Kia Stinger Questions
Discussion
Hi All
I'm contemplating the idea of buying a Stinger GT S and am wondering what the owners' experience with them is like.
Firstly, I'd like to know what year Car Play was introduced to the model as I can't see a definitive answer online. If I were to go for a Stinger, Car Play would be essential.
Secondly, what is general reliability like on them, are there any known weaknesses or things to avoid?
What is the consensus on them and how do owners find them compared to more mainstream rivals?
Is it worth paying a few thousand more for a car with a longer warranty period remaining or are they robust enough that it's not worth the trouble?
And lastly, if you have one/had one and generally liked it, what would you change about it if you could?
I'm contemplating the idea of buying a Stinger GT S and am wondering what the owners' experience with them is like.
Firstly, I'd like to know what year Car Play was introduced to the model as I can't see a definitive answer online. If I were to go for a Stinger, Car Play would be essential.
Secondly, what is general reliability like on them, are there any known weaknesses or things to avoid?
What is the consensus on them and how do owners find them compared to more mainstream rivals?
Is it worth paying a few thousand more for a car with a longer warranty period remaining or are they robust enough that it's not worth the trouble?
And lastly, if you have one/had one and generally liked it, what would you change about it if you could?
TREMAiNE said:
Firstly, I'd like to know what year Car Play was introduced to the model as I can't see a definitive answer online. If I were to go for a Stinger, Car Play would be essential.
Dunno the answers to the rest from a personal perspective, but a quick Google of the above suggests that Apple Car Play and Android Auto have both been a standard feature from the off.I have a 2021 Stinger.
Lovely car.
Did 9k miles in it last year.
In town and short journeys MPG is dire.
On longer trips i saw 35 to 37 mpg. This being at 75 ish on motorway.
Issues
Juddering front discs at 14k miles replaced under warranty no quibble
EML appeared 2 weeks ago. Some O2 sensor being replaced on 26th Feb. Having MOT done at time.
Thats all.
On 20k miles now bought 30th dec 22 with 7k miles.
Servicing is every 6k miles.
Get a service plan as it much cheaper than pay as you go.
Very important to check services done on time as if not warranty is void.... Even if you are buying from a Kia garage.
If non Kia garage has been used you must produce invoices to prove kia parts to right spec have been used or.... Warranty void.
Go for a facelift one if you can as infotainment screen is better.
Active Facebook group with lots of well informed members.
Hope to have helped.
Lovely car.
Did 9k miles in it last year.
In town and short journeys MPG is dire.
On longer trips i saw 35 to 37 mpg. This being at 75 ish on motorway.
Issues
Juddering front discs at 14k miles replaced under warranty no quibble
EML appeared 2 weeks ago. Some O2 sensor being replaced on 26th Feb. Having MOT done at time.
Thats all.
On 20k miles now bought 30th dec 22 with 7k miles.
Servicing is every 6k miles.
Get a service plan as it much cheaper than pay as you go.
Very important to check services done on time as if not warranty is void.... Even if you are buying from a Kia garage.
If non Kia garage has been used you must produce invoices to prove kia parts to right spec have been used or.... Warranty void.
Go for a facelift one if you can as infotainment screen is better.
Active Facebook group with lots of well informed members.
Hope to have helped.
Thanks for your reply. Very strange you replied today of all days as this morning I put a deposit down on one.
A late 2019 car with 30k miles for £22k.
Bought from Kia as was online on their approved used cars.
Claims to have 2.5 years warranty.
Seems to be a fair price compared to others I've seen and viewed. I've watched the market for a while.
Had a long talk with Kia UK and the dealer about it...
It's had all of its services, however one was done a few months late which knocked the whole lot out of wack.
I've been told the warranty isn't void from that. But equally it's not a guarantee that its definitely valid, depending on the nature of the issue that may arise.
Anyway, been looking for months now, none that old seem to have had the services on time or in full.
At the end of the day, any other brand with that performance and age wouldn't have a warranty, so I have a degree of protection more anyway if that makes sense.
I'm not overly happy about it. Seems bizarre that people wouldn't service the car on time and risk voiding a pretty good warranty...
But regardless, I'd rather risk 22k on a Stinger than a 440i that's got double the mileage and is also out of warranty with worse spec.
Didn't want to stretch for facelift, wanted to go as cheap as possible.
Nice car though, looking forward to ownership.
Also got a 2 year service plan, so 4 services.
Just need to fuel it and I'm sorted.
A late 2019 car with 30k miles for £22k.
Bought from Kia as was online on their approved used cars.
Claims to have 2.5 years warranty.
Seems to be a fair price compared to others I've seen and viewed. I've watched the market for a while.
Had a long talk with Kia UK and the dealer about it...
It's had all of its services, however one was done a few months late which knocked the whole lot out of wack.
I've been told the warranty isn't void from that. But equally it's not a guarantee that its definitely valid, depending on the nature of the issue that may arise.
Anyway, been looking for months now, none that old seem to have had the services on time or in full.
At the end of the day, any other brand with that performance and age wouldn't have a warranty, so I have a degree of protection more anyway if that makes sense.
I'm not overly happy about it. Seems bizarre that people wouldn't service the car on time and risk voiding a pretty good warranty...
But regardless, I'd rather risk 22k on a Stinger than a 440i that's got double the mileage and is also out of warranty with worse spec.
Didn't want to stretch for facelift, wanted to go as cheap as possible.
Nice car though, looking forward to ownership.
Also got a 2 year service plan, so 4 services.
Just need to fuel it and I'm sorted.
Edited by TREMAiNE on Thursday 15th February 16:50
MissChief said:
Hi Tremaine, how are you finding life with your Stinger?
As I pulled up on my driveway after work yesterday, I completed my first 1,000 miles (well, 1,000.2).I’ll be doing a full readers cars thread at some point where I’ll go into immense detail on every aspect of the car as I always do, but a quick summary is below:
Running costs:
-I’ve averaged 28mpg, it seems to be able to get low to mid 30s on a run, and drops to mid to low teens around town.
Service 9 is booked in for tomorrow, even though it just had service 8 – I wanted to get the back in sync – and it’s only £133.
-I have also spent around £1,050 on a service plan for services 10, 11, 12 and 13 which will last me until around September 2026. Not bad value really – especially when service 10 is around £900 if purchased on its own.
How it drives:
-It’s reasonably fast in a straight line, although due to the size and refinement, it doesn’t feel that fast. The numbers on the speedo to fly up, however.
-For it’s size, it handles very well.
-While it does brake well, they are probably the weakest aspect of the performance.
-Personally, I don’t think it sounds that good although friends and family all think it sounds ace.
-The auto gearbox is smooth but not particularly fast, even in Sport.
What it is like inside:
-It’s very comfortable, even in Sport where the adaptive dampers stiffen up.
-Interior trim feels good quality – at least all the bits your regularly touch.
-Despite the fact the platform is 7 years old, there is an impressive amount of kit.
What I like:
-The 360 cameras are great and making parking a breeze.
-It looks mega, in my opinion. And has a much more interesting design than its German rivals.
-I’ve always wanted a heads up display, and whilst the Stingers HUD leaves a lot to be desired, I love having one.
What I hate:
-The fuel tank is too small at 60L, I’d prefer 80L giving me a 500-mile range.
-You can’t choose your setting for the adaptive dampers; it’s linked to your driving mode. So, I can’t mix and match Sport mode throttle response with Comfort Mode suspension. It’s either Comfort suspension and naff throttle response, or good throttle response and a stiffer ride.
-Shifting with the paddles is pointless, even in manual mode it’ll shift up for you before you hit the red line – the paddles just give you an illusion of control.
Summary:
This weird hatchback/saloon/coupe hybrid fills the grand tourer role very well – given its price.
I love how it looks and love that it’s a bit different.
The spec is incredible for its price point.
It’s a real shame that badge snobbery is such a thing.
TREMAiNE said:
MissChief said:
Hi Tremaine, how are you finding life with your Stinger?
As I pulled up on my driveway after work yesterday, I completed my first 1,000 miles (well, 1,000.2).I’ll be doing a full readers cars thread at some point where I’ll go into immense detail on every aspect of the car as I always do, but a quick summary is below:
Running costs:
-I’ve averaged 28mpg, it seems to be able to get low to mid 30s on a run, and drops to mid to low teens around town.
Service 9 is booked in for tomorrow, even though it just had service 8 – I wanted to get the back in sync – and it’s only £133.
-I have also spent around £1,050 on a service plan for services 10, 11, 12 and 13 which will last me until around September 2026. Not bad value really – especially when service 10 is around £900 if purchased on its own.
How it drives:
-It’s reasonably fast in a straight line, although due to the size and refinement, it doesn’t feel that fast. The numbers on the speedo to fly up, however.
-For it’s size, it handles very well.
-While it does brake well, they are probably the weakest aspect of the performance.
-Personally, I don’t think it sounds that good although friends and family all think it sounds ace.
-The auto gearbox is smooth but not particularly fast, even in Sport.
What it is like inside:
-It’s very comfortable, even in Sport where the adaptive dampers stiffen up.
-Interior trim feels good quality – at least all the bits your regularly touch.
-Despite the fact the platform is 7 years old, there is an impressive amount of kit.
What I like:
-The 360 cameras are great and making parking a breeze.
-It looks mega, in my opinion. And has a much more interesting design than its German rivals.
-I’ve always wanted a heads up display, and whilst the Stingers HUD leaves a lot to be desired, I love having one.
What I hate:
-The fuel tank is too small at 60L, I’d prefer 80L giving me a 500-mile range.
-You can’t choose your setting for the adaptive dampers; it’s linked to your driving mode. So, I can’t mix and match Sport mode throttle response with Comfort Mode suspension. It’s either Comfort suspension and naff throttle response, or good throttle response and a stiffer ride.
-Shifting with the paddles is pointless, even in manual mode it’ll shift up for you before you hit the red line – the paddles just give you an illusion of control.
Summary:
This weird hatchback/saloon/coupe hybrid fills the grand tourer role very well – given its price.
I love how it looks and love that it’s a bit different.
The spec is incredible for its price point.
It’s a real shame that badge snobbery is such a thing.
Some knowledgeable guys on there.
There is a device that improves on stock damping available allows much more adjustment and works from an app on your phone. Made by company who supply Kia with what is OEM
I fitted whiteline arbs to mine. Much flatter when turning in and less understeer.
Keep enjoying it!
Jim1985 said:
I'm starting to research these as a potential purchase for later in the year and just wondered if anyone had any further feedback to add to this...
There s quite a few threads in the car buying section and readers rides. I ve just bought a 2019 in sunset yellow. I ve only had three days so it s a bit early to comment on reliability yet but first impressions are really good. A couple of niggles, one as touched upon by TREMAiNE having an individual mode would be nice and two the keyless entry is a bit hit and miss. Boot works fine but I have to stand right next to the door handle with my key in my pocket to get it to work from the doors. Safety feature or fault not sure but I ve changed the fob batteries and it s not helped.demic said:
There s quite a few threads in the car buying section and readers rides. I ve just bought a 2019 in sunset yellow. I ve only had three days so it s a bit early to comment on reliability yet but first impressions are really good. A couple of niggles, one as touched upon by TREMAiNE having an individual mode would be nice and two the keyless entry is a bit hit and miss. Boot works fine but I have to stand right next to the door handle with my key in my pocket to get it to work from the doors. Safety feature or fault not sure but I ve changed the fob batteries and it s not helped.
Brill thanks! I've been reading Dunc's thread (about halfway through) found via Google but always forget about the Readers Ride's section.Jim1985 said:
TREMAiNE said:
This never materialised because the car was nicked 3 months after buying it. The insurance payout was 3k more than I paid though, so that was the silver lining.
Replaced with a 2024 MX-5.
Sorry to hear it got stolen! Any reason why you didn't get another?Replaced with a 2024 MX-5.
It was never purchased as a fun car, as I always have something more raw in the garage. As a commuter that was a bit different and also has a bit of poke, it was great.
I did think the fuel economy was particularly bad though, with my V8 Mustang being substantially better.
Great insight thanks! I’m in a similar boat - I have a track car but want a nice, different commuter with a bit of pole for a roadtrip on country roads etc.
Not a lot else seems to have the same reliability, power and rarity for the same price and age.
I definitely need to test drive one.
Not a lot else seems to have the same reliability, power and rarity for the same price and age.
I definitely need to test drive one.
A test drive is a must. Their values seem to have increased since I bought mine - bizarre as I thought they would drop. For me at the time, £22k with a chunk of warranty was a massive part of the appeal.
The amount of spec on them is remarkably impressive. The infotainment screen was showing its age, more its shape, size and bezel, but if you go for a face-lift it sorts that out.
Driven normally, it was satisfyingly sedate.
Driven hard in sport mode, it was surprisingly characterful and aggressive.
I owned a 2018 Mustang GT, and the Stinger honestly felt very similar. It was more comfortable and refined, and obviously turbocharged but the engine had a very aggressive, animalistic feel to it and was definitely the highlight of the car, although I sadly didn't get to enjoy that side of it much.
As a side not, whilst different types of cars, if you don't need 4 doors, I'd say the Mustang is a good shout for a commuter.
Less toys - but seemingly more reliable, better noise, better looks and ticks a certain cool factor that a Kia never could.
Also, whist the engines aren't as exciting, a Genesis G80 would probably be my choice if I was to go down a similar route again.
The amount of spec on them is remarkably impressive. The infotainment screen was showing its age, more its shape, size and bezel, but if you go for a face-lift it sorts that out.
Driven normally, it was satisfyingly sedate.
Driven hard in sport mode, it was surprisingly characterful and aggressive.
I owned a 2018 Mustang GT, and the Stinger honestly felt very similar. It was more comfortable and refined, and obviously turbocharged but the engine had a very aggressive, animalistic feel to it and was definitely the highlight of the car, although I sadly didn't get to enjoy that side of it much.
As a side not, whilst different types of cars, if you don't need 4 doors, I'd say the Mustang is a good shout for a commuter.
Less toys - but seemingly more reliable, better noise, better looks and ticks a certain cool factor that a Kia never could.
Also, whist the engines aren't as exciting, a Genesis G80 would probably be my choice if I was to go down a similar route again.
Edited by TREMAiNE on Sunday 18th January 12:38
Gassing Station | Hyundai & Kia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff