To buy or not to buy, that is the question!

[fmicle]

Hello Everyone,

New guy here... not even owner... yet...

So, here is my story: I have been a Mazdaspeed3 owner for almost 3 years now and I've been wanting a RWD car for some time. I feel like the Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec is everything I want, performance and cost wise. Problem is, I live in Texas and I can't find any Coupes with a manual transmission on a 500 mile radius. The dealership offered to get me one (or rather, to call me when they get one from the factory) for $31,450, which is way above the MSRP for the R-Spec.

I have actually found the perfect one, 1,400 miles away and I am thinking about going to get it, but I haven't had a chance to test drive the manual transmission on this car. I did test drive the Grand Touring 3.8 yesterday with the flappy pedal thingy, but I didn't like it that much, I know for sure I want the manual.

So the question is: should I take my chances and just fly 1,400 miles without having test-driven an MT model before? What are your thoughts? Is the manual better than the automatic? Does it feel more direct? The AT seemed a little slow to me, almost felt like I can change gears faster myself... I want the engine to feel more directly connected to the wheels, if you know what I mean...

Do I risk being disappointed? After all, if I end up not liking it, it would be a $500 loss for flying there and back, which is not the end of the world, but I'd like to gauge how good chances are that I'll like it. I can't for the life of me find a dealer around here that has one with a manual gearbox.

Any feedback will be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Florin

 

[fmicle]

I wanted to clarify one thing in my statement above. I did test-drive the Grand Touring 3.8 version and I liked the handling, the stance, driving position and all that. The only remaining thing is the MT feel, I like to feel the direct connection between the engine and the wheel, like if I lift suddenly I don't mind if the car jerks because engine RPM's drop suddenly, not only I don't mind, but I like that kind of tightness.

 

[WowCool]

Hi, are there no used vehicles in your area (test drive)? If you see the model you desire driving around speak to the owner - get some hands On info..
If your local dealer will not step up & help, call a few out of your area & see what they have to offer in the way of service & test drives..etc..

 

[homeofstone]

I think I remember reading a review that did not rate the manual very well. The automatic was rated better. Maybe a google search could help you out.

 

[Gattsu]

What part of Texas are you from? I was in the same boat as you, but I found the trim/color and M/T I wanted in Dallas. Luckily I have family there so if I didn't get the car, it wouldn't have been a total waste. Anyways, about the M/T, I love it. Some reviews say its rubbery or it doesn't shift well at all. I put over 900 miles on my gen and no complaints from me. I love being in control of the car, having a clutch to drop, rev matching on down shift. You can't do that with paddle shifters. The only advantage with paddle shifters is that they shift faster.

I say go for it if the price is right!

 

[Gattsu]

fmicle, How'd it go? Were you able to test out the M/T? What did you think about it?

I was in Temple TX 7 to 8 June with my gen. An extra few hours to Austin would have been nothing...

 

[fmicle]

It went well, I flew to Maryland last week and got my car Drove it back 1,560 miles, 23 hours. I love it, it's great, lots of power and sounds awesome! I'm happy with my purchase. Need to get tint and carpets. No complaints about the M/T.

 

[Gattsu]

Congrats! I've made that trip a few times.. D.C. to Dallas.. You would think that they would have included the carpets. I think I saw some OEM on Amazon but not sure if they are cheaper than the dealer's price.

 

[fmicle]

I ordered carpets from hyundaiaccessories.com, they are OEM, branded, very nice!

Took a co-worker (who just bought a Scion FR-S) to lunch last Wednesday and on the way back he said: "this car is a beast". Yes, it is

Now I'm trying to find a nice quality sun shade and I'll be done for a while. Got tint a week ago, the short shifter is in the mail, so I'm all set.

 

[Gattsu]

Nice! I've been looking at short shifters too. What brand did you get? I want to get the SFR tuned ECU and other performance upgrades. I think I'm gunna wait a year and see what else comes out for the 2013, but i might just go a head and get a short shifter. Also have interior lights on the way from flyride.

Take your friend for another run with the TC and SC off!!

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[Gattsu]

Correction, lights are coming from diode dynamics. I had flyride on the brain cuz of the headlights here:http://www.genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/showthread.php?t=11588

 

[Beendenied_U K]

Get a TWM short shifter, super easy install if you have access to a lift. Not much harder if you don't though. Also, I've got an sfr tune too, I would wait until everything is ironed out lol

 

[Gattsu]

Good advice on waiting. I was looking at the TWM the other day. Did you replace the boot too? Their shift knobs are expensive!

 

[Beendenied_U K]

I'm still using the same shift boot. Yea that cost a bit more, I can agree with that

 

[fmicle]

Get a TWM short shifter, super easy install if you have access to a lift. Not much harder if you don't though. Also, I've got an sfr tune too, I would wait until everything is ironed out lol

Yes, installing that sucker was a beyotch... Technically, it is a very simple procedure, but getting your hands around the transmission shaft and grabbing all the bolts is tricky.

I am getting some odd vibrations and sounds during the shifts, while the stick is in neutral, but I presume that's because the TWM shifter is more tightly connected to the transmission rod than the stock one (pin versus bolt with aluminum bushings).

I also noticed that in order to get into reverse, I now have to hit the left side of the center console. Doesn't bother me, but still, I think it's an imperfection.

The worst effect though was a very annoying rattle in 5th and 6th gear at freeway speeds of the stock knob when installed with the TWM shifter.

Good advice on waiting. I was looking at the TWM the other day. Did you replace the boot too? Their shift knobs are expensive!

The TWM knobs are indeed VERY expensive. I found a good alternative though: got a 400 grams RAZO knob from amazon. Nice stitched leather. The odd vibrations and sounds are gone and I am happy for now