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The Kia Stinger is an affordable sporty sedan with rear-wheel drive.

Want a Kia Stinger? Now Is the Time to Buy Used

When the Kia Stinger first arrived in 2017, it marked Kia’s interest in stepping into a sporty segment of the sedan market. With a $33,090 starting price, the Stinger was priced aggressively, undercutting most of its closest competitors. As a result, sales for the sporty sedan have held steady since its unveiling. However, a quick …

When the Kia Stinger first arrived in 2017, it marked Kia’s interest in stepping into a sporty segment of the sedan market. With a $33,090 starting price, the Stinger was priced aggressively, undercutting most of its closest competitors. As a result, sales for the sporty sedan have held steady since its unveiling. However, a quick look at AutoTrader reveals that used Stingers now sell for as little as $23,000.

You don’t have to pay $50,390 for the highest trim level

The Kia Stinger is an affordable sporty sedan with rear-wheel drive.
Kia Stinger | Kia

Although the Kia Stinger’s $33,090 base price is reasonable, the best things in life aren’t free. The sportiest Stinger, the GT2, carries a $50,390 starting price without options. Fully specced-out, the Stinger can reach a maximum price of $54,510.

Depreciation has hit the Stinger particularly hard, with 2018 GT2 models selling for around $32,000. Such a steep depreciation curve means it cost someone almost $20,000 to own their Stinger for three years. Even less than one-year-old 2020 models sell for $10,000 under MSRP.

The most affordable GT-Line trim level also takes a $10,000 depreciation hit and is now widely available for less than $23,000. As the years continue to pass by, expect even the GT2 to hit the mid 20’s.

You can have the Kia Stinger in two flavors

The Kia Stinger is an affordable sporty sedan with rear-wheel drive.
Kia Stinger | Kia

For any car to exist, it needs to sell. To achieve this, the Kia Stinger came equipped with two engine choices. The first is a mass-market friendly 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower. In stock form, an eight-speed automatic transmission sends all of the available power to the rear wheels. An optional all-wheel-drive system is also available for an additional $2,200.

The second and most interesting engine option is 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 365 hp. Like the base model, the only available transmission is an eight-speed automatic. Aside from the extra power, the more powerful models also receive optional brakes, wheels, tires, and suspension. All of these performance-oriented parts serve to highlight the Stinger’s greatest strengths.

Want a more luxurious version? Buy the Genesis G70

A photo of the Genesis G70 at an auto show.
Genesis G70 | MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images

If you want the Kia Stinger’s sporty demeanor with a luxurious look, then you should opt for the Genesis G70. The Genesis G70 was developed utilizing the Stingers underpinnings and powertrain. Both the turbo four-cylinder and the twin-turbo V6 are available along with the same eight-speed automatic transmission. There is, however, a noticeable tax when opting for the G70, given that the V6 model starts at $7,060 more than the equivalent Kia. With all of the options selected, the G70 comes in at $53,695.

Like the Stinger, the G70 was dealt a fatal blow by depreciation. While the twin-turbo V6 carries an MSRP of $46,650, one-year-old examples sell for around $35,000. Even the highest trim levels are trading below $40,000, marking potential savings of over $10,000 across the board. Given the steep depreciation felt by both models, it makes sense now more than ever to buy used.

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