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Ok, bear in mind the SS drive was just a spin around the block and I’m not a professional , I just like what I like.
The SS stickers close to $50k with all the bells and whistles (which is what I want) which is getting into luxury sports sedan territory. Frankly, the interior just doesn’t measure up quality wise and it looks a bit down-market in comparison. The SS is more of a souped up generic mid-sized sedan while the Genesis is a luxury car with a big V8 dropped into it. That said, the SS is more about performance than luxury and in that area it delivers. I could help grinning driving it down the road, endless torque, sounds fearsome too. So it’s a preference thing. I prefer less sporty/muscle car (although it seemed to handle very well, responsive steering, etc) and a little more fit, finish, luxury look and feel. Ok, I’m getting old.
The Genesis is more about smooth, quiet, unobtrusive performance. Not the torque/ immediate responsiveness of the SS, but powerful, with commutative steering and also whisper quiet on the freeway, almost disconcertingly quiet. I think I read it’s quieter than an S class. It has a clean, modern interior with very few quibbles in the quality department. For example, the steering wheel could have a bit more to it and the steering wheel controls are visually cheaper looking. But on the whole, a real surprise inside. A side by side comparison with the GS350 might reveal some other things but as far as I’m concerned Lexus is the interior quality standard bearer, so it’s tough competition.
As I mentioned before, I was dead set to buy the GS until I read something about the Hyundai and thought, why not take a look? Here in Houston, Lexus does not discount –period, while Hyundai will, significantly. So if I can save $8k or more and have a V8 instead, it’s hard to justify paying more. Even though the GS is a better drive, it’s not that much better that I can overlook the price difference and the of options missing on the GS for the same sticker price as the Genesis 5.0. Adaptive cruise, lane departure, panoramic sunroof (yes, I like it), heads up display, power truck, etc. (reminds me, the SS heads up display was better than the Genesis).
Just to update - did another test drive, I went back to Infiniti and drove the Q50 (even though it doesn't have the ventilated seats!) and, unfortunately, the steering was just too squirrely for me. Tried different modes, just couldn't get the feel for the road or the car. I was quite happy to zip away in my Maxima.
Oh, and for those interested, the Genesis V8 would add $120 to my insurance premium per year.
Then it sounds like the OP is converging towards an optimal decision. Ultimately, the best approach is to test-drive a wide range of cars, forming one's own synthesis what personally matters most. This trumps any amount of third-party opinions!
So having done all my research and test driving a few cars I had finally decided on a Lexus GS350 F Sport…then I found the 2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 - 420 HP, loaded with more and better options, drives great, unbeatable warranty, etc.
So now, I just can’t see spending $5k - $8k more for the Lexus. Sure, the handling is a bit tighter, the interior slightly better, but in terms of the overall package, the Hyundai beats out the Lexus quite handily. Bear in mind, I come from the generation that detests Hyundai, so this is a big step for me.
So, now I’m wondering what other cars should I be looking at?
BMW/Mercedes/Audi -I fear the long term reliability and costs of German cars.
Infiniti - Q70 is nice but feels dated inside, the Q50 doesn’t have cooled seats available at all.
Volvo - boring
Acura - FWD
Any suggestions ?
The only thing that would give me pause about buying the Genesis is resale value.
Ok, bear in mind the SS drive was just a spin around the block and I’m not a professional , I just like what I like.
The SS stickers close to $50k with all the bells and whistles (which is what I want) which is getting into luxury sports sedan territory. Frankly, the interior just doesn’t measure up quality wise and it looks a bit down-market in comparison. The SS is more of a souped up generic mid-sized sedan while the Genesis is a luxury car with a big V8 dropped into it. That said, the SS is more about performance than luxury and in that area it delivers. I could help grinning driving it down the road, endless torque, sounds fearsome too. So it’s a preference thing. I prefer less sporty/muscle car (although it seemed to handle very well, responsive steering, etc) and a little more fit, finish, luxury look and feel. Ok, I’m getting old.
The Genesis is more about smooth, quiet, unobtrusive performance. Not the torque/ immediate responsiveness of the SS, but powerful, with commutative steering and also whisper quiet on the freeway, almost disconcertingly quiet. I think I read it’s quieter than an S class. It has a clean, modern interior with very few quibbles in the quality department. For example, the steering wheel could have a bit more to it and the steering wheel controls are visually cheaper looking. But on the whole, a real surprise inside. A side by side comparison with the GS350 might reveal some other things but as far as I’m concerned Lexus is the interior quality standard bearer, so it’s tough competition.
As I mentioned before, I was dead set to buy the GS until I read something about the Hyundai and thought, why not take a look? Here in Houston, Lexus does not discount –period, while Hyundai will, significantly. So if I can save $8k or more and have a V8 instead, it’s hard to justify paying more. Even though the GS is a better drive, it’s not that much better that I can overlook the price difference and the of options missing on the GS for the same sticker price as the Genesis 5.0. Adaptive cruise, lane departure, panoramic sunroof (yes, I like it), heads up display, power truck, etc. (reminds me, the SS heads up display was better than the Genesis).
Just to update - did another test drive, I went back to Infiniti and drove the Q50 (even though it doesn't have the ventilated seats!) and, unfortunately, the steering was just too squirrely for me. Tried different modes, just couldn't get the feel for the road or the car. I was quite happy to zip away in my Maxima.
Oh, and for those interested, the Genesis V8 would add $120 to my insurance premium per year.
Just get the Genesis and be happy already! Nothing compares for its price and the only true caveat is the badge which seems like a small barrier for you (as it should to any reasonable buyer).
I'm biased I've never owned a Korean, or *** car, only domestics and Germans - benzes and BMW's.
I drove the Gen 5.0 - it's a 5 series wannabe, but not BMW quality or handling..I will say that the Equus was impressive in fit and finish AND power, but still not an S class...sorry...close but not c-GAR
I agree to a point......but have you seen a 5 series lately with the 2.0 4 cyl engine for 50-55K?
I rented a Genesis 3.8 in Canada last year, car was great and it actually reminded me of a 528i when it had the 6 cyl engine.
I would agree except the BMWs/Benzs drop just as fast then really slide off the cliff after the warranty expires!
This is true. Lexus might have great resale value but most other luxury makes do not so you're not winning much with a BMW/Mercedes/Audi beside feeling $10k lighter and having a fancy badge.
I would argue that the percentage drop is going to be quite less than genesis, but you do start with a higher initial price.
I bought my 2007 BMW 530i in 2010 (3 years old or so) I paid $20k private sale when it had about 45k miles. 2011 BMW 535's (there is no 530 for that year) can be bought $25k or so private sale with under 50k miles. I don't think they hold value particularly well.
I bought my 2007 BMW 530i in 2010 (3 years old or so) I paid $20k private sale when it had about 45k miles. 2011 BMW 535's (there is no 530 for that year) can be bought $25k or so private sale with under 50k miles. I don't think they hold value particularly well.
No vehicle in this class is a solid value-proposition. The least-worst is probably the Lexus IS350 (perhaps too compact for the OP). I'm seeing circa-2007 models advertised for $20K on Craigslist, and occasionally for well above $20K. These are no 8-year-old cars, that are at ~50% of their original sticker price. For some reason the comparable Infiniti is down to the $15K range.
My personal data point: 1996 BMW M3, originally stickered for ~$40K. Bought in 2010 for under $5K. In 14 years, it lost nearly 90% of its value.
Overall the implication is to buy used - regardless of whether the vehicle is German, Japanese, American or Korean.
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, I just like what I like.
