Is it time for a Genesis or what

Here’s a clearer and more concise rewrite:


I recently owned a 2022 Kia Optima S, which I loved during the year I had it. Unfortunately, I was in a head-on collision that totaled the car. I had put $10,000 down on it, with a total cost of $16,000. While insurance covered enough to pay off the loan and left me with a couple of thousand dollars, I now have very limited funds to work with.

Many people have advised me to steer clear of Hyundai vehicles, but I’ve always appreciated my Kia. I know Hyundai and Kia have addressed many issues in recent models, but I’m currently considering a 2010 Hyundai Genesis with 160,000 miles. The seller is a private dealership, and while the Carfax and title are clean and the maintenance seems up-to-date, I don’t have much experience with Genesis vehicles or Hyundai as a brand.

I’m looking for any advice, tips, or recommendations about this particular car or alternatives. I need something reliable to get me from point A to point B without draining my savings on rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft.

If you’re looking to save cash, maybe consider a cheap Corolla instead of an automatic Genesis

Amelia said:
If you’re looking to save cash, maybe consider a cheap Corolla instead of an automatic Genesis

Honestly, I wouldn’t even be here if I could get a Corolla. Toyotas and Hondas are just too pricey right now. The only affordable cars on my list are Mazdas, Hyundais, Acuras, VWs, and a couple of others that seem reliable even with high mileage.

@Callen
Mazdas are great, I’m looking at them too here in SoCal after owning a Hyundai in the past.

Amelia said:
@Callen
Mazdas are great, I’m looking at them too here in SoCal after owning a Hyundai in the past.

I’m checking out a Mazda 3 hatchback tomorrow so fingers crossed it goes well. Thanks for the advice.

@Callen
That’s a solid choice, especially for reliability.

shlet said:
@Callen
That’s a solid choice, especially for reliability.

It really depends on the engine. Some Skyactiv engines faced issues like the Theta II engines.

If you get a V6, it should be good if the owner took care of it.

Mitsubishis are reliable too with no GDI issues. I’ve owned several over 100k miles without problems. My 2007 still has all the rubber parts in great shape after 16 years.

@Jacob
Non-turbo Mitsubishis are solid, less complicated engines mean fewer issues. I focused on Mazdas with the 2.5 shared with Ford since those are more dependable.

I wouldn’t recommend the first-gen automatic Genesis, that’s not a good choice near the end of its life.

shlet said:
I wouldn’t recommend the first-gen automatic Genesis, that’s not a good choice near the end of its life.

Thanks for that, but that’s kind of disappointing to hear.

Callen said:

shlet said:
I wouldn’t recommend the first-gen automatic Genesis, that’s not a good choice near the end of its life.

Thanks for that, but that’s kind of disappointing to hear.

My brother owns one with 250k miles and it runs perfectly. He got it for $2500 when it had 242k. It’s not typical, but it can happen.

@klausmark3
That’s unbelievable! It can happen, but I wouldn’t count on it haha.

Callen said:

shlet said:
I wouldn’t recommend the first-gen automatic Genesis, that’s not a good choice near the end of its life.

Thanks for that, but that’s kind of disappointing to hear.

Sorry about that, I like the cars but I prefer ones from 2013 or newer. They look better and come with more features.

@shlet
I get that, it’s too bad I missed a 2014 Genesis that was listed for only two days. It had 120,000 miles and was just $4500. I really wanted it and completely overlooked it. Such a bummer.

Callen said:
@shlet
I get that, it’s too bad I missed a 2014 Genesis that was listed for only two days. It had 120,000 miles and was just $4500. I really wanted it and completely overlooked it. Such a bummer.

Oh man that really sucks, I feel for you.

It’s a fun car, but it has definitely been through a lot.

malawi said:
It’s a fun car, but it has definitely been through a lot.

Yeah, I checked the Carfax and found out there was a serious accident, so I think I’ll skip this one.

Acuras are basically Hondas. Same engines and systems, just a nicer interior. I’d go for an Acura from your options, with Mazda being a close second.

RooneyOnWheels said:
Acuras are basically Hondas. Same engines and systems, just a nicer interior. I’d go for an Acura from your options, with Mazda being a close second.

I know, that’s why I’m leaning towards an Acura since you can often find them cheaper and with less mileage compared to Hondas. I’m looking at a TL today.

They haven’t really addressed the issues. It’s like a support group here. I see tons of Kias, Hyundais, and Einsteins. Please avoid them.
You might struggle to even get service if something goes wrong.