Ruissimo's Ownership "Blog" - The 5.0 R Spec

[Ruissimo]

It has been a year since I finally pulled the trigger on an R-Spec sedan. I've managed to drive 10,000 miles (or so) in that time - not an easy feat, mind you... considering I have a 3-mile commute to work! And that's if I'm not working from home.

Summertime Blues

August. Hot, humid, lousy, miserable freaking August. My power steering fails. Turns out to be a bad EHPS steering valve... and I'm told it will take 2 weeks to just get the part. Sad, sad August. Turns out my awesome dealer and a call to HMA got things rolling, and they located the part in a couple of days. Took exactly a week from the time I dropped it off to the time I picked it up - would've been 6 days if I didn't have to also wait for the special pump fluid to be shipped from another dealer. Got the car back, and the steering felt better than when I first bought the car - I guess I just got a bad part from the start.

And that right there about sums up the warranty-related issues I've had with the car so far. Sure, it would've been great to go a year without an issue, but coming from a VW Passat, I feel like a million bucks. It is incredible to think what I put up with owning that old car; not only from a mechanical standpoint, but also the financial. Not to mention all the pain and suffering from dealing with that dealer network. Never again, German automakers. Never again.

Hyundai Eats Crow, I Go Russian-Style

Fast-forward to early November, specifically the day Hyundai announced they overstated their mpg ratings on pretty much every single model. I was a bit surprised, but didn’t really care one way or the other. I didn’t buy my Genesis so I could watch the fuel gauge, right? Here’s the window sticker on my car when I bought it:

And here’s my all-time fuel performance (95%+ city driving, lead-foot driving mode activated at all times):

Long story short… I had my 7,500 service scheduled that week in November, and during that service, the dealer verified my mileage. I registered on the Hyundai site dedicated to the “fiasco”, and got a nice little debit card sometime in December, just in time for my birthday (and Christmas). An unexpected $100 gift from an unexpected source!

I took that card, and bought myself a dash cam… just like 97.36% of Russian drivers do. Was it money well-invested, or a useless toy? Time will tell. It might come in handy in an accident or insurance fraud situation, or, I could always record something phenomenally random and/or astoundingly stupid in front of me. I could use the YouTube ad income! If you’re curious about it, search the forum for Itronics ITB-100HD – that’s the model I purchased.

Anything else go wrong?

Yes. I got some bad 93 octane a couple of weeks ago from my former exclusive local gas station. I start the car one morning, and it misfires. It’s loud. It’s knocking. “Could it be,” I asked myself, “that I did the unthinkable? Did I turn the car off without letting it idle for a few minutes first? I don’t remember doing it… and I am a super-careful, well-informed GenesisOwners.com reader and enthusiast! I know all about the cold rattle and shake issue!” I let it sit for 30 minutes, I start it again, and other than the “check engine” light which I had to ask the dealer to reset, no real damage came of it. Well… except to the gas station owner, operator, distributor and corporation’s sales income projections, that is. I’ll never buy from them again. They don't care.

In all this time behind the wheel, are there any negatives about the car that would lead me to reconsider purchasing another Hyundai Genesis in the future? Absolutely not. Sure… there are few nagging little things like water that drips into the trunk on really rainy days, or the soft (but beautiful) paint, the squeaky driver’s seatbelt mechanism that needs a little leather treatment every three months or so (to keep my OCD in check) and if I’m nitpicking, the “rear-end imprint” on the leather on the driver’s seat. But honestly, that list pales in comparison to previous cars I’ve owned. They are so minor that I might not have mentioned them in the past.

But do I have anything POSITIVE to say?

OH YES.

It’s been 12 months since I bought my Genny. I don’t think a single day has gone by that I haven’t stepped away from my car and turned back to admire its beauty. And not a single approach has gone by without that feeling you get that says, “hey, that’s right. That’s your car. You’ve done well for yourself, my boy.” It never gets old to watch others gawk at my R Spec, wondering “what is this beautiful vehicle before me? What cosmic event has led it to grace my presence in this very place, at this very time?”

And it never gets old answering the most repetitive question ever: “what car is that?” The answer isn’t always met with a declaration of surprise and admiration.

Well… those badge-whores can spend their 10, 20 or 30 grand any way they like… who am I to judge?

Hitting that thin, long pedal brings a smile to my face EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. And hitting it on the freeway has definitely saved me from the occasional tough situation; you know, like the jackwagon texting and changing lanes at the same time, or the dual-trailer behemoth that keeps passing you and slowing down in a torrential downpour. And that guy you keep running into that thinks he can pass you on the right and cut you off because he just HAS to get to his destination before you and the caravan of six evenly-spaced cars you’re a proud member of that particular day.

I don’t think so, pal. Not this day.

Here’s another item for the “+” list for you: winter-driving. “What?” Yes. I figured this car would be as useful in the snow as a warm bucket of hamster vomit. I was wrong! We’ve had one of the worst winters in recent history up here in New England (including a 2-foot+ blizzard), and the car never felt unsafe while moving or stopping. Sure, the big engine makes it a little difficult to get off the line on the ice, but if you’re careful, you will be okay. I’m certain with a good set of snow tires, the experience would be even better.

There are many other positives. I won’t mention them all, because you won’t care. I’ll just mention my two favorite features; two features which single-handedly make this car a “super value proposition”: The Smart Cruise Control and the Lexicon audio system. The first saves me aggravation on the freeway on a regular basis. The second never ceases to astound me. It feels like every time I put in a random CD (or converted MP3 files on my ultra-portable and 007-esque mini USB flash drive), I am amazed by the immersion of sound. And I’m not talking about 7.1 surround goodness from the various DVD-A’s I purchased… I tell ya, those inferior sources are doing their very best to trick my astute auditory aptitude.

I’m not as smart as I sound. The Lexicon makes me feel that way though.

Alright, wrap it up. Would you do it again?

Yep.

 

[Aquineas]

Nicely written! I must say that I'm surprised that it performs so well in the snow, particularly the R-Spec version. Again, nice writeup.

 

[NSXNEXT]

Wow great write up. I've owned my RSpec for about a week and am already having the same feelings as you.

 

[rockymax]

I am close to turning 12,000 miles and like my R-spec today as much as I did when it was new. It has not disappointed me in any area. I continually congratulate myself on making a very wise purchase.

 

[Jbo]

I'm at 18.5K and feel exactly as you do. All but one issue has been operator error (actually failure to read the manual), great vehicle, performance, value even fuel economy(kept under 78mph)!!

 

[hh3rd]

Thanks for so many great write-ups. I have finally joined the club. Bought brand new 2012 R spec in Pennsylvania on Saaturday for $36510 including NY tax, tag and fees. I feel like I absolutely robbed a bank of millions of $$$. I averaged 28mpg from PA to White Plains at 80 mph. Pictures coming soon.

 

[Crusty Old Shellback]

'm hitting 18K on my R Spec and still love it as much as the first day I drove it. Love the acceleration of the go pedal. Only downside I have is the tires. I've got the S04 Pole Position summer tires and they are wore out> getting shoes today, Conti DW so hopefully they will last a little longer. But I doubt it unless I change my driving style which isn't going to happen anytime soon.

 

[Jbo]

COS, I've done much tire research and probably found what you have; UHP summers are good for 17-20 K. UHP AllSeasons probablyly 30-40k based on comparative within mfgr UTOGs. I'm still undecided on a new set of P-04s or Bridgestone Potenza 970 UHP AS. I'd consider Michelin Pilot Sport aS as well. Based on my research, I doubt you'll much more than 15-20% improvement with the DWs. Let us know how they feel compared to the PO4s.

 

[Crusty Old Shellback]

I'll post up my results in the tire thread. But I'm usually hard on tires in all my vechicles. My Pontiac G8 only got 25K on the Goodyear RSA's that it came with. My bagger Harley barley gets 7K out of a set of tires when most people get 10-12K out of the same tire. I don't sit and spin the tires, I just ride hard. Same with my cars.

 

[Jbo]

We must have attended different schools together.

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[Ruissimo]

So I had a fun day... had to work yesterday on Good Friday, and today... and I work tomorrow also. This morning, my tire pressure "low" indicator was on. I checked the tire. This:

And I pulled it out:

Patched it up, put it back on and drove to work. Went out at lunch and the tire was completely flat. Apparently I am not the best patch guy in the business.

Took it to Town Fair Tire in Danbury, CT... they were SWAMPED ahead of Easter, but were kind enough to take my tire an hour before closing time. When they were done with the patch, one of the guys -- Mike -- was pretty cool; he asked if I wanted the tire back on the car. I said, "yes", fully expecting at least a $10 charge. He didn't charge me. When the tire was back on, I asked how much I owed for the patch, and he said, "Don't worry about it. Maybe you can give $5 bucks to the guy that fixed it?"

I was like, "wow". Guess I know where I'm buying my set of winter rubber next fall.... good bunch of guys.

 

[krazyfiend]

Took it to Town Fair Tire in Danbury, CT... they were SWAMPED ahead of Easter, but were kind enough to take my tire an hour before closing time. When they were done with the patch, one of the guys -- Mike -- was pretty cool; he asked if I wanted the tire back on the car. I said, "yes", fully expecting at least a $10 charge. He didn't charge me. When the tire was back on, I asked how much I owed for the patch, and he said, "Don't worry about it. Maybe you can give $5 bucks to the guy that fixed it?"

I was like, "wow". Guess I know where I'm buying my set of winter rubber next fall.... good bunch of guys.

That was very nice of them, I had a similar experience with my custom ATLP catback system on my TL-S and a local exhaust shop. I ended up tipping the guy out a 10$ for his quick welding skills that he let me take a look at. He had to deal with some nickel plating.

I do own my tire repairs (plug); having grown up on a production farm with all kinds of tractors and the need to be able to patch a tire that costs nearly what my first car did, lol. I'm surprised that shop didn't throw some crap at you about that being too close to the sidewall for them to patch it. Most of the chain stores (discount tire, etc) have some measurement they stick to like lore (prob for liability reasons). To me, yours was far enough in not to hurt the integrity, but what do I know--

 

[Billfz1]

So I had a fun day... had to work yesterday on Good Friday, and today... and I work tomorrow also. This morning, my tire pressure "low" indicator was on. I checked the tire. This:

And I pulled it out:

Patched it up, put it back on and drove to work. Went out at lunch and the tire was completely flat. Apparently I am not the best patch guy in the business.

Took it to Town Fair Tire in Danbury, CT... they were SWAMPED ahead of Easter, but were kind enough to take my tire an hour before closing time. When they were done with the patch, one of the guys -- Mike -- was pretty cool; he asked if I wanted the tire back on the car. I said, "yes", fully expecting at least a $10 charge. He didn't charge me. When the tire was back on, I asked how much I owed for the patch, and he said, "Don't worry about it. Maybe you can give $5 bucks to the guy that fixed it?"

I was like, "wow". Guess I know where I'm buying my set of winter rubber next fall.... good bunch of guys.

Ruissimo, I hate it when that happens! Glad you got it fixed. Looking back to the start of the thread, your car looked fantastic after that detail. I have always done it myself but after seeing that job I am considering proffesional detailing. What can you expect to pay for job like that?
Bill

 

[Ruissimo]

I wouldn't expect a reputable place to charge less than a couple hundred for a full detail... I'm actually considering taking mine in again for a full detail and then a coating of Gtechniq Crystal Lacquer...

Depends how much my detailer wants to charge me I suppose. I got a really good deal when I did mine last year 'cause a) the car was new and I specifically told the dealer not to install its custom "swirl marks" (which saved Gotham Auto a ton of work) and b) I didn't do an interior detail which saved me some cash.

If you have the cash, it's DEFINITELY worth it, but only by someone you trust.

 

[NSXNEXT]

..I specifically told the dealer not to install its custom "swirl marks" (which saved Gotham Auto a ton of work)

Haha yeah me too. I told my dealer not to touch the car don't even wash it. Took it straight to my detailer who put XPel on the entire front clip and hood and Opti Coat on the rest of the car.

 

[Ruissimo]

Haha yeah me too. I told my dealer not to touch the car don't even wash it. Took it straight to my detailer who put XPel on the entire front clip and hood and Opti Coat on the rest of the car.

Good man.

 

[jmo51]

Good man.

Is your 5.0 very quiet?? Mine has slightly over 12K it has a very slight birdie type noise. It seems to be coming from the lower middle part of the block, but not positive about the location.

Thanks,
John M

 

[JasTheAce]

Is your 5.0 very quiet?? Mine has slightly over 12K it has a very slight birdie type noise. It seems to be coming from the lower middle part of the block, but not positive about the location.

Thanks,
John M

I have a similar sound at 1700 miles inside the car with the radio off under light to moderate acceleration, but I just attribute it to a frequency that's going through the sound deadening because I can't hear it outside the car.

 

[Ruissimo]

Hmm.... no such noise on mine. Just had its 15,000 mile service today, as a matter of fact. Well... 14,124 mile service LOL.

Mine is, however, TOO quiet sometimes.

1st World Problems.

 

[kf4zra]

i dont know about birdie sound, but with the radio low or off, and under moderate to heavy acceleration, i hear a whistling type sound coming from what sounds like the drivers side under the hood.
Almost like the air cleaner cover is not locked in place.

Anyone else get that noise?

its a 2013 5.0rspec with 1750mi