Infiniti to Hyundai

[algreen345]

I've been driving an Infiniti FX35 for eight years. Its a 2004, that I modified with a sway bar, H&R Springs, and some Hancook Ventus tires all in a mostly successful attempt to cure the car of its bouncy and nervous ride.

Its a very reliable and fun car to drive, but I'm tired of the engine roar and bumpy ride.

I have driven the 2012 V6 twice now and I was impressed with the pickup, quietness of the cabin, technology gizmos, fit and finish, and the ride. I also test drove a 2012 Audi A6 3.0T and the ride quality was very similar.

Of course, where Audi is far superior is the internal materials. That cockpit is so awesome, and the Google Earth nav system with 2 SDHC card slots is amazing. The dealer experience is also far better. Hyundai dealers are idiots. They take you out on pre-programmed tours for maybe 10 minutes in the car and often they don't know anything useful about how the vehicle works or how it drives. The Audi dealer took me out for an hour. He knew everything about the car and made me push the driving experience to corner that vehicle at speeds I would have never thought possible.

I walked away in awe of the Audi - I just can't afford $56K to buy it - and wish Hyundai would show me how their vehicle performs in comparison.

So now I'm looking at either getting a 2011 4.6 or a 2012 3.8. How does the ride quality compare? Is acceleration nearly the same? If you could get the 2011 V8 for $3-4K less than the 2012 V6 would you recommend that?

Are there any members who have driven the FX35 in the past and migrated to a Genesis Sedan? How does it corner? Can you push it on corners and does it hold? Or does uneven pavement cause it to skip a bit and lose control?

I'd be grateful for comparative advice and experiences. Many thanks.

 

[Cut-Throat]

Tell your Hyundai Dealer that your previous test drives were too short. Tell them you would like a half hour with the car by yourself, to make up your mind about purchasing. If they won't comply find a different Hyundai Dealer.

 

[nextcar]

if you absolutely loved the audi, i think you should get it. if you lease it, the monthly payment is probably not bad. if you just get the premium plus, it should cost about $52k before tax.

we have a 2011 audi Q5 premium plus with 2.0T, and i am not fond of this car. the 8 speed ZF tranny is not as smooth as the genesis tranny. so far, 2 trips to the dealer for repairs of step motor and oil level sensor.

i haven't driven the 2012 A6, but it's a brand new design with unknown reliability.

if you go with genny, i recommend the 4.6 if you want more of a luxury feel and ride. there probably isn't any advantage in the 0-60 time, though i bet freeway passsing is better with the 4.6.

 

[acoga]

Of course, where Audi is far superior is the internal materials. That cockpit is so awesome, and the Google Earth nav system with 2 SDHC card slots is amazing.

I think most experts agree that no one does better interiors than Audi.

The dealer experience is also far better. Hyundai dealers are idiots. They take you out on pre-programmed tours for maybe 10 minutes in the car and often they don't know anything useful about how the vehicle works or how it drives. The Audi dealer took me out for an hour. He knew everything about the car and made me push the driving experience to corner that vehicle at speeds I would have never thought possible.

Sadly, that's the difference between a dealership that deals exclusively in luxury cars vs. a dealer that made bank selling cheap cars. If you're pushing product that averages $60K, you can afford to invest heavily in every customer. You simply can't do that if you're pushing $15K cars. Cheap cars are about volume.

That said, not all Hyundai dealers are as bad as the one you dealt with. Try going to one that sells the Equus. They have to go through extra training to do that. My sales guy was highly professional and knowledgeable and he let me determine the length of my test drives. I was expecting a horrible sales experience but I was pleasantly surprised. Overall it was just as pleasant as when I bought my last Acura.

I walked away in awe of the Audi - I just can't afford $56K to buy it -

That's the rub, isn't it? If you have an extra $20K you can get a BMW/Mercedes/Audi that's every bit as good as a Genesis. It's just a heck of a premium to pay.

So now I'm looking at either getting a 2011 4.6 or a 2012 3.8. How does the ride quality compare? Is acceleration nearly the same? If you could get the 2011 V8 for $3-4K less than the 2012 V6 would you recommend that?

Honestly I'd find a better dealer then decide for yourself. The '12 has the 8 speed transmission and a revised suspension. On the other hand, many people in the forum believe that the V8 cars have a smoother ride than the V6s. The V6 will handle better than the V8 since it has less weight over the front wheels. The two cars will likely have comparable 0-60 times due to the V6's new transmission and lower diff gearing, but I'd guess that the V8 will have more low-down grunt available so things like freeway passing will be a little easier.

The bottom line is that only you can determine if you like the ride/handling compromise better in the '12 V6 vs the '11 V8.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Acoga and nextcar:
Perfect responses!

 

[waveman]

I've been driving an Infiniti FX35 for eight years. Its a 2004, that I modified with a sway bar, H&R Springs, and some Hancook Ventus tires all in a mostly successful attempt to cure the car of its bouncy and nervous ride.

Its a very reliable and fun car to drive, but I'm tired of the engine roar and bumpy ride.

Make sure that you spend a lot of time test driving all the vehicles that you're considering on roads that will give the suspension a good workout. The fact that you went through the expense of modifying your Infiniti's suspension to calm its ride tells me that you're very sensitive to ride quality. That's not meant as a criticism by any means, just a caution that it's yourself that you have to please ultimately.

I drove an FX35 once or twice while my G35 was at the dealer. It seemed competent, but I didn't drive it long enough to form a strong opinion.

As for handling, I'd say that my Genesis sedan is a slight step down from my G. I definitely can't push it around corners the way I did with the Infiniti, but then the Genesis isn't a sport sedan. However, the Genesis more than makes up for it in comfort, quietness, and amenities. I used to feel tired after driving more than a few hours in the G, and that's not the case with the Genesis.

Best of luck with your decision.

 

[TJPark01]

You may be in awe of the Audi, but you really have to look closely at the cost cutting in the interior of the A6. My main disappointments are the steering, which is way over boosted, especially in city speeds.
Even worse, the seats are rather average and a mix of leatherette and leather. The comments about how amazing the interior are by journalists not by potential buyers who will actually look at details, not give it a once over before lunch.
The side bolsters, top and back are vinyl. If you're not looking for it, you probably wont see it. As you can see the colors don't really match either, the plastic portions are darker than the leather...

The whole door is covered with vinyl and rubber. It just doesn't have the look or feel of genuine leather nor even that of leatherette. Also I couldn't find a single stitch anywhere on the door panel.

Audi A6 Door:

Compare that to the 5 series

 

[algreen345]

Thanks everyone. From what I read, the 2012 V6 has a better suspension, getting .87g around the skidpad. The audi A6 pulls .90g, and the BMW 335 pulls .91g.

My 2004 FX35 only pulls .80g, and its a bit slower than the Genesis. I'm going to take a longer test drive tomorrow and see how it feels on some North Shore Long Island hills and curves.

 

[algreen345]

I took the 2012 V6 out for a longer test drive on Saturday with my wife and son. We had about 45 minutes behind the wheel, on both the highway and some curvy roads. It was my third test drive in two weeks, alongside test drives of the Audi A6, Mercedes E350 Coupe, C250 Coupe, and the BMW 335d.

I found the Hydundai engine and transmission wonderful. Acceleration is effortless and smooth. The cabin is quiet and comfortable. But overall, the cabin looks 3 years old compared to the Germans. Its clean and easy to use, but it lacks the high-end feel of BMW and Audi. Even Infiniti has nicer cabins and better displays.

On the Road, the Hyundai does well with potholes and uneven pavement that is the norm on Long Island. But it is not an exciting car to drive like the BMW 335d or the A6. It has a lot of body roll in turns and the steering is vague and imprecise.

It remains a good car value for the money, but my experience behind the wheel tells me that Hyundai needs another go at this car to reach the level of fit and finish, road poise and agility, and overall packaging that the Germans and Infiniti possess. I'm going to pass on it for now but watch it grow and maybe take another look when a revised model comes out.

The BMW 335d btw is an absolute riot to drive. 425 pounds of torque make it the most fun thing I've ever driven. And the steering feels like it was made as an extension of your arms. You can throw it at any curve without the slightest doubt that it will succeed. It just goes, and that's what I want from a car.

Thanks to everyone for your feedback and passion. The Genesis is a great car too for a different purpose.

 

[Gambler]

If you have the cash to drop on a BMW, go for it. If you don't like spending that much, try either of the V8 versions of the Genesis, they pack plenty of punch as well. As far as cornering goes, I've pushed the Genesis pretty hard and have never had any issues.

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[TJPark01]

I have a V8 Genesis and a '11 535i. While the Genesis isn't what I'd call a sport sedan, you can still get away with some fairly aggressive driving, before the chassis reminds you about the size and weight of the car. Yes, it's not a BMW, but it can still hold it own. And for the majority of people, who will never drive it in that manner, it makes a lot more sense financially.

 

[nextcar]

I took the 2012 V6 out for a longer test drive on Saturday with my wife and son. We had about 45 minutes behind the wheel, on both the highway and some curvy roads. It was my third test drive in two weeks, alongside test drives of the Audi A6, Mercedes E350 Coupe, C250 Coupe, and the BMW 335d.

I found the Hydundai engine and transmission wonderful. Acceleration is effortless and smooth. The cabin is quiet and comfortable. But overall, the cabin looks 3 years old compared to the Germans. Its clean and easy to use, but it lacks the high-end feel of BMW and Audi. Even Infiniti has nicer cabins and better displays.

On the Road, the Hyundai does well with potholes and uneven pavement that is the norm on Long Island. But it is not an exciting car to drive like the BMW 335d or the A6. It has a lot of body roll in turns and the steering is vague and imprecise.

It remains a good car value for the money, but my experience behind the wheel tells me that Hyundai needs another go at this car to reach the level of fit and finish, road poise and agility, and overall packaging that the Germans and Infiniti possess. I'm going to pass on it for now but watch it grow and maybe take another look when a revised model comes out.

The BMW 335d btw is an absolute riot to drive. 425 pounds of torque make it the most fun thing I've ever driven. And the steering feels like it was made as an extension of your arms. You can throw it at any curve without the slightest doubt that it will succeed. It just goes, and that's what I want from a car.

Thanks to everyone for your feedback and passion. The Genesis is a great car too for a different purpose.

i think your last sentence really clarified things.
you cannot compare the genesis with the 335d, which is a smaller, lighter, sportier car. when optioned similarly to the genny tech package, the 335d is $55k.
if you want a comfortable, luxurious car with a great engine, you can't beat a V8 genesis in the $40k range.

 

[YEH]

^ We'll see if Hyundai changes course w/ the next gen Genesis and makes it sportier, but as for the 335d, yeah, not a good comparison, esp. since Hyundai will have its 3 Series competitor out in a few years.

 

[Seattle Genesis]

I took the 2012 V6 out for a longer test drive on Saturday with my wife and son. We had about 45 minutes behind the wheel, on both the highway and some curvy roads. It was my third test drive in two weeks, alongside test drives of the Audi A6, Mercedes E350 Coupe, C250 Coupe, and the BMW 335d.

I found the Hydundai engine and transmission wonderful. Acceleration is effortless and smooth. The cabin is quiet and comfortable. But overall, the cabin looks 3 years old compared to the Germans. Its clean and easy to use, but it lacks the high-end feel of BMW and Audi. Even Infiniti has nicer cabins and better displays.

On the Road, the Hyundai does well with potholes and uneven pavement that is the norm on Long Island. But it is not an exciting car to drive like the BMW 335d or the A6. It has a lot of body roll in turns and the steering is vague and imprecise.

It remains a good car value for the money, but my experience behind the wheel tells me that Hyundai needs another go at this car to reach the level of fit and finish, road poise and agility, and overall packaging that the Germans and Infiniti possess. I'm going to pass on it for now but watch it grow and maybe take another look when a revised model comes out.

The BMW 335d btw is an absolute riot to drive. 425 pounds of torque make it the most fun thing I've ever driven. And the steering feels like it was made as an extension of your arms. You can throw it at any curve without the slightest doubt that it will succeed. It just goes, and that's what I want from a car.

Thanks to everyone for your feedback and passion. The Genesis is a great car too for a different purpose.

Thanks for sharing, but shouldnt you be on the BMW forums site?

 

[Seattle Genesis]

You may be in awe of the Audi, but you really have to look closely at the cost cutting in the interior of the A6. My main disappointments are the steering, which is way over boosted, especially in city speeds.
Even worse, the seats are rather average and a mix of leatherette and leather. The comments about how amazing the interior are by journalists not by potential buyers who will actually look at details, not give it a once over before lunch.
The side bolsters, top and back are vinyl. If you're not looking for it, you probably wont see it. As you can see the colors don't really match either, the plastic portions are darker than the leather...

The whole door is covered with vinyl and rubber. It just doesn't have the look or feel of genuine leather nor even that of leatherette. Also I couldn't find a single stitch anywhere on the door panel.

Audi A6 Door:

Compare that to the 5 series

Not sure if its the camera angle or what, but it looks like two different colors of leather. Not very appealing when spending that much for a car.

 

[hwks1]

335 is not a good comparo for the Genesis. There is a reason why it's called the ultimate driving machine. The 3series is at the head of it's class in a small sports sedan. The Genesis is not a small sports sedan.

The Genesis is unquestionably the best value on the road for a premium large sedan. It's easy to forget when comparing that a BMW for instance equally equipped is going to be $15000-$20000 MORE.......that's a bunch of money to anyone with a financial brain. liked my Audi.....but it was just dumb to buy another one when I could get this much in a Genesis. Dumb probably isn't the right word...ludicrous probably fits better.

now I will say that if I won the lottery....I would be sitting in nothing less than an S8

 

[tompass]

hwks1 said it right. Having come from preowned MB and BMW 7, I would buy a new MB or BMW if I had the bread to do so. That said, the Genny is smart way to go.

 

[dg_moore]

hwks1 said it right. Having come from preowned MB and BMW 7, I would buy a new MB or BMW if I had the bread to do so. That said, the Genny is smart way to go.

Bread?? You're dating yourself (and me too, since we are both vintage 1943). But even given the bread I personally wouldn't go for MB or BMW - I've owned both and they were both nothing but trouble and constant expense. I don't know what the odds are of getting two German lemons, but it happened to me and put me off both marks forever. And this was way before lemon laws.

 

[tompass]

hey DG-'43 was a good year!

 

[TJPark01]

Not sure if its the camera angle or what, but it looks like two different colors of leather. Not very appealing when spending that much for a car.

I believe you're referencing the Audi. It's not 2 different colors of leather, it's 2 different materials. These are the kinds of things magazine articles wont tell you. The side bolsters, top and back of Audi seats on the A6 and A7 are plastic. For some odd reason the optional leather sport seats available in Europe are not offered in the US. Neither is the adjustable suspension or dual clutch automatic. Apparently Audi thinks Americans don't need these things, don't know about them or don't have the internet.