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Hyundai Azera 2009
technishawn
Member Posts: 26
in Hyundai
I took my 06 Azera in for service on June 3rd and noticed a metallic red Azera sitting on the lot.
Once I got close enough I realized it was a 2009 with an MSRP of $30,869.00. The first thing you will notice are the new rims. They are not chrome but they do have a satin nickel finish that looks very nice. The new grill has tasteful upturned bars that look more defined. Inside you will find that all the silver accents are now chrome and the wood is darker with a different grain. The audio system (it did not have navigation.) has a larger display with a better preset layout for XM and now includes a console mounted aux/usb jack and best of all the interior illumination is BLUE...
The carpet and lower trim pieces are a much darker color. I find the contrast to be very tasteful. The dealer insisted that I test drive it, he did not have to ask twice, and I will say that the suspension is much quieter and more controlled. To some it up...I should have waited for an '09... :sick:
Once I got close enough I realized it was a 2009 with an MSRP of $30,869.00. The first thing you will notice are the new rims. They are not chrome but they do have a satin nickel finish that looks very nice. The new grill has tasteful upturned bars that look more defined. Inside you will find that all the silver accents are now chrome and the wood is darker with a different grain. The audio system (it did not have navigation.) has a larger display with a better preset layout for XM and now includes a console mounted aux/usb jack and best of all the interior illumination is BLUE...
The carpet and lower trim pieces are a much darker color. I find the contrast to be very tasteful. The dealer insisted that I test drive it, he did not have to ask twice, and I will say that the suspension is much quieter and more controlled. To some it up...I should have waited for an '09... :sick:
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You don't mention whether you have test-driven a 2008. Given that the '08 had significant suspension changes that were reported to be an improvement in these same areas, I'd say the jury is still out on whether the 2009 suspension is any different than that of the '08.
But in any case, great news. Thanks for relaying it.
Long live the Azera......
Unless they have completely redesigned the entire suspension, which I doubt, the problems are still there.
have information on the '09 availability in South Florida? Aware of any special
incentive programs? Thank you.
But in the interest of fairness, I must note that Hyundai did say they completely redesigned the shocks themselves with a new "twin tube" design. Having not heard any reports of the problem so far with the 2008 models, and having not detected any problem myself in a rough-road test drive (which the 2006 flunked in this regard), I don't know there's any proof that they have not fixed the infamous "clunk." With all due empathy for your very car's very frustrating problem, we might want to reserve judgment on that.
Thanks. I wish they had found a fix because then there might be a resolution for the rest of us. I did test drive a 2008 and it drove just like mine and the service manager agreed with me.
Thank you for you keen observation.
The new 2008 and later Azeras do indeed have different shocks both front and
rear, but the springs are the same exact part numbers for all four model years.
Only the shocks on car produced 10/20/07 and later are new parts. :surprise:
Does the newer model shocks make a difference in the suspension problems that have been noted on this board?
Thanks
rpm
rpm,
How does your car feel? :confuse:
I hope it doesn't wallow around like mine does, and I have had both sets of the earlier shocks.
Neither the original 54611 - 3L041 or that TSB replacement 54611 - 3L040 lasted for 5K miles. :surprise:
Here's what I do know . . .
I went yesterday to my parts man at my local dealer, and he printed
out all the information that their parts' Microfiche shows.
Here part of what that printout says:
Production dates 10/31/06 - 10/20/07 now lists front and rear shocks that end with 040.
Production dates 10/20/07 - Current lists front and rear shocks that end with 640.
The only positive way for you to know for sure is for you to get 'out and under' and see if you can see
those last three numbers on the lower portion of any shock, front or rear that you can get to.
By doing this, you will then know for sure.
Evidently according to what I have heard, those new parts seem to make a difference.
It only stands to reason that because both the fronts and rear shocks were
indeed changed, they may have been changed for the better.
We know of one fellow (tcarr925) up in Northern Kalliforneia that has
changed his fronts out for the latest part numbers ( 54611 - 3L640)
I spoke with him at length just yesterday, and he thinks that there is some improvement.
He's even posted a picture of a comparison of the old and new shocks over on the 'other' forum.
He was not experiencing any clunking as reported by many, but after changing his older shocks (54611 - 3L041) out for the newest parts available, reports that the problems he was experiencing has disappeared.
However, he did discover that one of his original front shocks was bad and evidently had failed, so
perhaps with two good shocks now no matter which parts, he would indeed note improvement.
BTW, the parts department no longer lists that original part number (54611 -
3L041) saying that the 54611 - 3L040 is it's proper replacement.
I wonder why Hyundai is not saying that the latest part number, the
54611 - 3L640 shouldn't be used straight across for ALL years? :confuse:
Please, let us know what you discover.
It will indeed be very interesting to discover that they changed to the newer
parts after the beginning of the 2008 model run. If true, that is :sick:
Snaglepus
Did you purchased the GLS or the Limited? Are you happy with your decision, or you would have preferred the other model, and why?
That's an easy question. I know of one fellow who will say that the smaller motor is
fine, but I'm not at all positive that he has ever driven a 3.8L, let alone raced one. :surprise:
The only 3.3L that I've driven was a 2006 Sonata LTD rental. We wanted an Azera to try before we bought
our Azera, but there weren't any available. It was okay, but not a quick as the Azera which is heavier.
Think about it. 29 less horsepower, and 31 ft-lbs less torque with the 3.3L. :surprise:
The 3.3L GLS has 234 hp and only 226 ft-lbs torque.
The 3.8L is listed at 263 HP and 257 ft-lbs torque.
That extra torque is what you should really want and need.
There is only one mpg difference in the official EPA city fuel economy estimates of the
two models, but I doubt that the average owner will be able to record that difference.
There is an old hotrodder saying that says: There is no substitute for cubic inches.
The 3.8L is after all 14 percent larger in cubic inch piston displacement.
The extra torque is where you should really notice a performance difference between the two engine sizes. Torque is what pulls you away from a dead stop easier and gives you better hill climbing ability.
You won't feel that horsepower difference until you wind your engine up into
the higher rpms, which with our 3.8L I seldom do because I don't need to.
Because of that increased torque, we seldom go over 2000 rpm in the lower gears.
I'd gladly give up another 29 horsepower if I could have an extra 31 ft-lbs more torque. I hope you understand. :confuse:
Drive both models, and if you think that you will be happy with the smaller motor, go for it.
When it's all said and done, you're the one who must live with your decision.
But don't go for the GLS and then later wish you'd chosen the Limited.
Consider the fact that the Limited has many standard features that are not even available in the GLS.
Were you interested in simply saving money? Are you buying new or used?
Shop around. Prices can vary considerably. Don't get in a hurry like I did.
I paid more for for my loaded SE than many have paid for Limiteds with the ultimate package.
Don't let that one mile-per-gallon city mileage differnce be the deciding factor.
If you should decide on a new car, try to find one that was assembled after 10/20/07.
Could be a late 2008 or any 2009. By doing so you will get the latest shocks.
Good luck with your decision. And enjoy whichever model you pick.
Any questions :confuse:
I understand your advice on the hp, and torque. I just needed someone to explain the main difference. Anyone else care to offer their opinion on the GLS vs. the Limited?
I would certainly test drive both models before I purchase. I think my main concern would be saving money. One mile more per gallon wouldn't be of great concern. Right, there are many standard items available on the Limited that are not available on the GLS; items that I would not find really necessary.
A gentleman I work with is a former Mazda technician, and a former Hyundai technician. He says both are really great cars. But he also says don't buy a used Hyundai primarily for two reasons 1.) Most used Hyundai's are former rental cars, and you know how people dog rentals, and 2.) Because of the warranty. The 100k mile warranty doesn't transfer. Only part of it.
I would consider a used Hyundai Azera IF it weren't a rental. Some used Azera's are pretty inexpensive. I wouldn't buy Hyundai, or any car, if it had more than 10k miles per year of it's age.
By the way, I saw the Genesis in a showroom yesterday evening after the dealership close. It was purty!
Thanks.
Mike,
A couple of questions. :confuse:
What is the build date of your 2008 Azera? If it is earlier than 10/20/07,
you most likely have the earlier shocks, either the 041s or 040s.
If the build date is later than 10/20/07, you should have the latest shocks which
are the 640s. Sounds to me like you may indeed have the latest shocks! :surprise:
How hard is it for you to see the numbers on the bottom of your front shocks?
If you have what I call a late 2008 (built 10/20/07 or later) you indeed probably do have the later 640 shocks.
You are the first person to come forward and state that you have more than 5K
miles which is the point where you would know that your shocks start to
act like they are worn out if they were either of the older front shocks.
If what you are saying is factually correct and I really hope it is, that would indicate to me that
Hyundai has indeed made some improvements with their latest front shock, the 54611-3L640.
That will be good news to me and to many others also. That would make it worth while at
least to me to change out my second set of the earlier shocks to the newest 640 parts.
So please tell us which shocks you do have or at least your build date. Thanks.
2009 AZERA PACKS MORE PERKS INTO PREMIUM SEDAN SEGMENT
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Hyundai Azera’s long list of features has been expanded and upgraded once again for the 2009 model year, adding to its outstanding reputation for luxury and value in the premium sedan segment. Updates to the 2009 Azera include improved steering and suspension for better ride and handling on all models, new blue interior lighting, chrome interior accents, more distinctive chrome grille, redesigned alloy wheels and first-ever standard iPod®/USB and auxiliary inputs. Mid-year model changes carried over into the 2009 Azera include an LG in-dash navigation system. This more competitive Azera features no price increase for the GLS or Limited base models.
NEW EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2009
· Redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels
· More distinctive chrome grille
· Signature blue interior lighting
· Electroluminescent cluster display standard on GLS
· Chrome interior accents
· Dark brown woodgrain accents
· Ion-plated metalgrain accents
· More contrasting interior trim panels
· Brown interior color choice
· Audio head unit with larger display screen
· Standard iPod®/USB auxiliary inputs
· New exterior color options – Ivory Pearl, Black Onyx Pearl, Mystic Blue Pearl, Crimson Red Pearl, Smoky Gray Pearl, Silver Frost Metallic, Silk Beige Metallic
Wonder what that "ion-pated metalgrain accents" thing is? Glanced in through the window of an '09, and the console brightwork didn't look any different -- just shiny. My wife was with me, and she immediately singled it out to say she didn't like it. Although in fairness, she was benchmarking it against an M35x cockpit she'd seen just before. Her overall reaction was that the car looked like a luxury car wannabe. My reply: "It is. It's $15,000 cheaper than the one you were just looking at."
Mr. Witherspoon,
What is the buiild date of your 2006 Azera?
It's located on a plate down low on the pillar between the drivers and the rear door. :surprise:
Thanks,
I'm almost certain that my build date is EARLIER than that you show, thus I likely do NOT have the -640 shocks. I'll take a walk downstairs and check the date inside the driver-side door here shortly and reply again. :shades:
OK - still shown in "EDIT" mode, so I'll go ahead and finish up here: Thinking about the date that you mentioned, I don't see how I could be driving one newer than 20-Oct-07 because this vehicle was delivered on 3-Jan-08 and likely would not have time to float across the big pond I'm fairly certain.
Update
The build date shown on mine is July 7, 2007. Curious, eh? I can tell you I have never had anything "funny" with my suspension, and I currently / now have in excess of 16,000 miles on the vehicle.
Bollingen
I am the proud owner of a 2009 Azera. After reading many of your comments on this blog (and others) - conducting my own research and a few test drives - I am confident that I made an informed (hopefully smart as well) choice of a full size luxury sedan. The changes to the interior - two tone color scheme - blue lighting darker wood - more use of chrome trim, make the car even more luxurious than previous models.
I will keep you posted on how it performs! :
I just posted my message of becoming a New 2009 Azera owner and noticed your at the same time. I have the Ultimate Package. In reading thowners manual last nite - I too saw the feature regarding exterior mirrors tilting down whenever you move the shift lever to reverse. I have not tested this as yet but will let you know if it is an active feature.
The manual did say that the control button for the exterior mrrors must be in the center position for this to work. How do you like the 09?
Bayonet
Bollingen
Tell us what colors you chose, and feel free to post pictures -- there's been a lot of discussion here about the interior changes in particular.
Finally, let us know anything you observe about the ride, handling and suspension behavior, since that's said to be the most important area of potential improvement for '09.
Enjoy your new ride!
Have you checked the your car to see if the mirrors tilt down when in reverse?
If they don't, that will be disapointing, I really like that feature.
The car I bought stickered for 31,465 and I got it for 27,400. Of course, I paid too much for the GPS I bought seperately form the dealer. Should have known better but, it was only $90 over priced.
Bollingen
I purchased the Limited with the Silk Beige Metallic Exterior and the Beige Interior. I also thought about the Crimson Red but the Beige really is a rick looking color!
I will post photos later tonite.
Here is a link to photos of my Azera:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Redleg70/2009Azera
I tried to capture the blue lighting of the interior - not sure how well these photos will appear.
I especially like the high resolution of that radio display.
I'm officially jealous. Enjoy!
Have any of you dropped your Azera to close the fender gap..modest drop? Seoulfulracing offers both lowering springs and coilovers by SMA. Has anybody
purchased either of these items? And if so what is your opinion. I have be told
that one can change from springs and struts/shocks to coilovers..Any comment on this?
Appreciate your thoughts on this subject
Alymac
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605-watt Infinity Logic 7 surround sound audio system
Power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
Power-adjustable foot pedals
Integrated memory system
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Woodgrain-trimmed steering wheel and door pulls
Premium door sill scuff plates
For someone that doesn’t need an Grade A stereo system and will be the one driving the car all the time, it seems many of those items above wouldn’t matter much to me.
Can someone give me a convincing argument to get the Ultimate package on the Limited Azera? (OK, maybe that it might be difficult to even FIND a 2009 Limited Azera with no option packages!)
Bud H
Even though I am short, I like to sit back from the instrument panel and the adjustable pedals allow me to do that. The power tilt and telescope gives you a lot more variation in where to place the steering wheel.
Of course, it is a decision for you to make.
Enjoy it.
Bud H