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mulboy -> RE: Blog post about my decision to buy an Azera (3/27/2008 9:22:51 AM)
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Hey everyone, "new" Azera owner here. Had it about 3 weeks now, 2007 Limited (not Ultimate, boo) w/22k miles for $18k. Pretty happy with it--I think most everyone buys a Hyundai for its overall value, and with that in mind, I got a great deal--you get a lot of the car for the money. I wanted to post my thoughts for anyone else who's considering purchasing, and this seems like a good thread.
As some background, I had a 2000 Maxima that I loved (from '99 to '05), then a '94 Crown Vic that got me through grad school, etc., and now this Azera.
As far as meeting my expectations, I'd give the Azera a 7 out of 10. The reviews I read were almost all very positive. And I am positive about the car too...but someone who was discouraging me from buying Hyundai said that he'd heard that Korean manufacturing (not just cars, but all kinds of stuff) is from "the land of the almost-right." And, unfortunately, he was more correct than I'd hoped he'd be.
The things that exceed my expectations: Noise--the engine is exceptionally quiet at idle, and at speed there isn't really much wind or engine noise that I notice. Engine smoothness is comparable to--perhaps matches--the Nissan engine. Power is always available, especially for passing. Interior materials and feel (except the center armrest could use a little more padding). Door closing is *so* easy and sounds so solid. Safety features are so numerous. Entry/exit lighting and the keyless works well. Huge trunk, cargo net, and tie-downs. I love that the trunk lid has an interior grab handle so you don't have to touch the paint to close the boot. 5-position seat heaters are great, and nice to have more than on/off or off/lo/hi control. Infiniti stereo is great, with 2 caveats below. Price--the only other car that even came close to giving me these features/size/performance at this price was an '04 or '05 Maxima with 50k or 60k miles (and off of warranty).
The things that fall short follow. Some of these are nit-picky, some less so. (As an aside, it bears mentioning that some of the positive features--like a quiet ride--cause me to notice some of the deficiencies. For example, in my Crown Vic any suspension noise was par for the course in that car. In a refined Azera, you notice even a small suspension clunk):
- The engine often idles just a little roughly for about the first 20 seconds when cold. Again, I only notice because it's otherwise so quiet and smooth. But it is noticable.
- The transmission is a bit slow to downshift from 5th to 4th or 4th to 3rd; 1st gear is a little too short unless you're really into the throttle I suspect all this is in pursuit of fuel economy.
- The suspension is pretty good, firm & solid without being "sporty." However, when you hit a small pothole or a non-flush manhole cover or other mild imperfection, you feel and hear the jolt more than I would like. In this case, the Azera doesn't smooth the rough spot much more than my Crown Vic did, and isn't as comfortable as the '00 Maxima. But the Maxima transmitted more of the small imperfections too. Again, the Azera's otherwise quiet and smoothness makes you notice this imperfection more. But overall, I think I prefer the Maxima suspension.
- The paint is thin on the bumpers, not sure about on the body.
- The "Auto" setting for headlights isn't sensitive enough, and you can't adjust it. I like to turn my headlights on when contrast starts to diminish--long before I take my sunglasses off. Especially since my car is grey and blends into the road color easier, I'd like to have the lights come on earlier.
Interior:
- Related to the above, the electoluminiscent dash looks nice and is functional. However, it's difficult to tell when your headlig
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