Used Genesis Buying Advice for a FNG

[jamrwoo]

Howdy!

This forum has been a wealth of information as I educate myself. I've always liked the look of Genesis vehicles, and I'm in the market to upgrade (at long last) from my '99 Toyota Solara. Gonna be quite the step up...

I'm looking at G80. G90 is out of my price range, and I can't seem to find a compelling reason to do a G70 over a G80...if I'm missing something, please let me know.

I'm not super knowledgeable on cars, but I am working on learning. The 3.3T Sport seems like a pretty cool car, but those consistently sell used for quite a bit more than the 5.0 Ultimate.

Is the 5.0 Ultimate worth the added cost over the 3.8? It certainly seems like it would be. Comfort is paramount for me, but fun to drive is definitely a consideration as well. Is the V8 vs. V6 purely a matter of preference or are there other considerations? Granted, anything is gonna be more fun than my current ride. ;-)

I'm looking at 2017 models, those seem to be the best balance between cost and newness. Is there anything to be aware of about this year? Some reason that going to a 2016 or a 2018 would be a vastly different and superior experience?

AWD vs RWD? The AWD used models are noticeably more expensive and less common. Don't worry about it and just get the RWD?

I've set a hard budget cap of $30k, and I'd like to be closer to $25k. This seems achievable if I'm willing to hunt for a deal.

Basically...hit me with any advice you have. I know that's super open-ended, but I don't have much car-buying experience and I'm learning as I go. For instance, I learned from reading this forum that apparently leases are about to be up, so we should be seeing a bunch of deals on 2018 models? Or am I confused?

In no particular rush to buy, so I can wait a month or two. The new 2021 G80 is sleeeeeek but I ain't there yet.

You guys rock, thanks for everything. Looking forward to joining the ranks of Genesis owners. =)

 

[dingyibvs]

I'm only looking at 2018+ because I want the ultimate package as well as android auto, the two were mutually exclusive prior to 2018.

 

[bubbaG80Sport]

The decision on which is highly personal/subjective. It's like asking which is the best spouse/significant other, but ...

The 3.3T Sport was not available until 2018 (U.S. anyway).
New/MSRP price goes up as you move from 3.8 -> 3.3T -> 5.0. Package/trim and AWD adds to price obviously.
The 3.8 has plenty of power. If you are going drag racing get the 5.0. Road course racing go with the 3.3T.

I have a 2018 3.3T Sport AWD so most familiar with it.
P1) Maximum torque starts at the low end of the RPM meter (1,800 I think). This makes daily driving a blast. The 3.8 and 5.0 has to get RPMs wound up to reach peak torque.
P2) There is negligible turbo lag. This is a twin turbo, not a single turbo which commonly has snappy/rubbery acceleration.
P3) - No "packages" on the sport. It's fully loaded with all options available in 3.8/5.0 (except fog lights). Your only choice is color and FWD/AWD.
P4) 3.3T has an dynamic adaptable suspension. I really don't notice much difference between 3.3T and 3.8/5.0.

3.3T and 5.0 have a non-squared tire setup. Front and rear tires sizes are different. Can't rotate front/rear only side/side.

5.0 pulls like a freight train. 3.3T is quick/peppy.
3.3T has a turbo charger oil line recall on it. Ensure that work has been done before purchase ($$$$$$$). Detailed information in the thread here.
3.3T window trim is prone to speckling. No fix other than replacement ("free" while under warranty). Detailed information in the thread here.

 

[Backslack]

I'm looking at 2017 models, those seem to be the best balance between cost and newness. Is there anything to be aware of about this year? Some reason that going to a 2016 or a 2018 would be a vastly different and superior experience?

Leases for most luxury vehicles tend to be 3 years long. Seeing that it's 2020, there should be quite a few 3-year-old 2017 models that just came fresh off their lease flooding the market, meaning that their price tends to be the best value due to the saturation.

Personally, I recommend the 2018 models because they have better infotainment and driving aids that the 2017 did not. Standout new features were the 360 surround view camera, having Android Auto and Apple Carplay on the Ultimate models, as well as the availability of AWD with the 5.0 V8.

 

[G-4771]

@bubba ... good advice.

 

[n8800m]

Leases for most luxury vehicles tend to be 3 years long. Seeing that it's 2020, there should be quite a few 3-year-old 2017 models that just came fresh off their lease flooding the market, meaning that their price tends to be the best value due to the saturation.

Personally, I recommend the 2018 models because they have better infotainment and driving aids that the 2017 did not. Standout new features were the 360 surround view camera, having Android Auto and Apple Carplay on the Ultimate models, as well as the availability of AWD with the 5.0 V8.

My 2019 G80 3.8 L has Apple Car Play and AWD - not necessary to get Ultimate option or 5.0L V8 to get those features.

 

[Backslack]

My 2019 G80 3.8 L has Apple Car Play and AWD - not necessary to get Ultimate option or 5.0L V8 to get those features.

You missed my point. Carplay and Android Auto weren't available for the larger infotainment screen in the Ultimate trim prior to 2018 models. They were only available on lower-trim models with the smaller screen.

EDIT: Didn't see the second part- V8's prior to 2018 did not have AWD (unless you lived in Canada). Only the V6 did.

 

[dingyibvs]

My 2019 G80 3.8 L has Apple Car Play and AWD - not necessary to get Ultimate option or 5.0L V8 to get those features.

Before 2018 you actually can't get those features on the 5.0L Ultimate while the 3.8L had them available. The Asians withhold some features for the top end trim at times for whatever reasons. The top trim Stinger didn't have LSD initially, for example, and the F cars from Lexus don't have AWD and some other features (e.g. the RC F initially didn't have adjustable dampers while the RC 350 did). I don't really know why they keep doing that.

The fact that the Stinger GT did eventually add LSD and the RC F did eventually add adjustable dampers, both of them as standard equipment (same as G80 adding AA/Carplay as standard in Ultimate trim), suggest that they do believe those features improve the car and that they just didn't make it available for the top trim level for whatever reason. It's baffling to me.

 

[jda8]

If you’re an audiophile, or if you care about sound quality, the top spec 17 speaker Lexicon stereo was updated for the 2018 model year and sounds much better than the 2017 setup.

 

[supaboyee]

I just bought a used 18 G80, premium trim with the 14 speaker Lexicon setup. Not sure if the 14 speaker setup also got updated on the 18, but it sounds great and I've heard that the difference between the 14 and 17 speaker setup isn't that different.

But, one thing that is a bit annoying especially for a 2018 infotainment system, is the laggy infotainment screen on the non-ultimate version. Its one of the only things that i dislike about the car

 

[unlock42]

Howdy!

This forum has been a wealth of information as I educate myself. I've always liked the look of Genesis vehicles, and I'm in the market to upgrade (at long last) from my '99 Toyota Solara. Gonna be quite the step up...

I'm looking at G80. G90 is out of my price range, and I can't seem to find a compelling reason to do a G70 over a G80...if I'm missing something, please let me know.

I'm not super knowledgeable on cars, but I am working on learning. The 3.3T Sport seems like a pretty cool car, but those consistently sell used for quite a bit more than the 5.0 Ultimate.

Is the 5.0 Ultimate worth the added cost over the 3.8? It certainly seems like it would be. Comfort is paramount for me, but fun to drive is definitely a consideration as well. Is the V8 vs. V6 purely a matter of preference or are there other considerations? Granted, anything is gonna be more fun than my current ride. ;-)

I'm looking at 2017 models, those seem to be the best balance between cost and newness. Is there anything to be aware of about this year? Some reason that going to a 2016 or a 2018 would be a vastly different and superior experience?

AWD vs RWD? The AWD used models are noticeably more expensive and less common. Don't worry about it and just get the RWD?

I've set a hard budget cap of $30k, and I'd like to be closer to $25k. This seems achievable if I'm willing to hunt for a deal.

Basically...hit me with any advice you have. I know that's super open-ended, but I don't have much car-buying experience and I'm learning as I go. For instance, I learned from reading this forum that apparently leases are about to be up, so we should be seeing a bunch of deals on 2018 models? Or am I confused?

In no particular rush to buy, so I can wait a month or two. The new 2021 G80 is sleeeeeek but I ain't there yet.

You guys rock, thanks for everything. Looking forward to joining the ranks of Genesis owners. =)

I personally like the more squareness of the 17's...

As for the Lexicon sound system, I have the 17' Ultimate so I'm pretty familiar with the acoustics... compared to the 18' I wouldn't say that the 18' is necessarily "better," it's just that they are tuned differently. It really boils down to the minor changes with android auto etc... and cosmetics between the 17 and 18. Either way you can't go wrong.

I do find the infotainment on the 17's to be a bit snappier...

 

[Yes-itsme]

I bought a 2018 Ultimate 5.0 2 months ago. Some say the 2018 has a better transmission. I wanted a 2018 Ultimate for the bigger screen the 360 camera ,the heads up display the nicer leather the wood grain on the dashboard,
Also the ultimate didn't get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay until 2018.

I drove both the V8 and 3.8 V6. I thought the V6 had good power and would have got a V6 Ultimate if I could have found one. Plus the better mpg. ( Mostly street driving I average 17 to 19 mpg in normal mode and premium) . Yes, the V8 is a lot fast than 3.8 but I don't use that much. Besides the power the only difference it the quad tailpipes , lighted door scuff plates, and larger front brakes.

I got mine for $31.9k with 32k mi from Carvana with 35 months left on factory warranty. I refinanced with my CU and got 5yr/100k extended warranty for $931. If you plan on keeping it for awhile you may want to look into something like that. These cars have a lot of features that could be expensive to repair.

I hope that helps

 

[unlock42]

I bought a 2018 Ultimate 5.0 2 months ago. Some say the 2018 has a better transmission. I wanted a 2018 Ultimate for the bigger screen the 360 camera ,the heads up display the nicer leather the wood grain on the dashboard,
Also the ultimate didn't get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay until 2018.

I drove both the V8 and 3.8 V6. I thought the V6 had good power and would have got a V6 Ultimate if I could have found one. Plus the better mpg. ( Mostly street driving I average 17 to 19 mpg in normal mode and premium) . Yes, the V8 is a lot fast than 3.8 but I don't use that much. Besides the power the only difference it the quad tailpipes , lighted door scuff plates, and larger front brakes.

I got mine for $31.9k with 32k mi from Carvana with 35 months left on factory warranty. I refinanced with my CU and got 5yr/100k extended warranty for $931. If you plan on keeping it for awhile you may want to look into something like that. These cars have a lot of features that could be expensive to repair.

I hope that helps

Congrats on your new Genny, that's awesome. I believe the 8-Speed transmission is the same in the respected model years. The Ultimate is pretty sweet for sure... The extra touches do make a difference for sure. Are you averaging 17-19MPG in the V8 City driving? If so that's really good for the 5.0l... huh... impressive. Were you using lower octane before? If so, what was your avg city MPG with that?

The extended warranties are pretty good and worth it if one plans to keep the car for a long time. What company was your warranty with? R66 by any chance? The price you paid is pretty good too, as I'm familiar with the warranty pricing tiers.

 

[Yes-itsme]

Congrats on your new Genny, that's awesome. I believe the 8-Speed transmission is the same in the respected model years. The Ultimate is pretty sweet for sure... The extra touches do make a difference for sure. Are you averaging 17-19MPG in the V8 City driving? If so that's really good for the 5.0l... huh... impressive. Were you using lower octane before? If so, what was your avg city MPG with that?

The extended warranties are pretty good and worth it if one plans to keep the car for a long time. What company was your warranty with? R66 by any chance? The price you paid is pretty good too, as I'm familiar with the warranty pricing tiers.

I haven't used regular gas yet. I drive about 10 miles to work each way and not many lights. I got about the same mileage in ECO but, I didn't like the way it made the car feel sluggish. I had a Chevy Volt before this and learned how to hyper mile. I found in most drive by wire cars that after you reach desired speed you ease of the gas a bit you will maintain speed and the mileage goes up.

I have the gold extended warranty plan with mercury and it has no deductable

 

[MeanDrunkR2D2]

I myself am starting my look and I'll be targeting a 2018 G80 5.0 Ultimate as my first Genesis. Although I would "settle" for a 3.3TT Sport. I do luckily have resources that own used car lots and found out this week that there are a TON of 2018 Genesis models hitting the dealer auctions, so it looks like leases may be coming due now. Being that I want the 5.0, it will be a harder search on my end, but I have seen quite a few of the 3.8 Ultimate's and Sports that are hitting now.
First off, I need to continue to harass my wife that I really need a new car, especially since I've had my Sonata since 2012.

 

[Kraig Wilkinson]

I myself am starting my look and I'll be targeting a 2018 G80 5.0 Ultimate as my first Genesis. Although I would "settle" for a 3.3TT Sport. I do luckily have resources that own used car lots and found out this week that there are a TON of 2018 Genesis models hitting the dealer auctions, so it looks like leases may be coming due now. Being that I want the 5.0, it will be a harder search on my end, but I have seen quite a few of the 3.8 Ultimate's and Sports that are hitting now.
First off, I need to continue to harass my wife that I really need a new car, especially since I've had my Sonata since 2012.

Try to find CPO if you can. You get the 5/60k and the 10/100k warranty. IMO it's worth the little extra$. The 5.0 is the way to go. Just my 2 cents.

 

[MeanDrunkR2D2]

I'll definitely consider CPO if I can find one nearby. The closest Genesis dealers near me are 55 and 65 miles away. They are very limited on even new models that they carry on hand though.

 

[Kraig Wilkinson]

I'll definitely consider CPO if I can find one nearby. The closest Genesis dealers near me are 55 and 65 miles away. They are very limited on even new models that they carry on hand though.

I totally get it, I looked for 6 month's or so. I had to fly out to Chicago to get my 5.0! . Beautiful cars , awesome, smooth power. These 5.0 Gennys cruise at 120mph effortlessly. Hope you find what you are looking for.

 

[andyw715]

I bought a 2018 Ultimate 5.0 2 months ago. Some say the 2018 has a better transmission. I wanted a 2018 Ultimate for the bigger screen the 360 camera ,the heads up display the nicer leather the wood grain on the dashboard,
Also the ultimate didn't get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay until 2018.

I drove both the V8 and 3.8 V6. I thought the V6 had good power and would have got a V6 Ultimate if I could have found one. Plus the better mpg. ( Mostly street driving I average 17 to 19 mpg in normal mode and premium) . Yes, the V8 is a lot fast than 3.8 but I don't use that much. Besides the power the only difference it the quad tailpipes , lighted door scuff plates, and larger front brakes.

I got mine for $31.9k with 32k mi from Carvana with 35 months left on factory warranty. I refinanced with my CU and got 5yr/100k extended warranty for $931. If you plan on keeping it for awhile you may want to look into something like that. These cars have a lot of features that could be expensive to repair.

I hope that helps

What company is your extended warranty through? I was thinking of refinancing with my CU and would definitely look into a warranty.
(2017 G80 3.8 AWD Premium $26k 33k miles)

 

[Trixie86]

I totally get it, I looked for 6 month's or so. I had to fly out to Chicago to get my 5.0! . Beautiful cars , awesome, smooth power. These 5.0 Gennys cruise at 120mph effortlessly. Hope you find what you are looking for.

What dealer in Chicago area?