Questions from new guy.

[Driver]

It means the freight charges from Korea to the dealer are included.

Thanks for the clarification. It sounds like this is just a tool to get my local dealer to match or beat the price then.

Thank you.

 

[scottdk]

Did you drive your Genesis past winter in MN? How was your experience?

Even with my front wheel drive, issues I had were usually related to getting up my drive way and getting going again from a full stops when there is alot of snow. Once the roads are cleared it usually isn't an issue but there are times you are on the road and snow isn't cleared yet.

I do agree that good tires would make big difference. My brother just got full optioned 2012 Genesis V6 so I could check with him to see how he likes the winter driving.

Thanks for your input.

I do not drive the Genesis in the winter since it's like my 2nd wife, but if I did I'd have winter compound installed for sure.

Regarding your FWD issues with getting up the drive way etc. I've had the same problem in my other 2 cars. I decided to try something new in my life, so I had a set of Firestone winterforce winter tires installed one of mine, and it's stupid funny how much snow you can go through with little effort. Up hill even as well. My friend says the car is not even fun to drive in the winter because we can't get the car to rotate in the snow due to the crazy traction of the new rubber

 

[Driver]

I do not drive the Genesis in the winter since it's like my 2nd wife, but if I did I'd have winter compound installed for sure.

Regarding your FWD issues with getting up the drive way etc. I've had the same problem in my other 2 cars. I decided to try something new in my life, so I had a set of Firestone winterforce winter tires installed one of mine, and it's stupid funny how much snow you can go through with little effort. Up hill even as well. My friend says the car is not even fun to drive in the winter because we can't get the car to rotate in the snow due to the crazy traction of the new rubber

I usually go with all-season but I'll keep that in mind for the winter tires.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Mark_888]

It means the freight charges from Korea to the dealer are included.

Actually, it is from HMA (the USA distributor) to the dealer. For example, the freight charges for the Sonata are $760, which is just slightly less than the heaver Genesis, even though the Sonata is assembled in Alabama. Charging extra for freight is just a way to make the MSRP lower in advertisements (since freight is charged on every single vehicle, foreign or domestic, by all manufacturers).

 

[scottdk]

I usually go with all-season but I'll keep that in mind for the winter tires.

Thanks for your input.

No problem Driver. One more thing....When I researched tires on tirerack.com and many other sources, i.e. google, I kept finding sources stating that all season tires are not great at anything, but...they are good at a lot of things. In other words, a winter compound does great in winter and a summer compound does great in the summer, and no in between is necessary. the rubber on an all season tire hardens in the winter and cold and isn't so sticky anymore and isn't as comfortable as a ride. In the summer, a summer compound is much stickier then an all season tire, and typically handles better in rain and wet road conditions. They also offer better handling.

Of course this means having more then 1 set of wheels/tires, but I just store the tires not in use, in my garage out of the way. 2 sets of tires will probably last me 8 years or more before I have to replace a set. it's a chunk of money up front, but keeps from spending money on tires in the long run.

Holy crap I'm tired, so if this doesn't make any sense I will try to edit this tomorrow.

 

[trotti]

R-Spec ships standard with the Conti-Pro Contacts rather than the Dunlops. Haven't had them on snow yet, obviously, but they have to be better than the Dunlops. I'm one of those that got the R-Spec for under $41k with Circle Pricing. I've seen that Circle pricing seems to be discontinued. Fitzmall is still close and if you combine with Motozuma, competitive and a local dealer willing to match, you'll get close to that number in MN I'd imagine.

As another poster mentioned, I've seen many a 4x4 in the ditch as RWD cars pass by - AWD helps you get started but the "danger" is in the driving after you're already moving. That's where ESC, LSD (not the groovy kind), your tires and your driving style kick in. Those factors will likely be close/consistent between the Genesis and other models you're considering so the "value" of the AWD is more about how much you shovel your driveway/parking spot to get started than safety on the road.