Brought home the R-Spec!

[trotti]

Appreciate the feedback. Ebay was my thought as well - just need to determine reasonable reserve. I can always keep them myself for the same reason but in SoCal there is not much need for all-seasons.

Cheers,
Newman

Wouldn't be interested in donating them to someone who lives in the icy Midwest that would greatly appreciate them would you?

 

[trotti]

Several updates on the R-Spec impressions.

First - took a long drive this weekend on 33 psi (yes, the tires were overinflated 5 - 7 psi despite two requests to the dealer to check - piece of advice, watch them check and don't wait and ask just before stepping into the booth to sign the papers). Was the difference in psi noticeable - I'm not sure. I may have convinced myself that it was a bit softer, but I don't think it's a night/day difference. I still think the ride is quite nice - a balance between a connection with the road so that you're aware of what's going on when you're driving and a comfortable ride. BUT - the passenger owns an '08 Acura TL (maybe not top of the line but still a "luxury car"). She was over the moon about nearly every aspect of the car - and in particular how much "smoother it rides." Obviously not a scientific poll, but not a bad indicator.

Second - I also gave the car it's first wash/wax. Disclaimer, I'm detail oriented and VERY observant when it comes to these things. If you're not one that cares about minor details, please skip. I have detailed a LOT of cars in my day - believe it or not I actually enjoy it. I have quite a process, a wide selection of various equipment, and spend the better part of an eight hour day to do "the works." Some things I noticed: the paint on this car is amazing. It holds up well, doesn't swirl and looks mirror smooth. Typically, in corners or where two metal pieces join you can see a buildup of paint or paint that is thinner/thicker in hard to reach areas or areas where it may pool. This car was fantastic in that regard. Where it let me down was the trim. There are metal trim accents around the windows on the doors - it looks like a soft finished aluminum although I'm not quite sure. Across the entire run of it, there were little brownish red spots that couldn't be polished, rubbed, scratched or peeled off. It doesn't look like rust (which makes sense as I believe it's aluminum) but it's rust-like. Noted, these are TINY and I would bet few other owners would even notice, but it bothers me. Another issue, and this one is far bigger to me, the color applied to the finish on the wheels is not consistent. In the lugnut wells, the spray didn't always penetrate and where it should have been the gunmetal gray, you can see the unpainted metal. I would suggest checking your R-Spec's wheels before leaving the dealer. I'm going to point it out to my dealer when I go to have the oil changed. And lastly, I hate how water pools on the flat part of the bumper around where it meets the trunk. That's going to leave hard water, pollen stains like crazy. All they needed to do was give it a tiny angle to roll off, but instead it's flat and acts as a ledge for water streaming down from the trunk to collect.

Lastly, still love the car AND the wheels I'll post an interesting picture I took of the hood after putting on some wax.

 

[trotti]

What is this first photo of?



That's a photo of my hood - the reflection after a coat of wax is so brilliant that, with the exception of the fish-eye effect of the rounded hood, you almost can't tell it's not a direct picture of my yard's skyline (and note that's off of black paint too...).

The picture below gives you a reference with the grille in the frame.

 

[MHT]

Several updates on the R-Spec impressions.

First - took a long drive this weekend on 33 psi (yes, the tires were overinflated 5 - 7 psi despite two requests to the dealer to check - piece of advice, watch them check and don't wait and ask just before stepping into the booth to sign the papers). Was the difference in psi noticeable - I'm not sure. I may have convinced myself that it was a bit softer, but I don't think it's a night/day difference. I still think the ride is quite nice - a balance between a connection with the road so that you're aware of what's going on when you're driving and a comfortable ride. BUT - the passenger owns an '08 Acura TL (maybe not top of the line but still a "luxury car"). She was over the moon about nearly every aspect of the car - and in particular how much "smoother it rides." Obviously not a scientific poll, but not a bad indicator.

Second - I also gave the car it's first wash/wax. Disclaimer, I'm detail oriented and VERY observant when it comes to these things. If you're not one that cares about minor details, please skip. I have detailed a LOT of cars in my day - believe it or not I actually enjoy it. I have quite a process, a wide selection of various equipment, and spend the better part of an eight hour day to do "the works." Some things I noticed: the paint on this car is amazing. It holds up well, doesn't swirl and looks mirror smooth. Typically, in corners or where two metal pieces join you can see a buildup of paint or paint that is thinner/thicker in hard to reach areas or areas where it may pool. This car was fantastic in that regard. Where it let me down was the trim. There are metal trim accents around the windows on the doors - it looks like a soft finished aluminum although I'm not quite sure. Across the entire run of it, there were little brownish red spots that couldn't be polished, rubbed, scratched or peeled off. It doesn't look like rust (which makes sense as I believe it's aluminum) but it's rust-like. Noted, these are TINY and I would bet few other owners would even notice, but it bothers me. Another issue, and this one is far bigger to me, the color applied to the finish on the wheels is not consistent. In the lugnut wells, the spray didn't always penetrate and where it should have been the gunmetal gray, you can see the unpainted metal. I would suggest checking your R-Spec's wheels before leaving the dealer. I'm going to point it out to my dealer when I go to have the oil changed. And lastly, I hate how water pools on the flat part of the bumper around where it meets the trunk. That's going to leave hard water, pollen stains like crazy. All they needed to do was give it a tiny angle to roll off, but instead it's flat and acts as a ledge for water streaming down from the trunk to collect.

Lastly, still love the car AND the wheels I'll post an interesting picture I took of the hood after putting on some wax.

Some trim I believe is plastic. Any thing you see that you have a problem with take it back to the dealer ASAP and let them take care of it. On paint and trim problems it is best to let the dealer know right away. I would not wait as the longer you wait it gives the dealer more opportunity to say it was not like this at purchase.

 

[trotti]

Some trim I believe is plastic. Any thing you see that you have a problem with take it back to the dealer ASAP and let them take care of it. On paint and trim problems it is best to let the dealer know right away. I would not wait as the longer you wait it gives the dealer more opportunity to say it was not like this at purchase.

Unfortunately, the dealer I purchased it from is three hours away - I'll see what I can't do with the local dealer.

 

[Ruissimo]

Amazing... thanks for the detailed review!

 

[MHT]

Unfortunately, the dealer I purchased it from is three hours away - I'll see what I can't do with the local dealer.

Call the dealer you purchased it from and let them know what you found and have them document it and just explain that you will bring it in when you get the chance.
The local dealer may work with you but as this is a new car delivery situation they may not but if they do not at least you would have notified the selling dealer of the problem and they should take care of it when you are able to get your car into them.
Good Luck, I think you will be taken care of.

 

[newman]

Wouldn't be interested in donating them to someone who lives in the icy Midwest that would greatly appreciate them would you?

Having lived in Siberia --- oops, I mean Michigan -- for seven years, I understand your wintery pains!

If I recall correctly, you are in Kansas City? Which dealer did you purchase through (if you don't mind sharing)? I actually am buying my car from a KC dealer. In fact, the vehicle *should* be at the dealer right now if it is on schedule.

Cheers!
Newman

 

[trotti]

Having lived in Siberia --- oops, I mean Michigan -- for seven years, I understand your wintery pains!

If I recall correctly, you are in Kansas City? Which dealer did you purchase through (if you don't mind sharing)? I actually am buying my car from a KC dealer. In fact, the vehicle *should* be at the dealer right now if it is on schedule.

I got mine from Corwin Hyundai in Jefferson City, MO. The local guys with the incoming R-Spec is Shawnee Mission Hyundai - is that who you got it from? When I originally asked about SMH's R-Spec, they mentioned something about selling to a guy from California, is that you?

 

[newman]

Second - I also gave the car it's first wash/wax.

First of all, thanks so much for posting such great information and feedback. You are a great example to this forum for sharing the wealth. I also appreciate that you have such a great attitude. I have found myself succumbing to some juvenile tendencies, for which I feel bad.

With regard to the detailing - awesome pictures and amazing information. Did the car look that good from the dealer or only after your detailing?

I would love to hear your recipe for taking care of a brand new car. I have a dual-action polisher and some nice (pinnacle) carnuba wax. My thoughts were to find a good sealer and start with that. Then to re-apply the sealer every year and to wax every three months (total of three times a year). I also have a clay bar and thought to use that every year before re-applying sealer. From your experience do you think that will be a good regime? Finally, if you do use paint sealer do you have any recommendations?

Thanks again. Your car is beautiful.

Newman

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[trotti]

First of all, thanks so much for posting such great information and feedback. You are a great example to this forum for sharing the wealth. I also appreciate that you have such a great attitude. I have found myself succumbing to some juvenile tendencies, for which I feel bad.

With regard to the detailing - awesome pictures and amazing information. Did the car look that good from the dealer or only after your detailing?

I would love to hear your recipe for taking care of a brand new car. I have a dual-action polisher and some nice (pinnacle) carnuba wax. My thoughts were to find a good sealer and start with that. Then to re-apply the sealer every year and to wax every three months (total of three times a year). I also have a clay bar and thought to use that every year before re-applying sealer. From your experience do you think that will be a good regime? Finally, if you do use paint sealer do you have any recommendations?

Thanks again. Your car is beautiful.

Newman

You're very welcome - I have gotten so much from this forum so I enjoy being able to give back.

No - the car didn't look this good when I first got it. It's not that it looked bad or the paint was somehow in a bad condition, but a layer of wax can't be beat.

As for my process, I have both a Porter Cable orbital polisher and another made by Meguairs. I much prefer the one made by Meguiars when I'm detailing older cars - but to be honest, with new cars I think doing it by hand is best. First, you don't need the muscle of a powered polisher on brand new paint. Second, getting to know the car and its idiosyncrasies (read: crevices that attract wax buildup) is more important than finishing the detailing quickly or with the power of the orbital (IMHO).

I decided not to use any sealers. This isn't based on a bad experience or any aversion, I just never have used them in the past and I think that you don't really need them if you're vigilant, patient and generous with the waxing (this is my own theory and I'll likely be shot down about the "hardening" properties of various sealers, but modern paints are a marvel to behold and I think sealers are needed less and less as time goes by). I have used Pinnacle in the past, and I think it's good, but I decided to go with Meguiars' "Ultimate" line because I had heard good things. I loved it (with the exception of the smell - it's synthetic rather than carnuba based as are many of the ones I'm used to - it didn't feel like waxing when I had finished because I didn't reek of carnuba).

The Meguiars went on easily, dried quickly, and came off without the grittiness of some waxes I've used. Key point though, it's easy to get out of cracks and crevices (of which there are many on the Genesis, like the parking sensors on the front and back bumpers). I plan on waxing once every three months, with some allowance for winter weather.

 

[Glashub]

Having lived in Siberia --- oops, I mean Michigan -- for seven years, I understand your wintery pains!

If I recall correctly, you are in Kansas City? Which dealer did you purchase through (if you don't mind sharing)? I actually am buying my car from a KC dealer. In fact, the vehicle *should* be at the dealer right now if it is on schedule.

Cheers!
Newman

Hey newman other than the fact that there are no 4.6's or R-Specs in SoCal where I live (818), is there any other reason you're going out of state? BTW I'm from Detroit originally before growing up in NYC. Thought all Michiganders went to FL.

Thx.

 

[newman]

I got mine from Corwin Hyundai in Jefferson City, MO. The local guys with the incoming R-Spec is Shawnee Mission Hyundai - is that who you got it from? When I originally asked about SMH's R-Spec, they mentioned something about selling to a guy from California, is that you?

That is correct. Sorry to be the spoiler! They were able to get another allocation right away after selling to me. Looking on the bright side - you received a better deal than I did! Not that mine was bad - I am very happy with my deal - they treated me right so far and I received a very competitive price considering the additional transport.

Cheers,
Newman

 

[Vince2]

Thanks for the write up Trotti. So with your detailing is it wash-clay bar- polish -wax that gets the job done. You use the ultimate series from Mcguires do you use the ultimate compound too...is the ultimate compound out of place on a new car?

 

[newman]

Hey newman other than the fact that there are no 4.6's or R-Specs in SoCal where I live (818), is there any other reason you're going out of state? BTW I'm from Detroit originally before growing up in NYC. Thought all Michiganders went to FL.

Thx.

Hey Glashub - First of all, sorry for the name calling earlier. While I did not agree with your comments it was disrespectful for me to lash out.

I went out of state specifically to get an Rspec. My thinking was this: There are only 1200 destined for the US this year. I wanted a black one. Therefore at best there will be 600 to choose from. I did not want to 'fight' the local SoCal crowd and I was anxious to lock one in.

So, I first went to three local dealerships and indicated that I wanted an RSpec and that I wanted to lock in a deal now. None of them were interested in working with me. One went so far as to say that they would call me when they received one but that I should expect to pay MSRP. I politely thanked them and said that I would be looking elsewhere myself. None were antagonistic but none of them went out of their way to serve a potential customer.

When I talked to Michael Ball at Shawnee Mission Hyundai in Kansas City (after finding them through a cars.com search and contacting them via instant message) I indicated to him the following: 1) That I wanted a Black R-Spec, 2)That I was educated and did not expect to pay sticker, 3) That I understand that they are in business to make money and that they need to turn a profit as well, 4) and finally, that like them I am a very busy person and wanted to lock in a deal quickly so as to respect both of our times.

Michael returned to me after a couple of hours with a very fair offer (over invoice, below sticker and that included tinting, re-badging and transportation to my home in SoCal). We confirmed the deal and now I am simply waiting for delivery. According to my latest information the car should be at that dealership soon. They also have another allocation from Hyundai as they were able to put the car in my name whilst it was still at the dock.

The local dealerships were un-impressive to me. I completely understand that they receive allocations and cannot order vehicles. However, none were interested in working with me beyond promising to inform me when one arrived at their dealership. In this day and age it is very easy for customers to get online and find out information. The reason that they lost a local sale is because they were not willing to do this work on my behalf. Which may be fine for their business model - after all most customers are not as specific or educated in their car wants as we are. And finally, one of the reasons that the Hyundai luxury cars remain such a wonderful bargain is that the dealerships have not caught up with the quality coming from the factory.

Cheers,
Newman

 

[newman]

I decided not to use any sealers. This isn't based on a bad experience or any aversion, I just never have used them in the past and I think that you don't really need them if you're vigilant, patient and generous with the waxing (this is my own theory and I'll likely be shot down about the "hardening" properties of various sealers, but modern paints are a marvel to behold and I think sealers are needed.

Excellent - thanks so much for the information!

Cheers,
Newman

 

[Glashub]

Hey Glashub - First of all, sorry for the name calling earlier. While I did not agree with your comments it was disrespectful for me to lash out.

I went out of state specifically to get an Rspec. My thinking was this: There are only 1200 destined for the US this year. I wanted a black one. Therefore at best there will be 600 to choose from. I did not want to 'fight' the local SoCal crowd and I was anxious to lock one in.

So, I first went to three local dealerships and indicated that I wanted an RSpec and that I wanted to lock in a deal now. None of them were interested in working with me. One went so far as to say that they would call me when they received one but that I should expect to pay MSRP. I politely thanked them and said that I would be looking elsewhere myself. None were antagonistic but none of them went out of their way to serve a potential customer.

When I talked to Michael Ball at Shawnee Mission Hyundai in Kansas City (after finding them through a cars.com search and contacting them via instant message) I indicated to him the following: 1) That I wanted a Black R-Spec, 2)That I was educated and did not expect to pay sticker, 3) That I understand that they are in business to make money and that they need to turn a profit as well, 4) and finally, that like them I am a very busy person and wanted to lock in a deal quickly so as to respect both of our times.

Michael returned to me after a couple of hours with a very fair offer (over invoice, below sticker and that included tinting, re-badging and transportation to my home in SoCal). We confirmed the deal and now I am simply waiting for delivery. According to my latest information the car should be at that dealership soon. They also have another allocation from Hyundai as they were able to put the car in my name whilst it was still at the dock.

The local dealerships were un-impressive to me. I completely understand that they receive allocations and cannot order vehicles. However, none were interested in working with me beyond promising to inform me when one arrived at their dealership. In this day and age it is very easy for customers to get online and find out information. The reason that they lost a local sale is because they were not willing to do this work on my behalf. Which may be fine for their business model - after all most customers are not as specific or educated in their car wants as we are. And finally, one of the reasons that the Hyundai luxury cars remain such a wonderful bargain is that the dealerships have not caught up with the quality coming from the factory.

Cheers,
Newman

No worries newman. No harm, no foul. Thanks for the detailed response. Most generous of you. I may have to do the same I guess but thinking I might get mine from a dealer in OR. Granted I don't think I want an R-spec. Most interested in the 4.6. Thanks again.

 

[acoga]

The local dealer may work with you but as this is a new car delivery situation they may not

I haven't yet owned any Hyundai products so I can't speak to this with any authority, but if Hyundai works like most other manufacturers you should be able to take it to any dealer. The dealer just bills the manufacturer for warranty work and gets reimbursed so it's no skin off their nose. Besides, the service department is usually a significant profit center so if they're forward looking they're going to work to get your business.

 

[jkburns]

Thanks to all for this great information. Trotti - it sounds very much like you and I may be twin sons of different mothers - although I go through the major cleaning only once or twice a year per vehicle.

Kevin

 

[trotti]

Thanks for the write up Trotti. So with your detailing is it wash-clay bar- polish -wax that gets the job done. You use the ultimate series from Mcguires do you use the ultimate compound too...is the ultimate compound out of place on a new car?

You've got it - it's not really needed just yet. The clay bars will come in after the paint starts to attract contaminants that will need to be removed. In a perfect world, you wouldn't need this at all if you kept the car clean enough. Like clay, polish is needed to help restore the luster and shine - no reason to restore what is, to this point, unblemished.