New 3.8 owner first impressions

[Kaiserseal]

Went to the dealer to find them fire selling the last of the 2012s. Picked up a 3.8 with no options, out the door for $29060. What brings me to Hyundai is a sad story. I am a loyal Lexus owner with an SC and an LS 430. My SC had a breakdown causing an engine meltdown, and Lexus is denying my platinum coverage and a $25,000 repair bill. Needed a car while I sue Lexus, no car to trade in, short on cash so went for this.

I have to say that this is not my choice of cars. I would rather have a 5 series, or LS, or a nice Audi, but I find the value here incredible. I paid about five thousand more than an accord or similar family hauler, and got something I can live with and enjoy. It is really not fair to compare this car to our LS, given I declined the options that would make it more like the LS, but even so, my wife who drives the LS asked if she could use the Genesis sometimes. Other than some materials that feel cheaper than our Lexus, the Genesis drives better, looks better, and costs less than half the price.

For those of you considering, the base stereo is not bad, not too far off our Mark Levinson sound system, the kids love the side ac vents in the back, the car is truly impressive. The fact that I can compare this car to my LS, and put it within the same class, at a 29K buy is amazing. The updated lights in the 2012 on a black car are stunning. I have never been stuck on brand names. Growing up in Germany, I am used to Mercedes being taxis, and I was not fooled when Toyota and Nissan created premium brands, they are very nice Toyotas and Datsuns. First impression is Hyundai makes the best car for the money save none. Even the Sonata I rented feels leaps and bounds better than the accord. One day in and very happy with my purchase.

Lexus should be very worried about this car. If after driving nothing but their flagships for 10 years, I can get into a Genesis and feel no loss, they are going to lose a lot of future buyers.

 

[Aquineas]

First of all, !

I'm glad to see you are loving your Genesis, but that totally sucks about the Lexus repair situation. If you don't mind my asking, what happened to the SC?

Also, did you look at the Azera? Considering the price-to-bells-and-whistles factor, it might have been a closer match for features (even though I personally would have made the same choice).

 

[Potty_Pants]

First of all, !

I'm glad to see you are loving your Genesis, but that totally sucks about the Lexus repair situation. If you don't mind my asking, what happened to the SC?

Also, did you look at the Azera? Considering the price-to-bells-and-whistles factor, it might have been a closer match for features (even though I personally would have made the same choice).

he might be used to rear wheel drive ?

plus the price of a 2013 azera is prob more then what he got the 2012 genesis for... and the genesis has a good assortment of bells and whistles too.

ppp

 

[Ovrfiend]

I am also a new 3.8 owner but got both tech and premium for $37k. Ridiculous steal for this car. Everything feels great. But only issues so far is getting crumbs in the perforated leather. No more breakfast on the go.

 

[Aquineas]

I am also a new 3.8 owner but got both tech and premium for $37k. Ridiculous steal for this car. Everything feels great. But only issues so far is getting crumbs in the perforated leather. No more breakfast on the go.

You eat in your car? Blasphemy!

 

[Jimmmmbo!]

Congrats on your purchase, Kaiserseal. I have the exact same car: base 3.8 in black, with a saddle interior.

I agree with your assessment. For the money, this car cannot be beat. And the stereo is quite good for a "base" OEM stereo. If mine weren't a 3-year lease, I'd consider upgrading it because I'm an audio nerd, but that's just me.

It's also nice to just sit in the back once in a while. There's a lot of room, plenty of air vents and window area to reduce claustrophobia. I gotta find me a chauffeur ...

 

[Kaiserseal]

First of all, !

I'm glad to see you are loving your Genesis, but that totally sucks about the Lexus repair situation. If you don't mind my asking, what happened to the SC?

Also, did you look at the Azera? Considering the price-to-bells-and-whistles factor, it might have been a closer match for features (even though I personally would have made the same choice).

If I bought an Azera, everytime I looked at it I would feel bad, that I had a Lexus and lost it. The Genesis is actually a better looking car, so I can get past the loss. Just had the windows tinted black and the winged emblems put on the car, looks fantastic. For the kid in me, the tint shop did train horns, could not pass it up. Filled up one of those empty slots where the base does not have a button by the steering wheel.

My SC430 was driving fine down the road doing 80. All of a sudden the traction control light went on, and the traction control off light went on. Then the check engine light went on, and the car felt wrong. The temp was cold, no smoke, no smell. The dealer said he had never seen an engine with that much damage, the long block needs to be replaced. The car is under a platinum bumper to bumper warranty which was denied because they do not cover overheat damage. Insult to injury my warranty booklet says nothing about overheat damage, so they sent me a new one two years later that does. I explained that it is not damage from neglecting fluids, the car was in for service just 100 miles ago. A covered part failed, the temp indicator failed, causing the car to over heat. Claim denied. They cold not even tell what caused the breakdown and loss of coolant. There is a bit more, but since this is going to be litigated, it will have to wait until I collect from Lexus. Repair bill estimate is 25K if they fix it, 15K if I put in a used motor.

Drove the Genesis all day today, and I am loving it. My GPS timer clocked my 0-60 at 5.7 seconds. Quite a car.

 

[Aquineas]

If I bought an Azera, everytime I looked at it I would feel bad, that I had a Lexus and lost it. The Genesis is actually a better looking car, so I can get past the loss. Just had the windows tinted black and the winged emblems put on the car, looks fantastic. For the kid in me, the tint shop did train horns, could not pass it up. Filled up one of those empty slots where the base does not have a button by the steering wheel.

My SC430 was driving fine down the road doing 80. All of a sudden the traction control light went on, and the traction control off light went on. Then the check engine light went on, and the car felt wrong. The temp was cold, no smoke, no smell. The dealer said he had never seen an engine with that much damage, the long block needs to be replaced. The car is under a platinum bumper to bumper warranty which was denied because they do not cover overheat damage. Insult to injury my warranty booklet says nothing about overheat damage, so they sent me a new one two years later that does. I explained that it is not damage from neglecting fluids, the car was in for service just 100 miles ago. A covered part failed, the temp indicator failed, causing the car to over heat. Claim denied. They cold not even tell what caused the breakdown and loss of coolant. There is a bit more, but since this is going to be litigated, it will have to wait until I collect from Lexus. Repair bill estimate is 25K if they fix it, 15K if I put in a used motor.

Drove the Genesis all day today, and I am loving it. My GPS timer clocked my 0-60 at 5.7 seconds. Quite a car.

I have a co-worker who has a Lexus RX 330 SUV. He bought it used from Lexus, and found out later that Lexus had re-built the engine on it. Unfortunately, when they re-built it, they didn't put it together right/well (he discovered this when he was 800 miles from home on retreat), and he had to out of his own pocket, get it rebuilt independently from a dedicated engine builder. Many thousands of dollars later, he finally has a car that's he's going to try to hold on to (he doesn't want a car payment right now).

Moral of this story: Be very wary about letting techs, even experienced techs, rebuild an engine if it's not something they do all day, all the time (i.e., specialized engine builders).

 

[Cut-Throat]

Here is another Lexus owner that has been converted. I have had my Genesis 2011 V8 loaded for 2 years now....And yes you can compare it directly to my Lexus GS350....I prefer the Genesis.

 

[Kaiserseal]

I went to the Lexus dealer last night to get my license plate off my disabled SC430. A salesman caught me walking out the door and asked how I liked my Mercedes. Decided to look at the new Lexus and see how they compare. The new ES350 has an upgraded interrior that was very nice. I thought the new Audi rip off front was a bit ugly. Most notably, the 268 Hp V6 in a $46,000 car seemed out of place compared to my $29,000 spent. The ES is a fraction of the size of the Genesis. The LS base was over 70K. Don't people know who buy these cars that they are made by Toyota? Formally the Toyoda loom company.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[PMCErnie]

The Lexus dealer and my Hyundai dealer are virtually across the street from each other here in the Richmond 'burbs. My approach to high living is to take my Genesis to the Lexus dealer and have their coffee and food in the waiting room. I may have them detail my car soon too. I may even test drive the new ES350 then too, after I eat their breakfast there. So far, Pearson Hyundai has been fine for service. I'm approaching 8,000 mi with few real problems. Yes, the Nav screen freezes up at times. I figure it's the Bluetooth connecting that goes awry.

 

[Nobody]

If I bought an Azera, everytime I looked at it I would feel bad, that I had a Lexus and lost it. The Genesis is actually a better looking car, so I can get past the loss. Just had the windows tinted black and the winged emblems put on the car, looks fantastic. For the kid in me, the tint shop did train horns, could not pass it up. Filled up one of those empty slots where the base does not have a button by the steering wheel.

My SC430 was driving fine down the road doing 80. All of a sudden the traction control light went on, and the traction control off light went on. Then the check engine light went on, and the car felt wrong. The temp was cold, no smoke, no smell. The dealer said he had never seen an engine with that much damage, the long block needs to be replaced. The car is under a platinum bumper to bumper warranty which was denied because they do not cover overheat damage. Insult to injury my warranty booklet says nothing about overheat damage, so they sent me a new one two years later that does. I explained that it is not damage from neglecting fluids, the car was in for service just 100 miles ago. A covered part failed, the temp indicator failed, causing the car to over heat. Claim denied. They cold not even tell what caused the breakdown and loss of coolant. There is a bit more, but since this is going to be litigated, it will have to wait until I collect from Lexus. Repair bill estimate is 25K if they fix it, 15K if I put in a used motor.

Drove the Genesis all day today, and I am loving it. My GPS timer clocked my 0-60 at 5.7 seconds. Quite a car.

Just curious, when you say Platinum warranty, is this an extended warranty, sold by a third party, or is it offered directly from Toyota? I can't imagine Toyota corporate denying the claim under the circumstances you described! Sounds like coolant leaked out and the engine overheated, causing the block to either crack or warp. It almost sounds like they are accusing you of either intentionally causing the overheating condition by draining the coolant or just plain gross negligence. I can't imagine a major car company making that claim without supporting evidence.

 

[Qbedobedoo]

I absolutely love my Genesis 3.8 base.. only thing I miss from my Sonata 2.0T is the insane responsiveness from the gas-pedal.. Nothing beats it!!!

 

[scottdk]

I absolutely love my Genesis 3.8 base.. only thing I miss from my Sonata 2.0T is the insane responsiveness from the gas-pedal.. Nothing beats it!!!

I know what you mean, when I steal the wifes Turbo Optima. Great responsive drivetrain programming.

 

[Potty_Pants]

I know what you mean, when I steal the wifes Turbo Optima. Great responsive drivetrain programming.

Its the TURBO guys... TURBO TURBO TURBO !!!!

i know you guys know but i just wanted to let you know it's the TURBO !

Nothing like having all that torque down low on a turbo vs a gas guzzling V8.

will be interesting to see what hyundai has instore for the Genesis Rspec for 2014... turbo 6 turbo 8... dunno different crowd they may stick with the V8 for people who swear " no replacement for displacement...."

still all that being said, i know damn well a V8 at 1500 rpm all the time will outlive a turbo car and be more quiet. so thats why im giving this V8 a chance

TANGENT: if we even keep the V8s for 10 years... who in their right mind would pay for gas just to have a V8... bah cash for clunkers if they do it again. V8s will be exclusive for the rich and be looked at like the Hummers from yester year.


ppp

 

[Kaiserseal]

Just curious, when you say Platinum warranty, is this an extended warranty, sold by a third party, or is it offered directly from Toyota? I can't imagine Toyota corporate denying the claim under the circumstances you described! Sounds like coolant leaked out and the engine overheated, causing the block to either crack or warp. It almost sounds like they are accusing you of either intentionally causing the overheating condition by draining the coolant or just plain gross negligence. I can't imagine a major car company making that claim without supporting evidence.

The warranty is from Lexus financial services, and no I can't imagine them doing this either. I think that the only reason is the cost of repair, and Lexus deciding that screwing the customer is best for the bottom line. They never accused me of mistreating the car, they act is if there is no excuse for damage from overheat, and damage from overheat is not covered.

I posted this on a Lexus board, got some support, and now over 1000 Lexus owners and potential customers know the true value of their CPO and extended warranty. I am sure I will prevail in court, but after the damages, I will still have to sell my SC, and keep a low optioned Genesis. I read a lot of consumer complaints with Lexus not honoring their warranty. If I can inform enough people about their business practices, stop buying their product, and win in court, I did my part to change this behavior.

 

[Ruissimo]

who in their right mind would pay for gas just to have a V8...

Anyone who wants an exclusive "new" classic, that's who!

V8's are disappearing quickly... it'll be nice to have one of the few V8's in 10/15 years!

 

[Potty_Pants]

Anyone who wants an exclusive "new" classic, that's who!

V8's are disappearing quickly... it'll be nice to have one of the few V8's in 10/15 years!

Honestly why ? In 10-15 years gas will be $7-8 gallon, our cars will have wear and tear reducing mpg. Hyundais arent exotics or luxury they will go the same route of chevy malibu from the 70s. Hell today you can have a 4cyl turbo with electric motors that would beat our cars and do low 4s, better mpg. I cant see myself owning a v8 and paying gas for it just for the exclusivity in 10+ years.

All it takes is one war one oil scare and gas is $1-2 more per gal overnite. People would not buy or touch these v8s. The value of our cars would drop %20 overnite too.

Wish i could agree but at the end of the day its just a hyundai its not a rare or collectors car.
People kinda said same thing with e90 n54.... its just a friggin 3 series not a delorean (sp)

 

[Ruissimo]

Dude... relax. I know it's not a classic. But it IS a V8, and it IS fast. And that smoothness/power combo can't be had any other way.

 

[Cut-Throat]

Honestly why ? In 10-15 years gas will be $7-8 gallon, our cars will have wear and tear reducing mpg. Hyundais arent exotics or luxury they will go the same route of chevy malibu from the 70s. Hell today you can have a 4cyl turbo with electric motors that would beat our cars and do low 4s, better mpg. I cant see myself owning a v8 and paying gas for it just for the exclusivity in 10+ years.

All it takes is one war one oil scare and gas is $1-2 more per gal overnite. People would not buy or touch these v8s. The value of our cars would drop %20 overnite too.

Wish i could agree but at the end of the day its just a hyundai its not a rare or collectors car.
People kinda said same thing with e90 n54.... its just a friggin 3 series not a delorean (sp)

Potty, Please tell us why you bought an R-Spec instead of a Prius?