Seriously considering a 2018 GT2 AWD

[Chadd]

Someone who loves a spirited drive in Michigan, USA. I currently have a 2011 Saab 9-5 Aero, but it's getting up there in miles, and repair costs.

There's a Kia dealer near me with a few 2018 GT2s left on the lot ($52,000 USD). I've read a few pages of posts here on issues etc, and it sounds like the 2018 model has a few common issues (hatch rattleetc) but overall people seem quite happy.

Is it worth getting an '18, or should I try and hold out for the 2019 models? I'm also thinking of offering something closer to $45,000 since I'm sure they are anxious to get these off their lot.

Lastly, I want Remote Start (seems to be available after-market) and I need a trailer hitch to pull a jet ski, which also seems possible. Just want to confirm.

Edit: One last question. Does anyone know if the seat memory settings map to a key fob? In other words, my girlfriend is over a foot shorter than I am. With my Saab, if she uses her fob to unlock the car, the seat automatically adjusts to her memory setting. I'm hoping the Kia has something similar?

Everything I've read on here was from a year ago, and it all seemed very positive. I just want to check in, a year later, and make sure everyone still loves their Stinger

Thanks in advance,
Chadd

 

[Johnnyfive]

I still love my 2018 GT2 AWD. Nearing 15k miles, and have had it since Dec 2017. I have a few rattles, but I also haven’t gone through the steps to try to mitigate them. I also have an early build, being one of the early US owners. Some of the issues lessened in later builds. I would think you could do much better than the MSRP on an ‘18 at this point, though. I can’t comment on the remote start, though I know there is a manufacturer model and aftermarket options. I think getting a trailer hitch will require cutting the rear bumper/diffuser, but maybe there are ways around that.

 

[Schpok]

Mid 2018 2.0L 28.000km here, never had that hatch rattle ever. Don't worry about that every dealer know how to fix it and should have done it as soon as the car arrived.
other than that the car is rock solid. only thing was the audio system acting up. it was gone after the car was parked for 2 hours and it never came back.

I think there is even a Thread asking the mileage and the issues. haven't read anything terrible there as well ( I link it if I find it)

no idea about the us price but I think I heard some guys talking about less than 40k so maybe have a look around the net for comparison.

 

[SteveCo]

I don't think that you'll find any fundamental changes on the model year 19 as to how they are constructed - but there are feature changes to the US spec models like the 360 camera that may be an important factor. My 2018 has been a solid performer, and I've had minimal issues. I did have the hatchback noise abatement and HU 'fade-to-back' fixes applied by the dealer at no charge, and they took car of those minor complaints.

Personally, I'd never put a tow hitch on one of these cars - I'm pretty sure you do have to hack up some of the back end to fit them in, and they weren't designed to tow. Is towing that jet ski something you need to do frequently, and would the Stinger really be your only option?

I currently keep an older model 1/2 ton truck around for some tasks like renovation, yard waste and scrap hauling, etc. Considering how often I realistically need to do that, I may even sell it this year and just rent a truck (or borrow one from family) for the few days I actually need that capability.

 

[DarthVaderIX]

I’ve got a GT2 AWD you can buy.

 

[MrSmoofy]

If you do make them an offer start at 40k they might surprise you.

 

[eflyguy]

Edit: One last question. Does anyone know if the seat memory settings map to a key fob? In other words, my girlfriend is over a foot shorter than I am. With my Saab, if she uses her fob to unlock the car, the seat automatically adjusts to her memory setting. I'm hoping the Kia has something similar?

Nope. I had the same feature on a Chrysler back around 2000, but none of my Kias (this is my 4th) have it. You'll just have to hit the 1 or 2 button on the door before you step in.

Tip for happy life - make her #1.. and possibly hit it when you get out just in case she's next to drive it.

 

[SteveCo]

Edit: One last question. Does anyone know if the seat memory settings map to a key fob? In other words, my girlfriend is over a foot shorter than I am. With my Saab, if she uses her fob to unlock the car, the seat automatically adjusts to her memory setting. I'm hoping the Kia has something similar?

They don't map to the fob, but there are two driver memory positions that can be saved, and are available via selection buttons on the door. They store the seat position, outside rear view mirror, and head up display.

Not quite as convenient as automatically mapping to the fob in use, but pretty simple to select/change between drivers.

 

[Theemfinger]

Look into doing a lease and buyout with the lease incentive and the dealer discount. Although I don't know if they still have the incentives. For example I got my 2018 GT2 for $39k like 6 months ago.

 

[brancky3]

I wouldn't offer over $40k. You can get deep discounts on 2018 models.

 

[MrSmoofy]

I wouldn't offer over $40k. You can get deep discounts on 2018 models.

Exactly, I offered 40k for a 2019 GT2 RWD and they got close enough that I was happy with the deal and financing.

 

[Ruturaj]

Exactly, I offered 40k for a 2019 GT2 RWD and they got close enough that I was happy with the deal and financing.

What manufacturer incentives were included in that price?

 

[GenesisG70]

I dont think memory seat info stores in the key fobs but you have 2 buttons each memorizing 2 sitting positions. You should definitely buy the stinger it's an awesome car!

 

[Chadd]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who took the time to respond. I think it's a good sign of a good car, when there's a good community behind it.

 

[RyanG]

As a reference for you from a fellow Michigan Stinger owner, I got my '18 GT2 AWD for $38K from Seelye KIA in Battle Creek the 1st week of February. Leasing it because the dealer/customer incentives were significantly better for leasing vs buying. Can buy out the lease at any time. 2 months later I would think the dealer incentive to sell '18s would let you save a little more.

Only thing mine didn't have was remote start. I had a Compustar/Drone aftermarket put on for $350 that is much better than OEM.

Where are you in Michigan?

 

[Chadd]

Detroit Area

 

[PeteD]

Alright, now my wheels are turning. Getting a 2018 on a deep discount and then applying a really aggressive lease cash option on the 2018's (which exist now), this could be a really sweet deal! Problem is dwindling inventory and in my case, I don't want black interior...it seems most of the available 2018's are red/black or black/black. And of course, Kia's inventory always seems to list 'black' interior even when it is red/gray or another color.

So a couple of questions if anyone has insight:
-Is there an easier way to find 2018 existing GT2 inventory rather than just plugging in different zip codes and defaulting to 100 mile radius on Kia's website?
-Anyone know how you can find out the REAL interior color, other than going to each individual dealership's website and looking at their pictures? Again, Kia's website will almost always show 'black' when it may not in fact be the case.
-I'm going to assume that anything I find will likely be out of state. For example, I see a few options in Florida and Minnesota that might fit the bill for me, but I am in North Carolina. Would you work directly with the dealership out of state, or would you try to work through a local dealership? I called a well-stocked local dealership and talked to their 'self proclaimed Stinger expert'. He was sort of 'meh' about trying to help on this. He might have lost a sale...TBD.
-Finally, anyone have a general estimate on how much it is to wrap a Stinger? I LOVE the blue on the limited run of Atlanticas and don't like the Micro Blue so much. But thinking if I could score a deep discount, and then wrap it in the color that I love, I would be a happy camper!

This may all be for naught, but I thought it might be worth some investigating. My first choice is probably a wrapped dark blue with white or grey interior...and then the Ceramic Silver and Red as a second choice.

 

[GRStinger]

Fellow Michigander here - GR area. I've had my GT2 AWD for 11 months/26,000 miles. I've had one of the much-talked-about paint issues, but other than that I have loved the car.
The interior/exterior color options are limited - one way for Kia to keep the cost and price-point down, and I imagine it's even tougher to find a particular combo on the limited inventory of 18's. If you're really firm on your colors, you might need to look for a '19. Then again, you're not going to get the deep discount. Do some searching here - I recall some guys here getting prices on the GT2 - like low-mid 40's a few months ago already. As others have said you might be surprised. Start low - like 40-ish, keep workin 'em, then do the lease-cash/buy-out. I did this way back in May. Along with the amount that I figure they overpaid for my old trade (I worked them hard on that too), I figure my gross cap cost was about $10,500 under MSRP. That probably wasn't bad for nearly a year-ago (I'm all about the value-proposition, and thought about waiting 'til model YE, but I HAD to have it! ), but you should be able to do a lot better.

 

[BlkGT2]

FWIW, I just bought an 18 AWD GT2 in black for 41K, brand new. offer 39k then start from there.

 

[Capital AL]

I am also currently thinking of getting a GT1 or GT2, but can't decide which model yet. I was wondering what time of the year is the best time to purchase. I was thinking that I will wait until late 2019 or even early 2020 to get a good price on a 2019 model year, is this a good idea is or there a better time to buy.