.

Allegedly the 18" wheels also provide better ride quality (my GT2 is on the 18" all-season setup), though I've not driven a stinger on 19" wheels yet.

I have never had ventilated seats in any car I've owned, but thanks for the input...see this is why I decided to post! Never know what kind of feedback I get! Also, according to the window stickers I'm looking up...I am seeing "Heated Steering Wheel" listed for AWD GT's. That's also something I've never had in any of my cars though and could 100% live without.

You're probably right about the better ride quality. There's a bit more sidewall with the 18's. I know it's minor all things considered...

18's


19's

 

[NIU_Huskies]

I have a 2019 GT2 AWD. I didn't really care about the HUD, memory seats, power tailgate, etc. But now that I've had it for a while, they are all features I use. I definitely use the ventilated seats because it is hot and humid where I live. The only thing I don't use much is the heated steering wheel.

 

[Blueangel]

I have the first option. Truthfully, the only addition I would have liked is the HKS but the 9 speaker system sounds sufficient to me.

 

[RedCal]

Welcome to the hive!

 

[Fiveiron]

I have a 2019 GT2 AWD. I didn't really care about the HUD, memory seats, power tailgate, etc. But now that I've had it for a while, they are all features I use. I definitely use the ventilated seats because it is hot and humid where I live. The only thing I don't use much is the heated steering wheel.

I think I'll be in the same boat. It's sorta like once you've experienced it, you can't imagine not having it.

I have the first option. Truthfully, the only addition I would have liked is the HKS but the 9 speaker system sounds sufficient to me.

The Harmon Kardon was the ONE feature that I kept mulling over inside my head. I'm coming from a pretty respectable Infinity system that pumps, so even though the regular 9-speaker GT system would very likely be "ok", I know I'm going to be disappointed. I'm also in my mid 30's now, and at a point in my life where I'm not interested in tearing apart cars to put in speakers. That was my jam back in the day, not anymore.

Welcome to the hive!

Thank you!

It's Official! I pulled the trigger on the GT1 (option B). Deal is done. My first choice was Ceramic Silver, couldn't find any in my budget, but I'm thrilled to have my second choice with the Panthera Metal.

Looking forward to getting involved with the community here!

 

[Kia Stinger]

Hi All,

Found these forums and joined up a few days ago, have already done my fair share of searching and lurking, figured it was time to go ahead and post. I'm hoping to be the new owner of a Stinger, I've been scouring all the online retailers like mad (dealerships are pretty baron at the moment), and have found two Stingers that would be within my budget when it's all said and done.

The used market is RIDICULOUS right now (I can't afford new)...I don't really know what's going on...but I've been involved in almost two purchases thru Carmax that have both fallen thru at the last minute as the vehicles I was after were sold before I could get through financing (they were both in a different state and would need to be shipped to me, lost em both on account of someone else locally in those areas getting to them first).

What I'm looking at right now...

Option A: 2020 GT in Panthera Metal / 5K miles / AWD / 19" OEM wheels
Option B: 2019 GT1 in Panthera Metal / 19K miles / AWD / 18" OEM wheels with A/S tires

Would like to pull the trigger on one of these in the next 24-48 hours, have already secured financing and my trade-in has been valued. The problem I'm having inside my own head is...weighing what these cars are actually offering....

Option A yields:

• An essentially "new" vehicle...with the factory warranty lasting until 2025 or an additional 55K miles
• The larger 19" wheel setup (which I really do prefer)

Option B yields:

• The better Harmon/Kardon sound system
• The nicer/bigger LCD display in the gauge cluster
• A sunroof
• A slightly more used vehicle with a smaller balance remaining on factory warranty (both in years and miles)
• The smaller 18" A/S wheel setup (which speed limits the car to 130mph)

I colored pros (green) and cons (red) from my perspective. The sunroof is really the only GT1 "perk" that I could care less about. I also don't ever see myself spending money to upgrade the stereo. I could live forever with the Harmon/Kardon system but I've never heard the 9-speaker system to compare. I also don't feel that I really need the larger touch screen from the GT1 or the actual navigation...I have my phone for that.

Going with the GT1 (option B) would give me a nice excuse to just use the OEM 18's as a winter setup and then purchase a different set of wheels for my other 3 seasons (Wisconsin)...but I'm still bound to that 130mph limiter. Now...It's arguably VERY rare, if ever, I'd eclipse 130mph. That being said, if that need ever arose (you know...when I'm in Mexico), I'd be forced into a tune (assuming I've swapped to higher rated tires, right?), which isn't out of the cards but absolutely not something on my immediate radar. On the other hand...I'd be personally happy with the OEM 19's on the GT (option A) as a full year-round setup. I think the OEM wheels look amazing personally.



Anyway thanks for reading, sorry that was kind of long winded. Glad to be here and looking forward to being a active member once I've made a purchase.

Welcome aboard! And thank you for signing up. I'm glad you found us!

 

[MerlintheMad]

It's Official! I pulled the trigger on the GT1 (option B). Deal is done. My first choice was Ceramic Silver, couldn't find any in my budget, but I'm thrilled to have my second choice with the Panthera Metal.

Now, time to find out if the MY19 with A/S on 18" wheels has 140 speed limit or not. Yes, the sticker can say "130": and several owners on here have pushed into the 140s: which is why I suspect a change without announcement.

 

[Fiveiron]

Now, time to find out if the MY19 with A/S on 18" wheels has 140 speed limit or not. Yes, the sticker can say "130": and several owners on here have pushed into the 140s: which is why I suspect a change without announcement.

The car was purchased thru Vroom, other than my buyer protection and pictures I've yet to see it in person. If the tires themselves are not rated for those speeds, I'll have to wait for this test once I'm into a new set of tires and I plan my trip to Mexico.

 

[MerlintheMad]

The car was purchased thru Vroom, other than my buyer protection and pictures I've yet to see it in person. If the tires themselves are not rated for those speeds, I'll have to wait for this test once I'm into a new set of tires and I plan my trip to Mexico.

The speed rating on the A/S that Kia uses on the Stinger are either "V" or "W", so you'll be safe either way.

 

[hummus]

I may be in the minority, but having had several cars with and without ventilated seats and upgraded audio, thought I would offer my thoughts.

I don't find ventilated seats to be critical. I hardly ever turned them on when I had them, and I live in South Florida with heat index values often above 100 F. I find that controlling heat gain through the glass to be more impactful: high TSER window tint and a good windshield sunshade.

I like high quality audio, but there are two important considerations with the Stinger. First--and this is just my opinion--the HK system is not a huge jump in listening satisfaction over the base 9 speaker system. It is nice, but not the hair-raising effect you get with the best upgraded systems like Volvo and Acura have been using lately. Second, the Stinger isn't very quiet on the road, so even if the quality was top notch, a lot of the time it would be lost in road noise.

I think you mentioned the sunroof as well. I, like you, don't feel they offer much. In my book, they are a net minus, and I opt out of it whenever practical. Any time the sunroof is a mandatory bundle with other features I consider essential, it makes the car less attractive to me.

Again, just my opinion on these. Everyone has different needs and tastes.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Again, just my opinion on these. Everyone has different needs and tastes.

That is very well said. I've had this car for well over three years now. My three "must haves" when I went in to test drive were these same two things (HK sound system and sunroof); plus top priority of the 3.3L. Now, after this much time and experience, the only one of the three that positively is non negotiable is the 3.3L engine: the sound system and sunroof are nice, but if I were to need another Stinger in the future, neither feature would be a deal breaker. In fact, although I like MY sunroof, I've read too many complaints and sagas about the quest for fixes for the extraneous noises sunroofs can produce: I got lucky with mine: and I wouldn't deliberately take that on again. In other words, I'm glad my sunroof works without any irritating noises or any other imperfections whatsoever: but I feel that it's only a matter of time before something needs repair, and that will in all likelihood end my honeymoon with my moonroof. The Harman Kardon system is very satisfying: but I also feel that only a quieter cabin can take advantage of this better sound stage experience. I notice this, naturally, when I come to a stop or am driving slowly with virtually no road noise: then back up to highway speeds and the experience is impacted by road noise. My car is quiet inside: the quietest cabin I've ever owned. But unless I experience something premium (talking many more thousands of dollars to get), I'm not going to expect more satisfaction out of a sound system in a vehicle. I'm sure that I would find the nine speaker system satisfactory 99% of the time.

 

[hummus]

But unless I experience something premium (talking many more thousands of dollars to get), I'm not going to expect more satisfaction out of a sound system in a vehicle. I'm sure that I would find the nine speaker system satisfactory 99% of the time.

If you get a chance, sit in a current RDX, TLX, or MDX that are any level above base (tech package, A Spec, Advance, and of course -S) and ask them to demo the lossless audio samples for you. They are breathtaking.

Anyhow, back on topic: The other feature I thought I really wanted until I did a back-to-back test drive was the adjustable suspension. I was surprised how much I like the fixed GT suspension, and I'm well into middle age and not an aggressive driver.

 

[rpoffen]

I have a 2019 GT2 AWD. I didn't really care about the HUD, memory seats, power tailgate, etc. But now that I've had it for a while, they are all features I use. I definitely use the ventilated seats because it is hot and humid where I live. The only thing I don't use much is the heated steering wheel.

I never had a heated steering wheel before in a car either, but I live where it snows a few times in the winter, and I really like the heated wheel now.

 

[Baluchitherium4]

I think you made a good decision going with the GT1 over the GT. I've purchased and sold over 30 personal use vehicles in the last 25 years. I was always more satisfied with the higher optioned vehicles. Of course, this is my preference so take it with a grain of salt.

Higher optioned vehicles usually hold a slight advantage in resale or trade in value as well if you decide to move on from the Stinger in the future.

Congrats on your purchase and enjoy the Stinger! It's a fantastic car!

 

[Fiveiron]

So...I just sat in a brand new 2021 GT1 which had the 9-speaker stereo system, connected my phone via Bluetooth and played around a bit. Sound was very good IMO.

I know that for 2021/2022 Kia moved the 15-speaker harman/kardon to the GT2 trim only.

Gotta say though...I was plenty surprised by this 9-speaker system, for what I need it was great.

Now I'm back on the fence, and very tempted to contact my Vroom rep and get into the GT instead. Really don't need the sunroof, I have Google maps via Android Auto for nav if/when I need it, and I reallllllly like this car sitting on the OEM 19's instead of 18's.

Ugh!

 

[hummus]

So...I just sat in a brand new 2021 GT1 which had the 9-speaker stereo system, connected my phone via Bluetooth and played around a bit. Sound was very good IMO.

I know that for 2021/2022 Kia moved the 15-speaker harman/kardon to the GT2 trim only.

Gotta say though...I was plenty surprised by this 9-speaker system, for what I need it was great.

Now I'm back on the fence, and very tempted to contact my Vroom rep and get into the GT instead. Really don't need the sunroof, I have Google maps via Android Auto for nav if/when I need it, and I reallllllly like this car sitting on the OEM 19's instead of 18's.

Ugh!

I had not heard about the 2021 GT1 having the 9 speaker system. As far as I know, the GT1 with the 9 speaker applies to the face lifted 2022 with the wide screen, with the 2021 GT1 having the HK standard.

Having said that, I maintain that the benefit of the HK will be diminished unless you drive on perfect asphalt--especially if you are listening to compressed audio over bluetooth.

It would be ideal if you could spend some driving time in both a pre-facelift GT and GT1 to get some real impressions. I had plenty of preconceptions busted when I did that, and it made my choice extremely easy.