Ride Moves Around a Little

[Cut-Throat]

Your're right about the nine months during the year. We have 7 kids and 11 grand kids, 9 living within 30 minutes of us here in Prior Lake. We also love Florida (Sanibel, Cape Coral, Naples, Marco), but love the island of Kauai better. We've been alternating between FL and one of the islands every year, but are still working and can't take more than a month off at one time. Now we just have to figure out how to buy something in Kauai nicer than an outhouse.

Yup last winter we were in Cape Coral. This coming back to Naples. I have thought about Kauai, but can't figure out which road to take my Genesis on to get to it. : - )..... I heard it rains a lot in Kauai in Jan and Feb... True?

 

[EXBMWGUY]

Yup last winter we were in Cape Coral. This coming back to Naples. I have thought about Kauai, but can't figure out which road to take my Genesis on to get to it. : - )..... I heard it rains a lot in Kauai in Jan and Feb... True?

My Genny's Nav is could figure out how to get there -- what's wrong with yours? True, it can rain a lot in Jan. and Feb. Last year rain in Kauai was horrific. We were in Maui in March and that was fine. I will say though, most of the time, five minutes after it stops, you can't hardly tell it rained at all. This year its Sanibel I think.

 

[Glashub]

My target is rear-wheel-drive cars that could be had new in the mid-thirties - Genesis, C250, CTS, 328i. (The Audi A4 was an aberration when I stopped for opinions on the local value of my '08 VW Rabbit...) My other car is an Accord, but it's the Rabbit that will be departing for a new garage; it served its purpose by showing me that German cars could be reliable. (That was important to me as a two-time owner of very unreliable Audi 5000's in the 80's.) I was driving RWD cars in snow before FWD was mainstream, and I miss the feel, though I will avoid the snow when I can; there's not much in south Texas, anyway.

As for size comparisons, that's much less important and is why the four are comparable for our needs. My wife and I are free to roam and will be sightseeing without kids or pets, so room for a cooler in the backseat is all we require; that, and a good, responsive, quiet ride.

As for "curing" the ride, I don't think of it that way at all. Tires are expendable items and different ones might even be available as a part of a purchase deal. I certainly improved my Accord's ride, handling, and noise by replacing the Eagle GT's with Michelin MXV4's.

After meeting with a certain level of defensiveness here I searched for ride concerns and found plenty of them, though it wasn't unanimous by any means. Let me suggest that telling me the Genesis is not for me is contraindicated when building a community of interest in a good car... I'll take the positive comments with me when purchasing and forget the ones providing me with what I should do about purchases. Thanks.

Did you read my post? No defensiveness there. If the quality of the forum is a factor in buying a car...well, good luck.

 

[TJPark01]

I certainly think the Genesis 2012 suspension is acceptable, and even the 2010/2011 suspension is OK (but not the early 2009 suspension IMO). And clearly, the Genesis is in all other regards a larger, more powerful, and has more features than either a MB C250 or Audi A4. So in that sense the cars are not comparable.

But that does raise a legitimate question as to why those "lesser" cars seem to have a better suspension than the Genesis. So I don't think making a comparison of that type is out of line at all. I don't think it is just a matter of size, since the large MB's and Audi's have fine suspensions also.

I've driven many versions of the Genesis sedan, and I could not tell the difference in the suspension behavior. I could only really tell about power and steering feel. I have an early 2009 V8 and have driven different years with different tires and under penalty of death I could not pick which was what under a blind test.
A MB or Audi owner can ask, why does this "lesser" Hyundai have leather seats standard, so it works both ways.

 

[Mark_888]

A MB or Audi owner can ask, why does this "lesser" Hyundai have leather seats standard, so it works both ways.

Yes, it obviously works both ways, and both have the right to ask that question.

 

[Glashub]

"Finally, no Korean car will have enthusiast credibility until it can truly handle. In a Hyundai-Kia, the steering often has weird, artificial weighting; the suspensions are either too soft or jaw-jangling firm; and potholes send waves of reverb through the structure. Drive the new Elantra over railroad tracks and then drive the new Ford Focus to remind yourself that a well-sorted car’s floors don’t flutter over bumps. Though some Hyundai-Kias are decent to drive, none is truly class-leading in the dynamics department."

Aaron Robinson: Can We Please Get a Little More Honda and Mazda Out of Hyundai?

http://www.caranddriver.com/columns...le-more-honda-and-mazda-out-of-hyundai-column

 

[Jack15911]

Did you read my post? No defensiveness there. If the quality of the forum is a factor in buying a car...well, good luck.

Glashub, yes I did read your posts and they were quite helpful. I appreciate your insight.

I do think forum helpfulness is a part of buying a new car. There are things I won't know, and certainly things I won't know how to do in a new brand. I like changing oil and replacing brake pads after the car is out of warranty and the forums are a great place to get that info. I can't think of a car that I've turned down because of that, but the VW and Honda forums gave me the confidence to pull the trigger.

 

[Mark_888]

"Finally, no Korean car will have enthusiast credibility until it can truly handle. In a Hyundai-Kia, the steering often has weird, artificial weighting; the suspensions are either too soft or jaw-jangling firm; and potholes send waves of reverb through the structure. Drive the new Elantra over railroad tracks and then drive the new Ford Focus to remind yourself that a well-sorted car’s floors don’t flutter over bumps. Though some Hyundai-Kias are decent to drive, none is truly class-leading in the dynamics department."

I wonder if the Hyundai/Kia suspension issues are simply a matter of cost, or something else. On the Genesis for example, most people who have looked at the 5-link suspension design thought it would perform better than it does.

 

[Glashub]

For those too busy to read the article. This is interesting I think -

"Culture is against the company. Korea arrived late to the motorized age, and the automobile still serves the role of a bland appliance there. To change that, Hyundai-Kia needs infrastructure, starting with a better test track. The small circuit at its U.S. proving ground in California’s Mojave Desert is mostly flat, with no camber changes and a bunch of dull, constant-radius turns linking short straights. It produces copious tire squeal but teaches nothing about body stability over pitching pavement or behavior in fast transitions.

Even if Team Korea builds a good track, the company must know how to use it. Setting roll centers, selecting bushing durometers, and knowing how to elegantly reinforce a structure without piling on weight are industry black arts. Soichiro Honda and his engineers weren’t born knowing how to do it, either...."

 

[Vince2]

Good question Mark I wish we were privy to the meetings Hyundai has about these suspension/ride issues. Hyundai might believe that no issue exists (I doubt it) We know that they are aware of concerns about their suspension. It would be great to hear their thoughts...even if they argue that their suspension (and particularly the Genesis suspension ) is truly word class then they should communicate this. Hyundai decided to firm up the suspension of the R-spec after countless complaints about the ride of the non R-spec being too harsh. The issue for me is the Hyundai reaction to sudden changes in the road whether an expansion joint or a pot hole or speed bump...tell you what: a "killer car" is a Genesis with a great suspension. I solved my issue by buy selling tne 2010 for the 2012. Still if the enterprising company designs a great setup I'll be the first in line to buy (ARK racing may have come close with their new spring set...but I DON'T want a lowered car).

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[Rey]

Jack,
For tires, I had the magic "Dunlops" on my first two and now have Continentals on my RSpec. I think the Continentals are superior.

Incidentally, before I had an '05 Cadillac CTS-V with upgraded suspension - Eibach sway bars and QA1 shocks. No doubt the Cadillac was a more track-oriented car, but on the road in normal driving I found the Genesis to be its equal offering better compliance and less stiffness.

 

[Gunkk]

re: suspension of 2012 vs. 2009

I own a 2009 4.6 with a manufacture date is March 2009, before the mid-year change. After a recent test drive of a 2012 R-spec, I can tell you that by comparison:

• 2009 - harsh, bouncy in the back end. If you have two adults in the back seat or 400 lbs in the trunk then it's actually not that bad. I have Dunlap Signature Sports, an upgrade from the stock OEM dunlops, and pretty good tires.
• 2012 - more balanced, smooth and refined. Feels like a firm BMW-sport setup. Definitely not cushy like a Lexus. Conti-pro-contact tires are really nice for grip, stability, and quietness (compared to the signature sports).

Driving in Florida where the roads are almost always smooth and free of potholes and frost-heave, the 2009 is certainly worth keeping. If I was up north driving on the pothole plagued roads of my youth, then I might consider otherwise.

 

[Aquineas]

My last three cars in reverse chronological order: 2012 Genesis 5.0 (non R-Spec), 2010 Genesis 4.6 Tech, and 2004 Acura TL. I agree that the ride isn't up to BMW, Audi, Acura, or maybe even Mazda standards (Plucky "little" Mazda makes some great handling cars). The TL handled better than both of my Genny's, but I must concur that it's progressively gotten better on the Genesis, and the gap is not very wide right now. Objectively speaking, the 2012 is noticeably smoother than the 2010, with a slightly better steering feel.

In any case, if you noticed it on the test drive, you'll likely always notice it, and again, objectively speaking, if I had your ear, I'd probably steer you away from the Genny, but not before recommending you drive the V8s. Personally I've never driven a V6 Genesis, but I've heard anecdotally from many others that they do feel different (not necessarily better or worse, but definitely different).

 

[Jack15911]

...if you noticed it on the test drive, you'll likely always notice it...

Very likely true. I think I'll give the Genesis a pass on this cycle. Most folks indicate its suspension is improving over the years so I'll try again next year. Thanks, all.

 

[Aquineas]

Very likely true. I think I'll give the Genesis a pass on this cycle. Most folks indicate its suspension is improving over the years so I'll try again next year. Thanks, all.

Have you tried the Cadillac ATS? Is that too small?

 

[Jack15911]

Have you tried the Cadillac ATS? Is that too small?

Actually, I hadn't thought about it, though I did drive the CTS. The specs look okay, except for the small trunk and the fold-down rear seat only in the higher lines. Thanks for the idea, though.

 

[Glashub]

The Genesis ride is unrefined and the steering feel leaves a lot to be desired. It's just the way it is, imo. The V-8 is too much engine for the limited sporting capabilities of the suspension. The ride is bouyant and the body sways too much compared to 2010 TL and 2012 IS 250.

Still a very good car and a great value but it's not where it should be ride wise and may not be for a couple of generations. The Japanese have spent 30 years trying to catch the Germans in handling/ride. It's not an easy task.

 

[GK Daddio]

I drive a 2010 Genesis 4.6 and haven't been on the forums in a while so I am late to the party on this topic but I just don't understand all the comparing of TL's, IS 250's, 328's, Honda and so on.
Regardless of the handling characteristics of the Genny, none of these small cars are going to give you the same feel due to sheer size and weight differentials, period. Compare the ride of a Honda or Mazda, really? Owned an 09 V6 Accord and launched it just over a year later as it was the worst car my wife and I have ever driven based on road noise and driver comfort. I actually felt like I was driving the thing from a park bench and this car isn't a luxury car. Tested the Mazda 6 and drive position was good but it was noisy and rough riding but again not a luxury car. IS 250 to small same with the A4. CTS is more comparable but still smaller and designed as a sport sedan.
Go compare and Mercedes E350 or and BMW 7 series to these smaller cars and see how the E & 7 are out performed too. Like the Genny, the Merc and BMW are big cars and just aren't going to handle the same as the smaller ones. My wife had a E350 we just got rid of and although the steering was better than the Genny, it sure as hell wasn't a nimble as these smaller cars.
I will admit though, my 2010 Genny's steering can be improved but body roll in the corners is minimal and overall ride is good. Not floaty but certainly not jarring. My wife and I both feel the Genny's ride was better than her E350. The Genesis was designed as a luxury car with a sporty "flare" not a true luxury sports sedan.
As far a "to much motor" that was stated, be for real. The Genny can handle more than most people are willing to throw at it performance wise. I wouldn't be happy with the smaller motor unless it was the 333 hp V6 that wasn't available in the 2010. For the size of the car Hp counts and having the larger motor isn't whats going to make the car difficult to drive, its being uncomfortable with what you are driving and with that the Genn'y may be to large for some.

 

[homeofstone]

I drive a 2010 Genesis 4.6 and haven't been on the forums in a while so I am late to the party on this topic but I just don't understand all the comparing of TL's, IS 250's, 328's, Honda and so on.
Regardless of the handling characteristics of the Genny, none of these small cars are going to give you the same feel due to sheer size and weight differentials, period. Compare the ride of a Honda or Mazda, really? Owned an 09 V6 Accord and launched it just over a year later as it was the worst car my wife and I have ever driven based on road noise and driver comfort. I actually felt like I was driving the thing from a park bench and this car isn't a luxury car. Tested the Mazda 6 and drive position was good but it was noisy and rough riding but again not a luxury car. IS 250 to small same with the A4. CTS is more comparable but still smaller and designed as a sport sedan.
Go compare and Mercedes E350 or and BMW 7 series to these smaller cars and see how the E & 7 are out performed too. Like the Genny, the Merc and BMW are big cars and just aren't going to handle the same as the smaller ones. My wife had a E350 we just got rid of and although the steering was better than the Genny, it sure as hell wasn't a nimble as these smaller cars.
I will admit though, my 2010 Genny's steering can be improved but body roll in the corners is minimal and overall ride is good. Not floaty but certainly not jarring. My wife and I both feel the Genny's ride was better than her E350. The Genesis was designed as a luxury car with a sporty "flare" not a true luxury sports sedan.
As far a "to much motor" that was stated, be for real. The Genny can handle more than most people are willing to throw at it performance wise. I wouldn't be happy with the smaller motor unless it was the 333 hp V6 that wasn't available in the 2010. For the size of the car Hp counts and having the larger motor isn't whats going to make the car difficult to drive, its being uncomfortable with what you are driving and with that the Genn'y may be to large for some.

^Well stated. I have often wondered if some of the complaints come from buyers that have not owned a German sedan or may only have owned floaty american sedans.

 

[GK Daddio]

Thanks Homeofstone and by the way good choice in color on your Genny.
I think a lot of people get sucked into that quick loop around the block and then buy the car. If your dropping a bunch of cash you better take that long term drive to know how the car is going to be, I know I do.
And agreed, don't think many are comparing the German imports nor like type cars to feel the difference. Not saying the Genny is perfect but I have little to dislike about it after all it is a lead sled and a platform in the making.