Owner Took A Once-in-a-lifetime Chance At an Extremely Cheap Hyundai Genesis 5.0, And It's Either a Jackpot Or a Money Pit

The owner bought this rare Genesis Sedan V-8 for $2,500, but the car isn’t perfect, raising the question whether this is the bargain of the century or a potential money pit.

March 20, 2026 - 8:08AM EDT
By: Dimitar Angelov

When it comes to buying a used car for what seems like an extremely low price that also happens to be a rare and desirable version of the model, one question inevitably pops up: Will this be an investment or a money pit? One owner of a newly-purchased 2016 Hyundai Genesis sedan with the 5.0-liter V-8 engine decided to jump in on what seems on a once-in-a-lifetime deal. He posted about it in the Facebook group, Genesis Owners and Enthusiasts.

The car in question is a 2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan, equipped with the 5.0-liter Tau V-8 engine. This is the only production V-8 made by Hyundai, although the Genesis Magma GT Concept hints at a new V-8 model arriving in the near future.

The Genesis sedan will most commonly be found with a 3.8-liter V-6, a version of which also powers my Genesis Coupe R-Spec, which at the time of writing this, is getting its engine rebuilt. The Tau V-8 was reserved for the Genesis sedan, which was meant to compete with premium models like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, and Lexus GS.

Back in 2015, when the car was new, prices started at $38,000 (approx. $52,140 in 2026 money). The V-8 model started at $51,500 (approx. $70,700 in 2026 money). This was still a lot more affordable than the BMW 550i at the time, which started at $64,900 (approx. $89,100 when adjusted for inflation).

At $2,500, it seems the exceptional value for money is there after 11 years, now more than ever. But judging from the new owner’s words, it may turn out to be one of those “too good to be true” kinds of situations.

Hyundai’s Tau V-8 engines are known to be very reliable when taken care of. While this particular example, reportedly, has issues with the valve cover (likely the gasket), it is not the engine that is cause for concern here, as it still runs perfectly after 123,000 miles.

Correctly diagnosing the problem is key

Hyundai's 5.0-liter Tau V-8 makes up to 429 horsepower and 383 pound-feet

There seems to be an overwhelming interest in the used V-8 Genesis Sedan. With a price like this, some members asked about any issues. The new owner reports that the car’s previous custodian mentioned a slipping transmission.

The eight-speed automatic used in these cars is known to be mechanically reliable, but the solenoids are a known weak spot. Luckily, the parts are also cheap. Although this is a torque-converter automatic (not the new DCT found in the Elantra N), it still features a clutch.

While shift solenoids are typically the main culprits, it is safe to assume that at 123,000 miles, the clutch could also be worn out. Typical symptoms include constant shuddering, delayed shifting, slipping, and, in some cases, stalling, depending on the severity of the clutch wear.

“I feel the lil jerking from the rear, but when I get time, I'll take it to the shop. I was planning on getting the transmission swapped out for $2,000, including the transmission, but we will see,” the new owner of the luxury sedan says. While a jerky rear-end motion could indicate a worn differential, the far more likely cause is the transmission.

Jerking could mean low fluid level, worn clutch, faulty solenoids, or damage to internal components, although the latter is typically accompanied by more severe symptoms like clunking noises, grinding, or very rough gear-shifting.

What others are saying

One group member who owns an older Genesis sedan, powered by the 4.6-liter V-8, had a similar experience. “I had the same issues and bought a transmission, and it did the same thing, so I replaced the solenoids. I got a 2009 4.6”, he says. Hyundai issued a technical service bulletin for the eight-speed automatic due to faulty solenoids, so the best course of action would be to check if it has been done to the car.

Best case scenario, the issue would be fixed free of charge. Worst case - additional inspection, isolating the potential causes one by one, and an expensive repair. Many group members seem to be aware of the solenoid issue, as it is fairly common with this transmission.

The Hyundai Genesis sedan has been known to provide exceptional value for money. Korean carmakers have always been the underdog in the premium segment, but the Genesis brand has solidified itself as a true competitor to more long-established rivals like Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes. On the used market, the Genesis Sedan - later rebadged as the Genesis G80, and eventually, devoid of the V-8 - fares better in terms of reliability, compared to German counterparts. The air suspension is reliable, the engine strong, and aside from the solenoid issues, the transmission is known to be reliable when maintained properly.

With the V-8 slowly being phased out in favor of twin-turbo V-6s, would you jump at such an opportunity or would potential repair costs make it a deal-breaker? Is it better to repair an old car or buy a new one? I am currently in the former one, but let me know what you think in the comments below.

About the author

Dimitar Angelov has been an automotive journalist since 2014. His passion for cars and motorcycles led him to take up classic car restoration at the Classic Car Museum in Malta. While living there, he also graduated with a Master's in Media and Communications. Aside from Torquenews, his work can also be seen on Topspeed.com, HotCars.com, Motorheads.com, Jalopnik.com, and his own website, Ridereverie.com, where he also includes motorcycle content.

Other relevant experience to the automotive scene include working at a Toyota dealership, professional driving, and automotive insurance. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Experience

2012-2017 and 2025-Present: Insurance Advisor - ANG Univers and Generali Insurance Group
2016-2016: Car salesman at Toyota dealership
2014-Present: Automotive journalist, blogger, vlogger, test driver

Education