Hello!! I'm SOOOO EXCITED!!

[yhssccl]

I'm actually looking to buy a 1st generation genesis sedan. I'm looking at years of around 2012. I saw some champagne colored 2012 3.8's with around 60k miles on them for around 10 grand. They still look very attractive to me!

I'm getting this car as a 2nd car, or to possibly replace my current car. My current car is a 2013 Infiniti G37S Coupe. It is a 6 speed manual and guzzles gas like no other car I've had. 60 dollar fill up and usually doesn't last a week.

I want a car I can use as a daily driver. But I don't want a crap car. Genesis seems like the perfect car for me because it is cheap but quality.

Now, is the 1st generation Genesis reliable? Any models to avoid? Specifically, is 3.8 reliable and strong enough? Any years to avoid? Is 2012 a good year for Genesis? And lastly, as an owner, recommend or pass?? So many questions... I know. Sorry!

I am going to go out tomorrow and check out some cars. I hope this is a good car so I can stop my shopping and settle on this!

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I'm actually looking to buy a 1st generation genesis sedan. I'm looking at years of around 2012. I saw some champagne colored 2012 3.8's with around 60k miles on them for around 10 grand. They still look very attractive to me!

I'm getting this car as a 2nd car, or to possibly replace my current car. My current car is a 2013 Infiniti G37S Coupe. It is a 6 speed manual and guzzles gas like no other car I've had. 60 dollar fill up and usually doesn't last a week.

I want a car I can use as a daily driver. But I don't want a crap car. Genesis seems like the perfect car for me because it is cheap but quality.

Now, is the 1st generation Genesis reliable? Any models to avoid? Specifically, is 3.8 reliable and strong enough? Any years to avoid? Is 2012 a good year for Genesis? And lastly, as an owner, recommend or pass?? So many questions... I know. Sorry!

I am going to go out tomorrow and check out some cars. I hope this is a good car so I can stop my shopping and settle on this!

Welcome aboard! And thank you for signing up. I'm not sure why nobody has chimed in here. Did you check out any Genesi today? I have a second generation myself but as far as I know, the first generation is a very reliable car...

 

[Aquineas]

Welcome!! Good luck in your search! 2012 is a good year for the Genesis if you're looking at the V6. If you're looking for a V8 (which I wouldn't think you would be because you mention mileage as important to you), get a 2013 or later. Good luck on your search!

 

[yhssccl]

Thanks guys. This board is quite slow!

I've read about V8 problems plaguing up to 2012 models. I guess this one is a no go then?

Used 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 for sale in Peachtree Corners, GA 30071: Sedan Details - 483582615 - Autotrader

No, I wasn't able to go to a dealer today. However, I went to my friend's house and he has a black genesis. I was drooling all over it unable to believe this car is going for only 10~15k.

What is the best year for the 1st gen genesis? Obviously, the last year, 2014, would have more kinks ironed out than the previous years. But, it would also be the most expensive.

Taking cost into consideration, which year would be the best?

 

[Mark_888]

2012 was not a good year for the 8-speed Hyundai transmission that was first introduced that year on both the V6 and V8, but that doesn't mean the one you are looking at had a problem (or will have a problem), since at some point in the model year I believe the problem was fixed. 2011 and 2013-14 are probably more reliable. The 2009-2011 V6 used an Aisin 6-speed transmission (same transmission used in some older Lexus models and other brands back at that time).

In 2012, the Genesis 3.8 V6 also changed from electronic fuel injection to direct gasoline injection (GDI). The GDI system gets slightly more HP, but is a little noisier, and is more prone to carbon buildup on the valves (as is the case for most GDI engines from all manufacturers).

There were a lot of "Base" trim Genesis models that were used as rentals, if that makes any difference to you. I think a Carfax would mention that, but not sure.

 

[Mark_888]

I guess this one is a no go then?

Used 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 for sale in Peachtree Corners, GA 30071: Sedan Details - 483582615 - Autotrader

Autotrader says the fair market value is quite a bit higher than asking price. Why would that be?

 

[homeofstone]

MY 2011 4.6 v8 with the German ZF transmission was very reliable, we purchased it new and we put over 212,000 miles on it . Best car we have ever owed in 50 years of driving.

 

[yhssccl]

Autotrader says the fair market value is quite a bit higher than asking price. Why would that be?

Hmm, Idk, maybe they are not selling well?

This one is a bit lower than the KBB price: Used 2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 for sale in Marietta, GA 30060: Sedan Details - 483134232 - Autotrader

Is there something wrong with them?

 

[yhssccl]

2012 was not a good year for the 8-speed Hyundai transmission that was first introduced that year on both the V6 and V8, but that doesn't mean the one you are looking at had a problem (or will have a problem), since at some point in the model year I believe the problem was fixed. 2011 and 2013-14 are probably more reliable. The 2009-2011 V6 used an Aisin 6-speed transmission (same transmission used in some older Lexus models and other brands back at that time).

In 2012, the Genesis 3.8 V6 also changed from electronic fuel injection to direct gasoline injection (GDI). The GDI system gets slightly more HP, but is a little noisier, and is more prone to carbon buildup on the valves (as is the case for most GDI engines from all manufacturers).

There were a lot of "Base" trim Genesis models that were used as rentals, if that makes any difference to you. I think a Carfax would mention that, but not sure.

So the 2012's have 8 speed transmission and V8 problems. I will skip 2012 then.

2011 and 2013~2014's are the most reliable. However, 2011 will have the 6 speed auto transmission. If I want a 8 speed auto transmission that is reliable, I should go for 2013~2014.

But then again, if I don't want GDI, I would have to go for 2011. If I'm okay with GDI, go with 2013~2014.

GDI isn't as horrible as everyone makes it out to be, right? I mean, there is a fear of a carbon build up but it is more of a possibility than a plaguing problem, from what I've seen. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Also, how is 6 speed vs 8 speed in genesis?

 

[Mark_888]

So the 2012's have 8 speed transmission and V8 problems. I will skip 2012 then.

2011 and 2013~2014's are the most reliable. However, 2011 will have the 6 speed auto transmission. If I want a 8 speed auto transmission that is reliable, I should go for 2013~2014.

But then again, if I don't want GDI, I would have to go for 2011. If I'm okay with GDI, go with 2013~2014.

GDI isn't as horrible as everyone makes it out to be, right? I mean, there is a fear of a carbon build up but it is more of a possibility than a plaguing problem, from what I've seen. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Also, how is 6 speed vs 8 speed in genesis?

I don't know why you want an 8-speed transmission. Automakers are adding more gears in order to squeeze out very slightly better MPG, but other than that, I personally think a 6-speed is better. I hear a lot of complaints on the internet for all brands regarding shifting problems on newer transmissions with more gears. With so many gears, the transmission often has a hard time deciding which one to use. Also, the more gears, the more complicated it is, and my suspicion is that the more gears, the less reliable it is. You can check out the EPA mileage ratings of each car.

I cannot comment on the actual amount of carbon build up on valves of Genesis GDI engines. There has been a lot of discussion about it on this and other forums, and you can google the subject.

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[yhssccl]

This one caught my attention: Used 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 for sale in BLAIRSVILLE, GA 30512: Sedan Details - 482894279 - Autotrader

2011 V8. It has my favorite interior color, which is brown leather. However, I'm not too sure about white. Wish it was black! Also, it is priced too high at $2,000 over KBB's highest price. Hmmmm...

 

[dhall57]

Welcome yhssccl. I've got a 2013 3.8 with tech pkg. It was a CPO car that I bought a year ago with 36K so Im cover for 100K. These cars have a lot of high dollar gadgets on them so IMO its a good idea to get one with a warranty of some type. It now has almost 60K and have had no problems what so ever. Great car, love it. The GDI engine gets good mpg and as plenty of power. I generally put a bottle of fuel/ injection cleaner in every other oil change. I to was at first looking at the 4.6 and 5.0 V8 models but for me and my wife I think we made the right choice getting the 3.8 V6. But like the saying goes different strokes for different folkes. Good luck with the search.

 

[PMCErnie]

I've had no transmission problems with my '12 3.8. Still, I would recommend getting a '14 model, the last year of the 1st generation Genesis. So what if you pay a little more. It's still a bargain purchase.

Also, get some kind of extended warranty. Modern vehicles have too many expensive components, electronic and mechanical. My extended warranty has already paid for itself a runs till 2024! I wouldn't by any decent used car without at least a one year warranty.

 

[Mark_888]

Also, it is priced too high at $2,000 over KBB's highest price. Hmmmm...

Make them an offer if they are asking too much (and you want the car).

 

[JonCarl]

I just wanted to mention that 2012 was also the first year with some minor upgrades/updates. They added the GDI, a little more horse power, the LED strip in the front headlights, and "upgraded" the brake lights and exhaust tips. I would go for 2012-2014, I think the updates look great, I didnt know much about the car when I bought mine but Im glad I happened to have the 2012 vs older model year. And yes it has the 8 speed tranny (which so far has yet to give me issues). Unless Im too late, in that case enjoy the new car !

 

[Audio]

Every car out there is going to have it's rough patches and the Genesis is no different. One thing I've noticed after having owned 30+ cars, the Genesis's problems are not that huge for the most part.

Avoid the 4.6 from 2009-2010. In 2011 they upgraded the valve springs(only major issue with the prior 4.6). The 6-speed ZF is a proven dead nuts reliable transmission(I personally hear some people talk about issues with the first year of the 8 speed, as expected).

Honestly, when it comes to fuel economy, I wouldn't let that be the deciding factor between the V6 and V8. Having the extra horsepower going from the V6 to the V8 means you have more AVAILABLE power, not that you MUST always keep your foot planted in it, and honestly the difference in fuel economy between the two is extremely small. You're talking 18/27 vs 17/25. My all-city driving averages in my 4.6L is right on the button at about 17, sometimes 18 if I'm easy on it(and I don't drive it all that easy), and I've gotten about 29mpg highway on a road trip without going crazy trying to squeeze every last mile out of it.

Bottom line, there's pros and cons to all of it, but when you see how small the fuel mileage gap is when getting an extra 95 horsepower, I really don't see a single pro in a V6 if you have the option of a V8.

In my honest opinion, if I had any option of a first gen for a daily drive right this minute, I'd buy a 2011 4.6L with the tech package. It has the least problematic items in the first gen while avoiding GDI(though there are actually some decent cleaners on the market now to fight the carbon build up issues).

 

[entu77]

I just got a 2013-3.8 with Tech Package. I tested the 2011-4.6, and I like the v8 sound, but the car feel a bit heavy for me.
Both are really nice car. I'm happy with mine.
During my process, I try to avoid 09 and 12. Hope it helps.

 

[Sirbustergoodpup]

I would stick with the 3.8 engine. If you are driving open road, you can expect 30 mpg., or better. My 2010 has made trips from PA to Minneapolis, Birmingham, AL, and Grand Rapids, MI. All three trips, averaged 31 mpg., at 70-75 mph. Until I got back to hilly PA. As others have said, be leery of the 2012's. The 8 speed tranny had it's share of problems.

 

[Audio]

averaged 31 mpg., at 70-75 mph.

Same in my 4.6. Open highway cruising is the last place you'd want to compare the 2 engines. That's where they're most similar lol.

 

[OUsig]

the 2013 and 14 has an updated navigation and "info"? system that is much better than the 2012 IMO. of course I have a 2013
Ideally go with a 2013 or 14 and get the full tech package unless you get a V8 and that comes with every option already. these year models are virtually identical except for a few color changes.
These are not "modern" vehicles at this point but I feel the 2013 upgrades over the previous models are well worth it and keep the vehicle feeling quite new.
I have about 97k miles on mine now and love it. no issues and I run seafoam through the oil before each change and through the intake every 2nd oil change