Future Buyer. I Really Need Help w/ Questions

[bmann626]

Hey all, sorry for the novel I am about to right but hopefully some of you can help me out!

I currently drive a 2005 Hyundai Tiburon SE. Over the years I have been so impressed with Hyundai because since I have owned my Tiburon, nothing mechanically or anything has gone wrong. (well, I did have a person kick a dent in it and a tree fall on it during a storm, but i digress Anyways, the car primarily served as my High School/College car. Now that I just graduated and have my first real job, I would like to look the part and upgrade a little more. Nothing against the Tiburon, but I have just outgrown it. Over the last year or so I have been pondering what to get. I was stuck on SUVs for a while like the Chevy Equinox because I want something that I can put Golf Clubs in, carry around people, ski and snowboard equipment. ect.

Anyways, sorry for rambling. I have been looking at the Sonata and other vehicles because my price range is 15-22k for things to fit the bill. SUVs eventually got thrown out the window because it is impossible to find a newish SUV that I like that is AWD, in my price range, and gets decent gas mileage. I since stumbled on the Genesis Sedan and after some research, it has everything I was looking for in my next car. I have seen some between the 18k and 22k proce range, they get solid MPG, super nice interior with features at base trim, and the size I want.

I do have a bunch of random questions for you guys hopefully we can get them all solved!

1) I saw that they only make the 3.8 in RWD. This is sort of a concern for me since I live in the Cleveland area, we get a good amount of snow. This is my only real concern. Some have told me to never even try RWD in snow but others said as long as you have snow tires and drive carefully, I will be fine. So I want to know from the horses mouth, how do the 3.8 Genesis Sedans do in the snow? I dont expect it to be a plow truck, but I also would like for it to be able to handle a inch or 2 of snow.

2) Can you tell me about the space? I heard they are huge on the inside. I am 6'3 so I need some leg/head room (Something my Tiburon seriously lacks). Also, will it be able to fit lets say, a 2 bags of golf clubs? a snowboard? I literally have to jam my snowboard into my Tiburon to make it fit lol.

3) Can you tell me more about the Trim levels and the difference in the year models? I looked on autotrader and I cant seem to really find a difference in the 2009 and the 2010. Basically what I am asking is are there certain features and looks that some years added that others didnt? Whats different in the 2011 compared to the 2009.

I have also seen the interior is always different and I have no idea why since they are all 3.8. I have seen a dark blue one with brown leather interior(which I like A LOT, soo classy) I have seen black with tan leather, I have seen black with black leather, white with brown leather, ect ect. Is there any rhyme or reason to the interior colors? I would really like a Black 3.8 with either brown or tan interior.

Sub question: what is your personal favorite feature on the car?

4) Im assuming this is a dumb question, but are they reliable? I have read that they are but I just want to make sure that there is nothing stupid that goes wrong with them!

5) How is the sound system even in the base models? Is it pretty standard or when you crank it does it make you go "wow!". My buddy has a Audi A6 and it came with like concert surround sound system and it sounds absolutly incredible. No matter how loud you turn it up it never crackles.

6)Why do some have that wings badge and others dont?

I cant think of anything else right now but if all checks out, I am looking to trade the Tiburon in for hopefully 7k and use that as a down payment for a Genesis at the end of March once the snow is officially over. Any help would greatly be appreciated!!

 

[homeofstone]

The two features I use most are the usb port in the sound system and the active cruise control. Both are used everyday. A 3.8 with the tech pkg. will have these two features if its a 2011 or newer. The 2010 3.8 with the tech pkg. may have the usb port. Try this site, just pick the year model and specifications. http://www.hyundainews.com/us/en-us/2010/Genesis/OtherMaterial.aspx

 

[427435]

I'll talk about the RWD in snow. I've got a 2013 R-Spec on order that is supposed to arrive next week. I live in Minnesota (and grew up here). All we had in the 50's, 60's and into the 70's were RWD cars. We got along fine with just snow tires on the back. And they probably had a lower % of their weight on the rear wheels than a 3.8 would.

Before I retired, I drove 65 miles (one way) to work every day. The last couple of years, I drove a Mercury Marauder (also RWD). Always made it there and home. More importantly, with the modern Blizzack type tires on it, it felt more secure on slippery roads than the FWD cars I had been using earlier. On icy roads, I also preferred it to our 4WD Explorer.

Just plan on getting an extra set of wheels and some Blizzack type tires.

 

[Gunkk]

2) Can you tell me about the space?

No prob for 6'3". 2 bags of clubs in the trunk. You will need to test fit your snowboard, as the back seat doesn't fold down. Only the handrest pass-thru at about 12" x 6".

3) I cant seem to really find a difference in the 2009 and the 2010.

2010 = 2009 but with slightly better suspension.

Is there any rhyme or reason to the interior colors?

black-brown and black-tan will be very very rare cars, if they exist at all.

favorite feature ?

Lexicon 17 speaker audio (tech-trim).

4) Im assuming this is a dumb question, but are they reliable?

2009 and 2010 had issues with power tilt/seat limit switches (had mine done under warranty a few weeks ago), some head unit issues. Had an ABS control unit replaced at the same time under warranty. Genesis are good compared to German cars, on par with Japanese. Get one still under 3 yrs 36k mi to get the head unit coverage, or 5/60 for bumper-to-bumper less head-unit. 10/100 powertrain only applies to original owner, not transferable, but 5/60 covers powertrain.

6)Why do some have that wings badge and others dont?

Owners rebadge them to KDM (Korea Domestic Market) style. You can buy them on Ebay. More and more dealers will do it for you for a fee (or free if you buy the car from them).

Good luck.

 

[Mark_888]

If I lived in the Snowbelt, I would look at a late model Accord V6 (2010-2012) coming off lease.

• It has Front Wheel Drive
• It has better headroom than Genesis (and 1" more than 2013 Accord, which is now about average).
• Good interior room, but not quite as large as Genesis, especially in rear seat (not sure about trunk).

Anecdotal remarks about headroom are somewhat debatable, because it matters how big your torso is (not necessary overall height) and how far back you are willing to tilt your seat.

On Genesis Base models, there is no sunroof, which increases headroom, but I have heard that many of the used ones were former rentals (you can check that out on CarFax). Base model stereo is OK, but probably not for people who want a boom-box. Genesis Premium or Technology Packages come with much better sound systems (and surround sound).

Even on the Genesis V6, acceleration and torque are excellent, so you have to be very careful on snow. I sometimes spin my wheels on wet streets if I am not careful when accelerating from a stop.

 

[PMCErnie]

If I only owned one car, needed it to get to work, and lived in the snow belt, it would not be a rear-wheeled drive car of any brand.

 

[bmann626]

i like everything I am hearing. Im still just really skeptical about the snow. I dont want to worrying about my car spinning off of the road on heavy rain or because there is slush on the road. I need more convincing that its gonna be alright! lol

 

[Stoofpilot]

I have a 2010 with Tech package. No snow where I live. Lexicon sound system in Tech pkg is great. We love the car.

That said, if I lived in snow and needed to haul everything you are hauling, I would buy the New Subaru 3.6 Outback with the SAP package. My daughter has it and frankly it is impressive. Fast, doors close like a Mercedes, great leather, and a great stereo. Oh, all wheel drive but might be out of your price range.

 

[dg_moore]

As so many others have said, in the grand scheme of things front wheel drive is a relatively new technology. I grew up just south of Erie 50+ years ago, with serious snow from Thanksgiving through Easter, and we always managed to get around fine with rear wheel drive. All you need is decent snow tires and proper driving technique (hint - applying more accelerator when your tires start to spin is not helpful )

 

[bmann626]

haha yea everything i have researched people generally said that RWD isnt that much of a problem if you have 4 snow tires and drive safe. I am a safe driver to begin with and have never been in a wreck since i have been driving (8 years).

How much would a set of 4 good snow tires run me? Im assuming I need to get a whole new set of wheels too to go on those tires. Just ballpark guess with snowtires and rims?

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[bmann626]

Oh yes i forgot a question. What about the MPG? It says 19 city and 28 highway? Is this accurate? I guess anything is better then the 18 average MPG im getting now lol It sounds like the Genesis is between the tiburon and the sonota in terms of MPG.

 

[cspartan]

How much would a set of 4 good snow tires run me? Im assuming I need to get a whole new set of wheels too to go on those tires. Just ballpark guess with snowtires and rims?

$1000-1300 new on the bottom of the spectrum, cheaper used of course. I live in MN as well and bought a set of 17" rims and tires from Tirerack.com - both on the less expensive side, and had them installed for $25 (all 4) and they are storing my stock 18" rims and tires for $50. I have a '10 4.6 w/Tech. Don't worry about the snow if you swap the tires. I wouldn't drive mine with the stock Dunlops and probably all seasons either in snow, it's just too much torque/power and not enough grip without dedicated winter tires.

We got hit with a good size storm (8"+) in Dec and I went on errands all afternoon without issue with my 3 year old daughter in the back. We had fun doing donuts in an empty parking lot. Side note, we came back from sledding the other day and I was merging on to the highway and she says "Dad, go super fast because we don't have Isla in your car." Isla is her younger sister, 10 month old.

Snowboard will fit in the backseat without issue, mot likely not in trunk as given your size I assume you ride a 160+ right? You hit home with this question as I have a Yakima Q Tower system I used on my old car and my wife's Subaru. Yak doesn't make clips to used on the Genesis sedan (coupe only right now). I might have to swap out my whole system for a Thule setup as they have a tower system for our vehicles. I take 6-8 trips with friends each season and need to be able to roof mount our boards.

 

[EXBMWGUY]

I too live in Minnesota and manage an R-Spec just fine with four winter tires. A steep driveway would be difficult and probably a deal-killer for me, but that's not the case.

 

[427435]

i like everything I am hearing. Im still just really skeptical about the snow. I dont want to worrying about my car spinning off of the road on heavy rain or because there is slush on the road. I need more convincing that its gonna be alright! lol

Actually, you are more likely to spin off the road in a FWD car. If you quickly get off the gas in a FWD car on ice, it will do a nice pirouette around the front wheels which are now trying to decelerate the car. And, because the front wheels are probably skidding some also, you have no steering. I have had that happen a couple of times and quickly got back on the gas. Not every one will have the presence of mind to do that.

In a RWD car, the retarding force is at the back wheels and the front wheels are turning freely. The back wheels will keep you straight and, if needed, you can still steer with the front wheels.

There's a reason race cars are RWD.

Oh yes, note my signature. The 427/435hp Vette was my year around driver for the first 5 years of it's life---------in Wisconsin and Minnesota. And that was before Blizzack tires.

 

[bmann626]

So your also telling me there is no difference in the 2009-2011 body styles? Im gonna go test drive one today! So pumped! I just hope there is nothing that will make me have a let down once i drive it lol

 

[homeofstone]

So your also telling me there is no difference in the 2009-2011 body styles? Im gonna go test drive one today! So pumped! I just hope there is nothing that will make me have a let down once i drive it lol

Body styles are same. 2009 and 2010 Cruise control is not the same in tech pkg. The base models do not have active xeon headlights nor does the base model have lighted door seals. The v8's come with a German made ZF transmission.

 

[427435]

So your also telling me there is no difference in the 2009-2011 body styles? Im gonna go test drive one today! So pumped! I just hope there is nothing that will make me have a let down once i drive it lol

You indicated you were looking for a 3.8 in your original post. You may want to check into buying a 2012. The hp on the 3.8 went up to 333 in that model year. From what I can learn from this forum, the suspension and other things were improved between 2009 and 2012 also.

I drove a 3.8 2012 Genesis, and it is a quick car considering it has a V6.

 

[bmann626]

Hey Guys! I just wanted to update you on a few things. I just got back from my test drive and woooooooow. I drove a 2012 black 3.8 with black interior. I just wanted to share a few things i noticed.

First thing i noticed, since its dark, was the headlights. Wow soes that little bar that aparently is exclusive to the 2012 model. Makes it look like a Audi. Very Nice.

The car also has so much get up and go when you punch it on the highway. So smooth and quiet.

The interior is beautiful as well. The leather was super soft and comfy and the roominess of the interior was amazing.. Im literally blown away.

Only problem is that I fell in love with a 2012. Which was 24k and about 2-3k out of my price range. Could you remind me what else am i going to get with the 12 that the 09-11 doesnt besides the headlights?

SOund system was nice too, it was stock but still very good. It made me want to see what the 17 speaker system sounded like.

Thanks for all of the help!!!!

 

[EXBMWGUY]

Biggest difference is the suspension is more refined (more settled, IMO). Visual differences are significant with lower body panels, front and rear bumper/fascia, and different tail lights. Other differences I believe have already been mentioned.

 

[chicagorspec]

New is probably pushing $1500. I bought 4 used 2009 OEM 18" wheels, 4 90% 235/50R18 Blizzaks in a separate transaction (both through EBay), had them both shipped, mounted and balanced everything locally and have about $950 in the whole package. You will love the car, go for it!

haha yea everything i have researched people generally said that RWD isnt that much of a problem if you have 4 snow tires and drive safe. I am a safe driver to begin with and have never been in a wreck since i have been driving (8 years).

How much would a set of 4 good snow tires run me? Im assuming I need to get a whole new set of wheels too to go on those tires. Just ballpark guess with snowtires and rims?