6MT Owners - Discussion Thread

[ventogt]

I was evaluating a similar decision matrix to you a few months ago. My requirements were 4 doors, not FWD, and manual vastly preferred. Pretty much the only cars meeting that description are the Impreza/WRX, Golf R & Alltrack, G70, and M6 Gran Coupe. I was coming from a GTI so the VWs were out. I looked closely and test drove the following: G70, A3, A4, Giulia, Stinger, WRX, S60, and Challenger and liked the G70 the best. If the Giulia came in stick I would have bought that, despite its shortcomings in ergonomics and reliability. The WRX is a great package and if I was 10 years younger or wore flat brimmed hats I would have bought it for sure. But I really fell for the G70 manual, a great combination of engagement, handling, comfort, uniqueness and price. I posted my deal in the lease thread but in short I'm leasing it for $383/month which is crazy. My GTI, which had a sticker price of $7,000 less than the G70, leased for $410/mo.

You should get one.

First off, excellent avatar; Heat is one of my favorite movies. Second, thanks for the writeup--I, too would have bought a Giulia [well, leased really], just to support Alfa coming back to the states, but they somehow refused to release the car in manual--probably the dopey-est move I could imagine from a brand trying to break back into the US with sporting intentions against a majorly regressing BMW and Audi. The enthusiast market was theirs to take and they tossed out a me-too 3 box sedan with marginally better but mostly similar performance than its incredibly well-established competitors. It's a pretty car, but to go milquetoast when you're Alfa Romeo with all the attendant reliability baggage...it's pure idiocy, but that's just one man's opinion.

I'm glad to hear you are high on the G70, and that you drove a lot of what I would think about as well. Funny on the WRX, the car seems interesting until I see them on the road and, well, there's a reason stereotypes exist. Good thing you skipped the VW; my 16.5K mile 2017 4motion Sportwagen is currently in day 7 at the shop [this time] after bringing it in the third time for the same misfire on cyl 3. I've now spent 32 hours sitting in the tiny service lobby at my local dealership, complete with its luxurious Keurig and water fountain, because they never have loaners and never accurately spec how long it will take to work on the damn car.

I loved my old mk6 GTI and bought the VW after my S8 started Audi-ing at 75K miles and emptying my pockets. With less than a year left on the warranty of a babied, low mile car [4 oil changes so far and a Haldex service] VW is officially dead to me, and they have a worse service experience than even the complaints on this board with a brand new marque trying to figure things out.

 

[Throat Yogurt]

First off, excellent avatar; Heat is one of my favorite movies. Second, thanks for the writeup--I, too would have bought a Giulia [well, leased really], just to support Alfa coming back to the states, but they somehow refused to release the car in manual--probably the dopey-est move I could imagine from a brand trying to break back into the US with sporting intentions against a majorly regressing BMW and Audi. The enthusiast market was theirs to take and they tossed out a me-too 3 box sedan with marginally better but mostly similar performance than its incredibly well-established competitors. It's a pretty car, but to go milquetoast when you're Alfa Romeo with all the attendant reliability baggage...it's pure idiocy, but that's just one man's opinion.

I'm glad to hear you are high on the G70, and that you drove a lot of what I would think about as well. Funny on the WRX, the car seems interesting until I see them on the road and, well, there's a reason stereotypes exist. Good thing you skipped the VW; my 16.5K mile 2017 4motion Sportwagen is currently in day 7 at the shop [this time] after bringing it in the third time for the same misfire on cyl 3. I've now spent 32 hours sitting in the tiny service lobby at my local dealership, complete with its luxurious Keurig and water fountain, because they never have loaners and never accurately spec how long it will take to work on the damn car.

I loved my old mk6 GTI and bought the VW after my S8 started Audi-ing at 75K miles and emptying my pockets. With less than a year left on the warranty of a babied, low mile car [4 oil changes so far and a Haldex service] VW is officially dead to me, and they have a worse service experience than even the complaints on this board with a brand new marque trying to figure things out.

Are we the same person? Totally agree with you on the lack of manual for the Giulia. A missed opportunity to grab the sport sedan market by the balls. Though given Alfa's financial situation, perhaps a wise decision, or was it a self-fulfilling prophecy?

Sorry to hear of your Mk7 troubles. I also have a long history with VW, sparked by my dad being a VW salesman in the late 70s and early 80s. I learned to drive on an '86 GTI, and bought a '98 GTI (sold with 90k miles) and then '01 GTI (sold with 115k miles), all stick of course. Those cars were somewhat reliable, save for the '01 breaking a timing belt and eating its valves at 95k miles, thankfully covered by the 100k powertrain warranty. My wife had a 2010 JSW TDI, which we loved. It was a great family hauler until it got bought back in the dieselgate settlement, though not before the head unit and a/c died a few months before the buyback went through. My Mk7 GTI was a lease, and I had zero problems with it over 3 years and 45k miles. Save for my S2000, it was the best car I've ever owned, but I didn't have the opportunity to own it out of warranty, things may have changed.

After my experience with the G70, I can say that I am done with FWD or FWD-based AWD dynamics. The G70 is just so fun to fling around and power out of corners...way more fun than a daily driver has any right to be. Despite the fact that I have the same size tires on my S2000 (225f/255r) and more aggressive rubber (Dunlop star specs) it *feels* like the G70 has more lateral grip. It definitely has better brakes.

I never even considered owning a Korean car before the G70. The Genesis service experience (so far) has been beyond exceptional. Aside from them coming to pick up and service the car at night while I'm asleep, I can't actually think up a way to make it better.

 

[ventogt]

Are we the same person? Totally agree with you on the lack of manual for the Giulia. A missed opportunity to grab the sport sedan market by the balls. Though given Alfa's financial situation, perhaps a wise decision, or was it a self-fulfilling prophecy?

Sorry to hear of your Mk7 troubles. I also have a long history with VW, sparked by my dad being a VW salesman in the late 70s and early 80s. I learned to drive on an '86 GTI, and bought a '98 GTI (sold with 90k miles) and then '01 GTI (sold with 115k miles), all stick of course. Those cars were somewhat reliable, save for the '01 breaking a timing belt and eating its valves at 95k miles, thankfully covered by the 100k powertrain warranty. My wife had a 2010 JSW TDI, which we loved. It was a great family hauler until it got bought back in the dieselgate settlement, though not before the head unit and a/c died a few months before the buyback went through. My Mk7 GTI was a lease, and I had zero problems with it over 3 years and 45k miles. Save for my S2000, it was the best car I've ever owned, but I didn't have the opportunity to own it out of warranty, things may have changed.

After my experience with the G70, I can say that I am done with FWD or FWD-based AWD dynamics. The G70 is just so fun to fling around and power out of corners...way more fun than a daily driver has any right to be. Despite the fact that I have the same size tires on my S2000 (225f/255r) and more aggressive rubber (Dunlop star specs) it *feels* like the G70 has more lateral grip. It definitely has better brakes.

I never even considered owning a Korean car before the G70. The Genesis service experience (so far) has been beyond exceptional. Aside from them coming to pick up and service the car at night while I'm asleep, I can't actually think up a way to make it better.

I too started with VW with a 1997 Jetta GT 2.Slow with a manual. Loved that car and it got beat to hell and never let me down. Went to BMW from there, Porsche, then back to VW, then Audi, then VW again. The niggling problems are annoying too like an intermittent error on DRL driver's side, the horn broke [one of the 2 tones went out so it sounds like a clown horn], the seatbelt light was never on for the driver's seat [which I don't mind actually as I always wear my seatbelt], the rear passenger side turn signal bulb burnt out in the first 1,500 miles, the A/C compressor just didn't fire 2 different times [once on a 90+ degree day] -- restarting the car thankfully fixed it but having intermittent A/C does not give the good feelings, the windshield cracked from a mystery rock that I never even heard, and it's gotten 3 flat tires from nails.

I know the latter 2 are more bad luck than anything, but I've never had to replace a windshield in 22 years of driving, and I've gotten 2 flat tires across the previous 21 years and 3 in the past year. I feel like it's an omen. I REALLY wanted to like the VW and did my part to buy a new manual wagon, but VW has let me down--the beyond lackluster service experience has been the final nail for me.

Regarding Alfa, it was probably a "sensible" move by the bean counters, but who buys an Alfa because they are sensible? Agreed on the RWD dynamics, though I'm going to have to be really choosy with my tires for our 5 months of Massachusetts winters.

 

[canucklehead604]

I never even considered owning a Korean car before the G70. The Genesis service experience (so far) has been beyond exceptional. Aside from them coming to pick up and service the car at night while I'm asleep, I can't actually think up a way to make it better.

^ +1. if Genesis hadn't promoted the heck out of the 6MT trim on the G70 i would never have looked to it. Korean cars were never on my radar and i certainly saw no reason to change that. Genesis CAD did a great job enlightening the few remaining purists and giving incentives to early adopters, but more work on brand awareness is still needed along with the dealership experience. now that i debadged my ride i get curious looks which is humorous.

the car has been great so far, lots of fun and looks great. nice to be in something different from the rest. so many 3-series, A4's and C-class around. yawn. especially when they are in the requisite boring German colours - white/black/silver. my MB G70 really stands out. if i was to change something i'd say ~40hp more and vented front seats would be about it. i'm hoping i can solve both of these gripes on my own.

i've yet to take the car in for a complimentary service, that is coming up in the next month. so i am keen to see how that goes. i know it'll be at a hyundai dealer with a Genesis tech. aside from whatever is included for the annual service, i will add a few things to the work order:
- perform the ECU update for the 6MT trim to improve drive-ability/power
- investigate front end noise/clunk over traffic-calming bumps
- investigate squeaking brakes while driving with foot off brake pedal (could be air in lines causing dragging brake, been happening on and off for quite a while). i also get intermittent brake squealing while braking. could be the Sport Euro pads, not sure.
- maybe one or two other little things

 

[NLJ]

^ +1. if Genesis hadn't promoted the heck out of the 6MT trim on the G70 i would never have looked to it. Korean cars were never on my radar and i certainly saw no reason to change that. Genesis CAD did a great job enlightening the few remaining purists and giving incentives to early adopters, but more work on brand awareness is still needed along with the dealership experience. now that i debadged my ride i get curious looks which is humorous.

the car has been great so far, lots of fun and looks great. nice to be in something different from the rest. so many 3-series, A4's and C-class around. yawn. especially when they are in the requisite boring German colours - white/black/silver. my MB G70 really stands out. if i was to change something i'd say ~40hp more and vented front seats would be about it. i'm hoping i can solve both of these gripes on my own.

i've yet to take the car in for a complimentary service, that is coming up in the next month. so i am keen to see how that goes. i know it'll be at a hyundai dealer with a Genesis tech. aside from whatever is included for the annual service, i will add a few things to the work order:
- perform the ECU update for the 6MT trim to improve drive-ability/power
- investigate front end noise/clunk over traffic-calming bumps
- investigate squeaking brakes while driving with foot off brake pedal (could be air in lines causing dragging brake, been happening on and off for quite a while). i also get intermittent brake squealing while braking. could be the Sport Euro pads, not sure.
- maybe one or two other little things

Is the ECU update available for the 6MT?
Btw until today, I don't know what the ECU update actually did. I felt they upped everything by at least 1psi or made boost kick in quicker.
I can say that max stock boost now is 18.6psi vs the previously known/reported 18.2psi.
But then again boost is dependent on many factors that you can't always control!

 

[Teller2]

I would have looked at the Buick wagon if it had 3 pedals, shocking as it sounds, it looks good and would have been interesting.

Don't laugh... I actually test drove the Buick TourX AT and it's not as luxurious as one would expect. Additionally, given that it's a rebadged Opel Insignia and the GM/Opel partnership has dissolved, I suspect parts are going to be a headache to find whenever anything goes wrong. The TourX is not selling well at all, so there are quite a few 2018s around here that have been on the dealer lot for over a year.

 

[ventogt]

Don't laugh... I actually test drove the Buick TourX AT and it's not as luxurious as one would expect. Additionally, given that it's a rebadged Opel Insignia and the GM/Opel partnership has dissolved, I suspect parts are going to be a headache to find whenever anything goes wrong. The TourX is not selling well at all, so there are quite a few 2018s around here that have been on the dealer lot for over a year.

100% they aren't selling because Buick never advertised them. Good point on the Opel relationship dissolving and parts/service availability a few years out

 

[ventogt]

^ +1. if Genesis hadn't promoted the heck out of the 6MT trim on the G70 i would never have looked to it. Korean cars were never on my radar and i certainly saw no reason to change that. Genesis CAD did a great job enlightening the few remaining purists and giving incentives to early adopters, but more work on brand awareness is still needed along with the dealership experience. now that i debadged my ride i get curious looks which is humorous.

Can you share a pic? That is one of the first things I plan to do when I get mine

 

[canucklehead604]

^ check out the 'exterior' thread section. there's at least one active thread with lots of debadged pictures and info on the debadge process, as simple as it is.

 

[G70girl]

Can you share a pic? That is one of the first things I plan to do when I get mine

I just used a blow dryer to heat up the emblems and they came off easily with no issues....

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[LandOfConfusion]

i've yet to take the car in for a complimentary service, that is coming up in the next month. so i am keen to see how that goes. i know it'll be at a hyundai dealer with a Genesis tech. aside from whatever is included for the annual service, i will add a few things to the work order:
- perform the ECU update for the 6MT trim to improve drive-ability/power

Thread bump.

@canucklehead604 — Would you kindly update us here on the details and results of the ECU update? I wonder if they’d be willing to share much info. about it. I know you’re in Canada, but could you please ask if they can investigate the possibility of this ECU update being available in the US any time soon?

 

[canucklehead604]

^ got my service booked for this Saturday. i'll ask this to be added to the work order. stay tuned...

 

[canucklehead604]

^^ very brief update - i just called to get the ECU update added to my service work order, and the dealer said it was already on there. Genesis Canada is simply doing this as part of the first service across the board for the 2.0T. the service rep called it the "Driving Performance Improvement" technical service bulletin, which is indeed an ECU update. this matches what others have posted about their experience.

 

[tarhoosier]

For automatic transmission vehicles also?

 

[Beefer]

For automatic transmission vehicles also?

Yes

 

[Gnarlly]

Any 2.0T owners in the U.S. hear anything about this ECU update "Driving Performance Improvement" technical service bulletin for their cars? I'm only at 3k miles, but will ask about it when I get my first service done.

 

[Throat Yogurt]

Any 2.0T owners in the U.S. hear anything about this ECU update "Driving Performance Improvement" technical service bulletin for their cars? I'm only at 3k miles, but will ask about it when I get my first service done.

Based on what we know so far, this is a CAD-only update. Another member (I think @NLJ ?)a few months ago asked his US dealer about it and was told there was no info. If you are curious it can't hurt to call your dealer and ask again, maybe there is new info.

 

[NLJ]

Based on what we know so far, this is a CAD-only update. Another member (I think @NLJ ?)a few months ago asked his US dealer about it and was told there was no info. If you are curious it can't hurt to call your dealer and ask again, maybe there is new info.

Probably someone else. I got mine updated in March when the car went in for its first service. Immediately felt a difference. But it could have also been because the ECU resets after an update and the car had to relearn my driving style!
However, if I were to guess, it feels like they upped the boost by +1 psi across the board or reduced the falloff and kept it on longer!

 

[Throat Yogurt]

Probably someone else. I got mine updated in March when the car went in for its first service. Immediately felt a difference. But it could have also been because the ECU resets after an update and the car had to relearn my driving style!
However, if I were to guess, it feels like they upped the boost by +1 psi across the board or reduced the falloff and kept it on longer!

Did it change the fuel cut/lag at the clutch engagement point? You are in Canada, correct?

 

[NLJ]

Did it change the fuel cut/lag at the clutch engagement point? You are in Canada, correct?

Yeah in Canada but I have the 8AT.
I think we have a pretty weak High Pressure Fuel Pump or at least it is not fast to respond when stomping off the line anyway!