Sorry...newbie question 3.8 or 4.6

[sawyer1370]

Ok I am in the market for a new car, and the fact that I am posting here lets you know which car I want. So I am shopping for pre-owned Genesis. But do I go with the 3.8 or 4.6? I test drove the R-Spec and that is one sick car. I also test drove the 3.8 as well.

Is there that much performance difference between the 3.8 and 4.6 from the owners out there? I have seen a bunch of reviews on youtube that suggest that the 4.6 isn't that much of a step up, and question whether it is worth the money. In the aftermarket for a pre-owned, if I am patient, I could find a nice 4.6 for a good price.

What say you folks?

Next question, should I invest in some nice wheels too? I know I have to do all the de-badging and get the Genesis wing badges for the trunk and steering wheel. Any other mods I should really do?

Thanks in advance, hoping to pull the trigger in a month or so, so I want to do my homework first!

 

[EXBMWGUY]

I think this is really a question for people who have owned or leased both cars. V6 owners will say buy the V6; V8 owners will say buy the V8, and I will tell you to buy the R-Spec.

 

[Gurkha]

^^ so true, lol.
That being said, the V6 is better balanced and all you need.

 

[homeofstone]

If you drive mainly on city streets and open highways then the V6. If you drive often on freeways around a large cities with lots of high speed traffic then I suggest the V8, the extra 1/2 second of acceleration could get you out of an accident.

 

[scottdk]

^^ so true, lol.
That being said, the V6 is better balanced and all you need.

But driving a luxury car is FAR from about need! The balance, refinement and smoothness of a V8 engine is superb, and this is my very 1st V8, and I couldn't be happier.

 

[sawyer1370]

Thanks for all the feedback. Most of the driving is commuting, so highway traffic. Those of you that have the v8, how heavy is your lead foot? I have a Nissan Maxima now, and I love to make that get up and go. But I am liking the Genesis for the better options at a lower price, and the fact that you get better mileage and you don't need premium gas, so you are saving a good amount of money at the pump.

I'm sure I would be happy with a v6, but if I could get a v8 from one of the great dealers on ebay for the same price, then I'm thinking why not. Or is it worth getting a v6 from a local dealer and get a certified pre-owned?

Sorry for all the questions. Just excited about pulling the trigger on this great car...and joining the club!

 

[GK Daddio]

Simply put, if you like to feel the motor under your foot then it's the 4.6. For me it was a no brainer plus it was hard as hell trying to something other than a base V6 used. Wanted nav and tech pack so since the 4.6 is loaded there you go.
I bought my immaculate 2010 white satin pearl 4.6 sedan about 3-4 months for $27500 with only 23k on the odometer which was one heck of a deal since others where all going for 29-34k. As far as fuel economy, in combined urban driving I usually see 18 to 19 mpg (better than my wifes V6 E350) unless I put my foot into it and then it drops to 17mpg. Highway @ 75mph usually around 26-27.5 mpg and @ 85mph around 24.5 -25mpg which are all fantastic numbers especially coming from driving a 04 dodge durango with the 5.7 hemi.
Love the car though the steering racks could use some redesigning. They are a great buy and I don't care about labels.

Good luck in your hunt and let your foot do the thinking.

P.S. This 4.6 freaking flies and not to mention the burnouts it can do!

 

[homeofstone]

Thanks for all the feedback. Most of the driving is commuting, so highway traffic. Those of you that have the v8, how heavy is your lead foot? I have a Nissan Maxima now, and I love to make that get up and go. But I am liking the Genesis for the better options at a lower price, and the fact that you get better mileage and you don't need premium gas, so you are saving a good amount of money at the pump.

I'm sure I would be happy with a v6, but if I could get a v8 from one of the great dealers on ebay for the same price, then I'm thinking why not. Or is it worth getting a v6 from a local dealer and get a certified pre-owned?

Sorry for all the questions. Just excited about pulling the trigger on this great car...and joining the club!

Highway traffic = V8

 

[brfatal]

Thanks for all the feedback. Most of the driving is commuting, so highway traffic. Those of you that have the v8, how heavy is your lead foot? I have a Nissan Maxima now, and I love to make that get up and go. But I am liking the Genesis for the better options at a lower price, and the fact that you get better mileage and you don't need premium gas, so you are saving a good amount of money at the pump.

I'm sure I would be happy with a v6, but if I could get a v8 from one of the great dealers on ebay for the same price, then I'm thinking why not. Or is it worth getting a v6 from a local dealer and get a certified pre-owned?

Sorry for all the questions. Just excited about pulling the trigger on this great car...and joining the club!

As someone who was previously looking at getting an older M5 as a cruiser DD, for me personally the V8 is the only way to go. I wanted a slightly more powerful car but at the same time after having the floor of my savings vault blown out once or twice a year for the past 7 years by another highly modified car I didn't want to get nickled and dimed to death. I wanted a warranty.

Not to mention that a V8 basically costs the same as what a fully loaded (same optioned) V6 would, why not?

 

[sawyer1370]

Thanks for all the input. I like the fact that the 4.6 has all the bells and whistles, and the gas mileage is solid (about as good as my 2003 maxima that I have driven into the ground).

I live in Phoenix, so I have been looking, and not too many good deals on a 4.6 with under say 40k miles for about $25k. But the good news is there are plenty in the L.A. area, which is a nice 5 hour drive away. Or I can get one on ebay from Texas Direct.

My dream would be the 4.6 in PLATINUM METALLIC with the cashmere interior. Now I just need to count my pennies for a little while and wait for the right one to pop up!

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[Shawn33]

One thing to keep in mind is their is a big difference between 2012 V6 and previous years V6. I would not hesitate to get a 2012 V6 over the V8 as there is not much difference, especially if you get the Technology and Comfort packages. I do 40 miles of interstate each way to work and my V6 is effortless, even at speeds over triple digits I have no problems going faster when I need it. I probably average about 80MPH to and from work and still get about 26MPG.

Shawn

 

[Gurkha]

But driving a luxury car is FAR from about need!

Some would argue that the Genny is not a true luxury car

 

[scottdk]

Some would argue that the Genny is not a true luxury car

Than that is all the reason to get the most powerful engine in this car also fully loaded