Thanks for your help so far. I joined the think tank and can now get HAPP pricing -- woohoo! It looks like the two local dealers have a 3.8 with prem/nav and a 4.6 without tech. So which one should I get?
You make a lot of good points here. A car purchase is extremely emotional. People don't always think with their heads. 2,3,5 grand doesn't seem that much when you're talking about a car costing 40k. The car companies know this so they try and saddle the cars with things that they think people want but don't necessarily need. My brothers Merc has, radar cruise control and some night vision thing using infrared light. He has had the car for a year and a half. I asked him how many times he's used the night vision thing. He said is there a number less than zero? I asked him how much it cost. he said, he has no idea, it was part of some technology package.That being said, if I had my choice between a 2010 4.6 with or without the Tech Package, I would still go for the one WITHOUT the Tech package. My 2009 has Tech, so I will tell you why I would save my money.
Assuming they are both 2010's, if it were me, I would go for the 4.6 WITHOUT Tech. The two cars you mentioned don't have the Tech Package, so I would go for the 4.6
That being said, if I had my choice between a 2010 4.6 with or without the Tech Package, I would still go for the one WITHOUT the Tech package. My 2009 has Tech, so I will tell you why I would save my money.
1. Non-tech uses DVD Disc for the Touch Screen Navi Unit. Easy to buy an update and once purchased, easy to do the update. Insert the disc and in a minute or two, all is updated. We with the GPS in the hard drive, still have not been able to update the Navi, and we still don't know when we will be able to do so, plus the update takes two to three hours, and if you don't own the disc, your dealer will have to do it. BUMMER.
2. The Swivel Headlights are worthless. I have them. WORTHLESS. Better to have a car like my Continental with "Cornering Lamps" that do a great job lighting when going around corners.
3. 2010 4.6 Tech Adaptive Cruise Control sounds nice, but is not something I need. I am still young enough to know when I get close to the car in front of me, to deactivate the CC with my brake.
4. 2010 4.6 Tech device to keep car from rolling when stopped at light without holding your brake (forget what it is called) is not really anything I need. Sounds nice, but just not needed to justify the extra cost.
5. 2010 4.6 Tech "Electronic Parking Brake" is about the only thing that would be nice to have, but again, just not needed to justify the extra cost. I am still young enough to be able to push the parking brake lever with my foot. Would rather have the parking brake release automaticly when car goes into drive like my Continental, or better yet, have a hand lever parking brake next to the seat to be activated with my right hand.
It depends on what you prefer, really.
For me, tech package was a must, so I would've gone with whatever engine that has the tech.
I agree the Nav is hard to update and is not the best on the market, but I really didn't get the tech package for it's Nav function.
I like the idea of having top of the line Lexicon system and the sound quality is truly amazing.
Also the nice user interface that connects your phone thru BT and using it thru voice command is very nice. It comes really handy when you're making an outgoing call while driving.
The Premium plus package also comes with the high end Lexicon sound system. It also has a Ipod interface and BT. The screen for the Ipod interface isn't as pretty, but I've heard the functionality of the Ipod, with the tech package isn't a great upgrade anyway. On the premium, the BT is a separate module...in front of interior light controls. This is slightly less convenient (having to reach up for the BT talk button.) On the other hand, the premium plus version of the stereo seems to be less prone to reliability issues.
Thanks for correcting me, Disaster.
I didn't know the premium plus came with the higher end Lexicon system.
Dan
Yup, there's the base Hyundai system, the PP has a 14 speaker Lexicon system, and the Tech has a 17 speaker Lexicon system. I think all the systems sound great fwiw.
Oh, so the premium plus' Lexicon system doesn't have 17 speakers?
I must have been misinformed, but I thought the base had 14 speaker Lexicon system.
I assume it's not only the number of speakers that are different from PP to tech?
I'm guessing different amplifier, crossover, etc.
Dan
Thanks for the info!
Is it me or does the 14-speaker's amp looks better than the 17-speaker one.
Dan
V6 - shorter gearing, so it will feel peppier off the line
V8 - 100 more hp, so you will have more power at highway speeds
V6 - 200 lbs lighter over the front wheels, so it will corner better
V6 - slight mpg advantage, less oil, fewer spark plug