"A little secret, Kia is now a premium brand!" On what planet? Anyone who visits a Kia dealer and compares that dealer to an actual premium brand dealer will clearly see Kia is far from a premium brand.
Kia may make a decent vehicle but it is far from premium. And those Kia dealers!
A short while ago I visited our local Kia dealer. A shower was immediately required. Sleazy is the word which comes to mind.
By me, one Kia dealer I won’t step into, the other is borderline. But the Hyundai dealers are fine, one of which is nicer than the Honda or BMW dealer.
I had something to say about the Bose comparison, but no matter how I phrase it, some car owner(s) would be offended. I'll just say that I don't see the comparison since the general public perceives Bose to be high end based on the name (brand cache).
As for "A Kia at $40k! Oh, my stars!" Let's keep it in perspective of TODAY's car market. You can now push an Accord to near $40k. Nobody has ever said Boo about the Avalon. Honda throws some nicer materials in their workaday cars, slaps on a new badge, charges a premium, and people eat it up. Kia is doing it even better because it is a RWD platform that shares nothing with their cheaper cars, yet they are the victim of far poorer perception than the others because they didn't put a new dedicated badge on it. It is a shame.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
While trick or treating last night with the kids there was a white over black Stinger parked at one of the houses. I’m not sure what trim it was but certainly a nice car that I wouldn’t throw out of my driveway regardless of badge.
As for Bose.... classic example of how marketing can make a brand. I have one of their sounddocks my wife bought my years ago. It gives a lot of sound for a small package and is handy to throw out on the patio or bring to the beach. Is certainly doesn’t sound high end to me.
As for their speakers... nothing special there either. I have a small set someone gave to me that I use as rear channels in my basement system. Fine for that application but nothing I would want to listen to for just music.
We have Bose in the Enclave... IMO it’s not that great at all. The Harmon Kardon in my LaCrosse was much better and the Lexicon my Genesis had blew it away.
Bose has a pretty neutral sound bias, so if you like heavy bass or treble that stands out it may not be for you. I used to have some Altec Lansing speakers years ago that really put out the bass.
Maybe it's just me but if Kia wants to be a premium brand maybe they should change their name to something that's not a military acronym for killed in action.
Kia is not a premium brand. All cars became nicer, so did Kia. It is just making good on value proposition, delivering more than many expect.
True, look at jmonroes Genesis wannabe, and Hyundai developing their premium brand. They can make a premium car, just haven't got the total image yet.
I have the Bose system in the ATS and it is OK but not great. The longstanding line about their stuff aside, I find it has too much high treble sound that really is hard to adjust out regardless of the equalizer settings. I know Buick used to use H/K stuff that was well-regarded and I wish Cadillac would find a different source.
Bose has a pretty neutral sound bias, so if you like heavy bass or treble that stands out it may not be for you. I used to have some Altec Lansing speakers years ago that really put out the bass.
I have the upgraded Burmester 3D surround sound system. The Burmester system has a 1,540-watt amp. A total of 24 speakers includes a trunk-mounted subwoofer with its own 400-watt amp, ceiling-mounted surround speakers, and a pair of rotating, illuminated tweeters. Adjustments include four preset listening modes. It’s the best sounding in-car audio I have ever experienced.
Same for Genesis, and they've finally moved on. When the first Genesis cars hit the road around 10 years ago, many, including myself, said they needed a new badge to be taken seriously. It is only relatively lately that the gifted, skilled, and reasonably compensated executive class finally came around to the idea, as some models failed to impress with their sales volumes.
For logos, I prefer Kia to the Hyundai swoopy H, which looks like a 1996 era Honda knockoff to my eyes. At least KIA keeps it simple.
Still not a fan of the screen in the Stinger, doesn't exactly look cutting edge.
Kia is doing it even better because it is a RWD platform that shares nothing with their cheaper cars, yet they are the victim of far poorer perception than the others because they didn't put a new dedicated badge on it. It is a shame.
Q....that’s a massive drop in resale. I wonder if that’s typical or if there’s a “Story” that goes with the car?
That particular one is the cheapest I found, but also no options. I found quite a few in the 30s that are GT1s and GT2s.
Q...there’s something weird about that one. The badge on the rear isn’t correct. There’s a “STINGER” logo where the Kia logo should be. And, the shifter looks like it comes from the 4 cyl.
I’m not so sure that’s a GT. Wish they would show under the hood, that way you’d know for sure. Conveniently, out of all the pics, none are from under the hood.
Then again, I’m not totally familiar with Kias.
The Stinger badge is an aftermarket product. I saw a video of a guy making several changes to his GT2.
They included changing the Kia logo on the hood to an "E" or the Greek sigma summation sign. In Korea I believe the E stands for Excellence in Engineering.
He made several other upgrades including a K&N air filter (sounds great by the way,) LCD rear brake and directional lights as well a replacement cup holder with a cover. He made these changes to bring his GT2 up to Korean specs.
Interesting. Just goes to show, I’m not in lock step with the aftermarket on Kias....didn’t even know they had an aftermarket following.
I’m of the mind that if you “fiddle” with the stock items on any car, you’re going to lower its resale value. That is, unless you’re doing something like doing a chip retune or an exhaust upgrade.
As is the case with that pic of the Stinger, it isn’t helping at all. Just look at how the aftermarket amp was installed. It’s mounted to the back of the fold down seat. Which means everytime you lower and raise it, you may have the connections come loose or drop off entirely. He could have mounted it under the back spare cubby, and run the wires under the carpet to the head unit. Lot more work, but certainly better than what he did. That’s just sloppy.
Makes me wonder what other “different touches” he did and the quality of those?
Those issues and the high mileage probably explain why it’s priced the way it is.
I browsed more on the Tracfone site. I'm cheap because I rarely use the phone unless I'm texting my wife about grocery list or calling her to ask which item, e.g.. Tracfone is changing their focus from the old slow phones tot he Android/Apple phones.
The new plans have 1500 minutes and 1500 texts and 1.5GB data use for a year at $125. Those minutes, texts, and data roll over to the next airtime service when you renew without lapsing. IN THE PAST, when I renewed there was an option on the second page after choosing a 60-day plan to buy a year of airtime service for $40 appxo. So I could keep buying a short plan for 60-day with a few minutes and buy service airtime for another year. The minutes on the phone hadn't been used. I keep a phone in my son's glovebox that's an old Verizon faux Android type for emergency use doing just that. He has had to use it when his battery and charging system on the Samsung went crazy. He decided I was much wiser than he though when he realized how helpful the extra backup phone was.
I assume the new Tracfone plans offer that option to purchase cheap service (and some other items) after the initial purchase page.
My phones are on Verizon network from Tracfone and I've had no problem. I bought phones that were Verizon rather than ATT/Tmobile. They lost service in the rural area where I grew up. I want service everywhere.
To determine if your phone is locked, the electronic serial number can be entered in certain websites and you will be told if it is or isn't.
Maybe it's just me but if Kia wants to be a premium brand maybe they should change their name to something that's not a military acronym for killed in action.
Kia is not a premium brand. All cars became nicer, so did Kia. It is just making good on value proposition, delivering more than many expect.
True, look at jmonroes Genesis wannabe, and Hyundai developing their premium brand. They can make a premium car, just haven't got the total image yet.
I think by now we can see difference between Genesis and Hyundai, let alone Kia, in terms of branding. They may not be Mercedes Benz quite yet, but they are doing well with differentiating Genesis from low market segment. The biggest aspect of premium/upscale vehicle branding is dealer network and post-sale support. It's not about the maintenance (as MB and Lexus charge you pretty penny with a smile), but rather it's about certain way of treating customer throughout the sale process and after. In an upscale dealer it is OK to ask when you think you'll buy or even how do you think you'll pay (cash, financing, lease), but "what can I do to put in this car today" is not. The shift can be somewhat subtle, but generally nobody questions customer's ability to pay, unless proven otherwise. The discussion revolves around the product and its suitability to customer's life, not the latest screamer deal (most of the time, anyway - there are some customers when it might be brought up). The attitude is the customer must really want the car before we can "talk business" and if he/she needs time to think about it, it's quite alright. Upscale seller has to be much more willing to lose the sale when the expectations are not met without stupid gimmicks, or preposterous "explanations" to customer that they are actually "making" money by "buying today", like that guy from the Youtube videos we all watched. Just like Tiffany's will not discount its diamond rings just to make sales quota, upscale dealers need to be ready to let go the guy who clearly does not know how much this thing should cost. Just let him go. This is of course an idealized situation, there are plenty of examples of "lost keys" even in Benz or Lexus dealerships after the salesman took the customer's car to get a free wash, but those are really rare.
Subaru was trying to go "upscale" almost a decade ago, but it quickly realized that was not going to happen without substantial investments and big overhaul in dealer's networks, combined with loss in volumes. They backtracked, lowered base prices and volumes shot up. It was healthy for them to finally come to grips who they are.
I don't think Kia store owners are ready for such a shift and they can't really do it for Stinger or Cadenza, when most of their volume comes from those other models. It's just too hard to train your sales people and give them appropriate incentives for such a schizophrenic situation. I think Hyundai conglomerate would do better stripping Kia from its "upscale" ambitions altogether and focusing on Genesis lineup for those. Stinger could be still sold at Kia, but I think they could also rebrand and restyle it to fit Genesis lineup, add nicer touches in the interior, (better leather, nicer liners, etc.), slap a few grand premium and hold the price rather than try to goose up the sales, like Kia is trying now with Stinger. Cadenza could still be sold at Kia same way Avalon is sold at Toyota. No-fuss large car with some nice stuff, nothing more.
I know in my TLX, the ELS (Elliot Sheiner designed it) uses digital amps for power (more efficient and cooler running) and Pioneer sourced speakers and DSP. Best stock sound out of any car I’ve heard, and I’ve heard a lot of them.
Bose and GM have a long running contract, and GM uses a few different versions of their car stereos. I know Bose sources their materials and components from China. That doesn’t make them bad, just different. The big part that Bose plays is tuning the DSPs for GM’s individual cars’ interiors.
Kia....no doubt the biggest stumbling block Kia faces with the Stinger is to get someone in the showroom who is looking for a higher quality, higher performance type of vehicle. Doesn’t matter if the Stinger is that vehicle or not. But, it is a compelling car, particularly at the price point. Aside from straight line performance, it’s a significantly different drive than a Mustang or Camaro. It does feel more akin to my Acura, or BMW, Audi, Mercedes, etc. Suspension is tuned more towards German sports sedan territory. The drivetrain is the star, though.
As far as the rest? Aside from some unneeded chrome add-ons, I like the looks of it. From the side, without badges, you could mistake it for an A7.
Seemed to be quite solid, at least it felt like that to me. Yeah....there were some hard plastics here and there to keep the cost down, but mostly those are in areas you don’t look at regularly and touch even less. The one I drove had ALL the options. I can’t think of one thing it didn’t have that I am aware of which is offered in any other car. Maybe self parking, but it may even have that, too. I’m not sure.
But, as RB says, it’s a KIA. Badge doesn’t bother me anymore. Not certain, but the reason I didn’t jump on it probably was because of the badge. That said, a better sales person wouldn’t hurt, either.
Home sound systems....I really have a few. My home theater is all Klipsch Reference Series. Subwoofers (yes, I have two of them) are from an internet only company called Power Sound Audio. They’re in the upper part of OH and I made a special trip to their facility just to see how they’re made. They’re all hand made of high quality design and materials. I needed a U-Haul to get them home. I use a Pioneer Elite AVR to control and drive everything. And, my TV is an LG OLED.
My two channel rig consists of ELAC bookshelf speakers powered by a Marantz integrated amp and a Thorens Turntable I think I mentioned a while back I got from an estate sale.
I stream music from my bluetooth devices to a B&O bluetooth powered speakers set up.
I have a 1060B Integrated and set of Marantz Imperial 7 speakers. Not hooked up at the moment but need to get them out of hibernation.
FWIW I’m sure I’ve mentioned in the last but I have B&W speakers in my system along with a Klipsch sub. I love that setup.
My Marantz is a 1300 DC. Got it at the same estate sale as the Thorens turntable.
I like B&W gear. For a while there, I was upgrading every year or so. Looked at B&Ws each time. For a variety of reasons never pulled the trigger. Really like their speakers, though.
I remember those Imperial 7s. They looked like the JBL 100s but sounded better. Haven’t heard those in a long, long time. Nice find!!!!!!
My main system has Klipsch KG4 LF and RF speakers. The center and the four surround speakers are Klipsch Reference. The sub is a Hsu Research VTF-3R. I’m very satisfied with its performance, although I will eventually add a couple of Atmos speakers. The basement HTS uses the Energy Take Classic 5.1 speaker system. I continue to be amazed at how good it sounds- especially considering how little I paid for it.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
My 350z had Bose. I ranked it 3rd as far as stock systems I had up to that point. My Volvo was the best I ever had. Can't recall off the top of my head what speakers they used. Myabe Dynaudio? 2nd was my Dodge Dakota with Infinity speakers. Those were a great setup with separate tweeters up by the door handles. The Alfa has pretty good sound but the crappy head unit detracts from the overall experience too much. The sound quality trumps the Bose in the Z, though. I was not impressed with my CTS. It was clean enough sound but had no punch to it at all.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I can't remember where I read it but it said if you are going to test drive a Stinger G2, you should bring along an EpiPen with you. That I thought would make a very good advertising tag line.
I really like the Imperial 7s. Warm sound and as much bass as you could want.
I actually took them out of someone's ceiling. It was an added on sunroom, that had a drop ceiling. They had them sitting above on the old roof line of the house. Completely preserved up there, still hooked up and operational. The foam grill was obviously gone, but I recovered it in nice brown grill cloth. The cabinets were a real wood veneer I lightly sanded and re-stained. Look brand new.
I know in my TLX, the ELS (Elliot Scheiner designed it) uses digital amps for power (more efficient and cooler running) and Pioneer sourced speakers and DSP. Best stock sound out of any car I’ve heard....
I can't speak for Bose home audio but my Bose noise cancelling headphones are wonderful. They are a godsend on airplanes and buses.
And that is the thing....depends what you are doing with it. My $500 Bose is used as a clock/radio by the bed. Nice stereo sound and easy to use buttons, easy to set up as it is an all in one unit, no messy cords or things to plug in.
I love good music, but, not much time to sit around listening to it on an expensive sound system. I have time to listen to good music in the car on my illegal USB stick.
I really like the Imperial 7s. Warm sound and as much bass as you could want.
I actually took them out of someone's ceiling. It was an added on sunroom, that had a drop ceiling. They had them sitting above on the old roof line of the house. Completely preserved up there, still hooked up and operational. The foam grill was obviously gone, but I recovered it in nice brown grill cloth. The cabinets were a real wood veneer I lightly sanded and re-stained. Look brand new.
Yeah....I remember those Marantz Imperial 7s. A good friend of mine had them (with the foam grills). They were sweet sounding. Made during the heyday of audio gear, IMHO. You don't find that kind of gear much any more. It's out there, but either in terrible condition or the sellers want your first born as payment. That's when they used real wood to make speakers.
My Marantz amp has been a good soldier. Nothing really had to be done to it. I sprayed a little contact cleaner on the sliders and knobs, as they were a little "crackly". But, since then, it's served me well.
RB....I remember those Energy speakers. Those were the big rave when home theater was really taking off.
What I can't find out about the amplification in the TLX is whether the amps are Pioneer D3s, or something else. Someone in one of the audio forums I frequent thought they were Panasonic amps. But, Panasonic has been pulling out of car audio since streaming has gained a foothold as a source in the car.
At one time, they made HT receivers, but they pulled out of that. Then, they pulled out of making TVs. Now, they're pulling out of car audio.
So, I suspect Pioneer is making the amps and head units in all Acuras these days.
I just canceled my ATT landline telephone service since my condo association no longer requires it. That will end my 8-10 scam robocalls I receive on that line each day.
Now, it’s the cell phone only. It continues to be a terrible nuisance each and every day. Why pay $40 a month for a phone I never use? At least my cell identifies potential scam calls.
Maybe it's just me but if Kia wants to be a premium brand maybe they should change their name to something that's not a military acronym for killed in action.
Kia is not a premium brand. All cars became nicer, so did Kia. It is just making good on value proposition, delivering more than many expect.
True, look at jmonroes Genesis wannabe, and Hyundai developing their premium brand. They can make a premium car, just haven't got the total image yet.
Thanks for trying to drum up support for people to "look" at my Genny. I haven't had success doing that myself so any outside support is appreciated. I've had more people "look" at and admire the Black 2015 Altima rental I had when Mrs. j's Subie was in the body shop for a right front fender replacement a year or so ago for 2 days, than I've had driving my '15 Genny for 3 years now. :@
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
The Gennie is for people who like to be.........invisible.
Maybe they should sell it as the car for people who have nothing to prove, or don't have to leave their mark on the world......for those who.....just don't care!
Now the Altima, I think that hot babe just felt sorry for you
Since the Stinger is a version of the Hyundai Genesis 70, I think I'd go for the \Hyundai 70 test drive. But going to the Hyundai store doesn't impress me. It's one I haven't been in. It's owned by a sleazy group who owns a sleazy store next door. Have to take a shower when I get home.
On my way home this afternoon, I decided to stop off and pick up some bagels at Einstein’s Bagel store. I went into the store and took a number from the dispenser noting that my number was double zero (00). The number they were serving at the time was #91.
I waited patiently, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99... etc. After waiting 15 minutes, the server yelled “next”! I said “here” and walked up to the counter. This little old lady yelled, “...he’s not next, I am!” I showed the server my number “00” ticket but the lady had “01”! She said she was next again. The server told her that “00” comes before “01”. She started screaming at the server and at me that “00” is not a number.
Why is it that it’s always little old ladies I end up tangling with at these stores. These are viscous people down here - tough as nails! I did the righteous thing - I let her go before me because the “crowd” in the store (customers) were not “pro abacomike” based on the sneers I was hearing and seeing. You just can’t win against little old ladies!
When they do this properly, they have a large display. The counter help punch up the next number on the display, there is no question who is next to be served. Don't know about Einstein's Bagels, never been in one, although I know they do exist here.
Great review as always GG. You should consider a new career. Your review is concise and clear...you notice the things I want to know about. At $52k, I am not so sure....at $40k or even $42k it is worth consideration. The red interior sure looks nice. The vent on the side is a little overdone...less chrome may have looked better. I could live with the dash but I have seen nicer. I think Kia could have had a really hot seller, if they could have got the MSRP under $40k with a little less content.
$40k for a Stinger of unknown reliability and resale value would be a tough sell when you could get a Mustang or Camaro with the same performance for much less. After discounts my Mustang was $10k less. Would take a lot of bling to make me switch.
I think it should be pretty obvious that someone shopping for a mustang/camaro is NOT cross-shopping to a midsized 4-door hatch.
I disagree. If I was shopping for speed and handling I wouldn't necessarily reject a car just because it had a few extra doors. But that's just me.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
On my way home this afternoon, I decided to stop off and pick up some bagels at Einstein’s Bagel store. I went into the store and took a number from the dispenser noting that my number was double zero (00). The number they were serving at the time was #91.
I waited patiently, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99... etc. After waiting 15 minutes, the server yelled “next”! I said “here” and walked up to the counter. This little old lady yelled, “...he’s not next, I am!” I showed the server my number “00” ticket but the lady had “01”! She said she was next again. The server told her that “00” comes before “01”. She started screaming at the server and at me that “00” is not a number.
Why is it that it’s always little old ladies I end up tangling with st these stores. These are viscous people down here - tough as nails! I did the righteous thing - I let her go before me because the “crowd” in the store (customers) were not “pro abacomike” based on the sneers I was hearing and seeing. You just can’t win against little old ladies!
I think your extreme good looks are driving these women insane. Out of desperation they are starting trouble just to get your attention. Like construction workers yelling from a scaffold.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Great review as always GG. You should consider a new career. Your review is concise and clear...you notice the things I want to know about.
At $52k, I am not so sure....at $40k or even $42k it is worth consideration.
The red interior sure looks nice. The vent on the side is a little overdone...less chrome may have looked better.
I could live with the dash but I have seen nicer.
I think Kia could have had a really hot seller, if they could have got the MSRP under $40k with a little less content.
$40k for a Stinger of unknown reliability and resale value would be a tough sell when you could get a Mustang or Camaro with the same performance for much less. After discounts my Mustang was $10k less. Would take a lot of bling to make me switch.
I think it should be pretty obvious that someone shopping for a mustang/camaro is NOT cross-shopping to a midsized 4-door hatch.
I disagree. If I was shopping for speed and handling I wouldn't necessarily reject a car just because it had a few extra doors. But that's just me.
Ok, if you want. But certainly the muscle car demographic is not where the Stinger aims. And certainly the opposite is not true, that's for sure. If you need the doors, you need the doors.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
On my way home this afternoon, I decided to stop off and pick up some bagels at Einstein’s Bagel store. I went into the store and took a number from the dispenser noting that my number was double zero (00). I did the righteous thing - I let her go before me because the “crowd” in the store (customers) were not “pro abacomike” based on the sneers I was hearing and seeing. You just can’t win against little old ladies!
Mike, you should give up ever going into any retail store from now on....it wasn't meant to be.
Great review as always GG. You should consider a new career. Your review is concise and clear...you notice the things I want to know about. At $52k, I am not so sure....at $40k or even $42k it is worth consideration. The red interior sure looks nice. The vent on the side is a little overdone...less chrome may have looked better. I could live with the dash but I have seen nicer. I think Kia could have had a really hot seller, if they could have got the MSRP under $40k with a little less content.
$40k for a Stinger of unknown reliability and resale value would be a tough sell when you could get a Mustang or Camaro with the same performance for much less. After discounts my Mustang was $10k less. Would take a lot of bling to make me switch.
I think it should be pretty obvious that someone shopping for a mustang/camaro is NOT cross-shopping to a midsized 4-door hatch.
I disagree. If I was shopping for speed and handling I wouldn't necessarily reject a car just because it had a few extra doors. But that's just me.
Ok, if you want. But certainly the muscle car demographic is not where the Stinger aims. And certainly the opposite is not true, that's for sure. If you need the doors, you need the doors.
Stinger, sports sedan, BMW, Mercedes, CTS, Audi A4 Pony.Muscle cars, Challenger, Camaro, Mustang. and never the twain shall meet.
I could see someone looking at a Mustang ending up with 4 5 door like the Stinger. If their desire is for something really fast, good handling, etc. the extra doors aren't going to matter (other than for image if that is the real criteria). But few people that need a 4 door are going to cross shop a pony, unless they really had no need for using the back seat in the first place.
@abacomike ...bless you for your patience. I’ve had too many “little old ladies” who’ve elbowed me out of parking spaces, elbowed their way in front of me in retail lines, guilted me out of my primo airline seats.
Not doing that any more. Don’t care who doesn’t like it.
Quick follow up from my Kia sales guy last night. He called me last night right around 8:45...15 minutes before close...asking me if I wanted to come to the store to take another look at the 2011 CHEVY TAHOE!
I laughed and told him to count me out. Didn’t even correct him. On the one hand, give the kid credit for working until the very end of the last day of the month to make a deal.
Oh the other hand, doesn’t make him look too good if he can’t keep his potential customers’ wants straight.
On my way home this afternoon, I decided to stop off and pick up some bagels at Einstein’s Bagel store. I went into the store and took a number from the dispenser noting that my number was double zero (00). I did the righteous thing - I let her go before me because the “crowd” in the store (customers) were not “pro abacomike” based on the sneers I was hearing and seeing. You just can’t win against little old ladies!
Mike, you should give up ever going into any retail store from now on....it wasn't meant to be.
At the very least - make sure i’m not shopping alone! I need my own traveling support group for protection!
On my way home this afternoon, I decided to stop off and pick up some bagels at Einstein’s Bagel store. I went into the store and took a number from the dispenser noting that my number was double zero (00). I did the righteous thing - I let her go before me because the “crowd” in the store (customers) were not “pro abacomike” based on the sneers I was hearing and seeing. You just can’t win against little old ladies!
Mike, you should give up ever going into any retail store from now on....it wasn't meant to be.
At the very least - make sure i’m not shopping alone! I need my own traveling support group for protection!
I don't remember you being involved in such drama when your dad was alive. Hmm, maybe he kept you on a short leash.
And it would be a best seller too. But I can tell you who not to ask for help with finding a publisher. I had a million word book almost ready to go and got no help from that guy. :@
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
speaking of Stingers, I did discover today that only the GT2 model has the stubby little electronic shifter. The GT and GT1 have the same T handle the 2.0T car uses.
RB....I remember those Energy speakers. Those were the big rave when home theater was really taking off.
.
I found my set at a Circuit City store that was going out of business. A fantastic deal for just $300. I used the speakers with my old Denon 6.1 receiver and Samsung BD player. I call it my "Cheap and Dirty" system.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I have a pair of 3-foot tall, 2-foot wide, 20-yr old Yamaha speakers on the home theatre in my family room. They put out great sound. Coupled with a 20-yr-old Cerwin Vega center channel and a recently purchased powered subwoofer that I don't even recall the name of. My Cerwin Vega sub didn't survive our last move for some reason. I didn't bother with rear speakers in this house because it would be too much work to install and I never found the added experience to be all that valuable.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
On my way home this afternoon, I decided to stop off and pick up some bagels at Einstein’s Bagel store. I went into the store and took a number from the dispenser noting that my number was double zero (00). The number they were serving at the time was #91.
I waited patiently, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99... etc. After waiting 15 minutes, the server yelled “next”! I said “here” and walked up to the counter. This little old lady yelled, “...he’s not next, I am!” I showed the server my number “00” ticket but the lady had “01”! She said she was next again. The server told her that “00” comes before “01”. She started screaming at the server and at me that “00” is not a number.
Why is it that it’s always little old ladies I end up tangling with at these stores. These are viscous people down here - tough as nails! I did the righteous thing - I let her go before me because the “crowd” in the store (customers) were not “pro abacomike” based on the sneers I was hearing and seeing. You just can’t win against little old ladies!
Comments
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Kia may make a decent vehicle but it is far from premium. And those Kia dealers!
A short while ago I visited our local Kia dealer. A shower was immediately required. Sleazy is the word which comes to mind.
Really depends on the dealer chain IMO
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I had something to say about the Bose comparison, but no matter how I phrase it, some car owner(s) would be offended. I'll just say that I don't see the comparison since the general public perceives Bose to be high end based on the name (brand cache).
As for "A Kia at $40k! Oh, my stars!" Let's keep it in perspective of TODAY's car market. You can now push an Accord to near $40k. Nobody has ever said Boo about the Avalon. Honda throws some nicer materials in their workaday cars, slaps on a new badge, charges a premium, and people eat it up. Kia is doing it even better because it is a RWD platform that shares nothing with their cheaper cars, yet they are the victim of far poorer perception than the others because they didn't put a new dedicated badge on it. It is a shame.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
As for Bose.... classic example of how marketing can make a brand. I have one of their sounddocks my wife bought my years ago. It gives a lot of sound for a small package and is handy to throw out on the patio or bring to the beach. Is certainly doesn’t sound high end to me.
As for their speakers... nothing special there either. I have a small set someone gave to me that I use as rear channels in my basement system. Fine for that application but nothing I would want to listen to for just music.
We have Bose in the Enclave... IMO it’s not that great at all. The Harmon Kardon in my LaCrosse was much better and the Lexicon my Genesis had blew it away.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
For logos, I prefer Kia to the Hyundai swoopy H, which looks like a 1996 era Honda knockoff to my eyes. At least KIA keeps it simple.
Still not a fan of the screen in the Stinger, doesn't exactly look cutting edge.
I’m not so sure that’s a GT. Wish they would show under the hood, that way you’d know for sure. Conveniently, out of all the pics, none are from under the hood.
Then again, I’m not totally familiar with Kias.
The Stinger badge is an aftermarket product. I saw a video of a guy making several changes to his GT2.
They included changing the Kia logo on the hood to an "E" or the Greek sigma summation sign. In Korea I believe the E stands for Excellence in Engineering.
He made several other upgrades including a K&N air filter (sounds great by the way,) LCD rear brake and directional lights as well a replacement cup holder with a cover.
He made these changes to bring his GT2 up to Korean specs.
Interesting. Just goes to show, I’m not in lock step with the aftermarket on Kias....didn’t even know they had an aftermarket following.
I’m of the mind that if you “fiddle” with the stock items on any car, you’re going to lower its resale value. That is, unless you’re doing something like doing a chip retune or an exhaust upgrade.
As is the case with that pic of the Stinger, it isn’t helping at all. Just look at how the aftermarket amp was installed. It’s mounted to the back of the fold down seat. Which means everytime you lower and raise it, you may have the connections come loose or drop off entirely. He could have mounted it under the back spare cubby, and run the wires under the carpet to the head unit. Lot more work, but certainly better than what he did. That’s just sloppy.
Makes me wonder what other “different touches” he did and the quality of those?
Those issues and the high mileage probably explain why it’s priced the way it is.
The new plans have 1500 minutes and 1500 texts and 1.5GB data use for a year at $125.
Those minutes, texts, and data roll over to the next airtime service when you renew without lapsing.
IN THE PAST, when I renewed there was an option on the second page after choosing a 60-day plan to buy a year of airtime service for $40 appxo. So I could keep buying a short plan for 60-day with a few minutes and buy service airtime for another year. The minutes on the phone hadn't been used. I keep a phone in my son's glovebox that's an old Verizon faux Android type for emergency use doing just that. He has had to use it when his battery and charging system on the Samsung went crazy. He decided I was much wiser than he though when he realized how helpful the extra backup phone was.
I assume the new Tracfone plans offer that option to purchase cheap service (and some other items) after the initial purchase page.
My phones are on Verizon network from Tracfone and I've had no problem. I bought phones that were Verizon rather than ATT/Tmobile. They lost service in the rural area where I grew up. I want service everywhere.
To determine if your phone is locked, the electronic serial number can be entered in certain websites and you will be told if it is or isn't.
https://clark.com/technology/is-my-phone-unlocked/
https://m.att.com/shopmobile/wireless/byop/checkIMEI.html
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Subaru was trying to go "upscale" almost a decade ago, but it quickly realized that was not going to happen without substantial investments and big overhaul in dealer's networks, combined with loss in volumes. They backtracked, lowered base prices and volumes shot up. It was healthy for them to finally come to grips who they are.
I don't think Kia store owners are ready for such a shift and they can't really do it for Stinger or Cadenza, when most of their volume comes from those other models. It's just too hard to train your sales people and give them appropriate incentives for such a schizophrenic situation. I think Hyundai conglomerate would do better stripping Kia from its "upscale" ambitions altogether and focusing on Genesis lineup for those. Stinger could be still sold at Kia, but I think they could also rebrand and restyle it to fit Genesis lineup, add nicer touches in the interior, (better leather, nicer liners, etc.), slap a few grand premium and hold the price rather than try to goose up the sales, like Kia is trying now with Stinger. Cadenza could still be sold at Kia same way Avalon is sold at Toyota. No-fuss large car with some nice stuff, nothing more.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Bose and GM have a long running contract, and GM uses a few different versions of their car stereos. I know Bose sources their materials and components from China. That doesn’t make them bad, just different. The big part that Bose plays is tuning the DSPs for GM’s individual cars’ interiors.
Kia....no doubt the biggest stumbling block Kia faces with the Stinger is to get someone in the showroom who is looking for a higher quality, higher performance type of vehicle. Doesn’t matter if the Stinger is that vehicle or not. But, it is a compelling car, particularly at the price point. Aside from straight line performance, it’s a significantly different drive than a Mustang or Camaro. It does feel more akin to my Acura, or BMW, Audi, Mercedes, etc. Suspension is tuned more towards German sports sedan territory. The drivetrain is the star, though.
As far as the rest? Aside from some unneeded chrome add-ons, I like the looks of it. From the side, without badges, you could mistake it for an A7.
Seemed to be quite solid, at least it felt like that to me. Yeah....there were some hard plastics here and there to keep the cost down, but mostly those are in areas you don’t look at regularly and touch even less. The one I drove had ALL the options. I can’t think of one thing it didn’t have that I am aware of which is offered in any other car. Maybe self parking, but it may even have that, too. I’m not sure.
But, as RB says, it’s a KIA. Badge doesn’t bother me anymore. Not certain, but the reason I didn’t jump on it probably was because of the badge. That said, a better sales person wouldn’t hurt, either.
Home sound systems....I really have a few. My home theater is all Klipsch Reference Series. Subwoofers (yes, I have two of them) are from an internet only company called Power Sound Audio. They’re in the upper part of OH and I made a special trip to their facility just to see how they’re made. They’re all hand made of high quality design and materials. I needed a U-Haul to get them home. I use a Pioneer Elite AVR to control and drive everything. And, my TV is an LG OLED.
My two channel rig consists of ELAC bookshelf speakers powered by a Marantz integrated amp and a Thorens Turntable I think I mentioned a while back I got from an estate sale.
I stream music from my bluetooth devices to a B&O bluetooth powered speakers set up.
I have a 1060B Integrated and set of Marantz Imperial 7 speakers. Not hooked up at the moment but need to get them out of hibernation.
FWIW I’m sure I’ve mentioned in the last but I have B&W speakers in my system along with a Klipsch sub. I love that setup.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I like B&W gear. For a while there, I was upgrading every year or so. Looked at B&Ws each time. For a variety of reasons never pulled the trigger. Really like their speakers, though.
I remember those Imperial 7s. They looked like the JBL 100s but sounded better. Haven’t heard those in a long, long time. Nice find!!!!!!
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
1300 is a nice piece.
I really like the Imperial 7s. Warm sound and as much bass as you could want.
I actually took them out of someone's ceiling. It was an added on sunroom, that had a drop ceiling. They had them sitting above on the old roof line of the house. Completely preserved up there, still hooked up and operational. The foam grill was obviously gone, but I recovered it in nice brown grill cloth. The cabinets were a real wood veneer I lightly sanded and re-stained. Look brand new.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I love good music, but, not much time to sit around listening to it on an expensive sound system. I have time to listen to good music in the car on my illegal USB stick.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My Marantz amp has been a good soldier. Nothing really had to be done to it. I sprayed a little contact cleaner on the sliders and knobs, as they were a little "crackly". But, since then, it's served me well.
RB....I remember those Energy speakers. Those were the big rave when home theater was really taking off.
What I can't find out about the amplification in the TLX is whether the amps are Pioneer D3s, or something else. Someone in one of the audio forums I frequent thought they were Panasonic amps. But, Panasonic has been pulling out of car audio since streaming has gained a foothold as a source in the car.
At one time, they made HT receivers, but they pulled out of that. Then, they pulled out of making TVs. Now, they're pulling out of car audio.
So, I suspect Pioneer is making the amps and head units in all Acuras these days.
Now, it’s the cell phone only. It continues to be a terrible nuisance each and every day. Why pay $40 a month for a phone I never use? At least my cell identifies potential scam calls.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Maybe they should sell it as the car for people who have nothing to prove, or don't have to leave their mark on the world......for those who.....just don't care!
Now the Altima, I think that hot babe just felt sorry for you
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Have to take a shower when I get home.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I waited patiently, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99... etc. After waiting 15 minutes, the server yelled “next”! I said “here” and walked up to the counter. This little old lady yelled, “...he’s not next, I am!” I showed the server my number “00” ticket but the lady had “01”! She said she was next again. The server told her that “00” comes before “01”. She started screaming at the server and at me that “00” is not a number.
Why is it that it’s always little old ladies I end up tangling with at these stores. These are viscous people down here - tough as nails! I did the righteous thing - I let her go before me because the “crowd” in the store (customers) were not “pro abacomike” based on the sneers I was hearing and seeing. You just can’t win against little old ladies!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I disagree. If I was shopping for speed and handling I wouldn't necessarily reject a car just because it had a few extra doors. But that's just me.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Stinger, sports sedan, BMW, Mercedes, CTS, Audi A4
Pony.Muscle cars, Challenger, Camaro, Mustang.
and never the twain shall meet.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Not doing that any more. Don’t care who doesn’t like it.
Quick follow up from my Kia sales guy last night. He called me last night right around 8:45...15 minutes before close...asking me if I wanted to come to the store to take another look at the 2011 CHEVY TAHOE!
I laughed and told him to count me out. Didn’t even correct him. On the one hand, give the kid credit for working until the very end of the last day of the month to make a deal.
Oh the other hand, doesn’t make him look too good if he can’t keep his potential customers’ wants straight.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
And it would be a best seller too. But I can tell you who not to ask for help with finding a publisher. I had a million word book almost ready to go and got no help from that guy. :@
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
If so it's your own fault. You know better.
If not, it's just the luck of the draw.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport