Which Trim Level (GT) to Buy?

[Theemfinger]

I picked up my GT2 for $38,999. Definitely wait until they have some good lease deals and do a lease buyout.

 

[GenesisG70]

I picked up my GT2 for $38,999. Definitely wait until they have some good lease deals and do a lease buyout.

It's a 2018?

 

[Theemfinger]

It's a 2018?

Yea. This was back in September of last year though.

I'm just saying that if you don't need it right now, definitely wait until Kia starts offering a few discounts. It's already a great value as it sits. If you can get a big discount the stinger becomes a fantastic value. Just my thoughts.

 

[NCPinz]

Go with as much as your budget will allow. We bought my son the GT AWD. I would have liked the adaptive cruise and corresponding auto braking safety feature, but we were at the very top of the budget if not a couple thousand over. We love the car. The standard leather is soft and I like not having the sun roof. From GT thru GT2, they are all good cars and the most practical, fun car you can buy.

 

[GenesisG70]

It's little more money you get tons of toys unless your money is tight get the best get the GT2.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Such love for the sunless roof. Heh. A sunroof was number three on my "must haves" list (two being Harman Kardon surround 15 speaker system, number one being 3.3L). But, if my sunroof were noisy, I'd be dealing with the anger of extreme disappointment. Thankfully, my sunroof is as quiet as solid steel.

 

[brancky3]

It's little more money you get tons of toys unless your money is tight get the best get the GT2.

I agree - although I really don't like having a sunroof I couldn't stand to live without the stuff the GT2 came with. The e-shifter has forever changed me.

 

[DarthVaderIX]

GT2 for sure, when you can get a top trim model for under 40k can’t go wrong

 

[Paihan Lee]

IMO, the GT was the clear choice in 2018 if you wanted the pure driving experience. Same engine, transmission, looks, etc. I wasn't going to pay thousands more for features I didn't want/need. Unfortunately, KIA realized this and they handicapped the GT in 2019 by removing the driver assistance (adaptive cruise and braking), pushing you to pay for the next trim level.

To be fair, I agree ALL stingers are nice cars, but I simply couldn't justify the added price tags with higher trims. Perhaps if I was comparing with the luxury brands, than those costs appear a bargain. I really didn't need or want many of the upper trim features (adjustable suspension is old-school tech and 3X the cost to replace than std struts...if it was the magnetic kind found in the fast chevy's than that's worth the money, I don't like how sunroofs reduce headroom, I don't need a power hatch, my arms work fine thankfully; I like better speakers but ultimately not worth shelling out $4-10k to the higher trims) Plus fewer gizmos are fewer things that will break - the KISS principle

AWD and Driver Assistance packages were important to me (safety and capability) so I bought the GT before they changed things up in 2019. If you want Driver Assistance, than go for the upper trims, if not, I'd stay with the GT. Everyone's got different wants, but you asked so I answered:
- I like the interior, no complaints, however, I did buy the rear view mirror with the integrated garage door openers for built-in convenience (say $200)
- gauges - sure KIA cheaped-out on the GT btw the two main gauges, but it doesn't bother me. I think you only lose a g-meter or something silly like that and a bit of color. You can use a cellphone and ODBII to display that info if you really want it.
- Per above, I read several pro reviews suggesting that the std suspension was more firm (what I like) than even the sport setting on the adjustable. I did price out replacement cost and came in 3X more - I plan to keep this car for over 10yrs so it will affect me. Wife is comfortable in it, so it's not too firm

I also agree with the sage advice already offered - buy what's right for you (and your budget - too many spend outside their means these days).

Couldn't agree more. If it were only a few thousand more than the base GT back in 2018, I probably would have done it but to pay 25% more for a fully loaded one, didn't make financial sense to me when I stopped to think about the value all those things would bring me for an extra $10K. I've had my GT for almost a year now and have had literally no buyer's remorse or wish I would have gotten a better sound system, HUD, sunroof, power hatch, better leather, etc. So if none of those extra features are a must for you and you're debating between models, go with the GT.

 

[techguy888]

I went with a ceramic silver GT AWD. Decided the 130mph governor doesn't really matter right now, I can always get a tune/new ECU and take care of that later. Probably just get a catback for better exhaust sound and a rear sway bar with stiffer springs to start, serious mods can come later when the car's paid off/the warranty has run out. It's fun to drive and looks great, I'm definitely happy with the purchase.


I don't know where people are finding GT2s for under 40k, out the door with tax, title, and all weather mats I paid 38k and that was 7k off MSRP (including tax/title).

 

[Peeso33]

I went with a ceramic silver GT AWD. Decided the 130mph governor doesn't really matter right now, I can always get a tune/new ECU and take care of that later. Probably just get a catback for better exhaust sound and a rear sway bar with stiffer springs to start, serious mods can come later when the car's paid off/the warranty has run out. It's fun to drive and looks great, I'm definitely happy with the purchase.
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I don't know where people are finding GT2s for under 40k, out the door with tax, title, and all weather mats I paid 38k and that was 7k off MSRP (including tax/title).

Wow, you got 7K off sticker on a 2019 GT! Lease or buy?

 

[techguy888]

Wow, you got 7K off sticker on a 2019 GT! Lease or buy?

Buy. Must be the time of year. Lucky for me! It was a little over 5k in dealer incentives and another 2k from Kia.

 

[MerlintheMad]

I went with a ceramic silver GT AWD. Decided the 130mph governor doesn't really matter right now, I can always get a tune/new ECU and take care of that later. Probably just get a catback for better exhaust sound and a rear sway bar with stiffer springs to start, serious mods can come later when the car's paid off/the warranty has run out. It's fun to drive and looks great, I'm definitely happy with the purchase.
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I don't know where people are finding GT2s for under 40k, out the door with tax, title, and all weather mats I paid 38k and that was 7k off MSRP (including tax/title).

Put your location in your membership info; then we'll know where that gnarly snow is and stay away! Your neighbor's car is buried, and that's after some thaw, apparently. Up north, maybe?

 

[techguy888]

Put your location in your membership info; then we'll know where that gnarly snow is and stay away! Your neighbor's car is buried, and that's after some thaw, apparently. Up north, maybe?

There, happy?

I live in the Twin Cities. We've had a lot of snow this month, one of the highest on record. AWD is a necessity, IMHO. I'll stick with the stock all season tires for now and probably get winter tires when the stockers are getting low on tread depth. Might grab a separate set of 19" wheels and tires for summer too.

 

[MerlintheMad]

There, happy?

I live in the Twin Cities. We've had a lot of snow this month, one of the highest on record. AWD is a necessity, IMHO. I'll stick with the stock all season tires for now and probably get winter tires when the stockers are getting low on tread depth. Might grab a separate set of 19" wheels and tires for summer too.

Yes, thank you. I thought so, halfway to the "Great White North". Your A/S should be fine unless you try pushing to see what they'll let you do. I keep my speed and actions very moderate when the roads are gunked.

 

[eflyguy]

Congrats!

 

[GenesisG70]

Beautiful car beautiful color!

 

[mull0263]

I went with a ceramic silver GT AWD. Decided the 130mph governor doesn't really matter right now, I can always get a tune/new ECU and take care of that later. Probably just get a catback for better exhaust sound and a rear sway bar with stiffer springs to start, serious mods can come later when the car's paid off/the warranty has run out. It's fun to drive and looks great, I'm definitely happy with the purchase.
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I don't know where people are finding GT2s for under 40k, out the door with tax, title, and all weather mats I paid 38k and that was 7k off MSRP (including tax/title).

I'm in the Cities as well. I've been at the pay and spray every few days getting compacted snow out of the wheel wells and undercarriage. Definitely not putting bigger tires on or lowering it in this climate since this is my daily... Summer can't come soon enough.

Keeping things on topic, I got the GT2. I stalked used listings religiously for about six months until the one I wanted came up - got an '18 in December with less than 3k miles for $38,500 before trade in. First time with an electronic shift instead of cable, no complaints and I like the HUD a lot. The seats are great too. 360 cam and Qi charging in the 19's are both features I wish I had.

Techguy888 - I'll tip my cap in passing if I see you on the ice covered roads around here.

 

[techguy888]

Thanks all.

I'm in the Cities as well. I've been at the pay and spray every few days getting compacted snow out of the wheel wells and undercarriage. Definitely not putting bigger tires on or lowering it in this climate since this is my daily... Summer can't come soon enough.

Keeping things on topic, I got the GT2. I stalked used listings religiously for about six months until the one I wanted came up - got an '18 in December with less than 3k miles for $38,500 before trade in. First time with an electronic shift instead of cable, no complaints and I like the HUD a lot. The seats are great too. 360 cam and Qi charging in the 19's are both features I wish I had.

Techguy888 - I'll tip my cap in passing if I see you on the ice covered roads around here.

Ok, now your price makes more sense. Still, that's a great deal and I didn't really think about that option. I also didn't want to wait that long. Ultimately, I'm happy with what I have, aside from wanting some more exhaust noise and a bit more power The torque from this engine is great though - pulls and pulls.

I've only seen one other Stinger on the roads in the last year and a half since they've been out - a white one. I'll keep an eye out for your blue GT2 though!

 

[DarthVaderIX]

Congratulations, glad you got it and I wish I got that color often!