Lexus/Infiniti/Audi owner, comments 2 months after getting Genesis

[TrynFadeThis]

Hey everybody, I'm new to your forum as a poster, but I've really enjoyed this place so far. So, two months ago I purchased a used Genesis (2009 3.8), figured I'd give my input. My last three car purchases were a 2007 m35, 2005 avalon limited, and 2002 A6 4.2. My wife owns a Lexus GS 350. Here are some thoughts ...

Before we get started, I used to be a Hyundai/Kia hater. Seriously, I was annoyed at the commercials, hated the cars, felt insulted by the comparisons to toyota/honda. And then, they announce the Genesis! My friend just about fainted when I said that someday I was going to buy a Genesis as my commute car.

1) I can't help but notice the striking similarities between my genesis and the M series from Infiniti. The interior lines, position of the cd/dvd player, etc. It's remarkable. I think that hyundai is really going after maxima/avalon buyers as well as people considering used Lexus GS/Infiniti g/m series sedans.

2) I got this for just over $22k with 23k miles. It's 3.8 with premium plus, no tech package. Dealer was asking $28,500. Infiniti dealerships had 2007 M35 with approx 30k miles with navi for $29,500. Getting the genesis for around $22k put me in my first Hyundai

3) Very impressed with the way Hyundai backed the warranty. The car had a few issues (torn vinyl on the pillar next to driver's side seatbelt, inside door handle "chrome" peeling, small tear in driver's seat, fogged headlamp, fogged fog lamp). I came in, they fixed everything, no questions no fuss. Hyundai fixed things for me that toyota, Lexus, Infiniti, etc wouldn't have.

4) I really don't like the transmission on this car. The shiftable automatic is just too "dumbed down". Downshifting at 3500 rpm means no engine braking, and really takes the fun out of it for a driving enthusiast like myself. Also, shifting anywhere near the shift point causes a double shift. Hopefully the ZF tranny in the 4.6 gives the driver more credit.

5) I covered the badge on the steering wheel before showing my firend my new car. During his first time driving it, he honestly thought he was in an infiniti. He was shocked when I pulled out the Hyundai Owner's manual.

6) When I'm driving this car on the freeway to work, I can't help but feel smarter than the guy in the lane next to me.

7) I'll probably buy another Genesis, once the 2nd generation gets 2 or 3 years old, and buy it used. That's saying something. I'm very picky, Audi and Infiniti lost me after one vehicle.

8) Hyundai did a pretty nice job on this car, considering it's their first step into this segment. If they want to actually pull true lexus/acura or german car buyers away, they will really need to get better at the details. The buttons, handles, surfaces, etc are reminders that this isn't a real luxury car ... yet.

9) There's really nothing like this car out there, that I can think of. It's a great car for someone who wants to be in a new or low mileage luxury sedan but doesn't have the budget for it.

10) After 2 months in the car, I'm every bit as happy with it as I hoped I would be. I bet I sell 2 or three of these to my friends just by my testimonial. Maybe the dealer will give me a cut of the $$?

11) I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out if there is a better car under $23k, 2009 or newer. Honestly, I don't think there is.

It's quite possible that I've bought my last toyota sedan. It actually hurts to say that, I've been a toyota apologist for so long.

 

[QCTLG]

Welcome aboard and congrats on your SMART purchase.

I totally understand where you're coming from, cuase it's pretty much the same thing for me.
I too was a Toyota defender/lover of their products...no more!

 

[waveman]

9) There's really nothing like this car out there, that I can think of. It's a great car for someone who wants to be in a new or low mileage luxury sedan but doesn't have the budget for it.

I think that it's also a great car for those who do have the budget for it but would rather not spend the money.

It's good that Hyundai took care of your problems, which says a lot about your dealer. However, there seems to be more variation in dealer quality than there is for the others you mentioned in your post.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[homeofstone]

I think considering, build quality, power of V8, reliability, room and quiet cabin the only other car I would consider is a Ford Taurus SHO awd. The reliability of most German cars has fallen down in recent years. Hyundai and Ford are on a roll.

 

[tompass]

Great post and helps me with my anticipated transition from recently sold BMW 7 to R Spec which can not come soon enough.

 

[vitacura]

Welcome, and congrats on your Genesis. Glad you are enjoying it!

 

[Gurkha]

Excellent post, I myself purchased a used 2009 V6 Premium two months ago and am quite impressed overall. I didn't come from an A6 or M35, just a mainstream Accord V6 - you know - what Hyundai originally thought would be a potential buyer of the Genesis. Turns out that more Genny owners come from luxury brands like some of your former cars!

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Welcome aboard! And thank you for signing up. Great comparison/review...

 

[TrynFadeThis]

I think considering, build quality, power of V8, reliability, room and quiet cabin the only other car I would consider is a Ford Taurus SHO awd. The reliability of most German cars has fallen down in recent years. Hyundai and Ford are on a roll.

Yeah, I had a SHO back in the day, probably 1994 I think. It was a lot of fun to drive. I had a bad breakup with Ford though, partially due to the SHO, and partially due to the 1998 Exploder that was junk. I know, I know, that was a long time ago, and Ford has come a long way. When I start seeing 5 year old Taurus-es (Taurii?) on the road, looking tight, running well, then I'll give it another shot. No doubt, that SHO was fun to drive. Especially when I met somebody at a stoplight in a souped up ride who thought all Taurii were created equal. Fun stuff.

 

[TrynFadeThis]

I think that it's also a great car for those who do have the budget for it but would rather not spend the money.

True. As you can probably tell by my former cars, I have the money, just not the budget

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[Ruissimo]

Very well said... thanks for sharing your thoughts.

I too used to HATE Hyundai. I remember telling my friends, "Don't waste your money, just spend a little more and get yourself a Civic or Accord." Well, that was 10 years ago, and boy, have things changed! Besides Ford and Hyundai, there aren't really any other manufacturers releasing cars that excite me these days. Same ol' boring formula.

The moment I saw the Genesis on the local dealer lot, this happened:

Welcome.

 

[Stoofpilot]

Try driving the 4.6 and you will even be more impressed. You will immediately start looking for a used V8.

 

[TrynFadeThis]

Try driving the 4.6 and you will even be more impressed. You will immediately start looking for a used V8.

Yeah, I like the 4.6 a lot, but really couldn't get one for what I wanted to spend on a car that's gonna get over 60k miles per year. Here in the area there just weren't enough used 4.6 sedans on the market. Low Mileage certified M45's were really competitive with the 4.6's here. I'm not gonna take a used first generation genesis over a clean M45 if they cost the same. Now, maybe when the R is available on the used market, or the 2nd generation version of the sedan, we'll see.

 

[NOLa]

I was a loyal Honda buyer (1 Prelude, 2 Civics, 3 Accords and 1 CR-V). I was even looking at a new Accord when the new model came out.

I was driving to visit relatives when this silver car passed me and I thought, that's a nice looking car...so I sped up to see what kind of car it was. Well, I glad he didn't rebadge it, and I was shocked to see it was a Hyundai.

Since we were shopping around for a car, we went and looked at it. Our last three vehicles hace been a 2009 V-6 Genny, a 2011 V-8 Genny and a 2011 Equus.

 

[Sayantsi]

Nice, and welcome - its my first Hyundai too. I love the way BMWs and MB drive but I hate the techno-baubles they come laden with anymore. It is nice to see "simpler" lux in the Genesis that can hold its own as a car imo. I've been very happy with mine so far, 35k mi.

 

[Sayantsi]

Try driving the 4.6 and you will even be more impressed. You will immediately start looking for a used V8.

I dunno - I found the V6 more lively and tossable, if you can call it that, for a big car. The shorter gearing and less weight over the front wheels can be felt, although the transmission logic is not athletic to say the least.

 

[ImInPA]

The truth is....Hyundai really did an incredible thing in creating the Genesis. I cannot wait for the second generation (hopefully with AWD and a Diesel option too). They finally "get it", and, ALL of their new vehicles (Kia's too for that matter) are truly great vehicles in their respective segments. Last year I bought my daughter an Elantra Touring. It is sold in Europe as the i30. It is a great car. Among her and her friends, Hyundai is right there with Toyota, Honda, etc. With a new generation entering car-buying age, Hyundai has very little to worry about.

 

[Cut-Throat]

The truth is....Hyundai really did an incredible thing in creating the Genesis. I cannot wait for the second generation (hopefully with AWD and a Diesel option too). They finally "get it", and, ALL of their new vehicles (Kia's too for that matter) are truly great vehicles in their respective segments. Last year I bought my daughter an Elantra Touring. It is sold in Europe as the i30. It is a great car. Among her and her friends, Hyundai is right there with Toyota, Honda, etc. With a new generation entering car-buying age, Hyundai has very little to worry about.

Next Generation doesn't always mean better. I had a 99 Lexus GS300 - The car was flawless. It was also RWD. So I bought a 2007 Lexus GS350 - AWD - It had to be better right?

No way! ---- The worst car I have owned since a 1974 Buick. If you like the current Genesis which I do, buy it!

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Next Generation doesn't always mean better. I had a 99 Lexus GS300 - The car was flawless. It was also RWD. So I bought a 2007 Lexus GS350 - AWD - It had to be better right?

No way! ---- The worst car I have owned since a 1974 Buick. If you like the current Genesis which I do, buy it!

That can happen, of course. But I think the salient point is that the "new/next" generation knows nothing of Hyundai's past, only that they're making a quality, stylish, and dependable car today.

 

[ImInPA]

That can happen, of course. But I think the salient point is that the "new/next" generation knows nothing of Hyundai's past, only that they're making a quality, stylish, and dependable car today.

Thank you for reading with comprehension.