2009 Genesis 4.6 vs 2008 Lexus IS 350

[3587]

Alright,

I have the money to lease a vehicle... Now, I'm wondering which one after I have spent a decent amount of time narrowing down the field...

I'm interested in the 2009 Genesis V8 Tech Package and the 2008 Lexus IS 350. Both vehicles are BRAND NEW.

We all know what the Genesis offers, but I'm still wondering which one I should go after...

The Lexus IS 350 has 306HP, 0-60MPH in 4.9-5.3 seconds. Fully loaded, NAV and all. They are throwing in winter tires and high performance summer tires, along with summer and winter mats. If you had the money, which vehicle would you choose and why?

Thank you for your time.

 

[111R]

Genesis.

V-8 engine, larger car, better warranty, better audio, better value.

 

[PINGGOLF]

The Genesis!

I looked at the IS350 and the ES350 before my purchase of the Genesis.

My take:

IS350- SPORTY!!! This car was cool and quick but SMALL in the rear for an average sized male as myself. Also, I'm starting a family and it looked as if it may be difficult for my wife to handle a child seat in the small rear end. Trunk was small. Drivers position was cool but could become cramped rather easily. Now, the test drive. QUICK car! Loved the acceleration! The ride, sporty, but factory rubbers were waaaay out of round and all fours made the noise. I felt like I was in an old farm truck with 4 mixed mud tires. The 19" rims looked great but you really pay for them with the ride quality.

ES350: Loved this car! Decent acceleration and a smooth ride. Quoted $48 fully loaded. Would have purchased this car but wanted to see the Genesis V8.

GENESIS V8: $40k, HUGE trunk, interior room equal to that of the LS460, ride was sporty yet smooth, 375HP V8 that will get 25mpg easily. Has everything the ES350 had except the "L" badge for $8k less. Better warranty. Oh, and dont let me forget the LOOKS! EVERYBODY LOOKS AT THE GENESIS, they ask about it, they drool on it, and they wonder why they payed $40k for a 300C. HA!

Well, those are just a few of my opinions. There are plenty more if you want them!

 

[Sal Collaziano]

If I needed a car a few seconds faster than the Genesis - if I absolutely needed it to be faster, than I'd take the Lexus. Otherwise, for every other reason, I'd take the Genesis..

 

[ConceptVBS]

While the Lexus IS is a great car, I would have to say the Genesis on this one. I sat in the 07 IS my friend had, and it was SMALL. I want room to move around in. The rear was especially cramped. It was almost the same size as my other friends Elantra but almost 3 times the money. The Genesis has the room, power, not quite the handling as the IS (due to the size difference and weight of course) and like golf said looks ( I swear you will be constantly reminded by people of your car wherever you go).

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I'll add that I find the Lexus IS a head-turner. But the same goes for the Genesis...

 

[3587]

First thing, since the Lexus is a model year older, still being brand new, the money and the monthly payment is the same...

Second, doesn't the L say a lot more than the H? It seems like most everyone buying the Genesis won't even drive it off the lot without changing the badging first.

Third, customer service from the salesman, service, and reliability is way better at Lexus... Right? Genesis is first year, do I really want to help Hyundai fix all the bugs?

Then some of the complaints about the Genesis already... The Lexus is tried and true. Please help sway me more than just the bigger size... I don't have a family, so that isn't a big deal!

 

[BigElm]

There's really no convincing if you really do your homework. If you go back to when Toyota birthed the Lexus, they went through the same thing Hyundai is going through introducing their luxury line. Except Hyundai adds more features for less and continues to do so. If no one gave Lexus a chance in the beginning, would you think they'd exist today? At least Hyundai, has proved to the public it's capabilities and commitment to quality and reliability; and they continue to make it better.

I personally think the bugs, like any other first model introduction, are minor in comparison to other manufacturers.

In response to your badging comment, it is no doubt that the "flying wings" are much better looking than the "H". And knowing that Hyundai uses this badging in Korea (own country), it's still considered "OEM". Any appearance mod is subjective.

If you find the right dealer, you'll get great service. Don't think for a second that the Lexus dealers offer "excellent" service because it's free. You pay for premium, you should get premium service without hesitation. Other dealers should give you excellent service if they want to continue to have recurring revenue. Bottom line.... if you're concerned about brand imaging and ego, get the Lexus. If you want the best performing and luxury vehicle in it's class, even topping other more expensive cars; and are not concerned about the "H", then you'll make a wise choice.

 

[Sonata2009]

BigElm pretty much says it all. Really, "all of the complaints" don't really amount to a whole lot - mostly very minor stuff - witth perhaps a reserve for what some hve as "ride" issues.

The important things are that Hyundai will dynamically change the production line to make "improvements" on a seemingly immediate basis. The dash color - saddle to all black - for example (although, I like the saddle/black a lot!). So they really are responsive. Also note that MOST of the dealers are trying to please - the paint on the 4.6 badge - most other makes would repaint it, not replace it.

Finally, the longer term cost. Toyota/Lexus "required service" is astoundingly expensive over the life of the car, compared to the Genesis "required service schedule" - enough difference to make a substantial downpayment on your next Genesis!

As BigElm says. though, if you want the badge . . .

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Elm and Sonata say it all very well, and I'd only add that "it's a lease". If you try the Gen for 27 months and don't like it, move to the Lex. Or try it the other way. Either way, you're not talking a major long-term committment. If you were purchasing and planning to drive it for 5 or more years, that's a different story. In those shoes, I'd want to be certain too... especially on an "investment" guaranteed to lose 50% or more during that time.

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[santosonly]

I currently have both cars mentioned. My wife drives the IS and I drive the Gen. If I had to give one up, I would give up the Lexus, (though it would be hard, considering the performance it offers (very quick). Still, quick isn't everything. For one, I have one year free maintenance (oil changes and such), on the Gen. Lexus didn't offer this. Oil change on the Lexus is between $50-$70. (I take my Lexus to Toyota for $28.00). Sure Lexus will come and pick up my car for an oil change. But they don't do it because they love me. I pay for it in the price of the vehicle or service. I am sure that Hyundai would do the same if I paid them too.

 

[DieselHybrid]

I know this is slightly off topic- but can anyone chime in and compare the Lexus IS 350 to the Genesis V6?

A very low mileage certified pre-owned IS 350 is running about the same as a new Genesis V6 with the Premium Plus at my local dealer.

I prefer a V6 to a V8. The Lexus mill is incredible. How's the Hyundai mill compare? How about the rest of the car? What about re-sale value. Lexus leads the industry- Hyundai seems to be on the other end of the spectrum.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ultra63]

the Gen TECH has an outstanding audio system with HD and XM radio. Lexus does not have HD and XM is an overpriced option with Lexus.

 

[JOwest]

I just don't see the point of comparing the two cars. They are so far apart other than price. The Gen is so roomy inside and trunk space. The foot well space for the driver is in the Lexus is so cramp that to put your foot on the gas pedal you have to twist your leg to clear the HUGE transmission tunnel.

 

[bpajax]

First thing, since the Lexus is a model year older, still being brand new, the money and the monthly payment is the same...

Second, doesn't the L say a lot more than the H? It seems like most everyone buying the Genesis won't even drive it off the lot without changing the badging first.

Third, customer service from the salesman, service, and reliability is way better at Lexus... Right? Genesis is first year, do I really want to help Hyundai fix all the bugs?

Then some of the complaints about the Genesis already... The Lexus is tried and true. Please help sway me more than just the bigger size... I don't have a family, so that isn't a big deal!

If driving a Lexus gives you a lot of satisfaction and you'd be ashamed of driving a Hyundai, then by all means, get the Lexus. I personally love my Genesis, didn't consider the IS because it is too small for me, and thought the ES was a little boring

On a 27 month lease, I really don't plan to become good friends with any service department, so the Lexus service advantage wasn't a big deal to me.

But again, go with your heart - if you feel better in the Lexus, get it. Just because the Genesis was right for many of us, doesn't mean it's the right choice for you.

 

[GS300rich]

if you dont mind the size then go with the Lexus. But if you want something that is very roomy and a great value then the Genesis is for you.

 

[ultra63]

Not surprising from clublexus.com. I think it is a no brainer to go with the Genesis 4.6 TECH unless you are so insecure you need a "L" not a "H" decal.


View Poll Results: which would you purchase
IS 250/350 94 88.68%
Genesis V6 or 8 12 11.32%

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...ice-to-repurchase-an-is-or-the-genesis-3.html

 

[YEH]

This is like asking should I get a 7 or 3 Series.

Aside from price - totally diff. cars in diff. segments.