Not a direct answer to your questions but these tidbits may help point you towards a few high level guiding principles:
MSN cars has one of the very best online comparison tools, if you want to look at the detailed data sheet comparisons across all models from year to year.
Winged
badges are an after market add on. Some Genesis owners keep the stock "H," and others buy
wings from either EBay, the dealer or an online supplier. They're very easy to buy and to self install, and not too expensive. Don't let the
wings become a decision criteria for which used car you buy, as its a very simple add on. My informal observations say that of the one or two Genesis I see on the street per week, about 50% of owners have changed to
Wings. It's purely personal preference. I, for one, think
Wings make the car look even more awesome, but that its gorgeous with or without 'em.
My strong suggestions based on having recently gone through the same process you are starting:
Take your time and give yourself several weeks if not months to research options identify the exact year, model and your short list of "must have" features, then just wait for it. Don't buy too soon if you aren't yet fully familiar with the nuances. It's worth extra time to understand and test.
I spent weeks doing research,
but should have spent a few more weeks doing hands on testing which would have informed my final decision more wisely.
So, what I would suggest is that once you identify which features you *think* are your "must haves," then plan to extensively test each one first hand -- *not* by watching the marketing demo, but by actually using the feature on the street in a real world scenario.
Testing *first hand* is key. The online videos explain using best case descriptions, but do not give a true sense of how well the feature works.
For example, on paper I thought the lane changing warning system (LDWS) was a must have. Sounded superb on paper and the online demo sold me. I didn't actually test it first hand with a critical eye, and as it turns out, I can absolutely live without it. It's a great idea but the implementation isn't perfect, (the beep is too quiet almost inaudible unless you're listening for it). so in hind sight I could live without it. (Not complaining, just using it as an example of why you want to actually test the features that you're using in your purchase criteria). So had I done a few more hours of hands on testing, LDWD would have moved from my "must have" list to my "nice to have" list. I'd rather have it than not have it, but its not a deal breaker if I didn't end up with it.
Same with Blue Link. I had a choice between two almost identical cars, a new 2013 with Blue Link, and a like-new but used 2012 with 18k miles, identical tech package features, but no Blue Link -- for $10k less.
Because on paper, Blue Link was a must have, I chose the 2013, thinking I was getting this amazing technological advantage. After using Blue Link for half a dozen times over the course of the first few hours of owning the car, I realized that for me, Blue Link is a nice to have, not a must have. (For others who have different needs, I'm sure Blue Link is legitimately a must have, but not the case for me). Had I spent a few minutes hands on with Blue Link, trying out each of the key features myself --not watching the sales guy do a guided demo-- I would have realized very quickly, that Blue Link was not for me. Its barely a nice to have.
Lastly, had I spent time thoroughly using the Navigator/Driver Info System, I *might* have even decided to forego the tech package altogether, and just purchase a used 2012 premium at a much lower price, then buy an after market Navi upgrade.
All I that said, for me, of all things, after 2 months in my new 2013, the cooled seat turns out to be my heart of hearts must have feature. I love it. And since that's only avail in the Tech, I'm happy with the package I ended up with.
But looking back 2-3 months ago, if I knew then what I know now, I would have likely opened up my search to look at all the 2010-2012s with cooled seats, regardless of other features, and I might have spent $10-$15k less by foregoing all the looks-good-on-paper only stuff like LDWS, BlueLink etc.
Bottom line, I love the car and am so happy with it. I just would have likely bought a diff model at significant cost savings had I done hands on research.
Food for thought, hope it helps in your consideration journey.
/cw
