Passed the snob test. Not what you think.

[Ldmf]

I am a new Genesis owner. Took my 2011 4.6 from pittsburgh to wildwood last weekend. Meet with an old friend that lives now in an upscale part of Philly. Took her for a ride to go out to dinner and she asked what kind of car was this. I replied hyundai. She just said oh. It was as if hyundai is spelled with a different alphabet, didn't begin with a b or a l or a m. It was simply dismissed.

Now instead of getting defensive,i loved that fact. I owned a mercedes a year ago and every time someone found out that I had a mercedes they were all, you drive a mercedes... It was a2 year old car ml350 that was worth 30k. Not as much as their accords. Beautiful car that was spectacularly average, but not expensive. Well except for parts and service.

So I am a happy man to be snubbed, only to drive a hyundai.

 

[srobak]

This is part of why I say I drive a "Genesis". An exotic, if not exquisite name, no? Combined with the badge style and the sharp looks - it makes for a great combination and sudden source of intrigue.

Usually your traditional snob-model drivers have no clue as to who makes it - and then they say something like "I never heard of that BRAND" - or they ask who. That is when I lay the "Hyundai" on them.

The gaped jaws are the best after that. But so is the silence. A few give me a genuine, "really???" and the conversation continues. But only a few result in dismissiveness.

Either way - I am quite happy with the ride I own. I enjoy the hell out of it - I actually LIKE driving - even commuting again - and I know it gets the looks. See my comment in the "looks" thread about the guy who ended up plowing into another car while gawking at mine. F'n classic

 

[warreneaux4]

I also reply with Genesis.
Then you get to give the whole story.

Perceptions of Brands are ridiculous.
I recently owned a 2006 Cadillac SRX V-8.
Great looking, Black/Black, neat vehicle.
One guy I had not seen in years said, "wow, you must really be doing well, I see you are driving a Cadillac today and yesterday you were in a Genesis".
I didn't tell him the Caddy was only worth $10,000.00, about 1/3 of the Genesis or even the car he was driving. Just smiled. Perceived value because of brand.
Earl

 

[Huddleston]

oh people and their lack of knowledge on cars.... I always reply with Genesis and then give the story.

 

[The Ruckus]

Not to digress from the original story, but I share a similar experience that goes deep, then deeper into the perceived value proposition.

As i mentioned in my introduction thread, my wife's uncle was my introduction to high-end Hyundai. He qualifies, at least in my mind, as "do whatever you want - rich". He's had just about every Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus you can name. My understanding of the story is, when he met the Equus, he literally GAVE his son his LS460 to make room for it. His quote to me, the day I met him, was that he couldn't touch the bells and whistles on the Equus without venturing into the Rolls/Bentley market, so why drive anything that cost more but had less? This is a man who takes pride in his things. Great pride. Like, family crest in the driveway, on the front door, on the wrought-iron gates of the wine cellar, and on the side of every car in the stable. There was NO shame for him in owning a Hyudai.

The part that goes deeper, and is somewhat perplexing while also entertaing, is that my wife and I showed up from the airport in a Kia Sorento rental SUV. When we pulled up, he said, "we're going back to the airport to get that... thing... out of my driveway!" Lucky for me, he gave us the keys to the Equus. It's funny to me that one would express pride and joy in having a capable and attractive "off-brand" vehicle, but basically throw it's step-brother out for being a lowly Kia.

 

[Bill K]

I always call it "The Genesis".

 

[Huddleston]

Wife calls is Genny 2.0 as is it our second Genesis. I always just call it the Genesis and enjoy the follow up when they ask who makes it.