Suspension question V6 / V8

[somethingwicked]

Hello everyone. I'm going to be on the market in June for a new vehicle and I've pretty much decided on the Genesis ('03 Sonata owner currently). I've been reading about these suspension issues regarding the V8 and I was wondering if the V6 had the same/similar issues? I apologize if this has been brought up before but I'm currently in Iraq with very limited computer time so I haven't been able to scan all the older threads.

I briefly got test drive a V6 w/ tech while I was home back in November. I didn't notice any issues although it was mostly highway driving. I haven't been able to decide between the two but if people seem to think the V6 has a better ride than that'll help me make a decision. I would have tried the V8 as well but the dealership still has yet to receive one.

Thanks for your help.

 

[doug725]

I have the V6 and it's the worst riding car I've ever experienced as detailed in support for suspension issue thread. Be sure to do a thorough test drive of the exact car you will be buying - not a demo. There seems to be wide vartiance betwen specific vehicles.

 

[wallymn]

I have the V8 and I am very happy with the ride, I live in MN, thanks to snow and plows some of the worst roads in the nation.

MN has two seasons, winter and road construction.....

 

[gentecv8]

I have a v8 (4.6, tech package) and the ride, handling is absolutely fine. I have no issues. I test-drove the v6 and v8 and decided on the v8 because of faster acceleration, better braking, better leather, and I like the wood steering as well.

 

[jwaters943]

Go with the V6 unless you are the type of person who has to have a V8. It's cheaper, nearly as fast, it handles/rides slightly better thanks to less weight over the front wheels, it's less to insure, and it looks the same as the V8 (you can always add the chrome door trim if you want).

Doug725:

I'm saddened to hear you're so disappointed w/ the ride of your Genesis. Did you contact your dealer/Hyundai? I would schedule an appointment w/ your Service Manager so he can do a ride along in both your car and another Genesis at their dealership. If he doesn't give you the proper consideration, go to another dealership. Be persistent!! If your Genesis rides noticeably worse than others it is obvious to me they need to fix it. Best of luck.

 

[Gimli]

I have a v8 (4.6, tech package) and the ride, handling is absolutely fine. I have no issues. I test-drove the v6 and v8 and decided on the v8 because of faster acceleration, better braking, better leather, and I like the wood steering as well.

Same here.

The "suspension issues" are a lot less common than some people would like you to believe.

 

[doug725]

Yes, been dealing with dealer, national and regional. As I've said all along I can only speak to my particular vehicle. That's why I encourage everyone to test the actual car they will purchase not just a demo. Some other owners and some reviewers have had same concerns as I - many of whom have contacted me. However, others are perfectly content with their vehicle. So who knows. You should drive the vehcile you will buy and make your own determination. The mistake I made was to only drive the demo extensively.

 

[VaiFan]

I have a V6 premium with 17" wheels and I love the ride and handling and overall it's just a great car!
I took someone for a two hour ride that owns a cls500 amg mercedes and after about an hour and a half, she interupted our conversation and said "I just have to tell you how great this car rides and drives".
I just smiled and said "I know, isn't it great".

 

[Mark_888]

Hello everyone. I'm going to be on the market in June for a new vehicle and I've pretty much decided on the Genesis ('03 Sonata owner currently). I've been reading about these suspension issues regarding the V8 and I was wondering if the V6 had the same/similar issues? I apologize if this has been brought up before but I'm currently in Iraq with very limited computer time so I haven't been able to scan all the older threads.

I briefly got test drive a V6 w/ tech while I was home back in November. I didn't notice any issues although it was mostly highway driving. I haven't been able to decide between the two but if people seem to think the V6 has a better ride than that'll help me make a decision. I would have tried the V8 as well but the dealership still has yet to receive one.

Thanks for your help.

I believe that the V6 and V8 have basically the same issue based on my experience with a V6. If you are concerned, then I would consider waiting until 2010 model when a change "might" be made. I don't think a big change is needed, but just a slight adjustment.

 

[scottdk]

I have a v8 (4.6, tech package) and the ride, handling is absolutely fine. I have no issues. I test-drove the v6 and v8 and decided on the v8 because of faster acceleration, better braking, better leather, and I like the wood steering as well.

I agree with you......

The V8 gets nearly the same fuel economy as the 6. The 8 has a bigger brake package and other options the v6 does not have even with the Tech pach. (Illuminated scuff plates, Love em'!)

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[jwaters943]

Bigger brakes, but no better braking IIRC due to the V8's addt'l weight. Plus, you can't add smaller 17" wheels w/ snow tires on the V8 due to the large brakes.

 

[wallymn]

Bigger brakes, but no better braking IIRC due to the V8's addt'l weight. Plus, you can't add smaller 17" wheels w/ snow tires on the V8 due to the large brakes.

Did you learn this the hard way? I just ordered rims and snows for my 4.6 w/tech package from tirerack. They are 17s

 

[jwaters943]

Strange.

When I ordered snow tires/wheels for my Genesis from Discount Tire Direct they verified I had a 3.8 because according to them 17" wheels/tires would not fit on the 4.6. I had ASSumed this was due to the large brakes.

FWIW, on a somewhat related sidenote, the 17" Drag DR-19 wheels I ordered for my V6 Genesis actually scraped part of my suspension when making u-turns and required a 5mm wheel spacer.

 

[Mark_888]

FWIW, on a somewhat related sidenote, the 17" Drag DR-19 wheels I ordered for my V6 Genesis actually scraped part of my suspension when makeing u-turns and required a 5mm wheel spacer.

One thing I really like about the Genesis is the turning radius is quite good, especially for such a large car with a long wheelbase. I am not surprised that 19" would scrape because it is obvious that the Genesis wheels can turn quite sharply.

 

[Mark_888]

I agree with you......

The V8 gets nearly the same fuel economy as the 6. The 8 has a bigger brake package and other options the v6 does not have even with the Tech pach. (Illuminated scuff plates, Love em'!)

The V6 gets 2 mpg better fuel mileage than the V8, if I recall. That may be a small difference to some people, but if everyone got that much better mileage it would have a major impact.

 

[lmftaz]

Concur with Mark 888:

There are some infrequent annoying issues with my 4.6's handling of uneven AZ roads, but not on even and smooth freeways though. One should test drive the car you will purchase/lease, as there are on this forum widely varying opinions on the "suspension issue".

All I have to compare with is my previous autos: 04 Audi A8L and 07 Acura MDX. The Genesis is smoother than both the 4-wheel drives Audi "limo" and the MDX, except when it comes to uneven, closely-spaced, dips on any road surface or patched, poor AZ feeder/city/urban roads.

Hope that helps--still a excellent car, V6 or V8, for the value and price!

 

[jwaters943]

The V6 gets 2 mpg better fuel mileage than the V8, if I recall. That may be a small difference to some people, but if everyone got that much better mileage it would have a major impact.

Correct. The EPA rates the V6 as getting 1 MPG better City, 2 MPG better Highway and 2 MPG in the Mixed Cycle.

Still, it's less than a 10% difference in fuel economy. Then again, there is less than a 10% difference in performance as well.

 

[Mark_888]

Concur with Mark 888:

There are some infrequent annoying issues with my 4.6's handling of uneven AZ roads, but not on even and smooth freeways though. One should test drive the car you will purchase/lease, as there are on this forum widely varying opinions on the "suspension issue".

All I have to compare with is my previous autos: 04 Audi A8L and 07 Acura MDX. The Genesis is smoother than both the 4-wheel drives Audi "limo" and the MDX, except when it comes to uneven, closely-spaced, dips on any road surface or patched, poor AZ feeder/city/urban roads.

Hope that helps--still a excellent car, V6 or V8, for the value and price!

I think the springs are just a little too tight or something. The basic suspension design is very good, and I don't think it will take much to fix the issue. When they do fix it, the Genesis will be an excellent car at any price.

 

[Nabber]

I am pleased with the ride of my 4.6L. Definitely more sporty than my wife's Sienna, yet more relaxed than my 8200lb Excursion.

Did some testing today on a 120 mile round-trip. Tracks fine on flat and uneven roads. The suspension is stiff but responsive; it's no LS 460, but then it costs 1/2 as much and is "sportier". I got 23.9 mpg on my trip per the computer.

 

[doug725]

A performer I was ferrying around this evening said wow what a beautiful car, but you feel every bump don't you.