Almost Pulled The Trigger, But Didn't...Yet

[PalmBeachRider]

This is my first post and allow me to thank the Admin for creating this forum. It's been a great place to obtain information about the Equus. I'll also apologize upfront for this very long post. But it's coming from a person who had the check in the pocket and was ready to buy the Equus.

I've been looking forward to driving an Equus since I first heard of it quite some time ago as I'm not a brand snob and was looking forward to this Lexus LS alternative. So that you know a bit about my car ownership background, I am one of those strange folks who always purchases a car "fully loaded." The two cars currently in my garage are a 2009 Jaguar XF and a 2011 Volvo XC70 T6 AWD. Both are fully loaded. It's nice that Hyundai made buying a feature-loaded car a simple process and did not require the buyer to wade through a long list of options.

Adding a bit more background, prior to purchasing the XF, I attempted to buy a Genesis and personally, the dealer experience drove me away. It seemed that all the salesperson was interested in was "what would it take to buy a car today" and was not that interested in delivering straight forward information about the Genesis. At that time, all they had was the base model in stock (I did drive it and very much enjoyed the ride), but the Dealer kept giving me the run-around about when an upgraded model would be in stock. Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow. In this day of computer tracking, I was surprised that the Dealer could not tell me if a "fully loaded" model was actually in transit. I kept hearing that it was on the truck and when I was told it would be at the Dealership, all I heard was Blah, Blah, Blah...blame it on the delivery truck driver.

So, I walked into the Jaguar Dealership (I had owned two Jaguars previously) and found a loaded XF...Nice Car! It's been a great vehicle and the Jaguar Dealership in this area is superb. Now, let's fast forward nearly three years to yesterday...

When I read that Hyundai would be providing separate training for the Equus Specialists, and would provide the opportunity of not having to go to the Dealership, I was thrilled.

It took a few weeks to get the appointment as evidently the Dealership is selling the models briskly. Finally, that day arrived yesterday and allow me state upfront, it's a wonderful car. A Wonderful Car!

Although I was interested in driving and seeing the Ultimate Edition, all the Dealer could provide was the Signature model. Since the ride would be equal, I took the test drive and I was impressed. However, I'm miffed by one omission...

Electronic Blind Spot Mirrors

I have this feature on both of my cars and if you've never experienced it, it's a great safety feature. While it's not an excuse for not head-checking, it is a nice reminder that another vehicle is in your car's blind spot. Like Adaptive Cruise Control, personally, I don't think I'll purchase another car that doesn't include this feature and can only hope that this omission was simply a lapse in judgment at Hyundai HQ and that it will be included as an inline change or when they deliver the larger engine with the eight speed transmission. Yes, I realize that the Equus is remarkably (or intentionally) similar to the Lexus LS 460 L and that Lexus does not offer this feature on LS, but I'm to understand that is changing on the 2012 models.

I know I'm being long winded in this, my initial post, but I'm hoping that the fine folks at Hyundai read this forum and can see that at least one person feels that the Blind Spot feature is an important one on a large luxury car.

Another factor I thought I would mention was the Dealer experience. Yes, the Equus specialist did bring a Granite Gray car to my home for the test drive. While I did tell him that white was my preferred color, I was told upfront that they have yet to see a white Equus. When the Gray Equus arrived, I was a bit miffed that the Dealer had already blacked-out the windows. Huh? Isn't that what the electric sunshades are for? If a buyer wants to do this later, great. But why do it on the demo? Okay, I'm nitpicking!

Since that color didn't "do it" for me, I later drove to the dealership to see the silver one they had on the lot. As stated, my preferred color for this car is white/Cashmere...but they didn't have that color and couldn't tell me when one was coming in. Really.

Allow me to state that the Equus specialist was doing a very nice job and if I asked a question during the test drive that he couldn't answer, he was honest enough to tell me that he would get back to me. That was refreshing!

However, when I went to the dealer to see the silver model, I realized why Hyundai does not require Equus buyers to go to the dealership. When I pulled into the lot, the first thing I notice is all those $99 Down banners in the windows. It was like a factory in there and a far fetch from what you would see in a Jaguar, Mercedes, Lexus or a BMW dealership. (After all, isn't this car supposed to compete with these brands?). They had the Managers on an elevated desk over seeing the showroom. It was a very high-pressure, economy car environment...and the Manager was barking demeaning orders to the salespeople. With all the advertising that Hyundai is doing to get current and potential Lexus buyers into the showroom, this was a major disappointment. While I'm to understand that this Dealership will be moving to a new location at some point, there was no separation of Equus from the rest of the Hyundai lineup. Yes, it's nice to see a busy car dealership these days, but this was far cry from the warm fuzzy feelings you see on the Equus TV commercials.

However, I have to state that that if the Equus would have included the Blind Spot feature, I would have purchased this car...pending seeing what it looked like in White/Cashmere. But, at least in my market, Hyundai has some work to do with its dealerships. I'll say again, no complaints with the Salesman, but the Dealership needs some serious work.

One last thing...

The model that was on the lot had a $4,999 up-charge on the sticker...although I feel confident that if I wanted to purchase it that would not have been an issue. Just the inclusion of that up-charge sticker speaks volumes about the quality of the Management. Just my opinion.

With all that said, I do have a few questions about the Equus:

1) I do understand that the Operator's Manual comes in both a binder and on the iPad. It seems that the iPad is designed to store in the glove box. If so, why is there not a power adapter or a USB outlet in the glove box? Yes, these connections are in the console, but the iPad is too large to fit in there! Since I haven't seen an Ultimate model, and since that car highlights the rear seat passengers, did Hyundai place a USB adapter in the rear quarters? (A natural location would be in the front seat back pocket as the iPad could be stored there. (I did ask if it included an iPad2 and was told no, that Hyundai pre-purchased a lot of iPads...the older model).

2) What's the deal with the Valet mode having both a key lock and a push button (trunk lock)? I ask this as that Jaguar allows you to place a car in Valet Mode using the video screen and even Volvo allows the hatch to be locked by simply locking the glove compartment (two key position settings - one to lock the glove box and the other to lock the rear hatch and the glove box). Also, with the location of the trunk lock button, it is difficult, if not impossible to be seen by the driver.

3) On the Ultimate model, can an iPod, iPhone or an iPad connect to the rear entertainment system or is that only for usage with a DVD? Is there a way to watch videos that have been downloaded on one of these devices on the rear screen?

4) Does anyone have any confirmation when the new engine/transmission will be shipping?

Again, thank you for allowing me to make such a long, detailed post.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Nice story, but some questions back at you:

1. Do you know that there's no such thing as a blind spot with proper mirror adjustment? Yes, you actually have to look in your mirrors, but will see everything.

2. Do you know that a fully charged iPad will go 30 days between charges? To take it in the house once a month to charge doesn't seem that big a deal. Though I've never had mine in the car...

3.Dealer sucks? Shop at another dealer. Mine has the special floor for the Equus. Big deal.

4. Look for the 5.0 and 8 speed late summer at earliest.

 

[waveman]

My comments:

1. I suppose the iPad could be quite useful as a reference source, but I'd be wary of leaving one in the glove compartment 24/7, especially in very hot or cold conditions.

2. I haven't driven a car with blind spot detection, but I can see the value of electronic systems that augment the driver's senses, as long as they're not overly obtrusive and/or lull the driver into a false sense of security.

3. Scan the forums and you'll find many discussions about Hyundai dealer quality compared to established luxury brands. There seems to be a lot of variation here. Although BacktoHyundaibychoice's recommendation to shop elsewhere makes sense in some markets, there are some areas with only a few Hyundai dealers, not all of which carry the Equus. So your options depend on where you live. (I assume that you're in Palm Beach - if so, you probably have many more choices than some of us.)

Welcome to the forum(s).

 

[PalmBeachRider]

Nice story, but some questions back at you:

1. Do you know that there's no such thing as a blind spot with proper mirror adjustment? Yes, you actually have to look in your mirrors, but will see everything.

2. Do you know that a fully charged iPad will go 30 days between charges? To take it in the house once a month to charge doesn't seem that big a deal. Though I've never had mine in the car...

3.Dealer sucks? Shop at another dealer. Mine has the special floor for the Equus. Big deal.

4. Look for the 5.0 and 8 speed late summer at earliest.

In response:

1) Yes, I know that that adjustment method. As I stated, once you've driven a car that has the Blind Spot feature, it will spoil you. Since the Equus is a "fully loaded" vehicle, all I'm stating is that I was very surprised that it wasn't included. After all, it has a refrigerator!

2) The battery life is up to ten hours per charge. As it ages, the battery life decreases. I can't speak for anyone else, but many drivers keep their iPods in the glove compartment and never remove them...unless you want to sync it with the computer for new playlists. Since it's included, shouldn't the car have the capability of charging an iPad without being left on the seat? So I'll ask...would it have been a big deal for Hyundai to include an additional USB or Power port in the glove box? This way, the iPad can remain charged. It also would be a nice way to charge the other devices we carry around these days.

3) I won't speak for anyone else, but if the manufacturer is billing the Equus as a Luxury Car, the buying experience should be upscale. I'm not talking about champagne, wine and cheese, I'm talking about a clean, modern dealership that matches the quality of the vehicles they are selling, without the stereotypical Managers yelling at people and without desks jutting out in the showroom. I'm sure that Hyundai is aware of this and sees it as an area that needs improvement.

4) Thanks!

 

[PalmBeachRider]

My comments:

1. I suppose the iPad could be quite useful as a reference source, but I'd be wary of leaving one in the glove compartment 24/7, especially in very hot or cold conditions.

2. I haven't driven a car with blind spot detection, but I can see the value of electronic systems that augment the driver's senses, as long as they're not overly obtrusive and/or lull the driver into a false sense of security.

3. Scan the forums and you'll find many discussions about Hyundai dealer quality compared to established luxury brands. There seems to be a lot of variation here. Although BacktoHyundaibychoice's recommendation to shop elsewhere makes sense in some markets, there are some areas with only a few Hyundai dealers, not all of which carry the Equus. So your options depend on where you live. (I assume that you're in Palm Beach - if so, you probably have many more choices than some of us.)

Welcome to the forum(s).

1) Good point. But having a place to charge it and remain out of site would have been a nice thought.

2) You're correct. Jaguar has the amber warning lights incorporated into the side view mirrors and Volvo has them in the A Pillars. Neither is intrusive.

3) Agreed. But how about the potential customer who goes into a Dealership because of the advertising or the reviews, then has a similar experience? How many Dealers will they be expected to walk into before going to another brand?

 

[imperial4ever]

Blind spot is a great option and my 2010 Lexus IS doesn't offer it neither does any car in the Lexus line-up. Chrysler offers both Blind spot and cross-path detection so you don't flatten those grocery shppers with their carts who are behind you while you try and back out of your space.

 

[balazsbb]

There is only one thing I can add; having a charger for the iPad sounds better in theory than in function because even plugged into the wall it charges remarkably slow. I can not imagine how many decades it would take to charge off the car. Having had Blackberrys, flip phones, Palm Pre, and now the iPhone none have charged in any of my cars are a decent speed. With that said I can see the point; I'm just not sure how functional it would be ultimately.

Also living in Los Angeles the heat can get pretty bad during the summer and I wouldn't recommend leaving it in the car anyway.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

1. 10 hours for the iPad is usage. You can't use it in the car for anything that requires 3G, so what's your point? You mentioned the owners manual as your use, and a charge will last 30 days for that. Take it in the house once a month to charge, or better yet: turn it off between uses and it will last several months. I'm not understanding your point at all.

2. Yeah, I guess it's surprising that Hyundai left off a feature the even the LS doesn't have even at thousands more.

3. The dealer experience is what it is. Some get it, some don't. With the Equus you never have to see one, but you can if you don't mind rubbing elbows with the little people who buy Elantras and Sonatas. No big deal to me.

Finally, either the car is a tremendous bargain compared to the competition or it isn't worth your time and money. Despite the numerous words used to paint yourself otherwise, I suspect your nose is too high in the air to drive a Hyundai at all. That's fine, but picking nits like you have is disingenuous.

 

[waveman]

Agreed. But how about the potential customer who goes into a Dealership because of the advertising or the reviews, then has a similar experience? How many Dealers will they be expected to walk into before going to another brand?

It's up to each shopper to decide how much of the luxury dealer experience they'll be willing to give up to get an Equus or Genesis for many thousands less than a comparable car from Lexus and other similar brands. It's going to be up to Hyundai to decide how much they want to push their dealers upscale to attract well-heeled buyers.

Personally, I don't care about a fancy facility with multiple amenities. Give me a clean, comfortable place to wait, competent, honest staff, and a loaner car for service, and I'll be satisfied.

 

[imperial4ever]

1. 10 hours for the iPad is usage. You can't use it in the car for anything that requires 3G, so what's your point? You mentioned the owners manual as your use, and a charge will last 30 days for that. Take it in the house once a month to charge, or better yet: turn it off between uses and it will last several months. I'm not understanding your point at all.

2. Yeah, I guess it's surprising that Hyundai left off a feature the even the LS doesn't have even at thousands more.

3. The dealer experience is what it is. Some get it, some don't. With the Equus you never have to see one, but you can if you don't mind rubbing elbows with the little people who buy Elantras and Sonatas. No big deal to me.

Finally, either the car is a tremendous bargain compared to the competition or it isn't worth your time and money. Despite the numerous words used to paint yourself otherwise, I suspect your nose is too high in the air to drive a Hyundai at all. That's fine, but picking nits like you have is disingenuous.

I would like to see Bi-Xenon headlights for 2012 over just HID in low-beam only. Bizzare how they would include AFS but no Bi-Xenon.

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[NOLa]

Wasn't sure about replying...but I've read the same complaints about the dealerships on other forums as well, and well frankly sometimes it just comes off as elitist. But since I read this on other forums, maybe I'm the one who's wrong.

Once upon a time, I was one of those people in the dealership hoping I could afford the car I wanted, and I wasn't looking at top of the line models either...just reliable transportation.

Now, we can afford to buy a BMW, a Lexus or Mercedes or Jaguar or any of those other "status" rides. But the same money conscious attitude that made us successful in business affected our choice in buying a car. Why spend more for the name (or waiting area befitting my status as a luxury car owner-sarcasm intended).

The Equus tried to address those complaints (I suppose) by bringing the car to the customer for a test drive as well as picking up the Equus for service and leaving a loaner vehicle (and nothing less than a Genesis for a loaner). But even just being in that dealership for that brief amount of time was too much?

If that was harsh, I'm sorry.

The dealerships are supposed to be going to a separate area for the Genesis and Equus, but I guess that's taking time. The dealership I used is building a new showroom just to comply. Hope that doesn't up the price on these cars, 'cause that was sort of the whole idea, wasn't it? Offer a great luxury car for a better price than the competition....

Maybe next year's Equus will have the features you want and an updated dealership. And if you ask for white with cashmere, they should be able to locate a white with cashmere. You could try another dealership, or since you had the test drive, do the rest online or by phone.

Good luck with whatever you decide. NOLa

 

[hatchback]

I test drove the Jaguar XJ and loved the blind spot warning. I ended up getting an Equus for a lot of reasons and although I would have liked having the blind spot warning, the Equus had two additional safety features that the Jaguar didn't (unannounced lane change warning, much better rearward visibility) that compensate for the blind spot warning. All in all, I'd rather have the better rearward visibility of the Equus than the blind spot warning of the Jaguar, and the Equus had the lane change warning so I felt like it was a net safety plus.

 

[hatchback]

And about dealerships.... Every dealership is different. Most are shysters and a few are reasonable. It has nothing to do with the car brand, its true for every brand. I found a reasonable dealer for my Equus and had a great sales experience. Another proximate dealer is widely known to be the worst dealer in the area, so I just avoided them.