Considering buying a 2011 Hyundai Equus..?

[turnne]

I am contemplating buying a 2011 Hyundai Equus...it has 51,000 miles on it and about a year ( or 10K miles) left on its factory warranty
In fact..it was a certified car at one time but Hyundai certification ceases when its traded in

In any case..I have driven the car twice now
It does drive a little "soft" for me...however I can live with it
All seems good...except
Front and rear tires are not the same brand( call me anal)...and the rears need balanced(IMO) based on the seat vibration at 65mph
Only has one key
Body is clean except for one small 1 inch scratch on the rear bumper that appears to have been touched up with some off the shelf touch up paint
Interior is in great shape and the manuals are included
asking price is $23,800
I noticed at the nearby Hyundai dealership they have some 2015s on the lot with $12K off sticker on the windshield
I also notice that there is a Hyundai certified car..in another state...with 59K miles for $21,999...so not bumper to bumper left for the most part but it would come with the 10yr/100K drivetrain

thoughts on the prices?....the first car is 8 miles from my house
The other would involve a flight and 14 hour drive home...but I could also visit the family while I picked up car number 2
Clearly..resale is not a strong factor in these cars...and one of the reasons why I certainly dont want to over pay

thoughts on prices?..should I be on the look out for anything as I test drive?

thanks

Warren

 

[Bill K]

It can be certified. If they refuse, there're may be something wrong with it.

Must be a maximum of five years old, with less than 60,000 miles.
Pass a comprehensive 150-point* quality assurance inspection by a Hyundai dealership technician
Have a clean, non-branded title as verified by a CARFAX Vehicle History Report Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle History Report.
Finally, you can buy a HPP wrap to cover everything for 10 years, or 100,000 miles.

If you plan to put on lots of miles on this car, it might not be worth it, but if you only drive 6,000-8,000 miles a year, the certified used Hyundai is the way to go.

Like I say, if they refuse, there may be something that they aren't telling you about the car.
They will charge over $1000 for the CPO testing, and it will cost more for the Wrap.

 

[turnne]

It can be certified. If they refuse, there're may be something wrong with it.

Must be a maximum of five years old, with less than 60,000 miles.
Pass a comprehensive 150-point* quality assurance inspection by a Hyundai dealership technician
Have a clean, non-branded title as verified by a CARFAX Vehicle History Report Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle History Report.
Finally, you can buy a HPP wrap to cover everything for 10 years, or 100,000 miles.

If you plan to put on lots of miles on this car, it might not be worth it, but if you only drive 6,000-8,000 miles a year, the certified used Hyundai is the way to go.

Like I say, if they refuse, there may be something that they aren't telling you about the car.
They will charge over $1000 for the CPO testing, and it will cost more for the Wrap.

the car with 51K on it is not at a Hyundai dealership.....as far as I know only Hyundai dealerships are the only ones( as other makes) that can certify their cars
the other car that has 59K for $21,900 is certified...though its not a color I like as much
I am not planning on driving lots of miles
The car with 51K still has a year( or 10K miles) of factory warranty
I have seen its carfax and it is clean
It was also a certified car at one time before the owner traded it in to a non Hyundai dealership

what do the prices sound like to you?
Its hard to get a handle on what the value of these cars are
I have figured out they are not great in the resale department
That is one of the reasons I am trying to make sure I dont over pay
It appears that one can expect to lose at least 50% of the actual transaction value in 3 years on these cars

Warren

 

[Bill K]

I would keep looking.

You can use this to search.

http://www.hyundaicertified.com/vehicles.aspx

 

[turnne]

I would keep looking.

You can use this to search.

http://www.hyundaicertified.com/vehicles.aspx

why would you keep looking?

priced too high?...too many problems?

btw...the link you provided does not allow the Equus to be chosen an vehicle to search for

Warren

 

[Bill K]

Equus is the 5th choice down in "model".

A "used" Equus from a non-Hyundai dealer might be alright, but might cost you large amounts of money if something goes wrong. For example, a Genesis 8 speed transmission might cost $9,000, and the Radio/Nav might run $3,000.

 

[turnne]

Equus is the 5th choice down in "model".

A "used" Equus from a non-Hyundai dealer might be alright, but might cost you large amounts of money if something goes wrong. For example, a Genesis 8 speed transmission might cost $9,000, and the Radio/Nav might run $3,000.

Elantra Touring is the 5th selection from that drop down
Then it goes right to the Genesis....and so forth in alphabetical order

I have owned many luxury cars and am familiar with repair costs
The question becomes will it break...ie....will it Lexus reliable?

Those prices you mention are clearly dealer service prices
There are Genesis V8 models with 8 speeds trans that are worth less than $15K for sale currently
Cars with high( and frequent) repair bills and low resale values end up in junkyards quickly

I dont know what it would cost to extend the factory warranty on an Equus
However....I have to consider what the car is worth today and what it will be worth 3-4 years from now

Warren

 

[PMCErnie]

Raise your sights to at least a '12 with a CPO. Personally, I wouldn't buy any car with 50,000 on the clock.

Check out Cars.com

Here is just one CPO that you might like. It's a California car too! Funny that you don't mention your own location.

http://m.cars.com/vehicledetail/#!v...i&mdNm=Equus&zc=23236&partyId=undefined&cpo=Y

 

[turnne]

Raise your sights to at least a '12 with a CPO. Personally, I wouldn't buy any car with 50,000 on the clock.

Check out Cars.com

Here is just one CPO that you might like. It's a California car too! Funny that you don't mention your own location.

http://m.cars.com/vehicledetail/#!v...i&mdNm=Equus&zc=23236&partyId=undefined&cpo=Y

I am in Indiana...though I saw a CPO in Dallas for $22K...which I could make work since I am from there and could travel there on vacation and drive it back
from what I have seen the 2012 MY was the most problematic....I have seen engine oil usage and transmission failure
Perhaps the first years of the new engine and trans?
I think I would probably skip to a '13 based on that information
While I understand what you are saying about 50K on the clock
I have bought a few Mercedes/BMW vehicles over the years with over that
In fact years ago ..I bought a Mercedes benz diesel with 148K on it..in amazing condition from a dealer....sold it (easily) with 205K on the odometer and the next owner drove it to 300K before he sold it
Original engine and trans

Do you think the car is so unreliable that it only makes sense to get the longer warranty?
and btw...I dont think CPO on these Hyundai's is that big of a deal....it seems like what they give you is really powertrain and no extension of the bumper to bumper...like every other luxury car maker does

I also have some concerns about the cars resale
Its seems rather quick.and I would like buy...as best I could..on the lower side of the depreciation curve

**...edit...in looking at the certified car you linked.
It would only come with a powertrain warranty
Honestly the bumper to bumper of the car I am looking at is much more valuable to me than a strictly power train warranty
And...I have already looked at car.com and traderonline.com as well

Both cars I have looked at have a clean car fax...one is certified...but with only powertrain left for the most part since it already has 58K
The other was a former Hyundai certified car at 30K miles...but the owner traded it in and Hyundai certification ends when the car is traded to a dealer
I have already called Hyundai USA and asked them to give me history on both cars

Warren

 

[Bgensel]

I bought the Silver 2011 Equus with 51K listed in Indy. Managed to get it for $22,800. With taxes/fees and a $2500 4 year addt'l/100K total warranty, just under $28K. Other than the little scuff on rear bumper, it is spotless. Beautiful car, rides like a dream. Original owner was a lease. It was a CPO for second owner at 24K. The reason for the different tires is because the rears were replaced 14K ago. Been driving a 1997 Saab 9000 Aero since 99'. Technology sure has improved. I had been serious considering a 2012 Genesis, but couldn't pass the Equus up. Hopefully all the gadgetry will remain trouble-free.

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[aphillipsiii]

I purchased a 2011 Equus Ultimate in March with approximately 25,000 miles on it. I have been very pleased with its performance. On the highway, it is a very smooth riding car and not too bad in city driving. I am a long time Hyundai owner that dates back to when the Sante Fe first appeared on the scene. I have confident the car will last if properly serviced. Good luck on your search and future purchase.

 

[turnne]

I bought the Silver 2011 Equus with 51K listed in Indy. Managed to get it for $22,800. With taxes/fees and a $2500 4 year addt'l/100K total warranty, just under $28K. Other than the little scuff on rear bumper, it is spotless. Beautiful car, rides like a dream. Original owner was a lease. It was a CPO for second owner at 24K. The reason for the different tires is because the rears were replaced 14K ago. Been driving a 1997 Saab 9000 Aero since 99'. Technology sure has improved. I had been serious considering a 2012 Genesis, but couldn't pass the Equus up. Hopefully all the gadgetry will remain trouble-free.

interesting
they made me a better deal on that car than that
Their bottom dollar was $22,500 for me
I told the manger I had another deal on the table before we even starting talking at Penske
After he made me his "best deal"...I pointed him to the website of the dealer ship that had made me a deal earlier that day

2011 Hyundai Equus with 59K miles for $20,500..still in manufacturer warranty
It was a lease return that spent its life in southern CA before it was auctioned at lease end
They can do a Hyundai factory wrap warranty..(its at a Hyundai dealership)..for an additional $2K.....making the factory warranty effectively an additional 5 years/100k( total miles)
The manager at penske honda said he could not touch that deal and that I should buy that one...

I thanked him for his advice

Warren

 

[Bgensel]

You apparently "drove a harder bargain" than me. Hopefully you can find a low mileage one at the right price. Good Luck!

 

[turnne]

You apparently "drove a harder bargain" than me. Hopefully you can find a low mileage one at the right price. Good Luck!

the deal I have on the table is $22,500 for a 2011 Signature with 59K miles with the 10 year/100K Hyundai "wrap" warranty


Warren

 

[turnne]

well...finally closed the deal..$22,400 plus TTL for a 2011 Hyundai Equus...Grey with black leather interior
price included the 10 year /100K Hyundai "wrap" warranty
Picked it up Wednesday

A couple of minor issues with the dealer not having the 2nd key and owner's manual set that they said they had
They made the 2nd key while I was waiting and the full set of owner's manuals have been ordered and will be mailed to me in a few days
The tires were not the "good"(IMO) shape they said they were
the rears were average and the fronts below average...and they were different brands
As I am anal about tires I went ahead and spent $1000 on a brand new set(4) of Pirelli all season tires
I like having the road hazard warranty any way with any tire I have on my car
and the new tires made the car ride noticeably better

for what I paid...all in...I think I am going to be very happy with the car

Warren

 

[BrazGenesis]

Congratulations on the great deal on a great car on a great warranty!

 

[Bgensel]

Congrats on the deal. It's quite an amazing car!

 

[turnne]

yes...was getting used to it
I drove it about 950 miles home...from Dallas to Indianapolis

still playing with trying to set the audio to my taste
I noticed the audio treble/midbass/bass are source dependent vs global for all sources
Interesting

I also kept hearing this occasional beep
I finally figured out it was the lane departure warning..lol
I should have the set of manuals delivered Tuesday according to the tracking number they sent me
So..I can actually read up on many of the controls

first impression is that is reminds me Lexus LS from last generation

I checked the fluids before I got on the road just to be careful
It seems it has regular oil vs synthetic in it
I will probably switch to synthetic in a few weeks and I will take it to my local Hyundai dealer and ask them a few questions about the car

Oh..question for some of you veterans
I noticed the car had had the front air struts replaced under warranty a few months ago
When they installed the tires and brought the car out front it appeared to sitting low in the front
I was concerned..but when I started the car it raised up and has looked fine since
should I be concerned?
I see the "level" button on the console
I assume you can raise the car up( or down)?

On another note...I like the way the sport mode drives better

Warren

 

[Ludacrisvp]

I noticed the audio treble/midbass/bass are source dependent vs global for all sources

The STS did this as well, even on a per AM/FM/XM preset basis, when equipped with the 15 speaker system.

I noticed the car had had the front air struts replaced under warranty a few months ago
When they installed the tires and brought the car out front it appeared to sitting low in the front
I was concerned..but when I started the car it raised up and has looked fine since
should I be concerned?
I see the "level" button on the console
I assume you can raise the car up( or down)?

On another note...I like the way the sport mode drives better

Did you ever determine answers to these?
I've seen what looks like a ride height button, what does it actually do?
How does sport mode compare to sport mode on the STS?

I've decided that I need to drop my requirement for AWD and am seriously looking at an Equus again.
I think 2012 or newer though in ultimate trim.

 

[Mark_888]

I think 2012 or newer though in ultimate trim.

Have you seen an Ultimate Trim Equus? There are somewhat unusual in the US, because they have a very fancy rear seat and rear entertainment system for a chauffer driven car where the owner sits in the back. That kind of thing is big in Korea.