I leased my 2019 Kia Stinger GT1 a few months back for a 39 Month Lease ($500m/first month DAS). I did some small exterior mods, and I’m wondering if they’re gonna bill me for it when it comes time to return.
What was done:
15% Window Tint (30% is CO legal)
Debadged the back and put an OEM Stinger Logo on in replacement
Swapped the front Kia Badge for an OEM Stinger Badge (used in Korean Market)
Aside from the tint, all parts are genuine OEM Kia accessories. If I’ve done all mods with what are technically dealer accessories, can I still be billed at the end for this?
Not able to answer your question, but that deal is pretty good and i love your color choice. I almost got into this exact color model (down to the interior) but ended up going with an audi SQ5 in the same color scheme.
Thanks! This is my first car that isn’t black, but I can’t think of a color combo that looks better on a Stinger.
It’s definitely one of the coolest cars I’ve ever owned…it’s hilarious how many people look at it, trying to figure out what it is without the badges. It’s not nearly as precise as my old S4 it’s replacing, and it lacks some of the little touches that made me an Audi Guy (one touch rear windows, intelligent key on rear doors, very little use of hard plastics, etc), but the technology you get makes up for it.
Having recently completed my inspection for my Genesis, I’m going to guess you’re fine on all accounts. I imagine the turn in process is going to be the same for Hyundai and Kia. My inspection was done by Alliance Inspection Management here in SoCal.
Similar to you, I didn’t want the world knowing I was driving a cheap Korean car, so I completely debadged my Genesis and plasti-dipped over the blemishes left on the trunk. I kept all of the badging just in case, but was not charged for it by the inspector. It didn’t even come up.
As far as Hyundai vs Kia, I think Hyundai gives you $500 in leeway at turn-in. I also bought a $500 excess wear and tear package. Not sure if that played into it or not.
So my best guess is you’re totally fine with debaging and rebadging. I kind of doubt they’ll even check your tint, honestly. If they do, it won’t cost much to get it removed.
I wouldn’t about it. But on the safe side, visit the Kia website and click on lease turn in tab and there should be a paragraph or two on what is allowed or not allowed in terms of after market/upgraded accessories. I leased a 2015 MBZ E-Class sport and had windows tinted (really dark but within the CA law) and some other stuff done to the exterior. When I turned it in after lease, the person inspecting told me they liked the dark tint and chrome accessories.
