roblaw
Getting familiar with the group...
I have a 2012 3.8 with Premium. I like it and would likely consider another, however, I would need to see some changes to say I would buy it over the other cars in the various segments in which it competes. Last time I did not shop other vehicles. This time I will:
1. A steadier ride. While the ride issue has been beaten to death here, everyone's opinion is different on what makes ride quality good. For me the actual impact harshness on the 2012 (which admittedly I may be used to after 1.5 years) is not what bothers me. I can tolerate this. I would appreciate a little less body movement. The car needs to have a totally steady and locked down feel on the highway. I have no problem feeling the bump. I do not want the car upset by the bump. Since I drove a 2013 Azera as a loaner, I know Hyundai can improve in this area and other manufacturers do not seem to have this problem.
2. Slightly better seating comfort. This is not a make or break. The seats are pretty good but could use a bit more thigh support (really they need the extended thigh support from the top of the line Azera). Also, the telescoping wheel really needs to come out at least 1-2 inches further. Seat adjustment on the passenger seat also need to improve. No adjustable lumbar support or up and down adjustment make this very comfortable car less comfortable for passengers than it should be.
3. More reliable technology. The NAV unit seems to be a consistently frustrating item for many. I have come to terms with this and I think Hyundai is fixing the problems for the most part in each successive generation.
4. Better shifting 8 speed. Shifts very smooth on the way up, but even after a TSB fix, downshifts are slow. Azera showed me Hyundai can do better (although the 6 speed does not shift nearly as smoothly it is more responsive). I am not sure I would continue to tolerate an unresponsive transmission in the future.
5. Slightly better interior materials. For the price the materials are very good (and better than my wife's RX 350) but if they truly want to compete with E350 and 535, materials needs to get a little more solid. This would not prevent me from buying a 2014.
6. Quieter and more effective AC. Not a deal breaker but should be an easy fix.
7. Improved mileage. Highway MPG is great. Suburban mileage of about 15-16 sucks.
8. Price needs to be within 5% of the current car for a comparatively equipped vehicle. If they move it up much more than that they will lose customers. The purchase and dealer service experience is far from what you get from a luxury car dealership and there is still a lack of prestige (although not a lack of respect) for the Hyundai brand.
Here is what I want to stay:
1. Looks. I know they are changing. I like the current conservative, derivative styling. I think the Azera is not half bad looking but they need to upscale it a bit before they bring the new styling to market. If it looks like a Sonata I think they will lose customers.
2. Room, exterior size and trunk. Perfect.
3. Quietness.
4. Engine. The 3.8 is smooth, has a nice sound and power. No real need to change. If they do 3.3 turbo with a little more bottom end torque and city mileage I would not complain.
5. Solid feel. While there a more interior noises than you get in a Benz, the structure is solid. I like it.
What else would be make or break for you?
1. A steadier ride. While the ride issue has been beaten to death here, everyone's opinion is different on what makes ride quality good. For me the actual impact harshness on the 2012 (which admittedly I may be used to after 1.5 years) is not what bothers me. I can tolerate this. I would appreciate a little less body movement. The car needs to have a totally steady and locked down feel on the highway. I have no problem feeling the bump. I do not want the car upset by the bump. Since I drove a 2013 Azera as a loaner, I know Hyundai can improve in this area and other manufacturers do not seem to have this problem.
2. Slightly better seating comfort. This is not a make or break. The seats are pretty good but could use a bit more thigh support (really they need the extended thigh support from the top of the line Azera). Also, the telescoping wheel really needs to come out at least 1-2 inches further. Seat adjustment on the passenger seat also need to improve. No adjustable lumbar support or up and down adjustment make this very comfortable car less comfortable for passengers than it should be.
3. More reliable technology. The NAV unit seems to be a consistently frustrating item for many. I have come to terms with this and I think Hyundai is fixing the problems for the most part in each successive generation.
4. Better shifting 8 speed. Shifts very smooth on the way up, but even after a TSB fix, downshifts are slow. Azera showed me Hyundai can do better (although the 6 speed does not shift nearly as smoothly it is more responsive). I am not sure I would continue to tolerate an unresponsive transmission in the future.
5. Slightly better interior materials. For the price the materials are very good (and better than my wife's RX 350) but if they truly want to compete with E350 and 535, materials needs to get a little more solid. This would not prevent me from buying a 2014.
6. Quieter and more effective AC. Not a deal breaker but should be an easy fix.
7. Improved mileage. Highway MPG is great. Suburban mileage of about 15-16 sucks.
8. Price needs to be within 5% of the current car for a comparatively equipped vehicle. If they move it up much more than that they will lose customers. The purchase and dealer service experience is far from what you get from a luxury car dealership and there is still a lack of prestige (although not a lack of respect) for the Hyundai brand.
Here is what I want to stay:
1. Looks. I know they are changing. I like the current conservative, derivative styling. I think the Azera is not half bad looking but they need to upscale it a bit before they bring the new styling to market. If it looks like a Sonata I think they will lose customers.
2. Room, exterior size and trunk. Perfect.
3. Quietness.
4. Engine. The 3.8 is smooth, has a nice sound and power. No real need to change. If they do 3.3 turbo with a little more bottom end torque and city mileage I would not complain.
5. Solid feel. While there a more interior noises than you get in a Benz, the structure is solid. I like it.
What else would be make or break for you?
shouldn't be too expensive to do it....cheaper than getting the whole 12" genny lol
