2011 - 2012 sedan differences?

[No1boomer]

I am thinking of buying either a 2011 or 2012 Genesis sedan. What are the major differences between the two years. Any major drawbacks in going with one over the other?

 

[amartz]

I am thinking of buying either a 2011 or 2012 Genesis sedan. What are the major differences between the two years. Any major drawbacks in going with one over the other?

Better suspension setup in the 2012, along with GDI.

 

[Mark_888]

Avoid the 2012 V8, due to oil consumption problems. The 2011 is probably the most reliable model year to date (V6 or V8).

 

[iSOBigD]

I am thinking of buying either a 2011 or 2012 Genesis sedan. What are the major differences between the two years. Any major drawbacks in going with one over the other?

I bought a 2012 a few months ago so I can go over my thought process.

Main differences are the 8 speed transmission and 333hp V6 or 429hp V8 (instead of 6 speed with 290hp or 385hp).

Visually, different front and rear bumper and exhausts, headlights (Night time LED strip on the 2012 model) and tail lights (more LEDs/different shape), some added chrome trim. Inside they look basically identical (if you get the same color scheme) except my 2012 with the tech package has a higher resolution screen in the dashboard (2011 vs 2012).

The suspension is apparently softer in the 2012 model but I'm not sure by how much as I had only tested the V8 2011 model and it felt more harsh but not hard enough to corner flat or anything like that.

I think outside of that there are just a couple of weird things like the 2011 V8 (fully equipped) didn't have heated rear seats where as the 2012 V6 with tech package includes that and I think they say the 2012 has different more premium leather but I'm not sure I noticed. I think they both had self braking, adaptive cruise control, auto leveling/adjusting headlights and the other goodies so you'll probably like either one.

For me, the 2012 look was more appealing and I got it in black outside/black leather inside with all options where as most models had beige and were silver or weird colors and were mostly the base model or missing the tech package. I'd say in terms of lasting appeal, having LED lights makes the car fit in with any 2015 model so everyone thinks my car is new. Here's mine vs the old model. I used a wider lens but you get the idea:

 

[homeofstone]

Interior door handles in 2011 are chrome, 2012 its brushed aluminum look. Exterior trim around doors in 2011 is bright chrome, in 2012 its aluminum. There are a few 2012's with 5.0 GDI that are not R-spec. The 2011 V8 has The German built ZF 6 speed transmission which is very very reliable.

 

[homeofstone]

This link on models is a good way to explore. http://www.hyundaiproductinformation.com/misc/archives.asp t

 

[Mark_888]

The 2011 V8 has The German built ZF 6 speed transmission which is very very reliable.

The 2011 V6 has an Aisin built 6 speed transmission that is even more reliable. Aisin was a joint venture between Toyota and Borg Warner to build RWD transmissions, and is used by Lexus and quite a few other brands.

I think the number one priority for a used car buyer is reliability, and for that reason I would go with 2011.

 

[Rysher8]

Boomer I had this exact same dilemma a few months ago, and ended up going with the 2011. There are definite advantages to both, but the deciding factor for me was the ZF transmission of the '11 vs. the new 8 speed transmission of the '12. There have been many posters who experienced shifting issues in certain situations with the '12, and virtually none with the '09-11. The other minor factor for me was the look. The '11 has a longer, sleeker look that some might consider more classic luxury, while the '12 has a lower, more aggressive look that some might consider sportier. I prefer the former, but it's completely personal preference.

Check out the thread titled "4.6 2011 or 2012" on Page 3 of this forum for a ton of valuable opinions addressing both model years.

 

[Rysher8]

By the way I've put about 6,000 miles on the car post purchase, and it's absolutely wonderful. It's easily the best driving car I've ever owned. Heavy, sleek, and powerful. If you go with the '11, I would strongly consider the V8. That car on the highway is the definition of a wolf in sheep's clothing.

 

[amartz]

There have been many posters who experienced shifting issues in certain situations with the '12

I'm one of those, but after they replaced the tranny under warranty, it's been rock solid ever since. And I do like having all 8 gears. Especially at a launch! Well, yes, and at triple digit speeds also!!

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[AgentSmith007]

that car on the highway is the definition of a wolf in sheep's clothing.

^+1000.

 

[No1boomer]

Wow! Thank you all for the all of this great input. This is exactly what I need to make my decision. You all exceeded my expectations on the amount of information that I would be able to get. A great big THANK YOU TO ALL!

 

[LandoAWD]

If you go with the '11, I would strongly consider the V8.

Wait...there's a V6?

 

[landtuna]

Avoid the 2012 V8, due to oil consumption problems.

If you go with the '12 go with a build date after 4/12 and you shouldn't have any issues. The oil consumption problems were early build units and V8 only I think.

 

[LandoAWD]

The rings were supposed to be revised as of 2/12, but lately I've seen a couple of March/April cars crop up.

 

[MathWiz]

Boomer I had this exact same dilemma a few months ago, and ended up going with the 2011. There are definite advantages to both, but the deciding factor for me was the ZF transmission of the '11 vs. the new 8 speed transmission of the '12. There have been many posters who experienced shifting issues in certain situations with the '12, and virtually none with the '09-11. The other minor factor for me was the look. The '11 has a longer, sleeker look that some might consider more classic luxury, while the '12 has a lower, more aggressive look that some might consider sportier. I prefer the former, but it's completely personal preference.

Check out the thread titled "4.6 2011 or 2012" on Page 3 of this forum for a ton of valuable opinions addressing both model years.

I got my 11 V8 just before Rysher8 did, I think mine looks both sporty and classic.

By the way I've put about 6,000 miles on the car post purchase, and it's absolutely wonderful. It's easily the best driving car I've ever owned. Heavy, sleek, and powerful. If you go with the '11, I would strongly consider the V8. That car on the highway is the definition of a wolf in sheep's clothing.

I have now been on three long road trips (5K) and have consistently gotten 26+ MPG and the car rides so smooth. I could not be happier with my purchase

Charles

 

[Aquineas]

<snip>There have been many posters who experienced shifting issues in certain situations with the '12, and virtually none with the '09-11.<snip>

I had the exact opposite problem. I had lots of clunky shifting with the 6 speed in my 2010 4.6 V8, no problems at all with the 8 speed in my 2012 5.0, and none with my 2015.

 

[Aquineas]

(side-note) Man there are some good-looking photos in this thread; Kudos for maintaining the cars well.

To the original poster, before you sign the check make sure you test-drive the pre-2012 model and the 2012 models on rough roads. There is a very big difference in ride-quality between the two, and maybe that's okay, but it's still good to be aware of before buying.

 

[No1boomer]

I will be going from my 2002 Acura TL that I bought new to the Genesis. The Acura was well known to have transmission issues and I am on my third one on it so possible transmission issues are something that is on my mind.

 

[Aquineas]

I will be going from my 2002 Acura TL that I bought new to the Genesis. The Acura was well known to have transmission issues and I am on my third one on it so possible transmission issues are something that is on my mind.

Ah the infamous Honda 5 Speed Automatic transmission, known to randomly downshift into 2nd gear at highway speeds .

I'm not sure if this will make you feel better or not, but I knew about the transmission issues when I bought my 04 TL and put more than 160K mostly trouble free miles on it. So Acura did finally get that fixed for the 04 model year.