Genesis’ handling, style highly rated by owners
This high-performance Hyundai found a loyal following and helped put the brand on the performance car radar of many shoppers.
All units were rear-drive with a six-speed transmission in the driver’s choice of automatic or manual. Engine options were a 2.0T two-litre turbo four-cylinder with 210 horsepower, or the snorty 3.8-litre, 306-horsepower V6 that powered models wearing the 3.8 GT designation.
Later in this generation, both of Genesis’s engines gained more power, with the V6 approaching 350 ponies and the four-cylinder pushing toward 275. An eightspeed automatic replaced the six-speed unit for improved mileage and performance, too.
Feature content included push-button start, navigation, available Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential and an Infinity audio system. Heated leather seating was available, depending on the model in question.
What owners like: Handling, style and performance are rated highly by Genesis Coupe owners, while affordable access to a lengthy features list and plenty of horsepower helped seal the deal.
Despite its two-door configuration, this sports car is also surprisingly roomy in terms of front seat space, even for fully-sized adults.
What owners dislike: Complaints included limited rear visibility, heavy fuel consumption with the V6 engine, and the wish for some richer interior materials. Models with the 2.0T engine are said to have a dull, boring exhaust note, and some drivers wish for a tighter, more precise-feeling manual gear shifter.
Common issues: Check for proper operation of the air conditioner, all windows, all power seats and all remote key fobs. Then confirm that anything else on board that runs on electricity is in proper working order.
If problems are noted, start by confirming the battery and charging system are both healthy, and that all grounding points are properly attached. If you’re unsure how, have a mechanic help.
Next, have a walk-around of the body, inspecting for misaligned panels and particularly where the hood and fenders meet. Look carefully for signs of mismatched paint shades, too.
Either could indicate a previous accident and subsequent repair. Note that a vehicle history report is a good idea but that these reports only reveal accidents that have been reported to insurance.
At speed, listen for any rattles and squeaks from the sunroof, interior panels or seats, and check for the presence of all interior panels and trim pieces.
Many owners have reported that tightening up a few of the bolts, particularly the ones that hold the seats to the floor, can stop rattle-related issues that seem somewhat likely as the Genesis Coupe ages.
The push-button start system should fire the engine up the instant it’s pressed. Any delay or sporadic operation could indicate a problem with the start button or ignition switch attached to it. A weak key fob battery may also be to blame.
On that note, remember that storing your remote key fob too close to the vehicle can drain both the key fob and vehicle battery so, if you park your Genesis Coupe in the garage, don’t leave the keys next to it on a nearby shelf.
Clunking or grinding noises from the suspension or steering indicate a problem. Be sure there are no check-engine lights, no grinding sensations during gear shifting, and that there’s no smoke coming from the tailpipe during hot or cold idle, or during hard acceleration.
Further, drivers are advised
to confirm that the unit they’re considering (especially with the turbocharged engine) hasn’t been pre-warmed ahead of their arrival, possibly to conceal some issue that results in smoke from the tailpipe.
Insist on starting the used Genesis Coupe you’re considering from dead cold, and watch the tailpipes for signs of smoke as it idles up to temperature. If you see anything other than a little steam coming from the tailpipes, move to another unit.
Many Genesis Coupes in the used market will have performance upgrades, and simple intake and exhaust upgrades are generally safe. Extreme caution should be exercised if the former owner has set the engine up to run more boost from the turbocharger, modified the engine electronics, installed nitrous, or upgraded engine internals.
Finally, remember that ontime oil changes, spark-plug changes and religious use of high-quality fuel can go a long way toward keeping the Genesis’s late-introduction directinjection engines clean and trouble-free for years to come.
The verdict: Mostly, the used Genesis Coupe appears to be a safe buy. Most reported issues are minimal and easily identified and remedied. Shop for as new a model as possible, with factory warranty remaining, for maximum confidence.