Kia Stinger GT Vs Tesla Model 3

ptl93 on 11/05/2022 - 02:22
Last edited 14/05/2022 - 19:23 by 1 other user

Hi guys,

I'm looking to upgrade my car from a Camry V6. What I'm looking for is a fast, fun to drive, somewhat reliable RWD family sedan and so far, the Stinger and Model 3 Base are in my shortlist. Both brand news are within the $65 - 70k range so I think it's a fair comparison. I was eyeing for the VW Arteon/Tiguan R-line as well but they are not RWD and I don't feel confidence with German reliability. I am aware that the Stinger and Tesla might not be as reliable as a Toyota though. I will be doing around 15,000 km a year, with casual road trips, and I am planning to keep this car for 5 years.

I have test driven the new Stinger GT; and coming from a current gen Camry, I am very impressed with its power, interiors and technology. It comes with all the bell and whistles and also comes with 7 years warranty which are appealing. Cons: it is a $70k Kia, a bit overpowered for every day use and consumes a lot of petrol. The car that I test drove show 13.5L on average. I also heard stories about the rattles and paint quality issues as well but most seem to be covered under warranty.

I haven't yet test driven the Model 3 but from the photos, the exterior/interior seem a bit boring. I'm not sure if the ride and comfort quality will be on par with the Stinger?
Pros: I can charge from home with solar, save money on petrol and that seems to be more future proofing. I can also upgrade to auto-pilot in the future.
Cons: extremely simple interior, no HUD, glass roof (may be no good for Aussie summer?), shorter warranty, not sure if it will be good for roadtrip and whether panel gap, paint quality, software issue have been rectified in the latest model?

So which one would you pick? Is there any other recommendation? I appreciate all your inputs and also hope to receive some reviews from people who have owned/driven these vehicles.

***Updates after test driving the Tesla:
It has pretty good handling, fairly quiet, quick and has a nice infotainment. No panel gaps, quality issues. However, I wasn't as impressed like I had been in the Stinger. Here are why:
. The steering wheel looks and feels cheap (similar to an old Yaris);
. The seats are pretty firm and uncomfortable, especially at the back. The leathers aren't nice to touch. I took 2 friends in the back seats and they didn't like the seating position nor the firmness nor the space.
. There is no HUD and I had to always take my eyes off the road to look at the tiny speed indicator on the screen.
. Average trunk size and unfortunately, no spare tyre.
. The brake technology takes sometimes to get used to but it makes the ride feel rough. I would turn it off if I bought this car.
. Almost everything has to be done through the screen, even normal tasks like opening the glove box, adjusting the aircon and turning on wiper.
. Accelaration is quick but it lacks the characteristics.
. Weird way to opening the door.
. Only 4 years/80k km warranty.

I think this car will eventually evolve and be a good Corolla/A to B car replacement in the future (when EV becomes more affordable). I would certainly consider may be a model Y when I have kids (and need to save money). At the moment, I don't think many people who owns Corolla/Hybrid cars will consider spending double the price for a Tesla. The ride, handling is good but imo, the build quality, the comfort aren't up there like the new Stinger.
After testing out the Model 3, my missus straight up told me to buy a Stinger. I have placed my deposit and am looking to receive the Stinger in Ceramic Grey by end of the year.

Again guys, thank you for all your input.

Poll Options expired

  • 185
    Kia Stinger GT
  • 269
    Tesla Model 3 Base
Automotive Car Electric Vehicle Kia Stinger Tesla Inc

Comments

  • rektrading on 11/05/2022 - 02:30

    Who is the lead engineer at KIA?

    • payless69 on 11/05/2022 - 13:57
      +3

      The Koreans poached Volkswagen dudes but they worked in contract.

      • rektrading on 11/05/2022 - 14:28
        -1

        šŸ‘

      • callmechicky on 11/05/2022 - 20:03

        poached Volkswagen

        cant wait to see the documentary in this

        • payless69 on 12/05/2022 - 11:08
          +3

          Did Hyundai hires Audi designer?
          Peter Schreyer (born 1953) is a German automobile designer widely known for his design contributions to the Audi TT.

          What cars did Luc Donckerwolke?
          Luc Donckerwolke (born 19 June 1965) is a Belgian automotive designer and the chief creative officer at Genesis and Ioniq. Prior to the Hyundai Motor Group, he was the design director at Volkswagen Group's Bentley, Lamborghini, Å koda, and Audi.
          Who designed Kia stinger?

          Designed by Peter Schreyer and Gregory Guillaume (Kia's Chief Designer) at Kia's European studio in Frankfurt and engineered by former BMW M Vice President of Engineering Albert Biermann

  • Noire on 11/05/2022 - 05:00
    +6

    KIA Stinger, EVs are eventually going to replace combustion in the future or hydrogen. Anyway, you might as well make the most of it and have fun.
    *quick note: Tesla has a special coating on their windows so it blocks out 99% of UV lights, so I wouldn't worry too much during summer.

    • lgacb08 on 11/05/2022 - 09:09
      +4

      Yeah, blovking uv will save you from skin cancer but what about the heat?

      • Domicron on 11/05/2022 - 12:36
        +7

        All cars windows are anti uv

        • [Deactivated] on 11/05/2022 - 22:11
          +1

          Nope, that's a myth.

          • Franc-T on 12/05/2022 - 11:10
            +1

            @[Deactivated]: Not entirely, normal glass blocks a lot of UV light - but not all

            • [Deactivated] on 12/05/2022 - 23:42

              @Franc-T: Yes and no.

              A simple search: https://www.ecosia.org/search?tt=dccf112d&q=normal%20glass%2ā€¦

              How Much UV Is Filtered by Glass?
              Glass that is transparent to visible light absorbs nearly all UVB. This is the wavelength range that can cause a sunburn, so it's true you can't get a sunburn through glass.

              However, UVA is much closer to the visible spectrum than UVB. About 75% of UVA passes through ordinary glass. UVA leads to skin damage and genetic mutations that can lead to cancer. Glass does not protect you from skin damage from the sun. It affects indoor plants too. Have you ever taken an indoor plant outside and burned its leaves? This happens because the plant was unaccustomed to the higher levels of UVA found outside, compared with inside a sunny window.

              Automotive glass used for side and rear windows ordinarily does not protect against UVA exposure. Similarly, the window glass used in homes and offices does not filter much UVA.

              Tinting glass reduces the amount of both visible and UVA transmitted through it. Some UVA still gets through, though. On average, 60ā€“70% of UVA still penetrates tinted glass.

              ….

              In short yes, you can still have skin cancer even if you don't get sunburned.

      • ass3ts on 11/05/2022 - 20:42
        +2

        That tinted glass roof will still get hot during warmer sunny days, I can definitely feel the heat above my head which I find annoying. You can buy a manual sunshade that reduces the heat transmission but it's a bit of a pain to use. They used to make the Model S with a metal roof, which saved around 70kg at the highest point of the car, I could feel the difference around corners.

    • Matej Pribelsky on 13/05/2022 - 11:05
      +1

      Our friend got the Tesla 3 this summer and one of the first things he's installing is an aftermarket sunshade for the glass roof. Waaaaay too bloody hot and glary on normal Aussie summer days… :(

  • sjj89 on 11/05/2022 - 05:03
    +26

    A couple guys I work with, one has the GT Stinger, other with the Model 3.
    Both have owned from brand new for 1-2 years.
    Model 3 is hands down the better vehicle.
    Fuel costs aside, you can also forget paying for servicing ever again, as Tesla does not require.
    Glass rooftop is perfect as heat is released on hot summer day.

    • brendanm on 11/05/2022 - 06:43
      +11

      you can also forget paying for servicing ever again

      But who will replace brake fluid? Check brakes, check suspension, replace final drive oil and filter etc?

      • elgrande on 11/05/2022 - 06:55
        +22

        Autopilot

        • brendanm on 11/05/2022 - 07:16
          +6

          Takes me to get my pumpkin chai latte, then services itself, is there anything Elon can't do?

        • Caped Baldy on 11/05/2022 - 09:14

          Autopilot is a misnomer and shouldn't be used.

          • DarkOz on 11/05/2022 - 09:28
            +1

            @Caped Baldy: If it services the car itself for free, why not?

            • Caped Baldy on 11/05/2022 - 09:30

              @DarkOz: Maybe if it was called automechanic…

              But yeah, the "autopilot" has still been crashing. It may be lower rates than some humans but is not infallible.

              • DarkOz on 11/05/2022 - 09:34
                +1

                @Caped Baldy: I completely agree with you. I had the same argument with a colleague whom thinks 5G will help autopilot run on normal roads. I just laughed.

              • chuq on 11/05/2022 - 10:39
                +1

                @Caped Baldy: By that logic "cruise control" has been crashing. But it's not cruise control, it's a driver who doesn't know how to use their car. Same with Autopilot.

      • payless69 on 11/05/2022 - 13:59
        +1

        Blinker fluid is going to be free under out future leader?

        • michaelTito on 11/05/2022 - 14:13
          +1

          I hope premium air is part of this

      • Slyc on 11/05/2022 - 20:15
        +2

        @brendanm The service centre did all this for free on my Model 3, all I paid for in terms of servicing was the installation of replacement cabin filters when I hit the 2 year mark.

      • Jackson on 11/05/2022 - 22:35

        You can get that done during the yearly Pink slip, and you'd be surprised at how long you can go between brake fluid changes

        • brendanm on 12/05/2022 - 06:49
          +1

          You can get that done during the yearly Pink slip,

          "Everywhere is Sydney". Nope, it's not.

          you'd be surprised at how long you can go between brake fluid changes

          No, I wouldn't. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and needs replacement every 2 years or so.

          • rektrading on 12/05/2022 - 07:49
            +1

            @brendanm:

            Brake fluid health check every 2 years (replace if necessary).

            It's a check every 2Y.

            • brendanm on 12/05/2022 - 09:54

              @rektrading: Yep, then replace when you test it and the water content is too high. Someone also has to test it.

          • Jackson on 12/05/2022 - 08:34
            +1

            @brendanm: Yeah it is, but if the system is well sealed, you can go 20 years. You can also test your brake fluid.

            I also love how all these people that keep their car under 5 years pretend they care about maintenance, that rofile of person is only doing the service to get the book stamped

            • brendanm on 12/05/2022 - 09:53

              @Jackson:

              system is well sealed

              They aren't.

              You can also test your brake fluid.

              As an ex car mechanic, I'm well aware. It doesn't last anywhere near 20 years. 3 years general max.

              I also love how all these people that keep their car under 5 years pretend they care about maintenance, that rofile of person is only doing the service to get the book stamped

              I have a 2012 and a 2014. Last time I checked they were more than 5 years old.

          • vindictus on 13/05/2022 - 07:29

            @brendanm: You're being pedantic. EVs have a lot less maintenance, that's all they were saying. Don't need to be butthurt about it.

            • brendanm on 13/05/2022 - 10:24
              +1

              @vindictus: I'm not butthurt at all, I think EVs are cool really. However, if you think you'll "never have to pay for service", you would be mistaken.

      • sAmiZZle on 12/05/2022 - 22:07

        It all happens in the 45 mins while you're waiting for the car to charge

      • afah0447 on 13/05/2022 - 12:07

        They can change their own tyres. Wow! That's so tech!

      • JTTheMan on 13/05/2022 - 23:10

        Regenerative braking doesnā€™t use the brake pads plus it recharges the battery. Pretty much the only maintenance is refilling the windscreen washer fluid!

        • brendanm on 14/05/2022 - 08:08

          Not all of the braking is regenerative mate. I've listed other maintenance a bit further up for you.

    • Danstar on 11/05/2022 - 08:30
      -3

      Pretty sure Iā€™ve been told you need to take it every few years to get ā€œcheckedā€ which costs about 3x that of a regular service so kinda same same

      • Domicron on 11/05/2022 - 12:38
        -1

        Comes with free soya latte?

      • ItsMeAgro on 11/05/2022 - 17:54

        costs about 3x that of a regular service

        What's a "regular" service worth?

        I mean, take a Toyota service vs a Jeep service? There's thousands of dollars difference between those two, since several important components on the jeep will have failed.

        (Unless this is just more misinformation about Teslas?)

        • Danstar on 11/05/2022 - 18:46

          A regular service for a regular car like a Camry; which is usually capped at around $200-$300, obviously more for major services.

          Iā€™m neither here nor there for EVā€™s or ICE vehicles

          How is that misinformation?

      • Dogsrule on 11/05/2022 - 18:19
        +8

        The person who told you that made it up. There is no required servicing whatsoever. There is an optional brake check every 2 years for people who drive on salted roads in winter (ie not Australians).

        • Jackson on 11/05/2022 - 22:39
          +6

          Any time Tesla is named, the misinformation flows like rivers. People really have no idea. EVs are hundreds of times simpler than ICE vehicles and the same factor more reliable and requiring less consumables, yet people still say they need all this servicing. It's never ending

          • Dogsrule on 12/05/2022 - 17:04

            @Jackson: To be fair, the legacy automakers still require servicing for their EV's (to satisfy their dealer network).

            Some people resist change even if it's in their best interests. Tesla are showing them a better way, they'll come around eventually.

    • Dogsrule on 11/05/2022 - 18:22
      +1

      I can tell you that the glass roof does not release heat in summer at all - it greatly heats the car. I had to buy a clip-in shade from eBay to fix the issue.

      Great in the cooler months though, makes the car feel so airy and spacious.

      • sjj89 on 11/05/2022 - 18:34
        +3

        My colleague just runs the AC 5 minutes before heading to the car with the app and then physics does the rest

        • Dogsrule on 11/05/2022 - 19:29
          +1

          So do I, but the problem happens while you're driving. The heat passes through the glass so easily that you have to crank the AC up near max all the time, which is ridiculously loud and still doesn't keep everything as cool as I like.

          Keep in mind the past summer was pretty mild and I live in the NSW Lower Hunter Valley which is pretty temperate, plus I'm only a 70kg lightweight who always complains about AC being too cold in the office.

          I found the roofshade + side window tinting essential personally, maybe your friend lives in a cooler part of Aus?

          • sjj89 on 11/05/2022 - 23:03

            @Dogsrule: Mate. Adelaide, and heā€™s 140kg

            • Dogsrule on 12/05/2022 - 17:07

              @sjj89: Fair enough, glad it's not a problem for him. The glass roof definitely makes the car hotter though, but easily fixed with the roofshade if it is a problem.

    • kaleidoscope on 12/05/2022 - 07:55
      +1

      you can also forget paying for servicing ever again, as Tesla does not require

      https://www.tesla.com/en_AU/support/car-maintenance

      Do you know something the manufacturer doesnā€™t???ā€¦

      • AEKaBeer on 12/05/2022 - 15:40
        +1

        Also if a few cells die in the battery pack, they'll slug you like $15k for a whole new pack. You won't be able to replace the cells like you can do in a prius for example.

        Tesla's after sales support is notoriously bad, they're blaming global shortages now but it was like that before the pandemic as well.

        Hyundai in contrast has an excellent support reputation and along with KIA the only car manufacturers that saw the writing on the wall and ordered more parts at the beginning of the pandemic, rather than cut orders like the rest of the field.

        • JTTheMan on 13/05/2022 - 23:21

          The battery has an 8yr warranty.
          The misinformation is astounding!

          • AEKaBeer on 14/05/2022 - 07:16
            +1

            @JTTheMan: 8 years or 70% capacity whichever comes first. Guess which come first with regular use?

  • payless69 on 11/05/2022 - 05:58
    +7

    Kia driver here: Generally well built car with lower than hopeless backup! Dealer is not even able to fit the correct oil change sticker!
    Get the mod 3 and later pay for performance upgrade. Then enjoy the road while Kia owners quarel about getting it fixed!

    • pegaxs on 11/05/2022 - 07:56
      +4

      Meanwhile, with the Tesla, you would have the choice of 1 of 3 service centres for the whole of Victoria and all of them are in Melbourneā€™s eastern suburbs. If you owned a Kia, there are 20+ dealers just in Melbourne. (Using OPā€™s state as a reference) If you donā€™t like your local one, chances are, there is one only a few extra km away.

      Kia has representation in just about every major city and large town across Victoria. If you are on a road trip and you have an issue and you are 500km from Melbourne, there is probably a dealer or a mechanic that can look at your vehicle. With Tesla, itā€™s a flatbed back to Melbourne.

      So, if OP lives in and around the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, have at the model 3, but if they live anywhere else, Geelong, Morwell, Horsham or Shepparton for example, get the Kia.

      • Euphemistic on 11/05/2022 - 08:05
        +3

        But Tesla service is all over the air so you just need phone coverage right?

        • pegaxs on 11/05/2022 - 09:55
          +10

          ā€œHave you tried turning it off and on againā€¦ā€

      • payless69 on 11/05/2022 - 10:06

        There is a pc repairer in Shepparton that put a Comma self drive level 2 assistance into his Sorrento. (costs U$999 + 30 cable @comma.ai)
        Made the drives into Melbourne less stressful.
        Then he bought a model 3 and never looked back.

      • chuq on 11/05/2022 - 14:56
        +5

        You're incorrectly assuming that people living in Geelong, Morwell, Horsham or Shepparton have any need to take their car into a service centre regularly. You think people in those towns don't go to Melbourne once every two years?

        Tesla recently advertised for mobile technicians based in Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat. On the rare occasion that someone in those areas needs service, the Tesla service tech will come to them, so if anything it's easier than a Kia.

        • notfrodo on 11/05/2022 - 16:31
          +6

          I dont know why this is getting downvoted. All my two services for my Tesla was done at home by mobile service. If this was any other car, I would have to take it in and leave it there for half a day. I am not saying you will never have to visit the service center but you wont have to go there for every single minor issue.

          • chuq on 11/05/2022 - 22:32
            +2

            @notfrodo:

            I dont know why this is getting downvoted.

            No doubt because pegaxs hates EVs and loves to dump shit on Tesla whenever he can.

            • pegaxs on 12/05/2022 - 22:41
              +1

              @chuq:

              because pegaxs hates EVs

              Lol. Are you serious? I have stated numerous times that I love EVā€™s, that my next car will be an EV, that my main mode of transport to work is an electric motorcycle and that EVā€™s are definitely the future.

              I have even stated in the past that Tesla vehicles are great and are an industry leader that others could learn from them and that Tesla is leading the change and have proven that electric cars can and will sellā€¦

              I have literally done a few posts on here talking about EVā€™s and ownership and even spent hours making a spreadsheet to help people work out if the extra premium to buy an EV was worth itā€¦

              Yep, I sure seem to hate EVā€™s.

              Now, Tesla ā€ownersā€ on the other handā€¦ They are only just slightly out cringed by dude-bro Mustang owners. How do you know someone owns a Tesla? Donā€™t worry, theyā€™ll tell you.

              If there is one thing I have learned about Tesla owners is that any negative discussion of their beloved messiah, Bhagwan Musk or their holy chariot is always treated as if it were a direct personal insult on themselves.

              I would happily own a Tesla if there wasnā€™t the stigma of the stereotype attached to it.

      • payless69 on 12/05/2022 - 11:12
        +1

        Time to escape from hell or turn into a JV ?

    • Dogsrule on 11/05/2022 - 18:24
      +2

      OP is considering a base RWD M3 which does not have any performance upgrade available. Only the Long Range model has 'Acceleration Boost' available for $3k.

      • ptl93 on 12/05/2022 - 11:15
        +1

        I'm happy with RWD and the ability to go 0 - 100 km in 6s. AB and AWD are quite excessive.

        • Dogsrule on 12/05/2022 - 16:52

          Oh for sure, not having a go at you, just saying there is no AB for the base model.

    • Franc-T on 13/05/2022 - 00:30

      We havent had any issue with our Kia dealership. So both our comments are anecdotal, afaik KIA hasn't got a terrible reputation in the service stakes.

      • payless69 on 13/05/2022 - 07:37
        -1

        According to Autoexpert.com pretty face Kia Hiunday are the only ones left he can be broker so everything else is worse!
        Being less bad is for sure giving you a good reputation by default!

  • whitelie on 11/05/2022 - 06:09
    -1

    How far and often are the "occasional road trips"?
    If they were multiple times a year and required multiple charging breaks, it would be a deal breaker for me.

    Don't necessarily compare the demo car's fuel consumption either. It's a demo. It's going to do short trips around the block and more than likely be driven somewhat spiritedly most of that time.

    I don't like the look of the Model 3 but if it were between these two and it could do the road trip run in 1 charge, that's what I'd be taking.

    • wackedupwacko on 11/05/2022 - 14:42
      +6

      I dont get why people think charging breaks are a deal-breaker. When i go on long trips, i fuel up the car at the breaks, then go use the loo, wander around for a bit. All up, unless I'm on a tight time budget, I'd spend a good 20-30 mins for a break. Thats plenty of time to charge an EV.

      • peterpaoliello on 11/05/2022 - 17:04
        -2

        That's ridiculous stopping for 30min every 400km or whatever the range is..

        But that being said 15min every 200k isn't that bad

        Still a hassle I wouldn't subject myself to given the choice

        • duke meister on 11/05/2022 - 21:42
          +3

          More like 350km, and frankly I'm wanting a stretch after a few hundred k's.

      • Franc-T on 13/05/2022 - 00:31
        +1

        20-30 is only enough time if you have access to a proper charger, not just a power point - which isnt a given.

      • vindictus on 13/05/2022 - 07:30
        +1

        When official recommendations are stop revive survive but the average cobber is TOO TOUGH for that safety nonsense

  • websterp on 11/05/2022 - 07:51
    +1

    Probably not a deal-breaker but don't forget to factor in the extra $375 EV tax you'd have to pay at Rego time in in Vic for the 15K Kms.

  • Pecan on 11/05/2022 - 08:17
    +12

    Autopilot (which is outstanding for road trips) is standard on Teslas, perhaps you are thinking FSD which is a long way off being available here. Panel gaps were a thing of the past, not something of concern in current generations. The simple clean interior is a pro, imo. If in 5 years itā€™s anything like now, the Tesla will hold value far better than the Kia. Donā€™t forget there are EV rebates too, $3k in VIC. Only downside is the current wait time is 9-12 months but then again a lot of other makes have similar wait times.

    Would have thought that the choice was obvious based on you having solar at home already!

    • ItsMeAgro on 11/05/2022 - 18:02
      +3

      Would have thought that the choice was obvious based on you having solar at home already!

      A 70k electric vehicle for a solar owner is going to be tens of thousands cheaper, over it's lifetime, than a petrol vehicle, with fuel costs and petrol engine servicing costs.

      That's not even counting the possibility it won't depreciate as quickly.

    • ass3ts on 11/05/2022 - 23:15
      +2

      I always sold my previous Teslas just before they went out of their "Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty" (excluding battery and drive unit). Out of warranty Teslas are nightmares to deal with, they're costly (almost 'supercar' costly) and in Australia you're pretty much at Tesla's mercy, so will it really hold the value far better in 5 years?

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