Lots of car for the money. The question, to my mind, is how it will hold up over the next 5 to 6 years. Seems conceivable that total ownership costs might not be considerably less than an LS.
Fair question - and the sample size on the Rspec is probably way small in terms of stats supporting reliability. I think the previous generation Genesis did fairly well as a whole in that regard, though. And the R-Pec didn't add any fancy electronic tech - so I doubt it did any worse. And this is starting out with about 40k kms less than the leading LS - that's more than two years of driving for me just to get to where that LS is now. I still think the LS is a probably a better fit and the AWD is a significant plus for me. But this one has piqued my interest and I'd certainly give it consideration. The old Genesis took a lot of heat for its boring and derivative exterior styling but every time I see one I think it looks sharp. It has aged very well, in my very subjective opinion - and will likely look better longer than the GS.
What extras do you get with the R Spec? Maybe the dealer would meet you halfway? If not, lets load up the bikes, I know some awesome routes up there with only a 'little' climbing. 
Dude - I have totally cracked your code on a "little climbing". If you tell me the route is dead flat then it just might be survivable. The RSpec was only available for two years. The big diff is the bored-out V8 from 4.6 to 5 liters and a bump in hp from 380 - 430. 5 seconds flat to 60. 19" wheels and a firmer suspension. Only downside is it comes with a boring all black interior - no contrast anywhere - just a coal bin.
The r spec is awesome.
2 hours? That's not very far
Exactly, its part of the adventure in finding your ride...
Fair enough - just not something I can accomplish mid-week.
