Shopping for Genesis Sedan : I have a few questions

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Hey guys! Forum newbie here who is currently in the market for a Genesis.

Currently drive a built 2004 Jeep Wrangler and I'll be relegating it to "sunny day / weekend" vehicle. I'm getting a Genesis to take over as daily driver duty. Before my wrangler I drove a Lexus GS300 and am seeking some of that luxo-sport performance again.

THE QUESTIONS:
Test drove my first Genesis yesterday... a 4.6 with about 80k miles. It had previously been in a "minor" collision (noticed light bow to the driver side door seam), and Carfax confirmed my suspicion. I noticed a few things but wanted to ask you guys' opinion on how "normal" these are:

• Light white smoke from the exhaust when started up. It was cold (45*F) and the smoke went away after driving it a bit.
• Ticking at each cylinder from engine block while engine idling. This is only really heard with hood up, but is quite noticeable then. Is this common?
• A couple points when attempting to turn the wheel hard, I would encounter resistance for a moment then it would "release" again, and I'd be allowed to turn to full lock (impressive turning radius, BTW!).

Outside those vehicle specific questions, I've got a couple general questions about the Genesis itself.

• In doing some reading, it appears there are some "Firm suspension" issues with the 09 model that were improved in '10-11 and are pretty much gone in '12+. Are there other significant differences within the year models that warrant consideration of one over the other? I am looking at a budget of $16-18k + taxes/fees here so I'm likely going to be targeting the 09-11 model range, possibly '12 if I can find a great deal.

• I love the Silver / Black leather options. I've heard some complaints about the A/C system struggling to keep up in hot environments. Has anyone else noticed issues getting the car cooled properly in hot southern states?

• I am leaning toward the 8cyl but I am not 100% opposed to the 6cyl. How dramatic are the realized performance gains of the larger engine? Any other significant differences between the models?

• Any other issues that I need to keep an eye out for when shopping for a used Genesis?

Thanks in advance. I'll likely have a few more questions as I continue shopping... but I wanted to introduce myself and get the ball rolling since I'm shopping rather aggressively (looking to buy in the next few weeks, pending locating a good deal).

 

[homeofstone]

I now have over 147,000 miles on my 2011 4.6 with tech which I purchased new. Its a wonderful car and very reliable. Front brakes lasted to just over 130,000 miles and rear brakes are still original. Its a luxury car and some service can be expensive. Transmission service can cost 400.00 to 600.00. Front brakes 400.00 to 500,00. Spark plugs are about 12.00 each. Its also best to use synthetic oil if you will keep it long and always use oem oil filters. Now as for the one you are looking at, I would walk away and keep looking.

Here is an article you may enjoy reading. http://www.motortrend.com/features/travel/112_0912_hyundai_genesis_across_europe/

 

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I now have over 147,000 miles on my 2011 4.6 with tech which I purchased new. Its a wonderful car and very reliable. Front brakes lasted to just over 130,000 miles and rear brakes are still original. Its a luxury car and some service can be expensive. Transmission service can cost 400.00 to 600.00. Front brakes 400.00 to 500,00. Spark plugs are about 12.00 each. Its also best to use synthetic oil if you will keep it long and always use oem oil filters. Now as for the one you are looking at, I would walk away and keep looking.

Here is an article you may enjoy reading. http://www.motortrend.com/features/travel/112_0912_hyundai_genesis_across_europe/

Thanks for the heads up.... is the ticking/clicking in the engine bay normal under idle operation?

 

[jlindh]

No, it is not. The 4.6 is not a GDI engine.

 

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No, it is not. The 4.6 is not a GDI engine.

Excellent. Great to know... thanks! Loving this forum thus far.

 

[homeofstone]

Thanks for the heads up.... is the ticking/clicking in the engine bay normal under idle operation?

A very slight clicking from the injectors for each cylinder is normal but you valve ticking/clicking should not be heard after a few moments of running. Keep looking. Your car is out there. You just need to be patient so you want have second thoughts the day after you buy your Genesis. Also for ride I would go with a 2011 or later model. If you can find a 2012 with the 4.6 v8 I think you would really like it, however a 2012 with a 4.6 will be hard to find since that is the model year Hyundai switched to the 5.0 GDI(sometimes an oil user).

Here is an auto trader search link. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/Used+Cars/2012/Hyundai/Genesis/Athens+GA-30606?endYear=2012&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&makeCode1=HYUND&maxMileage=75000&mmt=%5BHYUND%5BGENESIS%5BGENESIS%7C4.6%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&modelCode1=GENESIS&photosOnlyActual=true&pricesOnly=true&searchRadius=0&sellerType=d&sellerTypes=d&showcaseOwnerId=201043&startYear=2012&Log=0&showcaseOwnerId=201043&captureSearch=true&fromSIP=065F19749C20B9FAF09D5260C344C4C1&showToolbar=true&Log=0

 

[landtuna]

THE QUESTIONS:

• Light white smoke from the exhaust when started up. It was cold (45*F) and the smoke went away after driving it a bit.

Looks like normal condensation. Should not be a problem.

• A couple points when attempting to turn the wheel hard, I would encounter resistance for a moment then it would "release" again, and I'd be allowed to turn to full lock (impressive turning radius, BTW!).

This might be related to collision. Should not happen.

Outside those vehicle specific questions, I've got a couple general questions about the Genesis itself.

• In doing some reading, it appears there are some "Firm suspension" issues with the 09 model that were improved in '10-11 and are pretty much gone in '12+. Are there other significant differences within the year models that warrant consideration of one over the other? I am looking at a budget of $16-18k + taxes/fees here so I'm likely going to be targeting the 09-11 model range, possibly '12 if I can find a great deal.

There were some complaints about the '12 R-spec suspension being very rough but I have not found that to be true UNLESS you drive in areas with rough roads - then it can be uncomfortable. However, after driving a set-up Jeep would you really notice it?

• I love the Silver / Black leather options. I've heard some complaints about the A/C system struggling to keep up in hot environments. Has anyone else noticed issues getting the car cooled properly in hot southern states?

I have a silver/black leather car and have had no problems with the A/C and this is in Phoenix, AZ. If you go this route however I would recommend a good quality window tint all around if legal. It will make a difference.

• I am leaning toward the 8cyl but I am not 100% opposed to the 6cyl. How dramatic are the realized performance gains of the larger engine? Any other significant differences between the models?

There is practically no difference between the V8 and the V6 in normal street driving except that the 6 feels lighter and more responsive (and gets better gas mileage and is cheaper to buy). The V6 has plenty of punch so unless you drive very hard or love stoplight drag racing I'd go with the 6.

• Any other issues that I need to keep an eye out for when shopping for a used Genesis?

Check the repair history carefully and make sure the sound/navigation system hasn't been a problem.

 

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Great feedback so far guys, thanks!

I definitely drive pretty aggressively so I'm targeting the 4.6L but its sounding like if there's a killer deal on the V6 it wouldn't be a tremendous drop off.

What's the school with the badging on these.. it appears some have the winged logo on back, and others have the "H oval" badge? HARDLY a deal breaker, it's just intrigued me.

thanks guys.

 

[dg_moore]

Great feedback so far guys, thanks!

I definitely drive pretty aggressively so I'm targeting the 4.6L but its sounding like if there's a killer deal on the V6 it wouldn't be a tremendous drop off.

What's the school with the badging on these.. it appears some have the winged logo on back, and others have the "H oval" badge? HARDLY a deal breaker, it's just intrigued me.

thanks guys.

The guys who keep the Lazy H are the guys who don't care how their car looks from the back,

 

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The guys who keep the Lazy H are the guys who don't care how their car looks from the back,

I agree the winged logo is better. So the lazy H is factory standard on all models and the winged logo is an aftermarket add-on?

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[OneFunGenesis]

Technically, they are both factory. The Genesis wings are KDM (Korean Domestic Market) factory and the lazy H is lazy america factory

 

[MK 19]

I am a new Genesis owner with a 2013 3.8 Base , Silver/Black, so I'm not going to comment on too much of your post, however these two I do have experience with:

• I love the Silver / Black leather options. I've heard some complaints about the A/C system struggling to keep up in hot environments. Has anyone else noticed issues getting the car cooled properly in hot southern states?

I live in Southern CA and I have had no issues cooling the car, even on days when the air temp is in excess of 100 Deg, it is much better then the Suburban that I replaced with the Genesis. I am going to have a thermal tint installed before summer starts back up for both looks and internal temp control.

• I am leaning toward the 8cyl but I am not 100% opposed to the 6cyl. How dramatic are the realized performance gains of the larger engine? Any other significant differences between the models?

The GDI 3.8 has 333 HP and is quicker then 99% of the cars on the road, I'm a old drag racer and I used to drive a Super E dragster, but I'm completely pleased with the performance of the 3.8. There are very few cars on the road that will keep up with the "little" 3.8, I have had a bit of fun with mine and have dispatched v-6 Mustangs and Camaros with very little trouble, a Ford's big bad Raptor looks like it is standing still in a side by side blast. I even had a guy on a Kawasaki Ninja 500 that couldn't pull away from me, you should have seen his face at the next light when he asked "what the hell is that thing? Damn it's fast!" Plus it does all of that and still gets 30MPG on the hwy, yes you can have more power, but do you need it?

 

[Gunkk]

Get the 4.6. I did. Twice. From 50 to 100 mph, very few cars beat it if you're the spirited driving type.

Just don't buy they wrecked one. It's got issues. Sticky steering is a big red flag. Run, don't walk away from that one.

There are plenty of cars our there. I searched and waited for the right 2012 4.6, tech platinum black, showroom condition... And I pounced.

I also took the vin down, and went to my dealer and they ran the service history for me. Much better that a carfax, and I knew there wouldn't be any issues getting an extended warranty or regular 5/60 service should the need arise.

 

[landtuna]

The guys who keep the Lazy H are the guys who don't care how their car looks from the back,

Why bother? The guy you just left in the dust sure can't see it.

 

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Great feedback guys... Thank you very much. Didn't know about the sitcky steering being a common issue in wrecked Gennys. Good to know.

I'm driving a 2011 4.6 with 73k miles tomorrow (more to just get a feel), then heading down to check out a 2010 4.6 with 58k miles that is a steal (from what I've seen) at $16,249. Book in my area for that car is $20-22 I think. Both have clean carfax (not a guarantee but a good start).

Still looking as well... May peek at 2012+ 6cyl models as well with that 333HP. Prices definitely seem lower on the 6cyls

 

[Gunkk]

Yeah a 2010 4.6 for $16k is probably pretty close to auction price/dealer trade-in. Best case you're after a 2011 4.6 w/ 45k miles (all 2011 4.6's were tech trim IIRC), edmunds says the market price is is 18-20k. $16k-$20k for a 2010 TECH @ 45k miles.

I sold my '09 4.6 Tech w/ 53k mi for $16k flat to Carmax (all top condition on their scale) last year when I bought the '12.

If you're into audio at all, you may enjoy the sound from the 09-11's TECH Lexicon 17 system. It was dumbed down a bit in 2011 or 2012. Presumably to address the amplifier temporarily going into protect mode randomly at startup (aka "silent amp bug") in the 09s and 10s. As a result the system definitely lost a lot of "punch," particularly in the mids and lows. I'm pretty sure it was implemented via a big drop in pre-amp output levels and/or dynamic range.

In my '09, at about 25-30 on the volume, you would start to clip the amp and distort the speaker cones depending on the source levels. In my '12, 20 is barely enough to cover wind noise when the windows open, and even at max volume it won't clip the amp with normal source material . I've managed to tweak some settings to get it back close, but it still isn't as quite good as sharp and punchy was in the '09. And there's a big hump in the 50-150 Hz freq resp. range that wasn't there in the 09. Oh well can't win 'em all. The improved ride in the 12 makes it up for me.

 

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Thanks for the details!

I have a buddy who's fairly connected to the top guy over a network of local dealerships (including a hyundai dealership) and is seeing what he can do about an extended warranty on whatever I can buy. I'm getting quotes of $2400ish for 4/45 of Bump/Bump coverage on the 2010 with 58k miles. Thats too pricey, IMO. Hoping to get down to $1500-1750 range, then I'll likely jump on it.

Am I crazy for considering going without a warranty on a 2010-2011?

Good to know on the amp. Both of the 4.6's I'm looking at are loaded out with the tricked out Lexicon system, heated/cooled (driver) seat, etc.

 

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Driving 3.5 hours south today to hopefully buy the '10 4.6L... One thorough check and test drive away from cutting a check. Any last minute suggestions on stuff to look for before pulling the trigger?

 

[homeofstone]

Driving 3.5 hours south today to hopefully buy the '10 4.6L... One thorough check and test drive away from cutting a check. Any last minute suggestions on stuff to look for before pulling the trigger?

Test drive it on rough city streets. Find out if transmission has been serviced. Check tires closely for matching and wheels for peeling or bent. Check all electronics and navigation and voice control if it has it.

 

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Just drove back from 4 hours in it...had to pull the trigger… I'm in love. What a vehicle…

Thank everyone who offered suggestions and feedback… Will post up more tomorrow.