Debating on buying a 2012 3.8L Genesis Sedan - Can I get some opinions?

[weareallwellknown]

Just looking for some opinion/experience from Genesis owners.

I'm not a "car guy" at all and don't know or have much interest in them from an enthusiast point of view but I do like owning/driving a car that is a step up from a Honda Civic so I'm looking for the best bang for buck vehicle in terms of comfort and style that fits my relatively low budget. I like my 2002 Acura RL but it is on it's last legs and the Genesis really caught my eye as it is in the same vein and has everything my RL has and much more.

The Genesis I'm eyeballing is a 2012 3.8L Sedan and appears to have pretty much every optional trim add on except for premium leather and power rear sunshade. Odometer reading is 86,500km and the asking price is just under $16k(CAD). Status is clean with no accidents according to report.

In my mind this seems to be pretty reasonable price for such a nice looking car with so many luxury features but what do you think? Would you buy this? I do need to buy a car within the month because I don't want to be dumping anymore money into my Acura that I could be putting towards a new car.

Concerns I have:
-Will I have higher cost of ownership from what I'm already use to with my RL? or should it be approximately the same? I understand European cars like BMWs etc have relatively high ownership costs, I don't want that. If that is the case I'll go back to a Honda Civic.
-at 86000km, is there any big ticket maintenance items coming up?
-if this isn't a lemon, how many kms should I expect to get out of this Genesis assuming I generally take good care of maintenance?
-Does the Genesis require that I put Premium gas in the tank? or is Regular ok?
-Anything I should know about owning a Genesis that a non-owner wouldn't know?

Would appreciate the advice.

Thanks!

 

[EdP]

You can search some of the posts on the Genesis sedan and perhaps find some information. IMO, it is a nice car with plenty of features and a good ride.

Yes, regular fuel is good. Not many miles on the once you are looking at so it should be a keeper for a long time. Good luck, I think you'll enjoy it.

 

[Mark_888]

2012 was the first year for the Hyundai 8-speed transmission. An above average number of them had to be replaced under warranty, especially for those built in the first half of the model year.

 

[dougmcp]

Buying any used car with 50,000 miles on it is a crap shoot so the the more informed you are going in the better your chances.
There are only 3 trim levels for this car with a 3.8 motor base, premium and tech. With the info provided you likely have the base model as the premium and tech are both equipped with the sunshade and leather seats.
Here is a breakdown of option packages: http://www.hyundaiproductinformatio...esisSedan/genesisSedan_compare_trim_level.asp
Here is my list of questions and things I would do to ensure your best chance of success:
Is this from a Hyundai dealer, used car dealer of private sale?
Is there a list of service records for the car or at least at the dealer where it was serviced?
If it's a Hyundai dealer is the car a CPO and/or can you get an extended warranty?
Have you run a carfax or autocheck on the vehicle for info on ownership/recalls/accidents?
Have it checked by the Hyundai dealer for condition and safety.
This is the Black Book values listed in Canada for that car:
2012 Hyundai Genesis RWD/3.8L-V6
Km: 86,000
Trim: Base 4dr Sdn
Wholesale: $11,225
Retail: $13,575

 

[dadgonebroke]

I bought my '12 w/premium new in July of '11 and just turned 78k miles. I've replaced the idler pulley as most everyone else with 3.8's have done. Just this week, I had a VERY mushy brake pedal and assumed it to be the ultra expensive $2k ABS module. I'm lucky and it turned out to have moisture in the brake fluid which required a system flush and all is good again. Happy owner here.

 

[Gunkk]

Normally I would not recommend anyone own one of these cars out of warranty. Routine maintenance on oil changes and filters will be in the RL money range (air filters you can DIY w/ ebay parts). However, big ticket problems will be BMW money: all parts are korean sourced, pretty much only dealers can do advanced work on these cars due to computers, brake fluid flushing machines required, etc.

But since the car doesn't have a rear power sunshade, you are looking at a base trim model. That cuts down on a couple big ticket items like smart cruise (HECU and radar modules, each about $2.5-$3k to replace).

If the car is not on a Hyundai lot, take the VIN to your preferred service dealer and have them pull a full vehicle service history. Ask if you can get an extended warranty anyway and do it if you can (not sure what your options are in CA).

 

[Fgpalmer71]

Exactly what Gunkk said. It doesn't need to be sold by a Hyundai dealer in order for you to purchase a warranty. Take it to a dealer and have the service history pulled on it. I don't have experience with the 8 speed as I purchased a 2010 3.8 Premium last year with the same mileage as the one your looking at. I was in a Lexus ES before the Genny and I love my Genny. It's my favorite car thus far. Completely in love with it. I did buy a warranty and it has paid for itself already. But my highest cost repair was something you won't need to worry about with the base model. I had issues with the touchscreen. I think your quoted price may be slightly high. If I were you I would buy it (assuming the service history you habe pulled looks good) AND a warranty (due to the 8 speed 1st year issues mentioned above). Mechanically speaking my Genny has been flawless thus far. Good luck.

 

[OUsig]

2013 or 2014 Rspec
My opinion without reading anything just trust me not those on here that skipped the 429HP V8 you can get in this great car!!! It is such a joy to drive and occationally blast past people
The V6 is fine...but like everything else out there

I used to have a 1999 Acura TL sold with 280k miles. Just fyi

 

[JonCarl]

Very similar to my purchase last October... I think mine had 65 K miles when I bought it. Same year although mine is tech and premium package. My previous car was a 4.5 v8 Infinity FX45 (SUV) and I was looking for a little lighter feel so i went with the 3.8. Phenomenal car is all I can say. I would try to find one with tech or premium package if you have time to look. My ABS Module went out over the summer, it was a 4k job, of course I had extended warranty, so it was taken care of. This is the first car that I cant turn OFF the Adaptive Cruise Control and just have normal Cruise...Which is nice but I like to have the option to turn off... Other than that, no complaints.

 

[EdP]

This is the first car that I cant turn OFF the Adaptive Cruise Control and just have normal Cruise...Which is nice but I like to have the option to turn off... Other than that, no complaints.

I don't know if it applies to the older models but newer ones can turn off to regular CC
1. Turn the Smart Cruise Control
System on (the cruise indicator
light will be on but the system will
not be activated).
2. Push and hold the Vehicle-to-
Vehicle Distance button for more
than 2 seconds.
3. Choose between "Smart Cruise
Control" and "Cruise Control".
When the system is canceled using
the CRUISE button or the CRUISE
button is used after the engine is
turned on, the Smart Cruise Control
will turn on.

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[JonCarl]

Thank you Ed... Yes I do believe that only works for newer models... Actually that's exactly how you disable the ACC on the FX45. Just in case I will try again ! Thanks again !

 

[dougmcp]

Thank you Ed... Yes I do believe that only works for newer models... Actually that's exactly how you disable the ACC on the FX45. Just in case I will try again ! Thanks again !

I believe the manual cruise option is only in the DH bodies not the BH, my 2013 3.8 Tech has no ability to select manual cruise it's ACC or nothing.

 

[Gunkk]

2015 and newer can toggle the SCC to standard cruise and back. 2014 and older cannot.