Help Me Decide between a 2015 5.0 or 3.8 Please

[JonBoy1969]

Hi- I am looking at two 2015 Genesis models. One is a 3.8 engine the other is 5.0
The 5.0 is $22,800 and the 3.8 is $19,600
Both are very clean, 2 owner cars.
My obvious worry is expensive, surprise repairs.
Which would you choose?
Thanks so much!

 

[RSpectnewbie]

If you want performance, the 5.0

Otherwise I'd say the one with the lower mileage and/or better service history. Better to have a more cared for car. Outside of the engine the cars should be similar depending on the packages in the car.

 

[JonBoy1969]

If you want performance, the 5.0

Otherwise I'd say the one with the lower mileage and/or better service history. Better to have a more cared for car. Outside of the engine the cars should be similar depending on the packages in the car.

Is one more prone to repairs than the other? I read the V8 model typically has a better interior package. Do those prices quoted above seem fair?
Thanks

 

[EdP]

Hi- I am looking at two 2015 Genesis models. One is a 3.8 engine the other is 5.0
The 5.0 is $22,800 and the 3.8 is $19,600
Both are very clean, 2 owner cars.
My obvious worry is expensive, surprise repairs.
Which would you choose?
Thanks so much!

Aside from the 5.0 being faster, both have good repair records. The 3.8 is no slouch either. I'd make the decision on condition, miles, service records if available. Or even favorite color

 

[Bill in Alexandria]

Here's a quick graph I made in July 2020 of local 2017 G80 3.8s on the market within a 75 mile radius of Washington DC. It basically says that a 2017 G80 with 40k miles on it goes roughly for $23,500. I ended up buying a mint 2018 lease return with 23k miles for under $30k. Go to a local dealership and pay $150 to get a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase. At least they'll point out any issues ahead of time. Even replacing tires/rotors/brake pads add$ up QUICK.

 

[mwhaddle]

Get the V8. The acceleration and performance is wonderful. Should you choose the 3.8, you'll always wonder what it would've been like if you got the 5.0. Not so the other way around. Get the V8...

 

[JonBoy1969]

I am looking at a 2015 Genesis with 35k miles on it. Only issue I see is that it Failed emissions inspection 3 times in a row recently at the dealership. It did ultimately pass.

 

[greekgeek]

The v8 is nice but would do it all over again in a 3.8 AWD. Prices sound very high for a 2015 5.0, unless it has super low miles.

5.0 is very nice but somewhat nose heavy and the staggered tires are kind of annoying. 3.8 feels lighter and more nimble.

If you must get the 5.0 then make sure it has the Ultimate package for the adaptive suspension, makes a big difference.

 

[Markymark]

Admittedly, without knowing the miles, the price sounds a bit high for the 5.0.

 

[EdP]

I am looking at a 2015 Genesis with 35k miles on it. Only issue I see is that it Failed emissions inspection 3 times in a row recently at the dealership. It did ultimately pass.

Few cars fail these days at 35k. I'd want to know for sure why and if it was fixed. Three times could either be a potential problem or incompetency of whoever got it ready for the next test.

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[inmanlanier]

I'd bet incompetency every day of the week.

I have the 5.0 because in one popular movie... "I have a need... a need for torque' (and I'll be you thought that was going to be 'speed'!) .

 

[Andyj]

What are the packages? Try to get an Ultimate. Both engines are good.

 

[Aquineas]

I'm biased in favor of the V8 as that's what I owned, but my coworker has a 3.8 and it feels adequate, and probably gets a touch better mileage. At higher revs the V8 is smoother, but honestly at lower speeds, you won't see a major difference in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

The V8 however will probably retain more value over time, especially when manufacturers start phasing them out.

 

[MyG80Ride]

Hi- I am looking at two 2015 Genesis models. One is a 3.8 engine the other is 5.0
The 5.0 is $22,800 and the 3.8 is $19,600
Both are very clean, 2 owner cars.
My obvious worry is expensive, surprise repairs.
Which would you choose?
Thanks so much!

I would start with the Carfax for both vehicles. Which has the more consistent service records. Will help with your questions. I drive a 2018 G80 HTRAC 3.8L Ultimate. The 311hp it puts out is a push back in the seat. With gas (regular) @ $2.46 a gallon, this should also be a deciding factor. Best of luck with your decision. Stay healthy.

 

[joegr]

...With gas (regular) @ $2.46 a gallon, this should also be a deciding factor...

And now very likely to go way up from there... It is now one of my considerations.

 

[JonBoy1969]

And now very likely to go way up from there... It is now one of my considerations.

Yup! We will be north $3.00 a gallon very soon. Remember 2007-2008?
Maybe they will bring back cash for clunkers again

 

[JonBoy1969]

Looks like I bought a car! I got the 2015 Genesis with the 3.5L engine. A deciding factor was the mileage. Only 27,000 miles. Carfax is clean, 2 owners, serviced regularly from the same dealership for both owners. Sale price $20,000

From the original window sticker:
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $38,000.00
ADDED FEATURES:
*Signature Package:
Power Tilt-and-Slide Panoramic Sunroof
Integrated Memory System (IMS)
Power Tilt-and-Telescopic Steering Wheel Auto-Dimming Outside Mirrors
Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert Lexicon® 14-Speaker Discrete Logic 7 Audio System HID Headlights & Parking Guidelines
Power Rear Sunshade and Manual Rear Side Sunshades Ventilated Front Seats
*Tech Package:
Ultra Leather Seats / 7" TFT LCD Cluster Display
Power Driver Seat Cushion Extender and Side Bolster Lane Departure Warning & Lane Keep Assist
Smart Cruise Control with Stop/Start Capability
Haptic Steering Wheel & Pre-Safety Seatbelt
Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) / High Beam Assist Electronic Parking Brake with Automatic Vehicle Hold Front & Rear Parking Assistance System
*First Aid Kit
*Wheel Locks

Total Price :
$46,535.00

 

[greekgeek]

Congrats! Which color did you go with?

 

[Bill in Alexandria]

Sweet ride ! ! ! And great price. If you feel the "standard drive" is too sedate, you can go to sport. Hold the button down for a few seconds to get it into "snow" mode.

You also have the 14 speaker system, which is pretty nice. And the Pano sunroof.

 

[JonBoy1969]

Sweet ride ! ! ! And great price. If you feel the "standard drive" is too sedate, you can go to sport. Hold the button down for a few seconds to get it into "snow" mode.

You also have the 14 speaker system, which is pretty nice. And the Pano sunroof.

I really like that it was all serviced at the same dealership since new. There were a few other cars that I really liked, but the Carfax's that had big gaps in time between services. Maybe jiffy-lube changed the fluids for 2 years, but who knows. Also sketchy history; Car sold in Florida, second owner titled in CA, then was at an auction in Pennsylvania. etc