Thinking about 2010 Genesis - got questions

[njmurvin]

I currently have a 2006 Lexus IS350 which my wife recently took over as her daily driver. The performance of this car is totally lost on her. She likes how nimble its handling is, but never puts her foot into it. So, I think she would be better off with something a little bigger with more creature comforts (Nav, Blue Tooth, etc.).

I like the bang for the buck that the Genesis offers. Since I have to drive it occasionally, would I be terribly dissatisfied with the V6 performance (i.e. would I regret not popping for the V8)?

She likes the nimble handling of the IS. I realize this is a bigger car. Does it maneuver well (e.g. turning radius, etc.)? She had an Accord. How does it compare to that (handling wise)? FWIW, the Accord had the worst turning radius EVER . . .

What's the best value model/feature combo (e.g. 3.8 tech pkg, etc.)?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

 

[dataguy]

I'm happy with the 3.8 with Technology Package. The V8's raw performance is better off the line and at the top end (i.e. 120mph+), which is to say that the V6 is plenty for most purposes. The V6 also gets slightly better gas mileage, and while the V8 doesn't require premium fuel, you do lose a few horses by not using the expensive gas.

The nav on the Tech package is disappointing, but the sound system it comes with (The 17-speaker Lexicon) is not. There's a new touchscreen nav option for the 2010 (a separate package, the Tech package still has the Harman Becker system), but I haven't seen it.

Obviously, the Tech package has the most toys, and things like the cooled driver's seat are only available on the Tech package. The difference between the V8 and V6 Tech are some upgraded appointments (like wood accented steering wheel, lighted door sills) and trying to add those to the V6 pretty much equals the cost of going with the V8 Tech to begin with.

The turning radius is pretty good considering how big the car is. Once you get used to handling the vehicle, it's not hard to drive or park.

It's probably going to be the suspension, not the handling, that you'd want to consider. It's a like it or hate it type of proposition that's approaching religious fervor here.

 

[Seattle Genesis]

I currently have a 2006 Lexus IS350 which my wife recently took over as her daily driver. The performance of this car is totally lost on her. She likes how nimble its handling is, but never puts her foot into it. So, I think she would be better off with something a little bigger with more creature comforts (Nav, Blue Tooth, etc.).

I like the bang for the buck that the Genesis offers. Since I have to drive it occasionally, would I be terribly dissatisfied with the V6 performance (i.e. would I regret not popping for the V8)?

She likes the nimble handling of the IS. I realize this is a bigger car. Does it maneuver well (e.g. turning radius, etc.)? She had an Accord. How does it compare to that (handling wise)? FWIW, the Accord had the worst turning radius EVER . . .

What's the best value model/feature combo (e.g. 3.8 tech pkg, etc.)?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

Test drive the heck out of it. Take it on as many bumpy and smooth roads as possible. Do not settle for the "5 minute around the corner test drive from the dealer". Then make sure the suspension is what you want from this car. All other issues are minor if you dont like the ride.

If the ride is acceptable to you then go for it. Its possibly the nicest, best put together car out there for the money!

Seattle Genesis

 

[njmurvin]

I've seen some hints about the suspension controversy. Is it considered too firm by some for a luxo-cruzer? I actually prefer a firmer ride. And, wasn't the suspension changed for 2010? If so, what changes did they make?

 

[dataguy]

Rather than try to summarize the controversy and turn this into yet another thread about the suspension, I suggest that you do a search on "suspension" and take a look at the threads that have many, many pages of debate.

Seattle Genesis has it right on the money. It's so subjective that the only way you'll know is if you (and your wife) test drive one over both good and bad roads.

 

[danieltoye101@msn.com]

I have the 2009 Tech 6 cyl and I have been in the 2010 premium with touch nav. Both fine but of course the tech pkg has more goodies. The difference was the information system on the tech is at your fingertips near the center consol as in you have to reach in the touch nav in the 2010. This may prove distracting to some. Also the screen is about an inch smaller in touch nav 2010 Genesis. Before you make a decison make sure you don't have second doubts.

 

[Disaster]

I like the bang for the buck that the Genesis offers. Since I have to drive it occasionally, would I be terribly dissatisfied with the V6 performance (i.e. would I regret not popping for the V8)?

She likes the nimble handling of the IS. I realize this is a bigger car. Does it maneuver well (e.g. turning radius, etc.)? She had an Accord. How does it compare to that (handling wise)? FWIW, the Accord had the worst turning radius EVER . . .

What's the best value model/feature combo (e.g. 3.8 tech pkg, etc.)?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

The best performance I've read about for the V8's 0-60 time is 5.5 seconds. The best for the V6 is 5.9 seconds...not bad either. The performance of both is somewhat limited by the traction control...but that can be turned down. IMHO, the V6 is plenty fast enough.

Having said that, depending on how you option it, you might find the additional cost for the V8, is a bargain, because the V8 package includes the V6 premium package and some nice performance additions, limited slip diff, bigger front brakes, and electronic assist steering.

The handling is very good, for such a tall car...very controllable...but, like many traction control cars, the nanny mode is bit over protective. When I'm flogging it, I turn it off.

The one glitch to the handling is the struts...which are too soft for the springs. This allows it to pitch around a bit more than it should over rough surfaces. I will be buying stiffer struts sometime in the future.

IMHO, the V6 basic model is where the real value lies. We would have bought that model if we hadn't been able to pick up a 2009 model, with the premium plus package for $30,500. Nothing came close to it, for that price.

 

[Mark_888]

I've seen some hints about the suspension controversy. Is it considered too firm by some for a luxo-cruzer? I actually prefer a firmer ride. And, wasn't the suspension changed for 2010? If so, what changes did they make?

For 2010 they changed the spring and shock rates, and changed bushings on the front end (presumably to improve steering/tracking).

I think the 2010 Genesis sedan is a very nice ride, but there no way a car that large is going to be as nimble as a IS350. Genesis V6 has plenty of power, especially with only 1 or 2 people in the car.

 

[Sayantsi]

I like the bang for the buck that the Genesis offers. Since I have to drive it occasionally, would I be terribly dissatisfied with the V6 performance (i.e. would I regret not popping for the V8)?

Personally, I like the V6 better because it has about 200 pounds less weight over the front wheels and more aggressive gearing. In other words, it feels livelier and handles better imo (I can easily hit 110 mph on an onramp if I'm not being mindful). Not slow or sluggish at all.

The car has a nice turing radius, as do most rwd cars. Hyundai calls it a sports sedan - it rides more like a BMW than a Lexus - firmer. Fwiw, I skipped the tech package and just got a premium plus package since I didn't feel the nav was worth it, that would be the big decider for me.

On a related note, I find the IS too small as a sedan - if its a car that you won't be taking people in, the two of you could get by with it, but no one will be comfortable in the back seat of an IS. It is small, nimble, and rwd, but its dog slow. If anything is close to the Genesis, its the GS. It comes down the pice premium you pay for the Lexus, and remember, Hyundai is not a luxury marque - the dealership experience is typical of normal cars. I got my V6 with the premium Plus package (09 package - all but nav) for $32k. For that price, you can't match what the Genesis offers.

 

[njmurvin]

On a related note, I find the IS too small as a sedan - if its a car that you won't be taking people in, the two of you could get by with it, but no one will be comfortable in the back seat of an IS. It is small, nimble, and rwd, but its dog slow. If anything is close to the Genesis, its the GS.

I can't argue about the size. I will agree, it is too small for long trips with back seats occupied. But, "dog slow"? Obviously, you've never driven an IS350 (250, maybe). The IS350 would blow the doors off any GS. The only faster Lexus is the IS-F. Anyway, this post isn't about that. It's good to know about the premium plus package. Does it have bluetooth phone and streaming audio?

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[scottdk]

On a related note, I find the IS too small as a sedan - if its a car that you won't be taking people in, the two of you could get by with it, but no one will be comfortable in the back seat of an IS. It is small, nimble, and rwd

True the IS is tiny inside. Also don't forget AWD is an option

 

[Mark_888]

It's good to know about the premium plus package. Does it have bluetooth phone and streaming audio?

All Genesis sedan models have Bluetooth, although with Tech Package it is integrated into audio display, maybe with a few more features in the 2010 model.

What do you mean by "streaming audio"? They all have XM radio, although I find that source to be relatively poor quality compared to iPod at 256 kbps sampling.

 

[Sayantsi]

I can't argue about the size. I will agree, it is too small for long trips with back seats occupied. But, "dog slow"? Obviously, you've never driven an IS350 (250, maybe). The IS350 would blow the doors off any GS. The only faster Lexus is the IS-F. Anyway, this post isn't about that. It's good to know about the premium plus package. Does it have bluetooth phone and streaming audio?

Yeah, I was thinking about the IS250, The 350 is much better, but still small. Last I checked, the IS350 and GS350 had very similar acceleration numbers - they have the same engine and I think the same gearing, there's just the minor weight difference.

 

[njmurvin]

What do you mean by "streaming audio"?

It means my iPhone can stream music to the car stereo without any cable connections (audio streamed via Bluetooth). Several aftermarket products do this and the 2010 Lexus ES350 does it as well (prob other Lexus models too). I just wondered if any of the available Genesis sound systems supported this.

 

[njmurvin]

Last I checked, the IS350 and GS350 had very similar acceleration numbers - they have the same engine and I think the same gearing, there's just the minor weight difference.

On paper, maybe. But, there are tons of guys in the IS forums with stock IS350s documenting 0-60 times in less than 5 sec. It's surprisingly quick. I thought about upgrading to the GS. But, I was really disappointed with the size of the trunk - not much bigger than the IS.

 

[PINGGOLF]

My .02 Cents.

I test drove the heck out of an IS350 and the only downer was the room in the back seat.

The IS350 rode A LOT rougher than any Genesis on the streets today.

The IS350 is FAST and only .2 milliseconds faster to 60 than the V8 Genny (5.3 for the STOCK IS and 5.5 for the V8 Gen). Of course it will out maneuver the Genesis but I promise you that it will be close behind.

As far as mileage between the V6 and V8...I would say there is almost no noticeable difference between the two. Yes, if you are in the throttle all the time with the V8 your mileage will be between 14 and 19 but honestly, the V6 will be in the same ball park simply because it has to work harder. As far as highway mileage, 2-3 mpg difference is hardly noticeable on the gas gauge. At highway speeds, the V8 is simply amazing and as you pass a car at full throttle its always funny to look in your rear view and see their eyes bulging!

Am I biased??? Maybe, but to me it is fully worth all the gadgets and widgets and the 375 ponies to get the V8 Tech.

Good luck in your future purchases!!!

 

[dataguy]

It means my iPhone can stream music to the car stereo without any cable connections (audio streamed via Bluetooth). Several aftermarket products do this and the 2010 Lexus ES350 does it as well (prob other Lexus models too). I just wondered if any of the available Genesis sound systems supported this.

The Tech package does not support Bluetooth A2DP profile (i.e. audio streaming), nor do I believe any other trims on the sedan, except for possibly the Premium Navigation package. Someone in another thread mentioned there was a reference to enabling streaming audio, but they couldn't get it to work. It's aux cable or the Hyundai iPod cable all the way with the Genesis.

 

[crupp]

It means my iPhone can stream music to the car stereo without any cable connections (audio streamed via Bluetooth). Several aftermarket products do this and the 2010 Lexus ES350 does it as well (prob other Lexus models too). I just wondered if any of the available Genesis sound systems supported this.

i don't think this is possible. the hard wire connecteion actually works pretty well, though some have challenges with the lack of interface controls with an ipod, IE; you can not set shuffle from the car. Though you can start your ipod on shuffle then plug it in and it will shuffle.

 

[Sayantsi]

As far as mileage between the V6 and V8...I would say there is almost no noticeable difference between the two. Yes, if you are in the throttle all the time with the V8 your mileage will be between 14 and 19 but honestly, the V6 will be in the same ball park simply because it has to work harder. As far as highway mileage, 2-3 mpg difference is hardly noticeable on the gas gauge. At highway speeds, the V8 is simply amazing and as you pass a car at full throttle its always funny to look in your rear view and see their eyes bulging!

I would just point out, the V6 doesn't actually work harder because it has more mechanical advantage with the shorter gearing. V6 or V8, you won't be disappointed though.

 

[Sayantsi]

i don't think this is possible. the hard wire connecteion actually works pretty well, though some have challenges with the lack of interface controls with an ipod, IE; you can not set shuffle from the car. Though you can start your ipod on shuffle then plug it in and it will shuffle.

I don't know about the nav head unit, but if you press "2" on the stereo (non-nav version), that is the random button for shuffling your iPod playlist. It also has the letters "RNDM" on it or something.