Considering a used Genesis -- any advice?

[StangKiller]

Why not pay an independent car tech to check out the 2013..
Gotta be worth the peace of mind...Remember anything can go wrong at any time so don't take anyones word as gospel..
You sign, you pay you either laugh or cry!..The Genesis is a great vehicle B U T the costs of replacement for the high end electronics/running gear can be awfully painful.. High end cars need thicK wallets.............

+1

 

[rick0522]

I just purchased a 2012 Genesis 5.0 . Fully loaded with 35k miles. I have been waiting to own this car for several years and it finally looks like the suspension issue was solved with this model year. I love the car! Incredible ride. 8 cyl is great. My wife drives the car daily to work. I get to use it the other times. I would say wait for a 2012 rather than the 2009. My car is fully loaded, but there are a number of used cars around that are certified. I got mine at CarMax, as it was the exact color and options I wanted. Hyundai dealers also had a good number of used ones. I can only say I love driving this car!

 

[homeofstone]

Why not pay an independent car tech to check out the 2013..
Gotta be worth the peace of mind...Remember anything can go wrong at any time so don't take anyones word as gospel..
You sign, you pay you either laugh or cry!..The Genesis is a great vehicle B U T the costs of replacement for the high end electronics/running gear can be awfully painful.. High end cars need thicK wallets.............

Absolutely correct. You have to pay to play in high end, high tech cars. I have three. However, I know the cost and accept it.

 

[375ponies]

The 2009s have a poor suspension design. Also, even though they are both 3.8 V-6 engines, the 2013 has 333hp because it is direct injected. The 2009 has 290hp. Gas mileage goes up a bit for the 2013 as well...

Well, just to provide another point of view... I've read lots of horror stories about 09 suspension but i honestly have no idea what people are talking about. I have no complaints regarding my 09.

Another thing to remember is that you'll potentially have more problems with new GDI engines (intake valves fouling) + some new 5.0 GDI R-spec engines drink oil.

If you are fine buying used, my advice would be looking for the last 4.6 non-GDI car you can buy (i think that would be 2012 year)

 

[gundam91]

New here too. This is my first post.

My wife has been complaining that she needs to upgrade from her 17-year old Honda Accord. I was originally looking at 2010/2011 Audi A6. Then the Genesis caught my attention. I visited the San Francisco Car Show over the Thanksgiving weekend, and was really impressed with what the Genesis has to offer for the price. Toyota exhibit was right next to Hyundai, and Hyundai cars really out-shined Toyota, as well as many others, in all aspects...

My wife had her eyes on the 2014 Accord Hybrid. But for roughly the same price, I am sold on the Genesis. We haven't had a chance to test drive one yet. We will most likely go in to a dealership this weekend to do so.

I had started doing some research and found on Autotrader.com many used 2013 base models for sale locally at around $23k. Further research indicated that all these were base model and had been rental cars. As some had indicated above, it looked like one or several rental companies had stocked these as their premium offerings and are selling them now.

As the price are pretty attractive, these are my thoughts:
1/ Most of these cars have between 15k to 35k miles on them. I doubt the rental car places had been sending them in for any scheduled maintenance work. None of the carfax info I checked had indicated that these had been back at dealers for any type of maintenance. The dealers may have done so just right before putting it out on the lot, so even if you check the fluids yourself at the lot, it doesn't really tell you anything.

2/ I fill out rental cars with the cheapest gas I could find. I'm sure others do the same. If this car needs premium gas, you don't know if people were really filling them up with premium only.

3/ All the concerns stated above might not be a big deal if you intend to only keep the car for just a few years.

4/ Based on a few quotes that I have been receiving through TrueCar.com, dealers are tossing out brand new 2013 models at a steep discounts. the difference is roughly $6k. For me, I'm not sure if that saving warrants taking the risks stated above as my family tends to keep a car for a long time. And I predict that the prices will continue to drop after the new year, especially with the announcement of the 2015 model at the end of January.

5/ All the 2013 used Genesis I have seen so far are of base model. So if you want one with either premium or technology package, you are out of luck.

As much as I would love to wait for the 2015 model. I think I will wait a month or two and see how the announcement of that will impact the price on the left-over 2013 cars, and maybe the 2014 ones at the dealers' lots.

FrankC

 

[Mark_888]

Well, just to provide another point of view... I've read lots of horror stories about 09 suspension but i honestly have no idea what people are talking about. I have no complaints regarding my 09.

Hyundai did make a mid-year 2009 suspension change, so the early 2009 ones were worse. They also made suspension changes in 2010 and 2012, and I think it is safe to assume they did those changes for some good reason.

 

[Mark_888]

As much as I would love to wait for the 2015 model. I think I will wait a month or two and see how the announcement of that will impact the price on the left-over 2013 cars, and maybe the 2014 ones at the dealers' lots.

Although the 2015 US Genesis will be at the 2014 Detroit auto show in January, smart money is betting on actual availability closer to June/July time frame.

 

[375ponies]

2/ I fill out rental cars with the cheapest gas I could find. I'm sure others do the same. If this car needs premium gas, you don't know if people were really filling them up with premium only.

Genesis is designed to work on 87 so you don't have to worry at least about this. 4.6l versions will lose ~10hp when on 87 but that's the only consequence. R-spec i guess would lose some hp as well but i don't know for sure.

 

[375ponies]

Hyundai did make a mid-year 2009 suspension change, so the early 2009 ones were worse. They also made suspension changes in 2010 and 2012, and I think it is safe to assume they did those changes for some good reason.

Yeah, i know they changed the suspension, i'm just saying that i didn't notice anything at all. If you listen to some people 09 suspensions are so bad they almost fainted while driving

And i doubt i have the later 09 one.

 

[Mark_888]

Yeah, i know they changed the suspension, i'm just saying that i didn't notice anything at all. If you listen to some people 09 suspensions are so bad they almost fainted while driving

And i doubt i have the later 09 one.

I have an early 2009 Genesis and replaced the suspension with 2010/2011 parts (spring, shocks, rear stabilizer).

I would not say I ever fainted while driving prior to the change (hard to faint when getting jostled around on bumpy roads, even at slow speed), but I did start feeling sea sick a few times. But the ride was perfect on smooth roads.

What is your build date?

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[375ponies]

I have an early 2009 Genesis and replaced the suspension with 2010/2011 parts (spring, shocks, rear stabilizer).

I would not say I ever fainted while driving prior to the change (hard to faint when getting jostled around on bumpy roads, even at slow speed), but I did start feeling sea sick a few times. But the ride was perfect on smooth roads.

What is your build date?

Door sticker says August 12, 2008. Is it late or not? I don't always ride on smooth roads as well, Toronto is pretty bad with roads

 

[Mark_888]

Door sticker says August 12, 2008. Is it late or not? I don't always ride on smooth roads as well, Toronto is pretty bad with roads

That is an early 2009 model. Maybe you ride with a lot of extra weight in the trunk or a lot of passengers? That would definitely help solve the problem of the springs (especially rear springs) being too stiff and overpowering the shocks.

Of course, I am not even sure what suspension tuning they used in Canada, since the US version had a suspension tuning that was different than used for models in Korea, Middle East, or Russia (and I am not just talking about the optional KDM air suspension). Hyundai Motor America came up with a "special" suspension tuning based on testing at their Southern California research facility and test track. Maybe Hyundai Canada used the KDM non-air suspension tuning. There have always been some differences between the US and Canadian Genesis Sedans.

 

[Gunkk]

Good to know about the firm ride on the 2009 model year. I guess I had thought they didn't change much on the suspension over the different model years. Do you know what was changed? Did they just soften the ride or did they also improve handling?

Mark_888 is our local suspension mod expert, but as an owner of an "early edition 2009" I can tell you that the rear springs in the 2009 were too strong (spring rate too high). This results in a harsh ride, porpoising on certain concrete roads/bridges, etc. Spring rate was reduced in March/April 2009, more in 2010 with a new shock dampening rate, and again in 2012 with much improved shock dampening rate and new hollow sway bar.

I, like many here, consider Ride and handling to be very different things.

Handling in the 2009 is great, very little body roll and with the Pilot Super Sports my 2009 sticks to the road like a scared kitten.

I have a freind with a 2012 4.6 non-Rspec V8 and the ride is noticeably smoother without any harshness over bumps or speed-bumps. I haven't tossed my friend's 2012 around the same roads to see about the handling, but did a test drive last year on a 2012 Rspec and found the handling of the Rspec about the same as my 2009. It had that same, well-planted feel that gives confidence when tossing it into a corner. The ContiProcontacts gripped well on the relatively new, smooth asphalt. Gave the Salesman a few white knuckles

 

[DRS]

I just purchased a 2012 Genesis 5.0 . Fully loaded with 35k miles. I have been waiting to own this car for several years and it finally looks like the suspension issue was solved with this model year. I love the car! Incredible ride. 8 cyl is great. My wife drives the car daily to work. I get to use it the other times. I would say wait for a 2012 rather than the 2009. My car is fully loaded, but there are a number of used cars around that are certified. I got mine at CarMax, as it was the exact color and options I wanted. Hyundai dealers also had a good number of used ones. I can only say I love driving this car!

What did you pay? Nosy to know if you are willing to share.

 

[shagnat]

1) No. Ride is too firm in 2009 model year.

2) Neither , I would look for a loaded 2012 v8. more power better riding

+1 ^

 

[rick0522]

What did you pay? Nosy to know if you are willing to share.

I paid $30k. I got the car from CarMax so there was no negotiations. I had it delivered from SC to Fl. It was the only Black with tan interior, 5.0 that was fully loaded that I could find for sale anywhere (private, dealer, etc).

 

[DRS]

I paid $30k. I got the car from CarMax so there was no negotiations. I had it delivered from SC to Fl. It was the only Black with tan interior, 5.0 that was fully loaded that I could find for sale anywhere (private, dealer, etc).

That is a good price. You might have found a 2013 R-spec for around $37-40k plus tax/fees. Some may fuss about that. Ok the other hand, for $30k you got a good deal. Let us know how it works for you over time.

 

[rick0522]

That is a good price. You might have found a 2013 R-spec for around $37-40k plus tax/fees. Some may fuss about that. Ok the other hand, for $30k you got a good deal. Let us know how it works for you over time.

I really considered that as an option. But I was looking at 2012 model with the 3.8 and I was finding a lot of them at around $23k with lower mileage. However, they did not have the premium package. So going to $30k was the top side for me. I really wanted the 5.0 with all the bells and whistles. I will look at the R-Spec down the road a little. The firm suspension comments had me leaning for this model. The R-Spec will be on my wish list next time around.

 

[car1]

Hi Guys,

I'm considering purchasing a used Genesis. I wouldn't call myself cheap....I just like a great value

At our local Hyundai dealership they've got two used Genesis' for sale -- a loaded 2009 3.8, and a base 2013 3.8, for about $6000 difference (17k vs 23k). They are both Certified. The 2009 has 58000 miles and the 2013 has 17000. The 2009 is a two car owner and the the 2013 was a Rental (for only 7 months...hmm??).

Questions:

1) Would anyone even consider purchasing the 2009 with 58000 miles? Any things to watch out for? Any issues that plagued that year or anything that could bite me on a 4 year old Genesis with nearly 60k miles off hand?

2) Which one would you choose? Would you you save the 6k and get a fully loaded Genesis that is from 2009 with 58k miles or spend the extra 6k on a base 2013?

Thanks!

Go for the 2013 base. That's what I did. Then pick up a UNAVI with a backup camera later on.

 

[DRS]

I really considered that as an option. But I was looking at 2012 model with the 3.8 and I was finding a lot of them at around $23k with lower mileage. However, they did not have the premium package. So going to $30k was the top side for me. I really wanted the 5.0 with all the bells and whistles. I will look at the R-Spec down the road a little. The firm suspension comments had me leaning for this model. The R-Spec will be on my wish list next time around.

I get what you say. I am biased though... I rented a 2012 3.8 on business.. Liked it so much (never knew the car existed) as a work car, I extended the rental to see if I would like to buy the platform.

I choose, by design, mine (bought new).. Which is a 5.0 non R-Spec. Only one year made in this trim. Still has all the go fast and handling goodies.. Except for the Michelins and 18". Which for me, I like better.

IF the 2015 (or later) go up in price, like Lexus years ago, our residual prices will stay high. If on the other hand, the Koreans insist on taking a premium brand platform into Kia and Hyundai channel and dealer network, a repeat of Lexus branding growth will be harder. Which is ok in many ways for me. I love the sleeper status and not owning car all the snot lemmings from the faux country club set have not run to buy.