2011 or 2012 & v6 or v8

[rogerroger]

Hello everyone,

After looking at lots of different cars, I’m in the market for a 2011 or 2012, v6 or v8 (4.6) Genesis to replace my 2002 Infiniti I35. So I found this forum and started reading through posts. Now I have a few questions:

The 6-speed versus 8-speed transmission. I’ve read numerous posts about how slow the 8-speed is to downshift when passing or acceleration is needed quickly. Do any of you 8-speed owners wish that you could go back in time and get the 2011 with the 6-speed? Or is the 2012 Genesis that much better than the 2011? I’ve read where there is a possible fix – reprogramming the computer. Has this worked for anyone?

V6 versus V8. My I35 has 246 ft-lbs. of torque which I have found to be plenty even though I am a fast driver. The V6’s have 264 and 291 for the 2011 and 2012 respectively. Am I stupid to assume that either year should be better than my current I35? (If I am stupid to assume, that’s fine. You can point it out. There ARE stupid questions.) I know the easy response is to test drive, but those are somewhat limited in time and distance. And i'd rather not get up to 90-100mph as fast as possible with the saleperson sitting next to me.

Aside from the engine and transmission, are there any other major differences in the 2011 and 2012? Exterior styling? Interior styling?

Warranty. I see some cars being advertised as “certified” and some simply as “used”. Am I correct in thinking that if the car is certified, then I will receive the remainder of the 10year/100,000 mile warranty? And I should receive the remainder of the basic 5year/60,000 mile warranty regardless of whether it is certified? Why would a Hyundai dealership offer for sale a “used” Genesis instead of certifying it? Or does it matter if the dealership is not Hyundai. The Hyundai Protection Plan is different from these warranties, correct? I’ve read that if I purchase a Genesis with the DIS, then I should definitely look into purchasing the HPP.

Thanks in advance for any help and/or guidance everyone provides.

 

[thebells]

RR,

There are a lot of opinions here, so here is mine....

You can see that I drive a 2012 v6. For me (not necessarily for anyone else), here is how I looked at:

1. The 2012 did receive a small, but significant in my opinion styling revision. This is primarily visable in the rear and front of the car. This was significant for me as it is the current body style.
2. The 2012 also was updated with an 8-spd transmission and a more powerful direct injection motor, with better gas mileage.
3. I love the effortless feel of power of the 4.6 v8, but really wanted the new body style and better mileage, so I went with the 2012 v6. I also love the toys of the 4.6, so I bought the tech pkg.
4. Despite the small price difference between the tech v6 and the v8 new, I found the difference to be more on the used market. I paid $27k for mine with 2.8k miles and the best I could find for a v8 with under 5k miles was $31k. So $4k was worth the sacrifice of lower hp.
5. The 2012 v6 still runs very strong and I felt like the slightly better mileage and the v6 designation would help me resell the car in times of high gas prices.
6. If you buy anything other than the base v6, you really should consider the HPP as all of the neat electronic toys are only covered for 3/36. However, note the jury is still out on the HPP as it does not seem to cover the smart cruise, LDWS and parktronic.
7. I would only consider a CPO if I were buying the base model (which I very nearly did.) If you buy a base model CPO, I was willing to bet that I would not need any other coverage as there was a lot less big $ items that could fail and not be covered.
8. If you buy a slightly used car (under 10k miles), the HPP plan is pretty darn inexpensive (ie: $1250).
9. I'm very pleased with the responsiveness if my 8-spd. The entire driveline is very smooth and it will get up and go if prompted.

Hope this helps and good luck.

 

[mtrot]

The 2012 also received a suspension upgrade, and I am told has a more supple ride.

As to how the V6 performance will compare to your I35, how much does the I35 weigh? I ask because the Genesis is not a light car, weighing in at just over 4000 pounds. So, if the I35 weighs less, it may even out.

On the other hand, with the 2012, you do get the 8 speed transmission, which really keeps it in the power band when accelerating.

Regarding the transmission shifting, someone correct me but I believe the computer does adapt a bit to your driving style over time.

Regarding warranty, yes you should receive the remainder of the 5/60 warranty, and if you go with a CPO vehicle, they reinstate the 10year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. I just bought a CPO 2012 4.6 with 3500 miles on it for a sweet price. And yes, I did purchase the HPP Platinum, mostly because of the expense of any potential repairs on the DIS after the 3/36 cutoff. Keep in mind the HPP is transferable if you sell the car, and if you trade the car in before it runs out, you can get a refund of the unused portion.

Regarding the interior, the 2012 does add the heated rear seats if you get the tech package or a V8 model.

 

[Mark_888]

As to how the V6 performance will compare to your I35, how much does the I35 weigh? I ask because the Genesis is not a light car, weighing in at just over 4000 pounds. So, if the I35 weighs less, it may even out.

2012 Genesis Sedan curb weights in lbs:

• V6 - 3,824
• V8 - 4,046

Keep in mind that the difference is on the front end, so handling dynamics are a bit different.

 

[GenesisCaptain]

I would have bought a V8 prior to 2012. The V6 with the 8 speed has tons of performance. Plus, down the road, you will envy the head light and tail light cosmetics on the '12.

 

[homeofstone]

I am not yet a fan of any manufacturer's GDI engines. Maybe in another 5 years after the reliability is proven and its known that they will last 250k miles.

 

[rogerroger]

Thank you everyone for your responses.

My I35 weighs around 3400 lbs. Based on the torque figures of the 2011, I believe I would be better off with the v8 if I do purchase a 2011.

As for the styling differences, I hadn’t really noticed them until they were pointed out. That, or most of the ones I have seen on the road are 2012’s.

So with the HPP, it extends the warranty on most everything to 10 year/100,000 miles?

I must say, with talk about how important the DIS is to the function of the radio, CD, navi, etc. it does make me worry considering the head unit in the Bose system in my I35 went out after about 5 years.

 

[sawyer1370]

I too am also looking at a pre-owned Genesis. I know the 2012's got a modified engine with the GDI, and a 8 speed gear box, instead of the old 6 speed gear box. I also noticed they changed the head lights and tail lights on the 2012. The exhaust presentation is a bit different also, and the lower bumper and fog lights has changed a bit. But to those looking at the car and don't understand these subtle differences, they would likely go un-noticed.

Are there any other performance or cosmetic changes? I know I need to get out and drive a 2011 and a 2012 back to back to understand it for myself, but the difference in cost for the pre-owned cars could be a couple thousand bucks. Is it really worth the extra money if everything else (milage, features, etc) is equal?

I'm thinking the savings could go towards me purchasing the one of the nice rear lip spoilers, a nice seat of niche wheels (Niche Concourse series 20" off-set) and new tires, which to me would make a much bigger impact to the appearance of the car.

Any thoughts?

 

[zielritter]

I too am also looking at a pre-owned Genesis. I know the 2012's got a modified engine with the GDI, and a 8 speed gear box, instead of the old 6 speed gear box. I also noticed they changed the head lights and tail lights on the 2012. The exhaust presentation is a bit different also, and the lower bumper and fog lights has changed a bit. But to those looking at the car and don't understand these subtle differences, they would likely go un-noticed.

Are there any other performance or cosmetic changes? I know I need to get out and drive a 2011 and a 2012 back to back to understand it for myself, but the difference in cost for the pre-owned cars could be a couple thousand bucks. Is it really worth the extra money if everything else (milage, features, etc) is equal?

I'm thinking the savings could go towards me purchasing the one of the nice rear lip spoilers, a nice seat of niche wheels (Niche Concourse series 20" off-set) and new tires, which to me would make a much bigger impact to the appearance of the car.

Any thoughts?

To each his own, but engine aside I think the appearance of the 2012-13 is much improved over the 09-11. The 12-13 has a more squat, sporty stance
and the head lights, LED tail lights, and integrated exhaust outlets are very modern looking.

That's not to say the 09-11 is ugly. I just find it a little more dated looking and definitely leaning more towards the previous generation Lexus-luxury type of appearance.

One thing you missed as a difference is that the 12-13 suspension was re-calibrated including a beefier rear-stability bar. According to reviewers, it's less upset by highway imperfections and stays a bit flatter through sweeping turns.

I will also say that with my exhaust and intake modifications I have a similar 0-60 time compared to the 4.6l and I get slightly better MPGs. Time will tell if the Lambda GDI falls victim to carbon buildup on the intake valves.

 

[WowCool]

Before I purchase a car from any main dealer I spend an hour or so just sitting in & listening to the service advisers & customer responses..
Good AfterSales service is a prerequisite.
A Certified vehicle is always a good way to go..
In the end it's what makes you happy..

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Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[GenesisCaptain]

Are there any other performance or cosmetic changes? I know I need to get out and drive a 2011 and a 2012 back to back to understand it for myself, but the difference in cost for the pre-owned cars could be a couple thousand bucks. Is it really worth the extra money if everything else (milage, features, etc) is equal?

They also changed the graphic display in the instrument cluster to color and higher resolution. It is subtle, but it really does look nice.

 

[sawyer1370]

Thanks for the response. I would like to get the 3.8 with the Premium package. I will have to shop around a bit more to find a 2012 that fits my budget.

I agree the subtle changes to the 2012 do make the care look a little more current for sure.

 

[rogerroger]

Thanks again everyone for the information. My preference right now would be a 2012 V6 with the Tech package, but finding one of those right now is proving to be very difficult.

I have found a few 2011 V8's for under $30k that are acceptable.

 

[garyz]

I bought my 2012 v-6 loaded for $37000 new

 

[jlindh]

I bought my titanium 2012 4.6 new for $36,125. The V8's all have the tech package, lighted door sills and chrome lower strip along the sides. Additionally, the 4.6 is not a GDI engine and therefore doesn't sound like it needs a valve adjustment from outside the car.