In searching for a new car, I've been doing a lot of research and reading lots of different forums regarding the brands and models I want to test drive. I've set my price limit at about $55k
So far, I've driven the Genesis, both 6 and 8, the Jaguar XF and the Lexus GS-350. I'm only interested in rear wheel drive vehicles of the mid-size / Luxury nature.
My impressions thus far is that I like the Hyundai as it offers the most "bang for your buck" but as far as styling is concerned, it's pretty bland in my opinion. Like most of the professional reviews have said, it's a combination of lots of cars so it kind of blends in with everything. I would rather have the V-8 if i buy one simply because you get more for your money. The handling seems adequate and the power is very nice, but since it was the first of all my test drives, I kind of forgot HOW it drove, so I want to go do it again. It's best attribute is the V8 pricing which I could get out the door at around 42k.
The Jaguar was awesome I must say. The interior was nice but a little cramped. The gadgetry was also very nice, but I worry about the reliability especially with rotating vents and shift control knobs. Power and handling were extremely nice even though the car rates at less than the Genesis V8, the shifting was smooth with no lag and the handling was very impressive. Exteriorly, the car was amazing and is the best looking vehicle I've driven thus far. Very unique. Price wise, it was the most expensive of the group as I could get a Premium Luxury XF for about $52k. I can also find a few used ones (Demos mostly) for a few grand less. I haven't driven the supercharged version yet, but I understand it is quite amazing.
The Lexus, which I drove today, was the least of my favorites. Fully loaded with the Mark Levinson package, I can get for about $47K. It has the same bland styling as the Hyundai but it is a bit better than the Hyundai in my opinion. It has all the bells and whistles and I liked the power open/close trunk as I think that is an important feature missing from the Genesis. I was most disappointed by the headroom and power. Felt like a souped up Toyota where I had to really floor it to get the tranny to kick down. Tranny was slow to do so as well unlike the Jag and the Genesis. Off my list as far as I'm concerned.
As far as other cars I'm contemplating, the Infiniti M, BMW 5 series and maybe a Mercedes C-350. Unfortunately, there are no American cars I like enough to consider. The Cadillac CTS is boring and boxy while none of the Lincolns impress me.
I'd like to hear what others thought of their test drives and what they test drove. If you bought the Genesis, what was the final thing that made you decide?
Thanks
So far, I've driven the Genesis, both 6 and 8, the Jaguar XF and the Lexus GS-350. I'm only interested in rear wheel drive vehicles of the mid-size / Luxury nature.
My impressions thus far is that I like the Hyundai as it offers the most "bang for your buck" but as far as styling is concerned, it's pretty bland in my opinion. Like most of the professional reviews have said, it's a combination of lots of cars so it kind of blends in with everything. I would rather have the V-8 if i buy one simply because you get more for your money. The handling seems adequate and the power is very nice, but since it was the first of all my test drives, I kind of forgot HOW it drove, so I want to go do it again. It's best attribute is the V8 pricing which I could get out the door at around 42k.
The Jaguar was awesome I must say. The interior was nice but a little cramped. The gadgetry was also very nice, but I worry about the reliability especially with rotating vents and shift control knobs. Power and handling were extremely nice even though the car rates at less than the Genesis V8, the shifting was smooth with no lag and the handling was very impressive. Exteriorly, the car was amazing and is the best looking vehicle I've driven thus far. Very unique. Price wise, it was the most expensive of the group as I could get a Premium Luxury XF for about $52k. I can also find a few used ones (Demos mostly) for a few grand less. I haven't driven the supercharged version yet, but I understand it is quite amazing.
The Lexus, which I drove today, was the least of my favorites. Fully loaded with the Mark Levinson package, I can get for about $47K. It has the same bland styling as the Hyundai but it is a bit better than the Hyundai in my opinion. It has all the bells and whistles and I liked the power open/close trunk as I think that is an important feature missing from the Genesis. I was most disappointed by the headroom and power. Felt like a souped up Toyota where I had to really floor it to get the tranny to kick down. Tranny was slow to do so as well unlike the Jag and the Genesis. Off my list as far as I'm concerned.
As far as other cars I'm contemplating, the Infiniti M, BMW 5 series and maybe a Mercedes C-350. Unfortunately, there are no American cars I like enough to consider. The Cadillac CTS is boring and boxy while none of the Lincolns impress me.
I'd like to hear what others thought of their test drives and what they test drove. If you bought the Genesis, what was the final thing that made you decide?
Thanks
