Guys, Im new in this forum. Just got back from Iraq and I will be in the market to buy a car in november. I looked at Lexus, Infinity (Im trading mine in), Genesis, Acura. Im leaning towards the Genesis V6 and the new Acura TL. Test drove both yesterday and very impress with both cars. I know Acura's reliability, and Hyundai has come ways from the old days. Need input from 09 TL owners, both cars are brand new and price is very similar. Any input would be appreciated, reliability and dealer service when problems come up is also a concerned. Thanks in advance

 

I would get a 2008 tl over a 2009. You can't trust first year models. And as far as paying the same price for a HYUNDAI...no way!!!

 

The Genesis is an interesting idea but it really doesn't compare. I took it out for half a day or so, and it's an okay car, but the details are still so cheaply done I have crossed it off my list. You really think it's in the same league?

 

I haven't drove the Genesis so I can't comment, but from what I read, the reviews seem pretty positive. I saw the Genesis first hand last Feb. at the Chicago Auto Show in Chicago and it seemed very well put together. For me, the 2010 Genesis Coupe seems to be the most intriguing.....300 hp V6, RWD, available manual, low price. Anyways, I am pretty happy with my '09 TL so far.......Good performance, great hi-tech features, great interior, and edgy styling.

 

Congrats Pete on your NEW tl!!!! I like the color. I sure hope Acura changes the fronf grill though.

 

I do like the Genesis, however this is Hyundai's first luxury car, and the first production year of their first luxury car - overall I like the car but I don't think it feels quite as refined as the TL, on the opposite end it's probably more fun to drive, the V6 model is about the same HP, but RWD. Definately go drive a Genesis though, and a TL.. see which one you like - you're buying it, so really do what feels right for yourself, not what others say

 

dvasquez so the 08 is free of bugs?

 

Probably not any more than the 09. The 08 is a 5 year old design. The 09 is to new to really say any thing about. Go with what you like.

 

what is an infinitY? i drive an infiniti. get the g35 or g37, trust me you'll be much happier

 

I have owned 5 3G TL's and have test driven the Genesis twice now, the loaded V6. Excellent car. It is more for comfort than sport. I am going to drive an 09 TL tomorrow, but can't get past the polarizing styling, which I am not fond of. Personally I foidn the severl Genesis' I have looked at all seem to have far better fit and finish than any of my 3G TL's. BUT, the ride quality of my TL's particulalry my 08 Type-S is awesome! I woudl save yourself some cash, go geta 08 Type-S they can be had for like $32K and pocket the differecne and enjoy an awesome ride! Give Hynudai a few years to see how they entry into luxury market goes.

 

I would stay away from Hyundai. When you buy a luxury car, you don't want the crooked H on it. I think Hyundai and Luxury together just sounds WRONG! I couldn't imagine putting down high dollar on anything with that Label. Say what you may, but sometimes you want the brand name to reflect the amount you paid.

 

Plus a Hyundai Genesis can come along beside me on the road and smoke my TL but at the end of the day, the guy is driving a hyundai whether he outperforms my car or not....and that is laughable.

 

And you are driving a Honda.

 

Hyundai is a bite off our Honda to me.. shoot just look at the emblem.

 

And what is wrong with that??

 

And whats wrong with driving a Hyundai?

 

Get the 09 TL with the tech package. You'll not regret it. The TL matches or beats the Genesis on most quotients of luxury. It's sportier. It is reliable. Lastly it has name recognition. The Hyundai is a decent car but if you're spending high 30s or low 40s for a car you want the total luxury experience. You'll have to get your car serviced at a Hyundai dealership and I imagine that's a zoo. I took my TL to a Honda dealership for an oil change the other day and it was a humbling experience, just not the same as the Acura dealership I'm used to going to.

 

I may be driving a Honda but that is a better name branding then Hyundai.

 

As much as I despised Hyundai in the not so distant past, I can say that they've come a long way and I wouldn't discount the Genesis too quickly. Acura wasn't all that great when it first came to the 'states in '86, and Lexus was pretty much laughed out of town in '89 by BMW and Mercedes - until it started outselling both a few years later.

The Genesis does have el-cheapo parts on it - what car doesn't? I have yet to test drive it myself but from what I read, the biggest drawbacks to the car are the rear suspension (made of steel instead of the more expensive aluminum), ponderous handling that pretty much breaks up the car over rough roads, and that uber-bland badgeless grille. The blandness is pretty much its worst drawback, that and the lack of prestige (and snobbery) from a luxury car dealer.

Automobile Mag did a comparo in this month's issue and the Genesis ranked higher than the GS460, which is really too bad because it's a really good looking car. But they said the GS had so many squeaks and rattles and was so unrefined compared to the aging but bulletproof E550 and even the el-cheapo Genesis. One of my friends had an '06 GS300 and it was in the shop for 3 mos. in less than a 1yr in ownership because the dealer couldn't fix the push start igntion.

Anyway, to the OP, you should withhold judgment until you test drive both back-to-back. If you can, see if the dealer will let you do an overnight testdrive. See what your friends and family think of the cars also.

 

 

I'm not sure since I have an '07. But be realistic...nothing is free of bugs

 

Please don't compare Acura to Hyundai....

 

If you are getting a Genesis or 09 TL you face the same situation. They are both new designs for 2009. This negates the first year reliability issue sicne they are both new.

IMO it comes down to this:
Which will have better projected reliability? Acura or Hyundai?
Which will have better projected resale value? Acura or Hyundai?
Which will have the better dealer/service experience? Acura or Hyundai?

 

My thoughts exactly Colin. Most, if not all, cars nowadays are of respectable quality and reliability. Look how far GM has come with cars like the Malibu and Lambda crossovers (Traverse, Enclave, Acadia, etc.).

That being said, it takes a long time to build trust in a brand for reliability, resale, and status. It's taken Cadillac decades to shed it's grandpa image and still fights an uphill battle. Unlike clean-sheet Lexus and Infiniti, Hyundai is still known more for the Excel and Elantra than for selling a viable $40K RWD sedan. So Hyundai is going to need to produce more than one "luxury" car with a Mercedes S-Class face, an Infiniti I35 rear, and a Toyota Avalon interior to be considered in the same ilk as the Acura brand in North America.

 

You're right to a point. I had an 04TL which did really well. Too bad the recalls came out AFTER I had already paid for some repairs. i.e. Windshield Wiper Motor, Sunroof Trim etc. Hopefully this freakin ACURALINK will keep me up to date on the IMPORTANT stuff. lmao

 

The answer is definately Acura. Its cool that you pointed that out. I mean, If you take your Hyundai to the dealer and have to drive a loaner car, would you want to be seen in a Hyundai Accent with Loaner Car stamped all over it? Or would you rather be seen in at LEAST a TSX? Which is still nicely equipped and comfortable. I mean, Hyundai has birthed a hell of a car amongst many peons. Acura has a better resale value that its cousin Honda and we need not speak on Hyundai in the same sentence.