HELP! Don't understand what my 2015 Genesis 3.8 needs to make it operational again!

[hawaiimom]

My car DIED last Monday while parked. It's not the battery or alternator. Had it towed to dealer and am just now hearing it needs a 1) smart key module and a 2) junction box. About $3000, plus tax. My car is 10 years old, about 56K miles, and has had a LOT of electrical problems in that time, some very major. Most of those were covered under warranty, recalls, etc., but that's not the case here. (There is a recall on the solenoid, but they say it's not the same thing) I'm trying to decide if it's worth it to fix it. I L-O-V-E my car, in spite of its shortcomings. It "fits" me. I've taken great care of it inside and outside. I don't really want to buy a new car, but need some advice. Is it worth it to spend this $$$? I have looked at new cars since this happened, just in case, but they are so very expensive. Please give me your opinions...thank you so much.

 

[PMCErnie]

No.

 

[EdP]

Trade it. If Genesis is out of your price range, Sonata.

 

[Ernie3647]

I know how you feel about the car. My second Genesis was a 2015 Ultimate my wife and I loved that car. I was so happy when they introduced the 4-wheel drive system and it worked great. As much as I hate to say it. The actual reality of it is that it’s 10-year-old car even though the mileage is relatively I think it might be time to move on. The parts for these cars will not get any cheaper.

 

[Mcc]

In my mind the question is how does paying $3000 for the repair vs the price of a replacement car. I would have to be faced with a lot more than $3000 if I had a car in good shape other than this issue before putting out $45,000+ for a new car.

 

[EdP]

In my mind the question is how does paying $3000 for the repair vs the price of a replacement car. I would have to be faced with a lot more than $3000 if I had a car in good shape other than this issue before putting out $45,000+ for a new car.

No simple answer. One sentence in the original post was enough for me to think trade time:
" and has had a LOT of electrical problems in that time, some very major."

Are they all fixed? Can it happen again?

Some cars seem to go 200k+ with little more than brakes and tires, other need extensive repairs early on.
I let mine go facing a steering rack at about $8000.

 

[Mcc]

No simple answer. One sentence in the original post was enough for me to think trade time:
" and has had a LOT of electrical problems in that time, some very major."

Are they all fixed? Can it happen again?

Some cars seem to go 200k+ with little more than brakes and tires, other need extensive repairs early on.
I let mine go facing a steering rack at about $8000.

@EdP , I agree with with your $8000 decision.
However in the OP comment, it seems like previous electric problems have been resolved. Sounded like they were all fixed under warranty. No indication that they might recur. Need some verification here from the OP.
If the OP is looking for validation that he should get a new car, then just go and do it, no need the get approval here. If the OP is willing to risk a few $K maybe even a bit more , then keep the car until it gets too expensive. At some point that car is going to die but I don’t see that time is now.

 

[hawaiimom]

In my mind the question is how does paying $3000 for the repair vs the price of a replacement car. I would have to be faced with a lot more than $3000 if I had a car in good shape other than this issue before putting out $45,000+ for a new car.

True--I agree--but I had no idea this would happen. I thought it WAS in good shape; totally came out of the blue. My new issue is (just found out today), they can't get the part for another 2 months, maybe more. Sure do hate to waste money on a rental for all that time, but I need a car.

 

[Mcc]

totally came out of the blue.

“Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!"

Might be worthwhile to find out what the dealer suggests you do and what is the best deal the dealer can offer on rental (but don’t talk rental first unless the dealer tells you to).

If the dealer just says you are out of luck, I would give up on them. That isn’t the only dealer in SoCal. Ask around. BTW, what dealer is it?

 

[VictoryGenesis]

True--I agree--but I had no idea this would happen. I thought it WAS in good shape; totally came out of the blue. My new issue is (just found out today), they can't get the part for another 2 months, maybe more. Sure do hate to waste money on a rental for all that time, but I need a car.

As much as I hate car rental, I'd say lease a car if you NEED one for the meanwhile.

When the Genesis is fixed enough to boot, grab a cheap OBD scanner and look for issues every now and then, then I'd decide on whether to move with this vehicle or not.

New cars are horrendous on budget, especially on the higher end. Often times you'd just quit the *cough* configuration page after seeing price. A $3000 fix or whatever is still far more financially viable than the $45k cars you're looking at.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[joegr]

Looks like 2015s with 56K miles are currently selling for $20K.

 

[VictoryGenesis]

Looks like 2015s with 56K miles are currently selling for $20K.

Yeah, I'd expect one to go for about that much. Though, what they could purchase for $45k after selling the Genesis won't be very far ahead in terms of drivetrain or interior tech compared to the Genesis actually.

They could snag an EV or something, but that would open a can of other tidbits.

I'd just wonder how neglected this car is. Genesis isn't known to be an unreliable bucket, so that makes me wonder what issues it's coming up with entirely.

 

[joegr]

Yeah, I'd expect one to go for about that much. Though, what they could purchase for $45k after selling the Genesis won't be very far ahead in terms of drivetrain or interior tech compared to the Genesis actually.

They could snag an EV or something, but that would open a can of other tidbits.

I'd just wonder how neglected this car is. Genesis isn't known to be an unreliable bucket, so that makes me wonder what issues it's coming up with entirely.

My meaning is that this is what it would cost them to replace their car instead of fixing it. $20K is not what they could ever sell it for themselves or get as a trade in.

 

[srobak]

Smart key module is under 100 on ebay. But reading everything else you have had going on - it's time to get into a different car.

 

[StarPower]

I hate to say it, but fixing your car and selling it while everything can be fixed might be worth it. Cars don't become more reliable as they age, and parts don't become more common the longer a model has been discontinued. Also, a well-cared for used car where everything works is worth a lot more than a car with problems, and definitely more than a car that can't be driven at all. If you wait too long, you may eventually reach a point where parts cannot be had for any price. I had a problem about a year ago where my car was unavailable for about five months because the manufacturer that makes a part when out of business (thankfully the dealership provided a loaner), and since then I am starting to question whether it is wise to own any modern car once the model has been discontinued due to the difficulty in sourcing unique parts.

I second the suggestion to check out the Sonata if you are considering a newer car. I drove one as a loaner for a while, and while they're not on the same level as the Genesis the higher trim levels are pretty nice.

 

[Lapetus]

If you truly love your Genesis and it’s otherwise in good condition, repairing it might be worth it. However, if the electrical issues have been a constant headache, it might be time to consider a new car. Weighing the emotional attachment against the potential for future repairs is key.
The decision comes down to your personal preference and financial situation. If you decide to repair it, make sure to get a detailed estimate and possibly a second opinion to ensure there are no hidden costs.

 

[danenzmann]

Used parts and an independent technician shop appear to be the obvious approach to solving this problem.

 

[Mcc]

Used parts and an independent technician shop appear to be the obvious approach to solving this problem.

Not quite that easy. It’s not obvious (at least to me) as to what part are going to be needed in the future nor whether those parts will be available. Do you have some sort of insight into that?

 

[steveinarizona]

I second the suggestion to check out the Sonata if you are considering a newer car. I drove one as a loaner for a while, and while they're not on the same level as the Genesis the higher trim levels are pretty nice.

In general, my experience in car shopping has been that the upper levels of the standard car is often very similar to the more expensive lower end of the luxury level cars. For example, there was very little meaningful difference between a top level Toyota Avalon and a lower level Lexus other than marque. I would even somewhat extend that to cross species comparisons (e.g., the same Avalon vs. a non optioned BMW 520i). The differentiation normally occurs as you go up the scale at the luxury end.

 

[EdP]

In general, my experience in car shopping has been that the upper levels of the standard car is often very similar to the more expensive lower end of the luxury level cars. For example, there was very little meaningful difference between a top level Toyota Avalon and a lower level Lexus other than marque. I would even somewhat extend that to cross species comparisons (e.g., the same Avalon vs. a non optioned BMW 520i). The differentiation normally occurs as you go up the scale at the luxury end.

That is true of the same model year but with the advances, cost and expectations today, the newer standard car is catching up with the older luxury models.

I really liked my 2015 and 2018 Genesis Ultimate. My 2023 Sonata Limited has every bit of goodies in it. YMMV, but I don't miss the window shades but do enjoy the cooled seats, HUD, and such. .