Comparing a 2011 with a 2009

[Rey]

I had a 2009 produced in late May 2009. I did 35,000 miles on it in less than a year. In late November, I totaled the car in a North Dakota whiteout blizzard. The crash protection is amazing. We hit at right front headlight a stopped semi. We were about 50 mph or more. Both air bags deployed. No injuries except minor glass cuts. Most important, the passenger compartment remained pristine though metal was bent all around. I needed a car and bought a 2011 manufactured in Sept 2010. I have now 2500 miles on it. Compared to the 2009 it is superior in many subtle respects. I made a lot of little mods to my 2009 - seats, horns, intake, exhaust, suspension. Following are some comparison notes.
1. Suspension. My 2009 had the big suspension change which relieved the harshness of early models. In addition, I had replaced the soft OEM sway bar bushings with Energy Suspension poly bushings. The 2011 appears to have tighter, firmer suspension bushings. The rear shocks seem to have more rebound dampening. Altogether, the 2011 is beginning to approach BMW handling standards.
2. Power. The 2011 is rated to have 10 more hp, but it feels more like 20 hp. Throttle response in the 2009 was sluggish, so I installed a Sprint Booster to liven the response. The 2011's throttle response is much better, to the point where it is unlikely I will install a Sprint Booster.
3. Gas mileage. It is still early to compare, but I think my gas mileage might be a bit better. It certainly is not worse.
4. Horns. I had replaced the anemic 2009 horns with Cadillac horns I had in my workspace. The 2011 horns are very good, and I will not replace them.
5. Seats. My wife had complained about the 2009's low seating. She thinks, but is not sure, that the 2011 seats seem higher.
5. High beams. I fooled with the 2009's high beams trying to get them better focused and brighter. Tried Siverstar (sic) bulbs and then went to HID conversion. The HID did brighten but the light seemed a bit scattered. 2011 high beams are up to norm, though I may install Silverstar's that I have in my workspace.

It appears to me that Hyundai is making many subtle running changes like all other manufacturers. But for the accident, I would not have bought a 2011 as the 2009 is by no means substandard. Nevertheless, I think the 2011 is a different superior Genesis and I am pleased with it in all respects.

 

[TJPark01]

Nice writeup. I think the most compelling case you make is that you went back to the well for a second time when you could have gotten a lot of other cars, that weren't available 2 years ago.

 

[3 tons]

GOOD Post....Good to know. Well written too...Thanks for taking the time!!

Best Regards,

3 tons

 

[homeofstone]

I think the most important thing in your posting is that in a high speed accident you guys were kept safe. Safety is one of my top reasons for choosing a particular car.

 

[Rey]

You might like to know the circumstances of my accident. It took place at about 10 am on November 22 ten miles west of Jamestown, ND. It was snowing lightly. There was a strong north wind blowing snow across the Interstate. The right lane was ice/snow free. The left lane had patches of ice/snow. I was traveling as tail vehicle in a convoy of three vehicles. My speed was matching the second vehicle, which was a van. My speed, I think, was about 60-65 mph. The van pulled out to pass the slower-moving semi. The van was about 125 feet ahead of me. I started to pull into the left lane moving slower laterally than usual to take into account possible ice. I had fairly new Michelin snow/winter tires. Suddenly, there was a complete whiteout. I think the van must have hit a small snow drift. I completely lost visibility to the point where I could not see the hood of the car. I held my position, neither turning nor braking, keeping a neutral throttle. I guess I assumed the whiteout did not affect the semi. I think the semi driver became scared and dynamited his brakes. Just as suddenly as the whiteout occurred, it cleared. I was now ten feet from the rear of the truck going at least 50 mph. faster than the truck. Things happened very fast. I cannot be sure if I either attempted to brake or steer. The impact was just huge. We never felt the airbags blow. The point of impact was the right headlight. I suspect my accident is similar to simulated head-on crashes. The impact spun the car around into the median, which is very flat and wide. There was a foot of snow on the median which helped dissipate the energy.
The aftermath was also eventful. I have not settled with my insurance company. They have low-balled its appraised value at $26,287 for a car in zip code 97302, pristine condition with 35K highway miles. I think I can establish a value well in excess of $30,000.
I was in a position to be able to write a check for any car to replace the Genesis. I had several weeks to consider my options, and freely chose to buy a new 2011 Genesis.
This has not been fun for me.

 

[Cut-Throat]

I am glad everything turned out for you OK ! - Physically and Financially. Glad you posted this as I also have a 2011 Genesis and felt it performed better than my 2009-2010 test drives. But, I did not live with them long enough to know for sure.

I drive that stretch of I-94 every year in North Dakota. I have lived in Minnesota for over 50 years and know a lot about winter driving.

I always drive defensively in winter. Very Defensively. I am always amazed at how fast drivers pass me in left lanes when it is snowing out or the roads are covered in ice. I do see a lot of them in the ditches down the road.

If you take anything out of this experience, I hope, it is that you were driving too fast for conditions. Not too scold you, but I see people taking chances every day. So what if you get there 15 minutes later. At least you get there!