Getting ready to purchase 4.6, Test Drive Question

[adam61]

I'm getting ready to purchase a 2012 4.6 in the next few weeks, but the dealership hasn't really been stocking any. They can get one from another dealership, but want a deposit and everything before they do that. The dealer suggested I test drive the 2011 4.6 or a 2012 3.8 Tech to get a good feel for it before I make a decision. By testing out the 2011 4.6 (Engine), and 2012 3.8 Tech (Features/Suspension) do you think that's enough information to make a purchase on or should I continue to wait for them to stock a 2012 4.6 before making the move?

Thanks for your help, I'm getting excited to buy it, but don't want to get overzealous if I can't get enough information testing the 2 similar models.

 

[Aquineas]

Hmmm I would tentatively answer the question as follows. With the exception of the handling and ride quality, the 2011 4.6 should be a reasonable approximation of what you'll get with the 2012.

For 2012, they've improved the handling somewhat.

 

[Glashub]

Drive to the other dealership for the test drive if you can. Once they have your deposit they own you kind of in a way. Psychologically they have the leverage as a result of having your money and demonstration of desire.

 

[Gambler]

Don't give them any money until you've worked out a deal. But test drive the exact model you will be buying first, if not the exact car.

 

[Gen0814]

Test driving 3.8/tech will give you a taste of all the features included.
However, in terms of driving 3.8 and 4.6 feel like 2 completely different cars. I test drove 3.8 earlier and really liked it, then decided to drive 4.6 when they appeared in the dealership. I expected a similar drive experience, just more powerful, man, was I wrong! I even tested 3.8 again side by side with 4.6. IMO, while 3.8 is a great car, 4.6 simply blew me away. Once you drive it, you can't go back to 3.8!
Can't compare with 2011, but if you like 2011 4.6 driving, 2012 4.6 is 2011 4.6 + much better suspension, so I think you should drive both.

 

[nextcar]

i would have to disagree with the comments so far.
i did a back to back drive of 2011 4.6 and 2012 4.6.
no significant difference in the suspension or noise level between the 2. i drove the cars on city streets and freeway, over good pavement and bad. the only difference was the steering wheel heft, a bit heavier on the 2012, which i preferred.

since i could get the 2011 for about $3000 less, it was an easy choice.

 

[MHT]

I'm getting ready to purchase a 2012 4.6 in the next few weeks, but the dealership hasn't really been stocking any. They can get one from another dealership, but want a deposit and everything before they do that. The dealer suggested I test drive the 2011 4.6 or a 2012 3.8 Tech to get a good feel for it before I make a decision. By testing out the 2011 4.6 (Engine), and 2012 3.8 Tech (Features/Suspension) do you think that's enough information to make a purchase on or should I continue to wait for them to stock a 2012 4.6 before making the move?

Thanks for your help, I'm getting excited to buy it, but don't want to get overzealous if I can't get enough information testing the 2 similar models.

If you can wait I would wait. It should not be long before your dealer will have a few and you can test drive the car for yourself, remember haste makes waste. Good Luck............

 

[Genesiswannabee]

I have about 800 miles on my 2012 4.6 Genesis. Although it is subjective I agree with Gen0814s comments and disagree with NextCar.

After driving the 2011 I decided that I would not purchase a 2012 unless the ride quality was greatly improved. If not improved I was going to purchase a MB E350. However after driving the 2012 Genesis I was totally satisfied with the ride. The 3.8 is a excellent car however the 4.6 I felt was heavier, more planted on the road, and handled road imperfections better than the 3.8. Thus I decided to go with the 4.6 and have been extremely satisfied so far.

Larry

 

[nextcar]

true, it is very subjective, but did you actually do a back to back drive within minutes of each car?
some people have mentioned that they drove the 2011 and 2012 on different days, even months apart....

 

[MHT]

I have a 2010 4.6 and I test drove a 2012 3.8 back to back with my car and found that the 2012 suspension was some what better. In that I have the same OEM tires found on the 2012 with 18" wheels on my car, the ride over rough road surfaces in my 2010 is better than with the Dunlop's.
I plan to test drive a 2012 4.6 just as soon as the dealer has one in stock and based on that test drive I will decide if I will trade my 2010 for a 2012.
I like the DRL's, instrumentation,chime tone and suspension change of the 2012. I will also take a look at upgrading my suspension with the 2012 suspension parts and maybe changing out my tail lights and just keeping my car. I also like the looks of the 2012 tail lights.

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[nextcar]

I have a 2010 4.6 and I test drove a 2012 3.8 back to back with my car and found that the 2012 suspension was some what better. In that I have the same OEM tires found on the 2012 with 18" wheels on my car, the ride over rough road surfaces in my 2010 is better than with the Dunlop's.
I plan to test drive a 2012 4.6 just as soon as the dealer has one in stock and based on that test drive I will decide if I will trade my 2010 for a 2012.
I like the DRL's, instrumentation,chime tone and suspension change of the 2012. I will also take a look at upgrading my suspension with the 2012 suspension parts and maybe changing out my tail lights and just keeping my car. I also like the looks of the 2012 tail lights.

your assessment is very valid, as you know the 2010 suspension very well, and you have the Michelin tires. i understand that once someone has many miles on the Dunlops, the noise level goes up.

my hunch is that the suspension tweaking is rather minor between the 2011 and 2012. There may be a more pronounced difference between an early 2009 and 2012.

 

[MHT]

your assessment is very valid, as you know the 2010 suspension very well, and you have the Michelin tires. i understand that once someone has many miles on the Dunlops, the noise level goes up.

my hunch is that the suspension tweaking is rather minor between the 2011 and 2012. There may be a more pronounced difference between an early 2009 and 2012.

I have also driven the 2011. The Suspension of the 2010 and 2011 are the same as Hyundai made no changes on the 2011.

 

[Vince2]

If you feel no difference in the ride of the '11 vs the '12 Genesis then by all means you should buy the '11...save money! The diffence in the ride of the '10 and the '12 for me was dramatic and to the good...if the ride had not changed I would NOT buy another Genesis. It wasn't so much that the pre '12 ride was too firm but that it handled anything but smooth surfaces far too harshly...that has absolutely changed in the '12. The focus groups, user comments, magazine reveiws, word on the street was that the Genesis was a really good car but the suspension was NOT ready for prime time. Hyundai paid attention and offered up the suspension change. NO one wants to drive around in a harsh car! That previous ride is probably better on the track or street racing but I don't do either. Save the Buick comments. It's not an either or situation. You can have a car with decent handling that isn't a pain to drive.

 

[waveman]

@adam61 - I agree with the people who advised you to test drive the exact car you're interested in buying. Doing what the dealer suggested won't be the same as driving a '12 4.6. On the other hand, if you try the '11 4.6 and like the ride, you could save a few thousand dollars, though there are other changes on the '12 (such as LDWS) that might be worth the extra money, even if you didn't notice much difference in the ride.

 

[MHT]

I just spoke to my dealer today about the 2012 4.6 and they still do not have an allocation as of yet. They are going to contact the port and see if they will send one in the color that I am looking for (black/black). They are doing this because I am interested and they have yet to receive one. I am not interested in a dealer trade because I am under no obligation to purchase if they bring it in from the port.