Don’t Buy a Used Genesis G70 Manual Until You Answer These 10 Important Questions

Back in 2019, when the Genesis G70 first hit North American roads, it was an all-new sport sedan from an up-and-coming luxury automaker keen to take on well-established competition from Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Cadillac. An award-winning V6 engine powered the most potent G70 versions, with 365 horsepower to all four wheels.

Though less popular, the G70 was also available in a rear-drive configuration with a 2-liter turbo four-cylinder and a six-speed manual. Like the Cadillac ATS before it, this 2-liter turbo, rear-drive, manual six-speed entry configuration offered budget-minded enthusiasts a tantalizing combination for the money.

In the 2.0T Sport configuration, look for a manual six-speed, Brembo brakes (with 13.8-inch front rotors and 13.4-inch rear rotors), a sports exhaust, and a multi-plate LSD in the rear axle. Up front, it’s a 2.0-liter, 252-horsepower turbo four, and you could order this configuration from model years 2019 through 2021 inclusive, and it’d cost you around $40,000.

Today, setting a budget of $25,000 should see you nicely into a 2.0T manual that’s around 5 years old with less than 50,000 miles of service on its odometer. Before you buy, be sure to seek answers to the questions below for maximum peace of mind.

10

Where Does It Stand On Recalls And Maintenance?

At this price point, the G70 you’re considering probably has about 50,000 miles on its odometer. This car needs fresh spark plugs every 42,000 miles at most, meaning you’ll want to confirm this servicing has been performed before you buy, or budget to have it done ASAP. If the G70 you’re considering is coming up on the 60,000-mile mark, it’ll soon need a differential fluid change, drive belt inspection, and valve clearance inspection.

Work with your seller or dealer to determine where the vehicle in question sits relative to this work, and also determine which (if any) recalls are outstanding for the safest possible drive.

9

Where Was It Serviced, And Can You Prove It?

The best G70 you can buy will likely be one that has a full service history dating back to the beginning. Especially if you’re still under warranty or adding a warranty package, you’ll likely need to be able to prove that all servicing, inspections, and maintenance are up-to-date before a claim is approved (if needed). When new, the G70 included some regular maintenance and offered a lengthy warranty, though shoppers should get their ducks in a row by obtaining full servicing records before agreeing to buy.

8

Is It Currently Modified Or Was It Ever?

Whether the G70 you’re considering has some portion of factory warranty remaining, or you’ve bought an add-on warranty package, you’ll want to make sure the vehicle is fully stock before proceeding for maximum peace of mind. Car modifications can be fun and exciting, but they can also put the remaining or add-on warranty in jeopardy, especially if that low-budget boost controller or sketchy ECU upgrade turns your engine into coleslaw. Warranties don’t cover damage or wear caused by the use of non-approved software and parts, and you can bet your dealership has various means of sniffing out previous modifications before a big warranty claim is needed.

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7

Should You Buy The Automatic V6 AWD Version Instead?

Stepping up into a G70 with V6 power and AWD will increase your purchase price and fuel bill, but it might be worth it. In 2.0T configuration, you get 2-wheel drive, 252 horsepower, and an EPA annual fuel cost of $2,850. In the 3.3T AWD configuration, which only comes automatic, the G70 is all-wheel drive with 365 horsepower and an annual fuel bill of $3,150.

That’s the G70 3.3T, making 45% more power and delivering 100% more driven wheels for just 11% more of your gas dollars. It’s also 2 seconds faster to 60 mph, but alas, it only comes with 2 pedals.

6

How’s The Spare Tire?

Depending on the model year, equipment, and trim grade of the G70 you’re considering, it may have a temporary spare tire or an inflator / mobility kit. Each of these requires regular maintenance and inspections to ensure proper performance when required, and you should check your spare tire’s air pressure (if equipped) regularly. Checking the type and condition of your used G70’s spare tire/mobility provisions before you buy and maintaining them regularly can save unpleasant surprises the first time you get a flat.

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5

Is The Sunroof Ok?

Some owners have reported sunroof-related problems with their G70s, including rattles, clicks, pops, poor sealing and even slow or sporadic operation. Remember that sunroofs ride in tracks that need regular lubrication, and that failure to properly maintain these tracks can put extra stress on motors and other components. On your test-drive, listen closely for signs of unwanted sunroof noise, and be sure it opens, closes, and seals as quickly and smoothly as expected. Unwanted sounds or wonky operation are signs of trouble that should be addressed before you buy.

4

Where Will You Service It?

You can have your Genesis G70 serviced wherever you like, but some jobs may require a visit to the dealership. If that’s the case, you’ll want to know if there’s one near you, and you can use this tool to track down the one closest to you.

3

What Are The Other Costs?

In addition to the $25,000 or so you’ll spend on your new 2.0T, there are other costs to consider, too. If this will be your first luxury performance car, be sure to understand the cost of tires, winter tires, brake jobs, oil changes, insurance, and ongoing maintenance before you buy. Pricing these jobs and parts out before you buy can help gauge how much it’ll cost to keep your G70 ticking for the long haul.

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2

What Kind Of Tires Are Installed And How Healthy Are They?

There’s a difference between a fresh, high-quality tire, and a tire that’s good enough to pass an inspection. With a car like the G70, you’re buying largely for performance and safety features that depend almost entirely on working with a set of quality rubber for maximum results. Be sure the tires on the G70 you’re considering are an appropriate, performance-oriented tire from a brand you trust, and that they’re not weathered, damaged, old, or in poor shape. Avoid low-quality tires from sketchy brands, and note that tires worn unevenly across their treads could be a sign that you need an alignment. Don’t underestimate the importance of good tires in an application like this.

1

How Healthy Is The Battery?

The most common and frustrating problems in modern cars tend to be caused by the electronics, not the mechanicals. Though many variables are at play, a sure way to help reduce or eliminate electronics-related trouble in a modern car is to make sure you’re running a fresh and healthy battery. This means that if you’re buying a used car that’s even 2 or 3 years old, a battery inspection and test should be considered mandatory before you buy.

Replace the battery if it doesn’t pass with flying colors, noting that many owners say today’s car batteries don’t last as long as they used to. Even after just a few years, a dying battery can start to wreak havoc with vehicle systems and cause gremlins to pop up. Regular use of a trickle charger can keep your battery healthy and help it to last longer, too.

Sources: Genesis, AutoTempest