Reasons I should not buy a Stinger

[Harley Man]

Hello everyone, I joined your forum to ask you all some questions. I am in the market to buy a new car and was going to buy the Infiniti Q70L before coming across the Stinger. However, I’m not sure I want to do that now as I have been reading several comments about so many issues that KIA / dealers aren’t properly responding to. (I.e., spark plus fouling/cracking, rear hatch rattling, harsh down shifting, rear view mirrors not fully opening/closing, trip odometers resetting). I have owned Infiniti and Lexus, and for the most part have been treated like I matter and I am not hearing the same from KIA. What I am not certain of is the percentage of folks experiencing these issues and What were the root causes of these issues. Can you all shed some light on this?

 

[Bigserver1]

You need to find a good dealer. There are good kia dealers, and if you find one, they’re just as good as any other dealer out there.

There’s a great section here that outlines positive and negative experiences with Kia dealers. You can also utilize sites like yelp to get reviews about dealer experiences in your area.

This is just my opinion, but I think what kia is doing right now is way more interesting and exciting than infinity and Lexus, and the stinger would be an awesome choice if you’re in the market for a car like it.

 

[Rufus]

You need to find a good dealer. There are good kia dealers, and if you find one, they’re just as good as any other dealer out there.

There’s a great section here that outlines positive and negative experiences with Kia dealers. You can also utilize sites like yelp to get reviews about dealer experiences in your area.

This is just my opinion, but I think what kia is doing right now is way more interesting and exciting than infinity and Lexus, and the stinger would be an awesome choice if you’re in the market for a car like it.

Agreed 100%! I've owned mine over a month and the only issue I have is not getting more seat time!

 

[Luminary]

I can say that I absolutely LOVE my Stinger. I did have the hatch rattle, but my dealership took care of it, and I have not had an issue yet. The car is just such a joy to drive. I look forward everyday to my commutes to and from work now, and I have never done that before the Stinger. Mine is the 2.0t Premium, but don't let that fool you. She can get up and go without any problems. I have the proof too, a speeding ticket the second day I owned her (was my fault, obviously, she just got up and went faster then I expected).

Just my 2 pennies worth.

 

[westcoastGT]

There are several of us here from "lux" brands and I believe our overall experience is excellent . My GT was one of the first to be delivered in NA and aside from a minor hatch rattle ,which I fixed by adjusting the bumpers, all has been a wonderful ownership experience. One of the best things about owning a Stinger is not being part of the herd , and having a car that generates such positive impressions from onlookers ..............never got that driving BMWs

 

[Rufus]

Re: the spark plug issue, there seems to be only 1 member here who has experienced it on a stock Stinger--every other instance has been tied to owners adding a "piggyback" unit meant to increase hp by a LOT. It also seems to be centered around the V6. The piggyback chip produces a lot more boost which may be messing with the ignition coil. These are the early adopter hot rodders who are pushing the boundaries for us more timid owners to watch and learn from

 

[Dave48]

Other than the hatch rattle not sure how widespread the other issues you mention are. My experience so far, 2500 kms(1500miles) down nothing but joy. I have a 3.3GT which is the top spec available in Australia.
My daily commute now seems shorter and weekend drives never long enough.
Enjoy shopping.

 

[Duce_13]

Month 3 of ownership and i can not think of one reason. I have not had any problems with my stinger. Yes finding a good dealer is key to any car purchase not just Kia.

 

[KikoTheAkita]

I've only had my Stinger for about a month, but it's my third Kia - 2 Sorentos, 2011 and 2015 (which I still have). I've had all service done at the dealership, and haven't had any problems with the service. But then again, I haven't had any real problems with any of the cars. Just routine maintenance.

 

[iclicku]

Hello everyone, I joined your forum to ask you all some questions. I am in the market to buy a new car and was going to buy the Infiniti Q70L before coming across the Stinger. However, I’m not sure I want to do that now as I have been reading several comments about so many issues that KIA / dealers aren’t properly responding to. (I.e., spark plus fouling/cracking, rear hatch rattling, harsh down shifting, rear view mirrors not fully opening/closing, trip odometers resetting). I have owned Infiniti and Lexus, and for the most part have been treated like I matter and I am not hearing the same from KIA. What I am not certain of is the percentage of folks experiencing these issues and What were the root causes of these issues. Can you all shed some light on this?

You're bound to get some bias in our responses so be mindful of that.
That out of the way, I've had two issues so far. 1) hatch rattle which was resolved without seeing a dealer or ordering parts. Only had to twist a couple screws.
2) audio system bugging out by setting the fade 100% to the rear. This happens to me randomly usually after a Bluetooth call and can be fixed easily. Annoying yes, but does not hinder my enjoyment of the car. Hopefully fixed with a future software update.

You asked for root causes? This one is simple: 1st year production model.

As for the jerky transmission that one can be very subjective as pedal input at various times can confuse the auto box. I've had a generally good experience with my transmission with smooth shifts. But if I stomp on it, there will be an abrupt downshift. My advise is go test drive one to find out how it "feels" to you.

Dealership wise, I've run the gamut from shady to respectable. I ended up buying my car 90 miles away because I got the best deal there. I won't be able to service my car there so I'll have to see how service aspect goes on the Stinger. I have hopes for this as some owners including myself have received VIP packets with concierge service numbers so I will be using that to schedule my first service. The jury is still out on that. I am very spoiled when it comes to service depts. because the BMW dealerships I've gone to had all the goodies and amenities. However I got this car KNOWING that it won't be the same. My expectation is that I go in get my work done on time and as promised no fuss no muss and I'll be happy with that.

 

[Harley Man]

You need to find a good dealer. There are good kia dealers, and if you find one, they’re just as good as any other dealer out there.

There’s a great section here that outlines positive and negative experiences with Kia dealers. You can also utilize sites like yelp to get reviews about dealer experiences in your area.

This is just my opinion, but I think what kia is doing right now is way more interesting and exciting than infinity and Lexus, and the stinger would be an awesome choice if you’re in the market for a car like it.

You're bound to get some bias in our responses so be mindful of that.
That out of the way, I've had two issues so far. 1) hatch rattle which was resolved without seeing a dealer or ordering parts. Only had to twist a couple screws.
2) audio system bugging out by setting the fade 100% to the rear. This happens to me randomly usually after a Bluetooth call and can be fixed easily. Annoying yes, but does not hinder my enjoyment of the car. Hopefully fixed with a future software update.

You asked for root causes? This one is simple: 1st year production model.

As for the jerky transmission that one can be very subjective as pedal input at various times can confuse the auto box. I've had a generally good experience with my transmission with smooth shifts. But if I stomp on it, there will be an abrupt downshift. My advise is go test drive one to find out how it "feels" to you.

Dealership wise, I've run the gamut from shady to respectable. I ended up buying my car 90 miles away because I got the best deal there. I won't be able to service my car there so I'll have to see how service aspect goes on the Stinger. I have hopes for this as some owners including myself have received VIP packets with concierge service numbers so I will be using that to schedule my first service. The jury is still out on that. I am very spoiled when it comes to service depts. because the BMW dealerships I've gone to had all the goodies and amenities. However I got this car KNOWING that it won't be the same. My expectation is that I go in get my work done on time and as promised no fuss no muss and I'll be happy with that.

Hey guys - I really appreciate everyone’s input, that’s just it, I did test drive a GT2 RWD and the experience was unbelievable. This is why I started researching. At this price point you want to get a well engineered vehicle. I plan to make my decision on or before 3/15. I will repost if I end up buying one

 

[iclicku]

Hey guys - I really appreciate everyone’s input, that’s just it, I did test drive a GT2 RWD and the experience was unbelievable. This is why I started researching. At this price point you want to get a well engineered vehicle. I plan to make my decision on or before 3/15. I will repost if I end up buying one

Regardless of your decision you get a great car either way. Too bad you can't have both

 

[SonomaGT]

I agree with above comments. I love my GT1 and have no issues. I also did a lot of research before purchasing. The first week of ownership there was a lot of reading involved - 2 manuals to learn all the new tech. Some of the comments in the threads come from a confusing manual or looking for a quick answer. I love my Stinger and have no regrets. My husband is sick of hearing about the car- a month after our purchase. Glad to have found this community that shares my passion for a great car. Best of luck in finding your next ride!

 

[Stinger GT SS]

Just do it....we all did

 

[Merkur720]

I can echo others that my GT2 rwd has exceeded my expectations. The dealer experience does need improvement but some are excellent. Just have to research a bit.

It says something about a brand that has only been in the US since the early 90’s to see how far they have come. Between JD Power and Consumer Reports, they’ve become the highest rated “mainstream” brand in reliability and owner satisfaction. Pretty remarkable when you consider how many car classes/models they are succeeding at...and many are global cars designed to fit all markets.

The Stinger is a platform sold all over the world with only minor trim differences. And the response is very positive with journalists and owners.... GLOBALLY!!

Put some polish on the dealer network and you’ll have a true star in the auto industry.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Hello everyone, I joined your forum to ask you all some questions. I am in the market to buy a new car and was going to buy the Infiniti Q70L before coming across the Stinger. However, I’m not sure I want to do that now as I have been reading several comments about so many issues that KIA / dealers aren’t properly responding to. (I.e., spark plus fouling/cracking, rear hatch rattling, harsh down shifting, rear view mirrors not fully opening/closing, trip odometers resetting). I have owned Infiniti and Lexus, and for the most part have been treated like I matter and I am not hearing the same from KIA. What I am not certain of is the percentage of folks experiencing these issues and What were the root causes of these issues. Can you all shed some light on this?

Welcome aboard! And thank you for signing up. As you've read, some issues have already been worked out, and others are not nearly as wide-spread as you can be led to believe in a forum community. Most people come here to ask why something is wrong. When everything is working right, people don't seek places to talk about it. In any event, the 2018 Stinger is a first year model and, as always, there are a few issues that pass through testing - especially when it comes to high tech luxury cars. You came to the best place to do your research! Again, welcome...

 

[Weareblondi]

welcome!!!! as previously posted, this is the first year production. isn't that the old adage, never buy the first year of a new car because they haven't worked out all the bugs. i agree with westcoast, you won't see yourself coming every 3 minutes with look alike stingers. i like that. isn't that why we all modify our cars? go for it. the mrs and i have been proud owners going of 3 weeks now, well, she has been a 3 weeks owner, i get to look at it and steal it from her when she is asleep.

 

[Harley Man]

So thought I would provide an update. Last night I bit the bullet and purchased my Stinger. Aurora Black with Red interior. Tomorrow she gets her windows tinted. I will post pictures tomorrow night. The whole entire process felt fair and easy. I dealt with Amanda Siefkes of Carriage KIA of Woodstock, GA.

 

[Duce_13]

Welcome to the club. I do love the black just make sure you get a ceramic coating on in ASAP you wont regret it.

 

[Rufus]

Agreed with @Derek Duson re: ceramic coating and congrats on your new Stinger! Plenty of fun awaits!!