Time to replace my 2006 Azera; would appreciate guidance about Genesis

[sundevils]

This is my first time in this forum. In May 2006 I purchased an Azera Limited from my local Hyundai dealer in Carlsbad, CA. It feels like the right time to replace the car. I've treated this car extremely well - in nearly 9.5 years it only has ~77K miles and the interior (with a couple of notable exceptions I'll describe below) looks brand new. At the time I thought the Azera Limited was a lot of car for the money and I still think highly of Hyundai's value proposition.

I have definitely had my share of issues with the Azera. I took a chance on Hyundai in 2006 with the first offering of the Azera. I expected there might be issues with a v1 and perhaps (hopefully) in the last 9-10 years the quality is better. I'm hoping this group can provide me with guidance about the quality and capability of the Genesis vis-a-vis the Azera. Here is what I've encountered over the years with the Azera:

- Brakes that feel way too small for a car this heavy. I've never felt confident coming to a stop in this car. Making matters worse, the brakes have always made various noises that mechanics don't seem to be able to make disappear.
- The large plastic pieces on the undercarriage that shield the exhaust both fell off the car on the freeway in separate incidents. In both cases the plastic broke at the fastener. These were repaired under warranty but I had to push to make this happen.
- The dashboard cracked even though the car is always garaged at home and at work.
- The motor on the passenger-side power seat stopped working. This was repaired under warranty.
- The headrest on the passenger-side seat has squeaked from day one.
- The power rear sun shade started bending under its own weight after a few years despite never being touched by human hands. It stopped working a few years ago.
- The windshield washer bottle cracked a few years ago and holds no fluid.
- The entire front suspension is shot; I've already replaced the left and right control arms. I'm being told the shocks all need to be replaced.
- It takes very little to knock the car out of alignment.
- The handling is very bad. I get the privilege of driving to/from work on a road that ought to be used to film car commercials. Unfortunately, I can't let the car go because the handling just can't cut it. How bad is it? My wife's car (2010 Lexus RX) and my previous car (1992 Nissan truck) both handle better. In the Azera my body leans badly when I go around curves at even moderate speed. The seats offer no lateral support and this is compounded by the car. I don't expect a BMW-like ride but this is really bad.
- The CD player will not eject a CD so now it the player is unusable.
- At most gas stations I cannot fill the car with fuel on anything but the lowest (slowest) pump nozzle setting.

I greatly appreciate your guidance. A Genesis (or Equus) is on my short-list of next cars and I thought that coming to the experts (this forum) would be the right place to start.

 

[Nikgen]

This is my first time in this forum. In May 2006 I purchased an Azera Limited from my local Hyundai dealer in Carlsbad, CA. It feels like the right time to replace the car. I've treated this car extremely well - in nearly 9.5 years it only has ~77K miles and the interior (with a couple of notable exceptions I'll describe below) looks brand new. At the time I thought the Azera Limited was a lot of car for the money and I still think highly of Hyundai's value proposition.

I have definitely had my share of issues with the Azera. I took a chance on Hyundai in 2006 with the first offering of the Azera. I expected there might be issues with a v1 and perhaps (hopefully) in the last 9-10 years the quality is better. I'm hoping this group can provide me with guidance about the quality and capability of the Genesis vis-a-vis the Azera. Here is what I've encountered over the years with the Azera:

- Brakes that feel way too small for a car this heavy. I've never felt confident coming to a stop in this car. Making matters worse, the brakes have always made various noises that mechanics don't seem to be able to make disappear.
- The large plastic pieces on the undercarriage that shield the exhaust both fell off the car on the freeway in separate incidents. In both cases the plastic broke at the fastener. These were repaired under warranty but I had to push to make this happen.
- The dashboard cracked even though the car is always garaged at home and at work.
- The motor on the passenger-side power seat stopped working. This was repaired under warranty.
- The headrest on the passenger-side seat has squeaked from day one.
- The power rear sun shade started bending under its own weight after a few years despite never being touched by human hands. It stopped working a few years ago.
- The windshield washer bottle cracked a few years ago and holds no fluid.
- The entire front suspension is shot; I've already replaced the left and right control arms. I'm being told the shocks all need to be replaced.
- It takes very little to knock the car out of alignment.
- The handling is very bad. I get the privilege of driving to/from work on a road that ought to be used to film car commercials. Unfortunately, I can't let the car go because the handling just can't cut it. How bad is it? My wife's car (2010 Lexus RX) and my previous car (1992 Nissan truck) both handle better. In the Azera my body leans badly when I go around curves at even moderate speed. The seats offer no lateral support and this is compounded by the car. I don't expect a BMW-like ride but this is really bad.
- The CD player will not eject a CD so now it the player is unusable.
- At most gas stations I cannot fill the car with fuel on anything but the lowest (slowest) pump nozzle setting.

I greatly appreciate your guidance. A Genesis (or Equus) is on my short-list of next cars and I thought that coming to the experts (this forum) would be the right place to start.

No one has had a Genesis for that long yet, so hard to say - but I suspect that it will be much better in most areas. Hyundai has improved a lot in the last 9.5 years (though still not perfect).

 

[OneFunGenesis]

We have some high milage first gen's floating around here that have had the car for 7 years or so. Try a search in the 2009-2014 section for high mileage thread as there are a ton of older genesi' in there

 

[Huddleston]

I am a Hyundai convert from Lexus and the quality that this generation Genesis presents is amazing. The solid sheet metal, fit and finish of the interior, and the way in which the car was built lend me to believe I will have no issues getting 150k+ out of this car. I do believe Hyundai has come a long way, especially since you purchased your Azera. I do not think you would be disappointed with purchasing either the Genesis or Equus.

 

[homeofstone]

168k miles on my 20114.6 with tech purchased Sept. 2010. The car has only needed alignment twice. Front brakes lasted to 130k miles and I still have the original rear brake pads. No oil used. It is still a great car at 168k miles. No body or trim issues at all. Solid as a rock.

 

[Mark_888]

I greatly appreciate your guidance. A Genesis (or Equus) is on my short-list of next cars and I thought that coming to the experts (this forum) would be the right place to start.

The Genesis has been reliable in most respects. The biggest issues were with the V8 engine in 2012 when they switched to direct injection, but that has been fixed. The V6 has been more reliable. There have also been problems with the high-end audio system. The base trim Genesis V6 has very reliable.

I have not heard of any complaints about cracking plastic parts for the Genesis or Equus, but the new Azera is also quite a bit different than the one you own.

Since the 2015 Genesis was brand new design, it has had some problems, so I personally would wait and get a 2016 MY. You may have to wait several months to get a good price on a 2016.

 

[homeofstone]

+1 on waiting for a 2016

 

[scottdk]

I had a 2006 Sonata since new and I never had a repair in the 126,000 my wife put on it. It had the 3.3L V6 and loaded.

The maintenance was cheap and easy and just like my 2009 Genesis - the Sonata was the 1st year of a new model and both cars have been very reliable and I don't regret either purchase.

You are having the opposite experience with your Azera as I have had with ownership of any Asian vehicle and I think you would be pretty safe with a Genesis.

 

[kn5owa]

My '06 Sonata has never been in the shop except for some early recalls (ten years now).

Quality control is very good.

2015 Genesis? - So far, no problems whatsoever.

Get the V8 - that, and the 8 speed xmsn, make for the smoothest, quietest, acceleration I've ever experienced.

 

[srobak]

In May 2006 I purchased an Azera Limited

I came out of a 2011 Azera Limited (3.8) into the 2015 Genny. My 11 is the same as your 06 except for the headlight change and a couple of minor items in the interior. Otherwise it is the same car.

Here is what I've encountered over the years with the Azera:

- Brakes that feel way too small for a car this heavy.

Agreed. It really reminded me of the early 90's Lincoln Continental I had in that regards. Just like that car - my Azera chewed through rotors and pads in about 30k.

- The dashboard cracked even though the car is always garaged at home and at work.

This is a known issue and is only preventable on the Azera dash by keeping it extremely well conditioned as well as parked out of the sun. Thankfully it never happened on mine.

- The entire front suspension is shot; I've already replaced the left and right control arms. I'm being told the shocks all need to be replaced.

Do not waste your money. This is the single largest complaint of this car on the other hyundai forums - and with no real resolution. People have thrown gobs of money at the front ends of these cars, the Sonata of the same generation and the Tuscon - all 3 of which share front ends. While a few people reported back that complete front-end replacements have helped for a few hundred or even a few thousand miles - the rattle and shimmy always comes back. Even when using after-market & perf parts.

- It takes very little to knock the car out of alignment.
- The handling is very bad.

Both of these I have found as well. To keep things fair however - the Azera is not a sports sedan. It is every bit a grand touring sedan - and has the gooey ride of a bagged Lincoln as a result. Despite amazing power delivery from the 3.8 - doing anything interesting in the car past a straight line is a no-no.

I will say that the 2015 Genny has MUCH better handling & suspension overall. While certainly more "sport" in nature vs. touring - it still does not quite hit the marks of a 5 series or an A6 in firmness and confidence... but it is leagues better than the Azera.

Overall - my going from the Azera to the G2 has been a serious improvement in every respect. The car is quieter, smoother, has better power delivery, better suspension, better comfort and is much more enjoyable to drive. I actually LIKE commuting again - thanks to how well this car takes care of me. While it has a couple of quirks that are getting worked out (XM radio replacement & slight sunroof rattle when open, aggressive cruise control) - it is nothing at all like the issues I had or that are known with the Azera that actually detract a lot from the driving experience.

I am quite happy with my switch & purchase and I expect you will be too.

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[Alwaysforward]

This is my first time in this forum. In May 2006 I purchased an Azera Limited from my local Hyundai dealer in Carlsbad, CA. It feels like the right time to replace the car. I've treated this car extremely well - in nearly 9.5 years it only has ~77K miles and the interior (with a couple of notable exceptions I'll describe below) looks brand new. At the time I thought the Azera Limited was a lot of car for the money and I still think highly of Hyundai's value proposition.

I have definitely had my share of issues with the Azera. I took a chance on Hyundai in 2006 with the first offering of the Azera. I expected there might be issues with a v1 and perhaps (hopefully) in the last 9-10 years the quality is better. I'm hoping this group can provide me with guidance about the quality and capability of the Genesis vis-a-vis the Azera. Here is what I've encountered over the years with the Azera:

- Brakes that feel way too small for a car this heavy. I've never felt confident coming to a stop in this car. Making matters worse, the brakes have always made various noises that mechanics don't seem to be able to make disappear.
- The large plastic pieces on the undercarriage that shield the exhaust both fell off the car on the freeway in separate incidents. In both cases the plastic broke at the fastener. These were repaired under warranty but I had to push to make this happen.
- The dashboard cracked even though the car is always garaged at home and at work.
- The motor on the passenger-side power seat stopped working. This was repaired under warranty.
- The headrest on the passenger-side seat has squeaked from day one.
- The power rear sun shade started bending under its own weight after a few years despite never being touched by human hands. It stopped working a few years ago.
- The windshield washer bottle cracked a few years ago and holds no fluid.
- The entire front suspension is shot; I've already replaced the left and right control arms. I'm being told the shocks all need to be replaced.
- It takes very little to knock the car out of alignment.
- The handling is very bad. I get the privilege of driving to/from work on a road that ought to be used to film car commercials. Unfortunately, I can't let the car go because the handling just can't cut it. How bad is it? My wife's car (2010 Lexus RX) and my previous car (1992 Nissan truck) both handle better. In the Azera my body leans badly when I go around curves at even moderate speed. The seats offer no lateral support and this is compounded by the car. I don't expect a BMW-like ride but this is really bad.
- The CD player will not eject a CD so now it the player is unusable.
- At most gas stations I cannot fill the car with fuel on anything but the lowest (slowest) pump nozzle setting.

I greatly appreciate your guidance. A Genesis (or Equus) is on my short-list of next cars and I thought that coming to the experts (this forum) would be the right place to start.

Two words: Drive One

 

[Aquineas]

I can't really speak on the Azera and Sonata experiences, as I've never driven either (though I did tour the factory!) I will say that they haven't solved the alignment issue in the 2015s. My car is pulling slightly to the right despite having an alignment back in August. The 2nd generation does appear to be better in that regard than the 1st generation, however.

 

[jarred52]

I have had two really awful cars in my life; a '75 VW Scirocco and a '85 Corvette (both purchased new). If I get screwed by a car maker once, I do not give them a second chance. The old adage "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame one me".

I like my '15 Genny and have had only minor issues but, if I had your Azera, I would not set foot on a Hyundai lot no matter how good the new product MAY be.

 

[C-130Geek]

I went from an 06 Azera Limited I purchased new to my 15 V8 Ultimate. I had 140,000 on Azera with no serious problems. Had my Geny since Feb and have almost 18,000 now. My main problem has been oversensitive Blind Spot Warning system. Love the power,the tech, Smart Cruise, Lane Keep, etc. Superior ride and quieter, similar mileage to Azera. Handles better but RWD is different than FWD but I wanted the RWD for road trips which will not include snow country in winter. I have already canceled bluetooth, found no value for my circumstances. Would love to have Android Auto and Car Play.
All and all, love the car and have no regrets.

 

[Huddleston]

drive it... buy it... and drive it more.

they are truly impressive cars. I plan to put many miles on mine and enjoy it for as long as I can. keep us updated!

 

[balfor]

I like my '15 Genny and have had only minor issues but, if I had your Azera, I would not set foot on a Hyundai lot no matter how good the new product MAY be.

This is a great point. It seems you have had a lot of issues with you Azera given the relatively low miles. It is particularly odd the dash cracked if the car was garaged at both home and work.

I love the features and comfort of the Genesis but mine has been in the shop a total of 15 days in less than 3 months of ownership. My confidence has been shaken in this car as a long-term prospect, that is for sure. My past Lexus may not have had as many features but all of them were tanks as far as reliability is concerned.

You may want to lease so you are not stuck with a lemon, or look at the Avalon or other cars with a better track record.

 

[xsolara]

I have owned 2004 XG350. 2007 Azera,2007 Entourage,2011 Sonata, 2012 Azera, 2013 Elantra GT and now a 2015 Genesis... 6 Hyundai cars and ZERO problems
I'm sold on the Hyundai automobiles. They sell exceptional cars at great prices

 

[YEH]

Frankly, no comparison btwn the 2006 Azera and the 2G Genesis.

The previous gen Azera was part of the old Hyundai - soft suspension but not tuned well (resulting in the porpoising affect), zero steering feedback, prodigious body roll, etc.

Basically like a late 1980s-early 1990s Buick except the Buicks had a better ride.

The 2G Genesis has a much, much better ride/suspension, better steering (not great, but good enough for most drivers), turns into corners much better, etc.

Also, the Genesis has a bona fide luxury interior (altho there are some areas where I think Hyundai could have done a better job with materials) whereas the interior of the Azera was borderline upscale for that time (interiors have come a long way - the new Kia Optima, in particular the SX-L trim, has a good bit more luxurious interior than the current Azera, much less the previous one); and yes, the seats in the Azera are horrible - no lumbar support whatsoever whereas the 2G Genesis has pretty comfortable seats, esp. w/ the seat extender (for those of us who are on the taller side).

In terms of being a luxo-cruiser, the 2G Genesis is so much better (having a composed, compliant ride is one of the biggest factors in being a good luxo-cruiser and the previous Azera failed at that); that's not to say that the Genesis is the perfect sedan and/or doesn't have it's flaws, but they are minor in comparison to the previous gen Azera.

Now, if OP is in no rush to buy and doesn't care about FWD vs. RWD - would suggest waiting until the new Cadenza launches sometime next year (albeit generally don't recommend buying a 1st yr model, but at the same time, shouldn't have any powertrain issues as will continue to use a tried and true engine/transmission combo) - which should offer a better and sportier ride and a more luxurious interior than the current Azera and priced $4-5k less than the base Genesis (and having more standard kit).