Does the ride soften up a bit with mileage?

[roblaw]

Just got a 2012 Genesis Premium 3.8. Overall I really enjoy the car. I still have to figure the right setting for my finicky back on the drivers seat but the remainder of the interior are impressively put together and of amazing quality for the price. The powertrain is fantastic, not only for the price but even when compared to more expensive vehicles.

The car I test drove had a softer, smoother ride. That had the tech package too but I do not think there is any difference (other than the upgraded leather) that should affect the feel of the car. I picked my car up with 15 miles on it and now have about 400 miles. The car does not ride badly but is definitely firmer than I remember. I waited until the 2012 came out because of the press complaints about the jittery ride.

I was wondering if any other owners noticed this on a fresh car and if the suspension loosens up a bit after a few thousand miles. I can certainly live with the ride (and the very stiff structure certainly absorbs the firm ride well) but was curious regarding other owners' experience.

 

[hwks1]

Any chance your test drive was the 4.6?

I would not expect the ride to soften up at all but you will get used to it and might think so.

 

[tompass]

Have you checked the air pressure in tires? Major contributor to rough ride.

 

[Mark_888]

The suspension may soften a little over time, but not in a few thousand miles. A few possibilities:

• If you have the base Genesis model, then you have the crappy Dunlop tires. The Michelin tires are much smoother. If you do have the 17" base wheels, I would recommend Michelin Primacy MXV4 (does not come in size for Genesis 18" wheel from what I can tell). GoodYear Assurance ComforTred is also good for a smooth ride.
• Check the tire pressure on your car with an accurate tire gauge (I recommend a digital model). Tire pressure should be 33 PSI, but the tires are inflated to well over 40 PSI for ship transport from Korea, and are supposed to be reduced during dealer prep, but they often forget to do it.

 

[ctrcbob]

Suspension will NOT soften up. Sorry. I tell it like it is.

 

[Mark_888]

Suspension will NOT soften up. Sorry. I tell it like it is.

I tend to agree, but you have the early 2009 suspension, whose springs are so tight to begin with, nothing can affect them. Springs were softened in 2010 and again in 2012.

I also had an early 2009 suspension, which I upgraded to 2010/2011 specs (replaced all four springs, shocks/struts, and the rear stabilizer bar).

 

[deepcolor]

I tend to agree, but you have the early 2009 suspension, whose springs are so tight to begin with, nothing can affect them. Springs were softened in 2010 and again in 2012.

I also had an early 2009 suspension, which I upgraded to 2010/2011 specs (replaced all four springs, shocks/struts, and the rear stabilizer bar).

if you don't mind me asking, what did that run you?
just curious because i have an 09 4.6 tech that has the dunlaps and is a little stiff ( don't know if it's an early or late 09- how can you tell?).

i'm sure when we replace the tires, that alone will help a bit.

 

[roblaw]

The suspension may soften a little over time, but not in a few thousand miles. A few possibilities:

• If you have the base Genesis model, then you have the crappy Dunlop tires. The Michelin tires are much smoother. If you do have the 17" base wheels, I would recommend Michelin Primacy MXV4 (does not come in size for Genesis 18" wheel from what I can tell). GoodYear Assurance ComforTred is also good for a smooth ride.
• Check the tire pressure on your car with an accurate tire gauge (I recommend a digital model). Tire pressure should be 33 PSI, but the tires are inflated to well over 40 PSI for ship transport from Korea, and are supposed to be reduced during dealer prep, but they often forget to do it.

I have a 3.8 Premium which has the 18 inch Michelins. I did check the pressures but I will try that again since it was a new pump and maybe not that accurate (and the separate gauge was not working). Thanks.

 

[roblaw]

Any chance your test drive was the 4.6?

I would not expect the ride to soften up at all but you will get used to it and might think so.

I am sure the test drive was in a 3.8. I am pretty sure the 4.6 was not being delivered when I took the drive (probably some time in early to mid July).

 

[TJPark01]

I have a 3.8 Premium which has the 18 inch Michelins. I did check the pressures but I will try that again since it was a new pump and maybe not that accurate (and the separate gauge was not working). Thanks.

get a decent tire gauge and measure the pressure when cold on a flat surface. You can't trust the gauges attached to air compressors or pumps.

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[BocaDave]

The only thing that improves the ride is new tires. Tires.com sells them, including local installation, for around $700 to $1200, depending on brand, several hundred dollars below local store prices (I saved $300 vs. Sears pricing). Costco is also good, but not as good.

Bridgeston, Michelins and Kuohmo all work well... just check the ratings for ride comfort on the web site.

if have the "wrong" tires, and make enough noise at the delaers, they may switch them out for Michelins at N/C.

Lots of luck!

 

[roblaw]

Thanks, BocaDave. Mine has the premium package so it has the 18 inch Michelin tires. It is not too bad a ride. I was just curious about other owners' experiences because the test drive in another 2012 3.8 seemed a bit better.

 

[Mark_888]

Thanks, BocaDave. Mine has the premium package so it has the 18 inch Michelin tires. It is not too bad a ride. I was just curious about other owners' experiences because the test drive in another 2012 3.8 seemed a bit better.

Check tire pressure on the test car and your car. Also take into account amount of fuel and anything in the trunk (and obviously number of passengers).

 

[NOLa]

No. You'll get your best ride when tires are new, not as they wear.

 

[STREETS]

More mileage, less tire tread, more firm, bumpy, loud ride

 

[Seattle Genesis]

Im running my tires with 30psi cold. Seems to soften it up a bit.

 

[Car Fan]

Here in Texas with fairly temperate weather year round i've gotten a great ride out of Kuhmos' summer tire. Great handling - nice and quiet. But as is expected with a high performance tire I'm already on the second set.

 

[Vince2]

Seatlle you felt the need to reduce the tire pressure on your new R-Spec...hmm? With my last car, prior to joining the ranks, the front tire's recommended pressure was 26 psi (Toyota Avalon). I am 90 % happy with my 2012's suspension (hey that's close) but if someday an aftermarket company manufactures a set up that truelly changes the nature of the ride I might give it a try and before any of you ask why I bought the Genesis, I wanted (or thought I did) a sportier vehicle than the Avalon...before buying the first Genesis I bought a car every 10 years (my Avalon had 130 thousand miles and was still running strong) and now I've purchased two Genesis in the last two years. I was that unhapppy with the stiff ride of my 2010. I love this car but I also loved the serene (some call it boring) ride of the Avalon. Lets see what next year brings. If Toyota "re-habs" the aging Avalon and makes it as good looking as the Genesis I might just buy the 3rd car in 3 years. I know its financially stupid but sometimes you just want to be comfortable. It's a bit of a paradox but reducing the tire pressure seems to make the vehicle more "jumpy" or quirky for me.

 

[Vince2]

Car Fan I've never owned a car with summer tires. How would you compare the ride to all season tires. I read in Consumer Reports something to the effect "you really should'nt expect a comfortbale ride with high performance tires"...has that been true for you?

 

[Seattle Genesis]

Seatlle you felt the need to reduce the tire pressure on your new R-Spec...hmm? With my last car, prior to joining the ranks, the front tire's recommended pressure was 26 psi (Toyota Avalon). I am 90 % happy with my 2012's suspension (hey that's close) but if someday an aftermarket company manufactures a set up that truelly changes the nature of the ride I might give it a try and before any of you ask why I bought the Genesis, I wanted (or thought I did) a sportier vehicle than the Avalon...before buying the first Genesis I bought a car every 10 years (my Avalon had 130 thousand miles and was still running strong) and now I've purchased two Genesis in the last two years. I was that unhapppy with the stiff ride of my 2010. I love this car but I also loved the serene (some call it boring) ride of the Avalon. Lets see what next year brings. If Toyota "re-habs" the aging Avalon and makes it as good looking as the Genesis I might just buy the 3rd in 3 years. I know its financially stupid but sometimes you just want to be comfortable. It's a bit of a paradox but reducing the tire pressure seems to make the vechicle more "jumpy" or quirky for me.

Vince,
Youre completely spot on. Lowering the psi does make it a bit jumpy. I think by doing this makes the tires work harder so the springs dont have to. Im just trying different options. Still love love love my r spec. Still a bit harsh on the potholes. Good thing the steering is pretty good to swerve around them..