Genesis vs. Cadillac CTS Impressions

[Genesiswannabee]

I have been following this board for about 3 months now and have test driven the 2010 Genesis V-8 with the Technology package 4 times as well as a CTS once and am strongly considering purchasing a 2011 Genesis when they arrive or a 2010 at that time.

I am also considering a Cadillac CTS 2010 lease as I believe it is a good value and a fine car at $429 month with $0 down for a 39 month lease. Can I get this Genesis in this range? Although I probably would purchase a Genesis and not lease it with a bumper to bumper 10 year 100K warranty. I gather price for this from this board would be about $39K.

I am preferring the Genesis as I prefer the understated appearance compared to the bling factor of the CTS. I also believe the Lexicon audio is a big draw as well as the ACC cruise control. I am more into value and features than bling but I like a well appointed comfortable interior which I believe both cars have. I light the interior lighting on the CTS. Some might think I am looking at apples and oranges in my comparison but I look at what I feel is important. In the past I have owned many Jaguars (XJ6) but presently drive a 2004 Prius and find the ride too harsh, but I like the technology in the car. I want a car that I can drive for long distances and be comfortable and that is a sport sedan.

I would appreciate everyone's comments and guidance of features, ride, technology, comfort, quality, cost of ownership, etc. I would appreciate candid comments and not bashing.

Thanks and thanks for the great comments and thoughts on this board.

 

[Genesiswannabee]

One other comment/question. I am in CT and probably with have to change to snow tires in the winter. Should I be concerned with RWD on the Genesis even if I will put snows on it or will it be fine?

 

[SunnySD]

When you say 10year/100K bumper to bumper warranty, do you mean you're planning to pay for the extended warranty? Just want to make sure you're not under the impression this is standard. Bumper to bumper is 5 years/60K miles.

 

[Genesiswannabee]

I believe the additional charge to extend to a 10 yr. 100,000 mile bumper to bumper is $1500. Based upon this I've received the impression that a Tau Genesis with Tech package and the extended warranty would be $39,500.

 

[dg_moore]

Before you estimate the actual lease cost, have a look at this thread - http://www.genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/showthread.php?t=5325.

With add-ons, turn-in fees, new tires at turn-in, etc., your monthly lease could wind up costing considerably more than you initially believe.

Unless you can expense a lease to a company account or some such, I personally don't think leasing is a good financial decision in most cases; however, YMMV

 

[Genesiswannabee]

I agree with you that in many cases it does not make sense to lease unless you can write off to a company, which I can. However I still might choose to purchase the Genesis with the extended warranty..

Back to my original questions impressions of the Genesis vs. the CTS in terms of value, features, and comfort? Any thoughts?

 

[jkohn]

Back to my original questions impressions of the Genesis vs. the CTS in terms of value, features, and comfort? Any thoughts?

Well, you're getting a substantially bigger car with the Genesis, in pretty much every way. It actually doesn't drive like its size would suggest though, due to the excellent turning radius.

The CTS styling is definitely more aggressive. The Genesis styling is more understated; some might argue too understated, although IMHO a good tint job and the KDM wing badges and wheel caps go a long way in that regard (as does the rear lip/wing spoilers some have added, if you like that look).

As far as driving, the Genesis is not as sporty as some of the smaller premium sedans (I haven't driven the CTS, but I'm guessing it's closer to a G37 or 3-Series than the Genesis as far as handling feel). But it's no Lexus ES either, and can still be fun to drive, especially with the V8.

The final thing to consider, and what sealed the deal for me, is sheer value. When you look at what you get with a fully-loaded Genesis 4.6 for your money, anything else just seems massively overpriced. There's also a certain appeal to me in that I don't see another Genesis every time I turn my head, like you do with some of the more popular models.

 

[sandy]

I'm also in Ct. In October 2008 I compared the CTS and Genesis and chose the Genesis for its uniqueness, roominess, smooth power train and cost/value advantage. Back then there was a considerable cost differential in leases with the Genesis much lower for comparably equipped models. That may have been due to GM's financial position at the time with GMAC practically out of the leasing business. The situation may be different now as I recently viewed the CTS forum on the Edmunds.com site and see folks getting some good leases. The key, of course, in making the comparison is to be sure they are comparably equipped.

You are correct to think carefully about RWD in Ct. I spend the winters in Florida so it was not an issue for me but the one snow storm I did get caught in last November was not a pleasant experience. From what I read on this forum, snow tires may be a solution.

Of course, no amount of comments from us will substitute for your test driving both vehicles and drawing your own conclusions about handling, power delivery, ride etc. Then there are the intangibles that each of weigh differently....like I love the idea of driving a car that causes so many people to stop and stare.

Good luck in your search and let us know what you do.

 

[Dimitry]

The reason why the CTS goes for so much less in a lease is GMAC is heavily subsidizing the car, I believe up to 5,100 cash is available off the invoice you can get it at.

It's a nice car - but I think you get a lot more with the Genesis

 

[STREETS]

In CT as well. Go with 4 BLIZZAKS in the winter- RWD , rather wide tires and torque justify the winter change over.
The CTS is nice, but no trunk, no rear seat legroom and more $. I am glad I chose the Genny.

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[STREETS]

I think WE are subsidizing the lease as the US taxpayers are partial owners of GM thanks the Obama. Another reason to go with Hyundai.

 

[Genesiswannabee]

I haven't seen one Genesis in CT yet on the road. I've seen them in NJ and on Long Island.

I'm in Avon...Where are you other Nutmeggers located and what dealer did you purchase your Genny's from? Would you recommend your dealers?

 

[jailer]

Genesis is more like the size of the STS I believe. Anyway, I am PICKY on interiors, and I would say CTS has better "style" or shape (minus some shiny parts, big deal...) I am just not a big fan of the "style" or shape of the Genesis curvy dash, and the main silver/grey "platform", just reminds me of the house brand K-Mart stereo type buttons/finish, etc...

Exterior, I dig both, big time, except for the rear of the CTS. Don't love it or hate it. If I had to pick a winner... Genesis overall.

Handling, CTS. Hyundai needs to go to school in Germany, but that's just me.

Transmission, don't know. I wonder who was in charge of "mapping" for the Genesis?? Does ZF or Aisin dictate, or Hyundai?? Well, they ZF sure as heck did not use the same program for the German makes. Why??

Reliability, who knows... GM makes ALOT of durable stuff even though some people don't know it. Hyundai does too.

 

[Yama1yzf]

As an owner of both of these cars I can tell you that if I had to pick one it would be the CTS. While the Genesis is a fine driving car and has great value it does not inspire me the way the CTS did. The fun to drive factor is considerably higher in the CTS. I had the performance package which had the FE2 suspension, DI Engine, 18" wheels, ZF steering etc that made it a very sporting car and still soaked up road imperfections with ease. I also thought the styling was much more agressive and unique. On the other hand the Genesis is much roomier and also quieter.

In the end you can't go wrong with either vehicle but the difference for me was that I found excuses to drive the CTS and I just don't get that from the Genesis.

 

[jwaters943]

II think WE are subsidizing the lease as the US taxpayers are partial owners of GM thanks the Obama. Another reason to go with Hyundai.

Oh please shut the **** up. I'm sick of the political bastardization of this board. Take your crap elsewhere.

 

[dg_moore]

Oh please shut the **** up. I'm sick of the political bastardization of this board. Take your crap elsewhere.

Some people just can't contain themselves. I challenge you to find any forum, anywhere, where political delusions (regardless of inclination, although right seems to be far more prevalent than left) are not wedged in...

I personally am interested in car talk. Keep your politics, religion, whatever, to yourself.

 

[sandy]

I haven't seen one Genesis in CT yet on the road. I've seen them in NJ and on Long Island.

I'm in Avon...Where are you other Nutmeggers located and what dealer did you purchase your Genny's from? Would you recommend your dealers?

I'm in Stamford. Leased at Danbury Hyundai. They were pretty good.

 

[ASHDUMP]

Funny thing today -

I had a family driving in a new CTS pulling up, then dropping back looking up and down at the Genesis for about 1mi with their two boys in the back seat with the windows down.

The two kids who were probably about 15 had their tongues hanging out.

I've never driven a CTS, but there is no way in hell the curiosity factor outweighs the Genesis! One of the main reasons why I purchased the Genesis was for value and the fact that it came with the TAU V8. GM doesn't make a V8 anymore for sedans.

I'd insert political comment here but;

 

[STREETS]

Shut UP?! FACTS ARE FACTS JWATERS.

 

[STREETS]

Vernon Sandy- Purchased my Genesis outside Philadelphia- had the color combo and better deal than local dealers KEY, Lia or Balise.

We should have a Genny picnic/Hike for CT Genesis owners.