2013 Genesis 3.8 V6 Questions on Handling / Transmission / Features

[smokedoysters]

Hi everyone, I found my way here via Google... I'm considering a 2013 Genesis 3.8 sedan, thought I'd ask the knowledgeable owners here a few questions on my mind. Note - I'm not really a 'car guy' so excuse me

1 - How do these cars ride, in general? I've read that the V8 R-Spec models are a little rough around the edges, is this a noticeable issue at all with the 3.8 V6?

2 - Having not test driven one yet, handling is my biggest question. What do these cars feel like around tight curves and quick turns? Is the Genesis a heavy car?

3 - Eight-speed transmission. Is this a nice feature? What are your thoughts about the car's transmission, likes or dislikes?

3 - In your opinion are there major perks to the Tech package? I'm looking at the base model + premium package only, but willing to be persuaded. That joystick seems funky as hell. Do you enjoy its existence?

I read someone saying their 3.8 Tech came with a lifetime XM subscription… does it? Or still the 90-day trial?

4 - Reliability… I tend to pile on more than 20,000 miles in a year, and I'll likely own this car beyond 150,000. How does Hyundai typically stack up? Given maintenance as needed, does this thing stand a good chance of purring along for 8 years, or 10? I guess my question is about the general durability and resilience of Hyundai cars.

Thanks for reading... hopefully I'll stick around for awhile.

 

[marty5marty]

1- I heard that the R-spec is wee bit rougher but not a big difference, and I consider the Genny a smooth arse ride!

2- Test Drive it! it's not a racing car...so handling curves ain't the same as the GTI or mini cooper ( which are awesome cornering ) if you drove any of those before, but as a sedan you won't be disappointed.

3- YES! the more the merrier

3- I also got the base model....getting the tech is a plus but i didn't really need it. If you can afford it go for it!

XM is not lifetime btw....90 days trial for me ( 2012 gen )

4- Now this is tricky! reliability is not better than a lexus, honda or toyota. Korean cars weren't very reliable back in the days, especially when Daewoo was still around. Nowadays they improved a lot but still won't be on the top for a while. I would grade it either B- or C+. But so far for me it's an A ( only got 7300 mileages ) Besides everyone's car is different. Some people's seems to have more problems than others and some not at all.

I had a Kia optima in 2008 and it lasted us at least 7 years until it started having major problems and cost me a lot of money to repair after my 3 year warranty was over. Since the parts were coming from Korea it wasn't cheap.

Good luck and hope you get the Genny

 

[gameday22]

My 2010 3.8 Tech + Premium has been a great car overall. Iv'e driven both the 2013 3.8 and the RSpec a few times each now and both are improved some over mine.


1 - The RSpec is a bit "rougher" over bumpy roads but really not that bad, it's still better than most vehicles on the road from a comfort standpoint. My 3.8 is compliant most times but it to can get unsettled at times.

2 - My 3.8 feels fine through the curves, a bit of body lean if I get to agressive but it is manageable. The RSpec is definitely better in the curves as the suspsension is tighter and if I recall right has a thicker anti-roll bar. Both cars are heavy @ over 4,000 lbs. curb weight.

3 - The tech / premium is nice if your willing to spend the $ on it. The 2013 has the optional BlueLink system, which I got to use for about 2 weeks when they put me in a loaner vehicle. It's a nice improvement over the tech in my car and if you like gadgets then I'd say worth the money, I liked being able to start the car etc. before getting in.

4 - From a reliability standpoint it's been no better or worse then my BMW or Lexus and a heck of a lot cheaper on the oil changes and general maintenance. The car has a 10 year/100k warranty, some dealerships double that if you have all the services done by them. Keep in mind that the tech is only covered for 3/36k and everything else bumper to bumper beyond wear and tear items is for 5/60k. I purchased the extended warranty on it mainly cause of the tech, one repair there could cost you more then the entire warranty. The warranty is still better then most of the competition, just make sure to find a good dealer / service department. If there is one thing lacking it's the consistency of service from dealer to dealer.


Best of luck on your decision

 

[PMCErnie]

Suggest you test drive one and get back to us. Many of your questions will be instantly answered. It's a fabulous car at a great price. I love mine. It's not without its rough spots, same as any other vehicle on the road.

 

[mikec]

When I bought my 2009 I didn't plan on getting the Tech package. My test drives were early evening so I got to test the headlights... the Tech package lights were dramatically better so I sprung for the Tech. The Tech package headlights use different bulb technology and have move in sync with the steering and body pitch angle (to stay level) which helps too.

I don't know how different the basic headlights are from the Tech package on 2013s but I'd suggest driving both Tech and non-Tech when you can compare the lighting.

I find the DIS controller (joystick knob) quite easy to use. I haven't tried the touchscreen; it wasn't available in 2009.

mike c.

 

[Genny10]

I just bought a new 2012 3.8L with premium/tech. I traded a 2010 4.6L that was on a lease and I put 65,000 miles on it in 2 1/2 years. I have never bought the same car twice in my life - I really like this Genesis.

At 65,000 miles the car was as tight as when new - no squeaks or rattles. I had the typical repair items under warranty as you will find around this site - seat/steering wheel not returning (fixed after Hyundai finally put out a TSB), threw an engine code (I think also a TSB). But nothing major.

My 4.6L and this 3.8L are very nice down the road, but I generally drive good highways. I ran the 4.6 through its paces on backroads and it handles well, but it's not a BMW or Porsche. I can tell almost no difference in power between the 4.6 and the 3.8 (as of 2012 the 3.8 got direct injection and the hp went up to 333, which is very close to the 375 in the 4.6L). I test drove an rspec and it is a bit faster and just a little rougher primarily due to 19" vs 18" wheels (17" on the base 3.8L model).

I really like the tech package. I drove a 2013 3.8 base-model loaner for a couple of days and it's just not the same car. The tech and premium are well worth the money, IMO.

With the 8 speed in the 2012 vs. the 7 speed tran in the 2010, and a slightly smaller engine, I am getting about 2 mpg better on the highway now.

What I am most disappointed about in all three engines is that they just don't get up and move off the line in a dead start. Not enough low-end torque. The sport shifting mode is a joke and has a bad delay in shifting. I would hope Hyundai would come out with real (no delay) paddle shifting soon. However, when these engines are punched at about 40 mph, they are very fast and will put you at 90 mph in no time at all.