I got a Genesis today!

[jwaters943]

Well fellas, I just got home after a long day....got up at 6 a.m., drove 2 hours to Roseville Hyundai (which bills itself as the largest Hyundai dealership in California), and to make a long story short, I picked myself up a little present.....

2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 w/ the Premium Plus Package
(I skipped the $4k Tech Package because the only thing I really wanted that came with it was the NAV. I guess a Garmin portable unit will have to do)

So far I absolutely love this car. I think they got the suspension tuning just perfect for 90% of the buying public (some enthusiasts might prefer a bit firmer ride). The steering is also better than expected, but it's still more MB than BMW. Initial impressions are that it's both more refined and a bit sportier than my 2006 GS430. I will do a proper writeup/photoshoot once I get the windows tinted and apply a few coats of Klasse, but for now I think I'm going to go lay down in the back seat and take a nap. j/k

 

[GrandPrix08]

Congrats. I didn't even know they are actually here. All I heard is the July 15 being the target date. What state are you from? I guess you were one of the very firsts. What color did you get, it's hard to see in the photo since it's night-time.

Congrats, and I wish you a long happy miles with your new ride.

I may actually visit one of my local Hyundai Dealer(which is about 20 minutes drive here, since I don't see that many Hyundai dealers around here) just to take a look, to see if all those hypes were worth it or not, though I won't buy one since I already got a new car back in February.

Good Luck with it.

EDIT: Oh, and welcome to the boards. I hope it was worth the price and I hope you are happy with your purchase.

EDIT(again): I forgot that you wrote CALIFORNIA. Duh me.

 

[jwaters943]

I live in Reno, NV (our dealership doesn't have any yet) and purchased in Roseville, CA.

It was mostly painless, but they did have to drive the car across state lines before I could officially take delivery. I had to sign a notorized document in Nevada in order to avoid getting charged sales tax in both states.

The color is Titanium Gray Metallic. It's a dark silver. The color looks gorgeous in the light, but was my 2nd exterior color choice. I chose it because it had the black/brown interior which I liked the best by far.

From left to right the pic below shows the Genesis in the following colors:
blue silver metallic, Titanium Gray Metallic (the car I got), regular silver metallic, and then dark metallic blue (sorry, I don't know all the names of the colors). They had a black one in the showroom that looked amazing, but already had light scratches/swirl marks from people pawing all over it.

 

[GrandPrix08]

Hmmm, based upon my experience, buying a car is not easy, and takes a whole lot of headaches and negotiations and what have you. I know, since I went to at least 6 different dealers before I got my Grand Prix, and most of them were d***s and one of them even dragged me and kind of forced me to sign the paper on spot. Sounds like you just walked in and signed the paper right away. Looks like you were so set on buying one when it arrived at the dealer, Heh Heh . I hope you got a good deal out of it. I am not sure since the car is the first model year, brand spanking new. Was there any good rebate or any programs going on for financing? or nothing since it's brand new? just for the people who may be wonderring. I hope the car sells so I will get a chance to actually see them crusing on the streets of New Jersey. Though $33,000 isn't exactly cheap for a Hyundai nameplate.

Just wonderring.

btw, a black one with scratches already? Hmmm, they can just forget about selling that now, not at the full price at least. Black is my favorite when it comes to cars and that is part of the reason I got the black Grand Prix.

 

[jwaters943]

Did I get a good deal? Well, I got $500 off MSRP, so for a brand new model that's in the decent range IMO. If I wanted to get it for near invoice I could have waited, but I've been waiting for this car forever and after driving it I knew I had to have it. I've driven nearly every semi-luxurious vehicle in the $30-40k price range and the Genesis is the only vehicle that far exceeded my expectations. In the past 6 months I've driven the G35, TL, TSX, Azera, G8, ES350, C300, 328i, etc. and none of them felt like the perfect overall package for me until I drove the Genesis. As for the sales process, this was one of the most easygoing, low-pressure experiences I've ever experienced. With that said, I was in the dealership almost 4 hours and I shot down their first 2 offers.

A few more random side notes....

I just went out and checked the tire pressure. They had all the tires jacked up to 48psi (cold), even though the door jam label clearly states the psi recommended pressure is 33 and the Hyundai technician signoff sheet left in the door states he adjusted all 4 tires to 33psi. So much for being thorough I guess. I set all four at 35psi just to give a bit more firmness and possibly aid fuel-economy. So far I'm getting 25mpg, which is great (my Pilot averages a dismal 17mpg).

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Welcome aboard, JWaters! And thank you for signing up! You are certainly one of the very first Hyundai Genesis owners in America. I'm surprised to see "they're out" as well. Now we'll start getting real world reviews.. If you don't mind me asking - what did you pay?

 

[GrandPrix08]

So, I guess all the hypes and wait were worth it, and all the positive reviews from the big presses like Car and Driver and all were true. 25 MPG is really good for the car of that size and the engine size of 3.8(which my GP also has). My GP gets 18/27, so I guess it's pretty similar in that.

I was highly doubtful if Genesis were good enough of all of its hypes and wonderred if it will win any American luxury car buyers, and thought it will only appeal to the few percentage of Korean Americans, but if the car is that good enough, I guess it MAY win some non-Korean customers I guess who used to shop the likes of Toyota Avalon or Honda Accord.

Was the dealer treatment any different than any other Hyundai models? since a lot of people are wonderring that for the Genesis, which should be treated differently for its customers than their lower level models for it is considerred a large, luxury sedan.

 

[jwaters943]

Since this is my first Hyundai I can't really say if it's any better or worse. I did remember reading about how they were going to set up special fancy displays for the Genesis in dealerships. This was not the case at the dealership I visited. It was displayed next to the Azera with no special signage, lighting, etc.

I was thinking of adding a KDM Genesis badge...what do you guys think? Too ricey?

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Since this is my first Hyundai I can't really say if it's any better or worse. I did remember reading about how they were going to set up special fancy displays for the Genesis in dealerships. This was not the case at the dealership I visited. It was displayed next to the Azera with no special signage, lighting, etc.

I was thinking of adding a KDM Genesis badge...what do you guys think? Too ricey?

I like the idea of the Genesis badge....

 

[GrandPrix08]

I get a feeling that, sooner or later, you will be able to find those logos on E-Bay once the car gets deliverred to all the Hyundai dealers across North America. For, I do see a lot of messages being posted on the car sites that they prefer the KDM Genesis logo instead of the Hyundai's flying H logo. Though, many people are blaming Hyundai for ripping off Bentley's logo, but hey, Genesis is the new model, and I think it deserves a new logo as well, don't you think?

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[Sal Collaziano]

I get a feeling that, sooner or later, you will be able to find those logos on E-Bay once the car gets deliverred to all the Hyundai dealers across North America. For, I do see a lot of messages being posted on the car sites that they prefer the KDM Genesis logo instead of the Hyundai's flying H logo. Though, many people are blaming Hyundai for ripping off Bentley's logo, but hey, Genesis is the new model, and I think it deserves a new logo as well, don't you think?

The winged-logo has been copied for decades...

 

[GrandPrix08]

Well, it seems like the Logos are already being offered on E-bay. Quite a Surprise, already....

 

[TiburonGT]

Congratulation on your purchase. The seats look very comfortable. How is the handling on it? Did they have any V8 on the lot? Do Genesis come with HID?

I personally like the other grill Hyundai consider before they chose the one on it now. In my opinion it gives the car a more genuine feel without the logo it feels like a counterfeit car. The one on it still looks good,but I prefer to have the Hyundai logo on the grill. I would be nice if they could put the logo on the current one as well.

 

[gopack504]

Wow! Totally cool! If you drove all those cars in the $30-40k price range and liked the Genesis the best that says a lot. If you have owned a couple of those other brands and bought a Genesis that says even more.

 

[Michael_S]

3 questions:

1. How does the V6 power feel?
2. You're getting 25 mpg. You just got the car. Are you riding it hard at all, or are you doing mostly highway driving with a light foot?
3. How is the back seat space and entry/exit? If I can budget for a Genesis, I need to fit three children's car seats in the back. (And of course, the need for three car seats is exactly why I probably can't afford one. )

I'm jealous. Enjoy the purchase!

 

[jwaters943]

Wow! Totally cool! If you drove all those cars in the $30-40k price range and liked the Genesis the best that says a lot. If you have owned a couple of those other brands and bought a Genesis that says even more.

In terms of luxury cars, I've owned a prior gen Acura TL & BMW 528i, and a 2006 GS430. I like the Genesis way better than the Acura and Lexus. The Lexus really was a case of live and learn. On the test drive it shined, but after a while I began to detest the drop down contol panel by the steering wheel and mine was plagued with a few rattles. The electronically actuated brakes were also difficult to modulate. Not at all what I expected of a $60k Lexus. The BMW, while underpowered by todays standards, was a charmer with great steering and brakes. It's too soon to say if I like the Genesis more than the BMW, but I do REALLY like the Genesis so far. I truly believe that if you are after a $30-40k large(ish) sedan that is powerful, and offers an equal parts blend of luxury and sport, the Genesis can't be beat. If this vehicle were badged a MB or Lexus, no one would flinch at paying $20k more. Only in the very smallest of ways does the Genesis disappoint. For instance, the fake wood looks like a reasonable facsimile of the real thing, but it's obviously not the real thing if you closely examine it, and the trunk is not finished as nicely as it's luxury car counterparts (especially around the subwoofer).

 

[jwaters943]

3 questions:

1. How does the V6 power feel?
2. You're getting 25 mpg. You just got the car. Are you riding it hard at all, or are you doing mostly highway driving with a light foot?
3. How is the back seat space and entry/exit? If I can budget for a Genesis, I need to fit three children's car seats in the back. (And of course, the need for three car seats is exactly why I probably can't afford one. )

I'm jealous. Enjoy the purchase!

1 & 2:
The V6 feels every bit as fast as my GS430. It's very smooth and loves to rev (although I haven't really gotten on it too much, I have noticed the Aisin 6-speed auto does like to shift way before redline....I haven't tried the "manual" mode yet). Still, the 6.1 seconds 0-60 time stated by Autoblog seems very believeable IMO. As for the MPG, about 2/3 of the miles I've driven thus far have been highway miles, but keep in mind that most of those miles were driving uphill on I-80 at around 70-75mph. It's a 7000' climb from the Roseville to Donner Summit. From Donner Summit its downhill to Reno, which has an elevation around 4500'. Still, for a new engine on it's first tank of gas, I am impressed.

3:
The rear seat is very spacious. It's much bigger than the GS430, and a bit bigger than the M35/45 (if you're familiar with that car). It does seem a bit smaller than the G8 in terms of legroom however. You'd probably be able to fit 3 car seats in the back, but it will be tight.

I'm planning on cleaning her up and doing a proper photoshoot within the next few days. I'm hoping I can capture how good the grill looks in person.

 

[jwaters943]

Congratulation on your purchase. The seats look very comfortable. How is the handling on it? Did they have any V8 on the lot? Do Genesis come with HID?

I personally like the other grill Hyundai consider before they chose the one on it now. In my opinion it gives the car a more genuine feel without the logo it feels like a counterfeit car. The one on it still looks good,but I prefer to have the Hyundai logo on the grill. I would be nice if they could put the logo on the current one as well.

So far the handling is great, but I haven't pushed it too hard. I would guess it's a bit softer than M35/45 & 530i/535i/550i, but well ahead of the GS430 which never felt completely at home in the twisties. It's not going to redefine this segment in terms of handling, but the suspension feels very well-sorted with no undue nosedive or body lean. The steering is better than I expected too (again, better than my GS430....why can't Lexus build a car with good steering?).

 

[gentau]

Congratulations on being among the first, if not the first, to own a Genesis in the States. I'm glad to hear that you like the car; and I hope the love affair continues. It was especially encouraging, to me, to hear that you were able to get it for less than MSRP. Like many people, I was worried that the dealers might foul up the introduction of the car by inflating the price with a dealer "added value" cost. I hope the common sense approach of your particular dealer carries over to other dealers as they receive the car.

I noticed, in your last picture, that the second car has different wheels. What is the story on that? I'm assuming that the different wheels are part of a different package. Do you know if they are the same size or just a different design than the wheels on your car?

One last question...is the front bumper drilled (holes) for mounting of the front license plate? My state doesn't have a front plate requirement and I would hate to think the bumper has pre-drilled holes in it.

Hope you continue to enjoy the car.

 

[GrandPrix08]

I have a question too. Well, especially since you have owned a Bimmer before. Most of the magazines and media have been chewing down on BMW's I-Drive feature for years, saying that it is un-friendly and hard to use. Since Genesis also have the similar looking knobs that seems like a straight copy from the bimmer, is it any better, or easier to use? or is it the same, confusing unit that BMWs have? It sure looked the same in its first glance.

Also, Based on seeing a few youtube vids before, I think there is another little thing that Hyundai needs to incorporate on their future cars. The trunk lid opening. I am not big on the trunk lids that has hinges to hold in place that can protrude to the cargo area, damaging the luggeges. My old 99 Grandam had the exact same thing, though it belongs to my dad now. I just wish Hyundai can incorporate the Strut type that my current Grand Prix has that stays away from the cargo area. That's one thing I don't like about Korean cars, surely, Hyundai should use that strut thing at least to their more expensive offerings.(I am not sure what Azera has, but to me, it seems like every Korean cars use that hinge design)