4.6 2011 or 2012

[craigt]

Ah. My bad.

Have you tried searching this forum? I'd look at posts back in 2012/2013 for comparisons.

 

[Rysher8]

Thanks Craig! The overall sense I've gotten from this forum is:

. The '09 suspension was harsh

. The '10-11 suspension was improved, but still too harsh for some

. The '12 suspension promised improvements, but some didn't notice a significant difference

. I haven't seen a lot of complaints about the '13 or '14 suspension, so maybe Hyundai made further refinements that went unadvertised

 

[Rysher8]

I would also love to hear from anyone who has experienced rough shifting from the 6 speed transmission. I've seen a lot of discussion on the merits and challenges of the 8 speed, but much less on the 6 speed. Smooth power is an important consideration.

Last but not least, I've seen a number of posts saying that the Lexicon sound system on the pre '12 models sounds slightly better/fuller. Is there any validity to that?

 

[amartz]

There was a big difference between the R-spec suspension and the non-Rspec suspension. If you are talking about the R-spec suspension, there may not have been that big of a difference between the 9-11 and 12-14 models, and is in my opinion why so many people think the 15+ suspension is so good. There was a big difference in the 12+ non-Rspec suspension on the V6 and the non-Rspec V8.

 

[baltojeff]

I went through the same questions that you did and settled on my 2011 4.6. I tend to follow the K.I.S.S. option whenever possible and felt that the 4.6 non-GDI engine was sweet and the ZF 6-speed was a proven winner (and could get parts / replacement / service if needed). I've put on about 30k miles and still love it. However, there certainly are some items to consider:

• Transmission is "sealed for life", which I hate, but managed to get around it by doing a full trans flush withOUT dropping the pan. Should be good for another 6ok miles.
• Gas mileage may not be quite what a GDI might get, but also remove complexity and some issues seen in the newer 5.0 model.
• Tech is older, NAVI is older, had to add Bluetooth through a USB adapter, but works fine.
• Suspension is a little harder than I'd like, but at almost 90k miles, it is likely time for me to replace some shocks/struts/rubber.

Good luck with your decision. For the most part, I think people's response on this forum have been that it is a good choice.

 

[Rysher8]

Martz,

That's great feedback, and I think you're on to something that the majority of issues with the 2012 suspension have been with the R-Spec.

Jeff,

That really helps. I'm also glad to hear that you're still happy with the car at the 90k mile mark. That makes two higher mileage 2011 4.6L drivers in this thread (you and HomeofStone) still satisfied with the purchase.

 

[Mark_888]

Thanks Craig! The overall sense I've gotten from this forum is:

. The '09 suspension was harsh

. The '10-11 suspension was improved, but still too harsh for some

. The '12 suspension promised improvements, but some didn't notice a significant difference

. I haven't seen a lot of complaints about the '13 or '14 suspension, so maybe Hyundai made further refinements that went unadvertised

I believe the above is correct with the following additional info:

There was a slight change in the 2009 suspension made mid-year (Spring of 2009 build date). So early 2009 models had the most suspension complaints.

2012 suspension was definitely improved, except that the 2012 R-Spec was similar to the 2009-2011 suspension tuning. However, the rear stabilizer bar is the same for all 2012 models (thicker, but now hollow instead of solid). Several people in this forum who have a 2009-2011 and only changed their rear stabilizer bar to 2012 specs have reported improvements. The nature of the R-Spec is that one should expect it to have a rather firm ride.

I don't believe that there was a suspension changes in 2013, but some minor changes may have been made in 2014, but no confirmation of that (which would have to be determined by researching the part numbers).

 

[Rysher8]

Mark, All of that makes sense. The bottom line sounds like that if I were to buy a 2011 and the ride was too rough, replacing the rear stabilizer bar might make for a calmer ride.

 

[zielritter]

I don't think you can go wrong with either and it will come down to if you like the original or refreshed body style more. I drive a '12 4.6 and love it, but I also prefer the looks of updated headlights, rocker panels, and integrated exhaust tips of the 12-14.

The only thing lacking that was a letdown to me is Bluetooth audio streaming. I have Bluetooth phone connectivity, but unbeknownst to me initially this does NOT equate to being able to also stream music from an audio device. I believe the 13 and 14 rectified this omission, however.

Other than routine maintenance, I've had to replace my HVAC fan and a door lock actuator. I'm at 28,000 miles.

 

[Rysher8]

Zielritter that is great and insightful advice. I'm also glad to hear that the car has been mostly worry free. I think that I slightly prefer the sleek flowing style of the '11 over the more aggressive and sporty style of the '12, but they are both very attractive IMO.

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[amartz]

The only thing lacking that was a letdown to me is Bluetooth audio streaming. I have Bluetooth phone connectivity, but unbeknownst to me initially this does NOT equate to being able to also stream music from an audio device.

You do know this is real easy to setup. I blue-tooth stream in mine all the time.

 

[zielritter]

Zielritter that is great and insightful advice. I'm also glad to hear that the car has been mostly worry free. I think that I slightly prefer the sleek flowing style of the '11 over the more aggressive and sporty style of the '12, but they are both very attractive IMO.

I'll add that I've only had the car for a year and bought it used, but the Car Fax was clean and both of the issues were present when I picked up the car. Not major and both covered under warranty.

 

[LandoAWD]

You do know this is real easy to setup. I blue-tooth stream in mine all the time.

I'll bite. Aux device that BTs to the phone?

 

[zielritter]

You do know this is real easy to setup. I blue-tooth stream in mine all the time.

Yeah, I know about the BT devices that plug into the aux jacks. There are a few thread on here about them. I just haven't been inconvenienced enough plugging my phone into the jack each time I go for a ride. It's on the to do list though.

 

[amartz]

I'll bite. Aux device that BTs to the phone?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/r.html?R=3C9RQ8GGDB4UO&C=3TG14KBDH777U&H=C8HWBDR6ONOSJQXQARTQI1ANODIA&T=C&U=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB009NLTW60%2Fref%3Dpe_385040_30332190_TE_M3T1_ST1_dp_1

 

[Rysher8]

Nice! Back to the '11 vs. '12 debate, is there any truth to the idea that the Lexicon is better in the pre '12 versions of the car? I listened to a '12, and thought it sounded pretty good.

 

[homeofstone]

Nice! Back to the '11 vs. '12 debate, is there any truth to the idea that the Lexicon is better in the pre '12 versions of the car? I listened to a '12, and thought it sounded pretty good.

I think the 12 and 11 Lexicon 17 speaker systems are about the same. Some say the 2012 17 speaker system has less bass. Also I think the 6 disc cd changer was deleted in 2012 but who cares, I use a 16gig usb at 320 k and have over 3000 songs on it. If you get a nav update, the dealer has to do it on the tech pkg 17 speaker Lexicon system. The updates for me have gone well and they added info and functions to the nav system. Nav update price is about 300.00 which is about the same cost as Mercedes.

 

[amartz]

Also I think the 6 disc cd changer was deleted in 2012 but who cares,

Nope. Mine's got it, and it works fine. And fyi, I can burn the same 320kbs audio files to an 8 gig dvd and play them just fine. Let's see, 6x8, that'll match your 16G, I think.

 

[zielritter]

Nope. Mine's got it, and it works fine. And fyi, I can burn the same 320kbs audio files to an 8 gig dvd and play them just fine. Let's see, 6x8, that'll match your 16G, I think.

Pfft, Spotify for $10 a month and I got unlimited gigs of audio.

Would be great to have a plug and play BT device that interfaced with the Spotify app on my phone. I haven't played audio from stored media for years now.

 

[amartz]

Pfft, Spotify for $10 a month and I got unlimited gigs of audio.

Would be great to have a plug and play BT device that interfaced with the Spotify app on my phone. I haven't played audio from stored media for years now.

I'm with you! Only it's Slacker for me. I just set my phone in the wireless charging cradle suction cupped to the windshield, and tasker sees the BT and the charger, and automatically launches Waze and Slacker. Truly no touch! My version of Heads Up Navigation.