struggling with Genesis return on investment

[scooterb]

Hello All.
I'm considering a purchase of a 3.6 w/Tech Genesis.
Been spending alot of time reading and researching.
Also been spending some time on the 'prices paid' thread to get a sense for
what I'd be spending.

In the course of looking at some Genny's in person, I took the time to
look at a new 11 Sonata Limited. I have to say - that's a nice car as well.
I completely understand the engineering is not equivalent to the Genesis - but it's still considerably less expensive.

I'm all about return on investment. For those who have looked/considered the new Sonata, yet purchased the Genesis - thoughts on whether the Genesis is worth the higher price ?

 

[sawagw]

No car has a positive ROI.
I just bought a brand new Genesis today and the reason I picked it over the Sonata was the size. I am tall and there was not enough back seat room for my kids in car seats behind me. I have a co-worker with a brand new Sonata and it is very nice. It just depends if the extra space, power and certain amenities are worth it for you. If I was shorter I would be holding out for the Sonata hybrid.

 

[TJPark01]

Hello All.
I'm considering a purchase of a 3.6 w/Tech Genesis.
Been spending alot of time reading and researching.
Also been spending some time on the 'prices paid' thread to get a sense for
what I'd be spending.

In the course of looking at some Genny's in person, I took the time to
look at a new 11 Sonata Limited. I have to say - that's a nice car as well.
I completely understand the engineering is not equivalent to the Genesis - but it's still considerably less expensive.

I'm all about return on investment. For those who have looked/considered the new Sonata, yet purchased the Genesis - thoughts on whether the Genesis is worth the higher price ?

The problem with your thought process is calling a car an investment. It's actually an expense. An investment assumes that there is a possibility that you receive more than what you put in. In no way shape or form will a Genesis or Sonata ever pay you back. So the real question is, "Is the expense of the Genesis justified." Only you can answer this question. If you just commute in a car and want something reliable and well appointed, Sonata. If you are an auto enthusiast and read lots of blogs and subscribe to tons of car magazines and care about 50/50 weight distribution, etc, Genesis. If you're wondering which car will depreciate faster, it's probably a push.

 

[Midnightsun]

As mentioned no car is an investment. That being said, you would be better off buying a 1 1/2 year old low milage Genesis for 1/2 price than a new Sonata. My sister has a fully decked out Sonata with the heated rear seats. Although they look real nice you need to sit in one and drive one. I would prefer several cars over this one hands down. The cockpit is rather cramped and the engine is rather noisy and rough and the ride is nothing to write home about. The Accord or Camry for that matter are twice the vehicle this looker Sonata is. Sorry for being so harsh but I have driven so many vehicles it's not funny and this one although great looking outside and inside even the dash and controls are terrific just says "no way" after sitting in one and driving it. Test drive one is all I can say. It does get fantastic milage though.

 

[MrB0462]

To add to the majority, a car is a depreciating asset meaning it will loss value.

If you are trying to buy a car solely based on its rate of depreciation and/or resale for some time in the future you are going to miss out on some truly great cars.

Yes a Sonata is nice but no where as nice as a Genesis.

 

[Mark_888]

The Genesis is a larger car. If you don't need a large car (for yourself or for passengers) then I would suggest you consider getting a loaded Sonata and use the extra money you saved on something else.

Personally, a loaded Sonata (wth moonroof) does not have enough head room for me.

 

[Sayantsi]

You can get a Genesis for ~$33k if you go with the V6 and pass on the tech/nav package, just get the premium package, and use Hyundai Circle. That makes it a much better value imo.

The Sonata is a very nice car though - heated rear seats... I wanted rwd though. I think most Genesis buyers are looking at the car as an alternative to $50-60k cars and can easily justify the loaded V8 at around $40k, which explains why almost half of Genesis's are V8s. If you're looking more in the $25-35k range, the V6 is a great option.

 

[Stoofpilot]

IMHO, this is like looking at Apples and Oranges. If you are looking at Sonata, you probably need to look at a Honda Accord level of car. If your looking at a Genesis, there is a good chance you have already owned a BMW or Lexus and dont want to spend the money yet want a high end luxury automobile. If your looking at the V6 3.8, then you should also be looking at the new Buick Lacrosse or Lexus ES350. If you really are about ROI, you will not be happy with the Genesis because you will always be worrying about the money you spent. For me, it was power, luxury, features, handling, looks and never about how much it cost.

 

[ctrcbob]

No car has a positive ROI.
I just bought a brand new Genesis today and the reason I picked it over the Sonata was the size. I am tall and there was not enough back seat room for my kids in car seats behind me. I have a co-worker with a brand new Sonata and it is very nice. It just depends if the extra space, power and certain amenities are worth it for you. If I was shorter I would be holding out for the Sonata hybrid.

A car is not an investment. Don't even consider the return.

I kind of like the Sonata, but the only reason I have not purchased one (for my wife) is that I don't like four cylinder engines. They all sound the same. If they offered a small V6, I probably would have gotten one. Once the Sonata Hybrid comes out, I may give it a drive to see how well I like it. I've driven both the Prius and the Fusion Hybrid, and love them both, mostly the Fusion, but dealers won't deal, and I can no longer purchase a Ford product because I no longer can buy with Ford's "X Plan".

BTW, at the last visit to Orlando Hyundai, my wife spotted a 2011 V8 Tech, White, and she loves it. That all I hear now is "when will you buy that White Genesis for me"? Big mistake taking her to the dealer.

 

[ttsig]

I kind of like the Sonata, but the only reason I have not purchased one (for my wife) is that I don't like four cylinder engines. They all sound the same. If they offered a small V6, I probably would have gotten one.

I actually really liked the looks of the Sonata and thought it would be an interesting "value" vehicle for my commute. That was before I received one as a rental on a recent trip. Now don't get me wrong, I know it was a rental, so basically a stripped down model, but it was not very impressive at all. The power of the 4 cylinder engine simply was not impressive at all and it sounded exactly like my daughters Elantra. There's nothing wrong with the Elantra or the Sonata, they're good, basic transportation, but the lack of a V6 option really works against the Sonata for me as I pretty much agree with you, the 4 cylinders all sound the same.

My daughter did have a 2006 Honda Civic with a 4 cylinder engine that was amazingly smooth (too bad she wrecked it) and had a significantly better sound (and pretty sporty acceleration to boot). Honda seems to know what they're doing there, but every other 4 cylinder just sounds like it's struggling, especially when you need to get on the gas.

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[Mark_888]

I actually really liked the looks of the Sonata and thought it would be an interesting "value" vehicle for my commute. That was before I received one as a rental on a recent trip. Now don't get me wrong, I know it was a rental, so basically a stripped down model, but it was not very impressive at all. The power of the 4 cylinder engine simply was not impressive at all and it sounded exactly like my daughters Elantra. There's nothing wrong with the Elantra or the Sonata, they're good, basic transportation, but the lack of a V6 option really works against the Sonata for me as I pretty much agree with you, the 4 cylinders all sound the same.

My daughter did have a 2006 Honda Civic with a 4 cylinder engine that was amazingly smooth (too bad she wrecked it) and had a significantly better sound (and pretty sporty acceleration to boot). Honda seems to know what they're doing there, but every other 4 cylinder just sounds like it's struggling, especially when you need to get on the gas.

Considering that a number of people on this forum are adding after-market exhaust systems to increase the noise of the engine (the hp improvement on the V8 is barely noticeable and not really needed), it just goes to show that different people have different priorities.

BTW, a loaded Sonata is a lot different than a stripped model.

 

[Midnightsun]

BTW, a loaded Sonata is a lot different than a stripped model.

Not really as the engine, drivetrain, suspension and body are the same. Yes you get some creature comforts like leather, Nav, rear heated seats, and some other cool stuff but the rest is pretty much the same.

 

[scooterb]

All great feedback folks.
I'm coming from an 05 Cadillac STS - and looking for a similar comfort level/feature set.

My choice of words with "return on investment" was poor.
A more accurate phrase would have been "bang for the buck".

I'm looking to get the most for my dollars.

One of the previous posters mentioning waiting for a gently used 3.8. I'm leaning that way - but don't see alot of them on dealer lots. CarMax has a few - but I'm not a CarMax fan (bad experience in the past).

I was able to get my STS used in 07 at a great price, as it was coming off lease.
Is this a popular lease car ? Should I expect to start seeing lease returns coming available soon ?

 

[dg_moore]

A casual reading of this forum suggests quite a few folks are leasing Genesis (Genesi?), but I haven't kept track of whether 3.8 or 4.6 predominate (I would bet 4.6). If you can find a not-too-used 3.8 it would probably be a good purchase. If you have a relationship with a dealer (and maybe even if you don't) you could ask them to notify you when one comes available.

 

[moose66]

A casual reading of this forum suggests quite a few folks are leasing Genesis (Genesi?), but I haven't kept track of whether 3.8 or 4.6 predominate (I would bet 4.6). If you can find a not-too-used 3.8 it would probably be a good purchase. If you have a relationship with a dealer (and maybe even if you don't) you could ask them to notify you when one comes available.

Makes sense to me. There are plenty of dealers out there now saying they can find you "any vehicle you want". If you are patient, I am sure you can find a Genesis, or any car to fit your needs. With the third year out or coming out soon, there should be plenty of inventory.

With respect to the Sonata, I think it is a nice car. It's just not large enough for me. And I love my V8!

 

[MichaelOne]

All great feedback folks.
I'm coming from an 05 Cadillac STS - and looking for a similar comfort level/feature set.

That would not be the Sonata.

A more accurate phrase would have been "bang for the buck".

I'm looking to get the most for my dollars.

That would be the Genesis.

 

[dataguy]

The Sonata is a nice car, but it feels much less substantial than the Genesis. Same thing between the Genesis and the Equus. I don't think there's much question that you're getting more car for each $10-15K increase in price. So it comes down, as others have said, to personal needs, preference, and budget.

The Genesis looks like it will hold its value better than any other Hyundai...I've seen figures around $22K for the 3-year V6 residual.

A friend has an '11 Sonata and he says that while it's a very nice car, the 4-cyl DI does not feel as peppy as the V6 Camry it replaced. Maybe the Sonata Turbo will slot between the Genny and the Sonata?

 

[Mark_888]

Not really as the engine, drivetrain, suspension and body are the same. Yes you get some creature comforts like leather, Nav, rear heated seats, and some other cool stuff but the rest is pretty much the same.

Just pretend that it is a 200 HP V6 with MagnaFlow exhaust.

 

[ImInPA]

Hello All.
I'm considering a purchase of a 3.6 w/Tech Genesis.
Been spending alot of time reading and researching.
Also been spending some time on the 'prices paid' thread to get a sense for
what I'd be spending.

In the course of looking at some Genny's in person, I took the time to
look at a new 11 Sonata Limited. I have to say - that's a nice car as well.
I completely understand the engineering is not equivalent to the Genesis - but it's still considerably less expensive.

I'm all about return on investment. For those who have looked/considered the new Sonata, yet purchased the Genesis - thoughts on whether the Genesis is worth the higher price ?

ROI on a mainstream vehicle? Good luck with that one. I have never understood how some folks think that a car is an investment. How can something that depreciates as soon as you sign your name on the form, and, then continues to depreciate be an investment? Must be the new economy or the new math.

 

[sandy]

Depends on how you define investment.

If you are in a field where impressing a client helps you do more business, there could be a significant ROI on one car over another. Or, if it simply makes you feel better to drive a Genesis over a Sonata, you are getting an intangible return on your investment that's hard to measure in dollars and cents.