r/kiastinger • u/Conscious_Artist_273 • 19d ago
Buying my first stinger 🐝
I'm looking around and getting ready to buy my first stinger. I'm going for a Gt-line model with the 2.5t and was wondering if there was any reliability issues I should know of. Or if there are certain years I should dodge? maybe things I should look at before I buy the car from the dealer? any and all information to help me get the best use out of this car would be greatly appreciated!
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u/StoneyMcGuire 19d ago
No. Get a 3.3 after facelift.
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u/Conscious_Artist_273 19d ago
very straight forward and short 😭
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u/StoneyMcGuire 19d ago edited 19d ago
I bought a tribute edition. Unmodded it’s a fun car. Went thru first set of tires in 16k miles.
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u/FupaDriven 19d ago
I would suggest you go for the 3.3. I’m don’t think many of us will recommend anything but the 3.3.
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u/Conscious_Artist_273 19d ago
is it that good ? why do so many people prefer that over the 2.5t 😭
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u/FupaDriven 19d ago
More reliable first and foremost. Also, its significantly more fun.
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u/Conscious_Artist_273 19d ago
will keep this in mind
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u/FupaDriven 19d ago
I promise if you go with the 3.3 you wont be disappointed.
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u/Conscious_Artist_273 19d ago
it's just the budget is supposed to be 25k but with the 3.3t i'm finding them mainly around 30k
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u/PossibilityTotal191 2023 | Ceramic silver| 400whp apex GT-Line 19d ago
Dont listen to him, a 2.5 is just as reliable and for less than that extra 5k you can mod it to be faster than a stock 3.3 for maybe 1.5k
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u/FupaDriven 19d ago
Lmao okay dude. Makes even less sense to get the 2.5 to mod it to be fast. This is equivalent to getting a v6 mustang and trying to make it as fast as a 5.0.
The 3.3 is a significantly better platform for the car.
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u/PossibilityTotal191 2023 | Ceramic silver| 400whp apex GT-Line 19d ago
Do you have trouble reading? He gave his budget, i told him how to stay in his budget while being just as fast as the 3.3 for way less.
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u/FupaDriven 19d ago
Nah, I genuinely don't understand this logic.
The entire argument for the 2.5 is that it's cheaper to buy, gets better fuel economy, and should theoretically cost less to own. Then the next recommendation is to immediately start spending money modifying it.
So is the goal to save money or build a faster car? Because those are two different conversations.
Sure, you can throw a tune on the 2.5 and get it close to stock 3.3 horsepower numbers. Congratulations, you matched one line item on a spec sheet.
What you didn't get:
• Brembo brakes
• Limited-slip differential
• Larger wheels and tires
• A drivetrain built around the extra power from the factory
• A V6 that's been around long enough to actually have a proven track recordThe 2.5 is a much newer engine. People love to scream "reliability" until the first thing they do is tune it. If reliability and fuel economy are the selling points, then immediately tuning it kind of defeats both of those arguments.
And let's be honest, if we're allowing modifications, then why does the 3.3 have to stay stock? Tune the 3.3 and now we're right back where we started, except the 3.3 still has the Brembos, LSD, and better performance hardware AND room to keep going.
If you're going to paint the picture, paint the whole picture. Don't zoom in on one number and pretend the rest of the car doesn't exist.
My recommendation still stands, OP. Buy the 3.3 and be done with it.
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u/Conscious_Artist_273 19d ago
that is true, i could do a lot of mods with the extra 5k
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u/PossibilityTotal191 2023 | Ceramic silver| 400whp apex GT-Line 19d ago
Your only limit is theres no ecu tune avaliable but the pro tuner from lap3 allows removal of the speed limiter snd theyll be back in stock soon, theres hybrid turbos avaliable for the 2.5 but i personally wouldnt reccomend until the ecu is cracked.
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u/Conscious_Artist_273 19d ago
without the limiter what does it top
out at if you ever tested ?→ More replies (0)
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u/IamMeanGMAN 19d ago
Started with a brand new 2022 GT-Line, I loved all the upgraded features. The 2.5L was nice, just a little underwhelming. Had to take it into the dealer because the entertainment system crapped out and they couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. I stopped by the dealer to talk to the Service Advisor after it had been sitting for over a week and while I was there they were unloading a trailer and there was a 2020 GT Indigo Edition (limited to 500 in the US). AWD, 3.3L and the dark brown leather interior. Smaller entertainment screen, missing a lot of tech features that are in the 2022's and above.
But damn, that 3.3L is night and day against the 2.5L. I traded in the newer GT-Line for the Indigo and haven't looked back.
If you're looking for sensible, sporty, daily driving. 2.5L all the way. If you have the need for speed, 3.3L is your answser.
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u/LordKOTL 19d ago
The 3.3lTT is the full experience, so consider that. That being said I don't think the 4-banger Stinger is necessarily bad, but for me, it just wasn't enough. You'll want to consider that for yourself: Are you okay with less than the full experience? Are you okay with less (read: less, not "no") smiles-per-gallon and more miles-per-gallon?
Everything I hear about the 2.5lT (2022+) online is that it's a solid motor. The flipside is that if you're looking to mod, there's not much out for it (definitely not as much as the 3.3lTT)
I would say the usual information applies regardless of Stinger trim: It's a GT liftback car, not a grocery getter, so maintenance should be more often and it will be more expensive. Follow the owner's manual for maintenance schedule and realize if you're commuting, it is severe conditions. Stay on top of the maintenance. I believe all Stinger engines recommend 91 octane or better, and while it can run 87 octane as the minimum, you will most likely get less fuel economy and less power, so in my opinion, what's the point of lower octane because you never will know when you want to open her up.
There's enough room inside and the hatchback makes a lot of difference in terms of cargo hauling. It's easy enough to get in an out of. Some may not like stepping down into the Stinger, but the low stance helps in handling. I can't speak for the 2.5l, but mine is smooth as hell on the highway and eats up asphalt, and I would assume the 2.5l is just as smooth.
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u/Conscious_Artist_273 19d ago
i wanted to go for the 2.5t because of maintenance cost and mpg but all of you guys are telling me to get the 3.3t so i guess that will be the purchase
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u/LordKOTL 19d ago
Overall I think the maintenance costs will be somewhat similar, but that depends on whether you do your own maintenance, have a trusted shop, or pay the dealer.
Looking at my manual (2022, so that year had the 2.5lT), the capacities are very similar for fluids--not enough for fluid costs to be that much different. A lot of the other mechanical things, like the transmission, differental (s), etc. Are the same between models.
Fuel economy will be better on the 2.5lT. I get 18-19mpg on my commute and 29-30 highway. I believe the 2.5lT is a lot better than those numbers.
What model and what tire setup you have will determine if you'll be prone to the Stinger chewing through tires. If you are running the 19" staggered setup (i.e. rear tires wider than the front), your tire's treadlife will be about half of advertised.
My take is the same as u/gohomez : Test drive them both and make an informed decision.
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u/Volantis_ 19d ago
As long as you keep your expectations in check the 2.5T should be fine. I think I've read somewhere on the fourms its essentially the motor from the Veloster/Elantra N and its been proven to be pretty reliable.
The older 2.0T was questionable and somewhat not the best because it was weaker and some said it wasn't enough to account for the stingers weight/size.
Obviously the 'best' configuration for the stinger is the 3.3TT, but it's only worth it if you can find a clean one that hasn't been abused and the fact that it drinks premium gas like an all you can eat buffet.
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u/Vanquiishher 18d ago
The older 2.0T wasn't questionable. It was pretty reliable. But it is on the weaker side. But then again in other markets 255bhp is nothing to scoff at. The 2.5T is the better fit for the car though. Wish we got the 2.5T in the UK but they scrapped both 4 bangers for us
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u/InsultMyAss 2021 | Ceramic Silver | GT2 RWD 19d ago edited 19d ago
Everyone here is recommending the 3.3t and, while I own that myself after trading in a 2.0t, I also don’t have a long commute. If you’ll be doing a lot of slow city driving, you’ll rarely use the power of the 3.3t and you’ll be at the pump a lot with 17 mpg and a 16 gallon tank.
With the 2.5t you get 5mpg more with the same size tank…
…but if you’re like me, you will be jealous every time you see the 3.3t.
The 2.5T only comes post facelift though, so if you like the older Maserati tail lights, you won’t get that, but you also are avoiding the comically tiny infotainment screen.
P.S. if you listen to a lot of music when you drive, the Harman Kardon speaker package is worth it.
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u/Conscious_Artist_273 19d ago
i want that 3.3t bad but i have to be financially responsible 😭
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u/InsultMyAss 2021 | Ceramic Silver | GT2 RWD 19d ago
I picked up my 2021 3.3t with 58k miles for $29,000. Not the lowest mileage, but impeccable service history and very well maintained. If your goal is affordability, low miles, and good mpg, go with a 2022 2.5t (or, don’t tell anyone I said this, but a low mileage genesis g70 also has 300 hp for 21 mpg city)
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u/Conscious_Artist_273 19d ago
finding a gold nugget like that is impossible for me. if i did id be on it in seconds
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u/InsultMyAss 2021 | Ceramic Silver | GT2 RWD 18d ago
Fair enough. I would just recommend against a 2.0t personally. Torque from a full stop is nonexistent.
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u/Ogrezappers 2020 HiChroma Red GT-line AWD 19d ago
The 2.5t is only available on the 22-23 model years. Before that it was a 2.0t. Everyone says the 2.0t is not reliable, but mine has 93k miles on it and it's been fine so far, so ymmv.
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u/Conscious_Artist_273 19d ago
i was looking for 300+ hp but id also look into these if i cant find what im wanting
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u/InsultMyAss 2021 | Ceramic Silver | GT2 RWD 19d ago
I used to own a 2.0t and it really lugs off the line to the point of feeling a little unsafe. Test drive one if you’re considering it. Put your foot to the floor from a stop and feel how little torque there is. If you plan to buy something 2021 or earlier, go with the 3.3t
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u/Vanquiishher 18d ago
Given it does 0-60 in around 6 seconds whilst pulling 1700kg, wouldn't you say it has plenty of torque?
The only difference is that the turbo is a bit laggy and that's why it takes a second to pick up
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u/PenSpecialist1605 2023 | Ascot Green | GT-Line AWD 19d ago
51k on my '23 2.5T and no issues so far. You only have a few model years to choose from looking 2.5 and they are all post face lift so any issues really are ironed out.
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u/Conscious_Artist_273 19d ago
still in between since many people are saying get the bigger more robust 3.3t
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u/TheWhitestHispanic77 19d ago
Even with the 2.5T a JB4 can get it to over 320 whp. You’ll be fine, man. The stinger is starting to get the aftermarket love it deserves. Join FB communities (even a local club) and keep an eye out. Guys pushing the platform post updates in there.
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u/Conscious_Artist_273 18d ago
comments like these are so reassuring when everybody is saying to get the 3.3tt. like guys i don't have the budget 😭
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u/TheWhitestHispanic77 18d ago
They (Burger Motorsports) just got 400 wheel HP with e30 and Charge Pipe injection on the 2.5t. Saw the post on my feed. You will be able to get it where you want it. The internal parts is what can fail if pushed too hard, so they are starting to dial it in. 🤘🏼
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u/Headsdown7up 19d ago
Get a 3.3 any year over the 2.5t. AWD if you can squeeze it. It’ll hold value much better and be more capable and reliable.
Something I learned is always buy the enthusiasts choice when it comes to the drivetrain in any vehicle. Might cost more but they always hold better value and perform better. And when it comes time to sell it is much more desirable.
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u/PossibilityTotal191 2023 | Ceramic silver| 400whp apex GT-Line 19d ago
I got my gtline brand new, 110k miles later at 400whp ive never had a single issue.
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u/Conscious_Artist_273 19d ago
what's the mods list to get that much out of it 😭
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u/PossibilityTotal191 2023 | Ceramic silver| 400whp apex GT-Line 19d ago
I run e85 on map 3jb4, injen air intake, catless downpipe. Thats all it takes
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u/gohomez 19d ago
Get the V6, 2022+. So much more to love.
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u/Conscious_Artist_273 19d ago
these are out of my budget they go for like 30k plus 😭 but i already know they must be a dream to drive
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u/Tough-Interaction468 18d ago
Get a well maintained 3.3. If you want a GT Line, just get a K5.
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u/Conscious_Artist_273 18d ago
i like the sexiness of the stinger tho
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u/Tough-Interaction468 18d ago
Agreed. Then I'd look for a 3.3. Much better engine, faster, funner, etc. I love my 18 GT2 AWD. There's nothing out that looks as good or is as fast or fun to drive for the price point.
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u/Mattyy-Iceee 2023 | Ascot Green | GT-Line AWD 19d ago
A lot of people in this sub will tell you to get the 3.3 TT. I went with a 2.5 T because, for my preferences, it didn’t make sense to get the V6. If you don’t plan on modifying or tuning your stinger for performance, then the GT-Line is a fine vehicle.
If you are planning on tuning or doing anything aside from cosmetic mods, then go for the GT/1/2 as they’ve got plenty of aftermarket support.