To No One's Surprise, The K900 and Equus Depreciate Like Hell

"The World of Vee" (theworldofvee)
07/23/2015 at 09:20 • Filed to: Beyond Motoring

When Hyundai and Kia announced that they were making 60-70k cars to compete with the S Class and other established luxobarges, I doubt anyone took them serious. Let’s be honest here, to most people, Badges = Status and that only gets more amplified the higher up the chain you get. This isn’t the Lexus invasion, there is no “Genesis” brand. This is the Phaeton but arguably not as good a car. Having driven the K900 and Equus, I will admit that they are unquestionably good cars. But it doesn’t matter how good the car is, when you sell a 65k$ car you’re dealing with status.

A colleague of mine actually bought an Equus and I was rather shocked (he came from a Lexus LS) but the car is very comfortable, the surfaces are tailored and the entire interior feels of “high class”. I don’t have the heart to tell him about how badly these cars are depreciating and hopefully he’ll keep it till it’s dead. So while I can’t really make a case for an Equus or K900 at 65k, I can certainly make a case for them at 35-40k. Look at the mileage on these things, they’re almost non existent, and despite the badge you’re still getting V8 Luxobarges loaded to the gills in options and tech, in sleeker less ostentatious packages for about half what the same car costs if you want the privilege of taking the plastic off the seats. If you’re thinking about C300 or A4 or 3 Series or hell even a Cadenza/Azera/Genesis or Avalon and Taurus these are certainly a better buy for the money (again the caveat being you’re not looking for sale on value). I’ve long since been a proponent of American luxury cars, but a used Equus or K900 take the cake for best bang for buck.

If you spring for an Ultimate (and if you’re buying a used Equus, spend the 2k more and do so) then you’re still getting one of the best rear cabins on the market. Certainly the best cabin you can buy in the 30/40k price range. I would have zero qualms about being a rear seat passenger in one of those, what with the reclining seats, shiatsu massage function and dual entertainment screens. But don’t listen to me, I’ll let the always good Brian Cooley explain why this car is so great.

In fact, if you’ll humor me for a minute, let me channel my inner Tavarish and say Why Buy a C300 when you could get a basically brand new Hyundai Equus Ultimate instead? Sure the badge isn’t quite up to snuff, but smart car owners know that brands are all in the eye of the beholder anyways. You have to drive the thing, might as well be comfortable while you do!

DISCUSSION (26)

Wobbles the Mind > The World of Vee
07/22/2015 at 21:28

I actually don’t think the depreciation is outside the average for large luxury sedans honestly. Did you check against the prices of +2013 Acura RLXs or Infiniti M/Q70s. I think even the Lexus LS has a pretty steep drop off which tells you that it’s a body style and size issue (though I’m sure the Koreans are on the worst end percentage wise).

Juse stating due to being a hardcore large sedan guy. I will never own a midsize

The World of Vee > Wobbles the Mind
07/22/2015 at 21:31

No I agree! I was just so shocked to see how much the CURRENT year K900 depreciates essentially taking it off the dealer lot.

A three or four year old S Class depreciates 30k, but a current 2014 S class is still 85/90k which is roughly 7-10k off the base price (but we’re also talking about 100k)

CB > The World of Vee
07/22/2015 at 21:35

I just love that you can get a Genesis R-Spec with the V8 for under $30k. That’s under $30k for under five seconds to sixty, decent luxury features, and shitty fuel economy.

Wobbles the Mind > The World of Vee
07/22/2015 at 21:41

Yep, that’s why I love Kias. Reliable, tons of features, good cars, and half off after 3 years. I’m close to buying a cadenza since they are already listing sub-20k. Problem is they are selling in under 10 days from list. I hate that people are getting wise to this. Heck, even the old Amantis sell in less than two weeks since they are rarely over 8k in mint condition.

Bytemite > The World of Vee
07/22/2015 at 21:44

While I do agree the K900 and Equus are having the same badge issue as the VW Phaeton, I would like to hear your arguments for why the Phaeton was better than these two. Is it simply because Jalopnik tells you that the Phaeton was good value for luxury? Or is it your own brand bias?

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > The World of Vee
07/22/2015 at 21:59

That’s about the same as a loaded Cadenza give or take a few thousand. That is quite literally a steal at that price. I went on a test drive with a K900 and it is just amazing, not to mention how “cheap” it is to other cars in this class. It’s a shame these don’t sell better because they’re so good. Ultimately we didn’t go for it because it’s way more car then we need and the price is a lot higher then a Cadenza. But the Cadenza is a great car as well.

For 40K however I would have a very, very tough time passing one of these up. Not to mention it's a RWD V8.

signintoburnerlol > The World of Vee
07/22/2015 at 22:15

I’m sure they’re great cars and are at a very handsome price, but i still wouldn’t buy one.

The World of Vee > Bytemite
07/22/2015 at 22:30

no no no, I guess in my head I was thinking about 2004 Phaeton being a vastly superior car to the S class and the Equus and K900 aren’t superior to the contemporary S class.

The World of Vee > signintoburnerlol
07/22/2015 at 22:35

why not? Because their Hyundai and Kias?

Hot Takes Salesman > The World of Vee
07/22/2015 at 23:44

At that price level and vehicle class, it’s all about prestige. That’s why an S-Class is a status symbol- it’s a big, expensive Benz.

(And also because the S-Class is fucking fantastic, just going to mention that)

Sam > The World of Vee
07/23/2015 at 00:17

They are both fucking amazing deals. Even brand new, they’re a steal.

The World of Vee > Hot Takes Salesman
07/23/2015 at 01:22

Oh no denying that, people spending 65k are much more likely to buy an E class or 5 series than they are Equus or K900.

But the Equus and K900 are also pretty decent rivals to the LS and A8 (the new S class is a league of its own) and they’re atleast 15k cheaper than both of those cars and 30k cheaper than an S class.

Hell there’s a reason why people buy the LS...because it’s cheaper than the S class.

But the class of people that can afford these at 40k is a much more diverse group and they’re getting steals.

The World of Vee > Sam
07/23/2015 at 01:23

I dunno if they’re a steal at the 65-70k new, but they’re certainly great bang for buck new or used.

But I mean 2015 K900s for 25/30% off list price is a great deal no matter how you slice it.

The World of Vee > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
07/23/2015 at 01:27

Yeah its within 2/3k of a fully loaded Honda Accord or Ford Fusion

I am 100% positive that I know what I’d chose between the two

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > The World of Vee
07/23/2015 at 06:29

I think the thing that would keep me from buying one of these isn't necessarily that they're called Hyundai or Kia, but the Hyundais and Kias that I've been familiar with for so long. Basically, I want to see a 6 year old Equus and see how it holds up physically. We all know a 6 year old S Class looks pretty much like a new S Class, because Mercedes has been building that sort of thing for a while now. I still worry that even a decently maintained Hyundai won't hold up that well.

Hot Takes Salesman > The World of Vee
07/23/2015 at 08:36

You can get a low-spec Audi A4 for that goddamn price.

Sam > The World of Vee
07/23/2015 at 09:50

I sat in a traded in Equus and it had nicer quality materials than the Jaguar of the same year parked directly next to it. And the sound system was better. And it had more power. And it had more features. And it was quieter. (You can see what im getting at here) It was just missing one single thing.

Kinja'd!!!

The World of Vee > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
07/23/2015 at 10:30

I guess, but have you seen 6 year old hyundais?

They hold up extremely well for what they are. My gf has an 07 sonata (yes I hate it) and despite it being the most beige car in the world she’s never had a major breakdown just routine service.

The World of Vee > Sam
07/23/2015 at 10:32

Exactly, but to most buyers of 70k cars badge matters

The World of Vee > Hot Takes Salesman
07/23/2015 at 10:33

I love audis but between a low spec a4 ya and an equus I know what I'd choose

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > The World of Vee
07/23/2015 at 11:33

See, but that’s it. “For what they are” isn’t something people want applied to their luxury car. Building a luxury car is different than building an econobox, the materials and processes are different. That’s why I want to see a 6 year old Equus. 6 year old Sonatas are fine, even great, but the Equus with all its power equipment and electronics? I want to see how it holds up.

The World of Vee > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
07/23/2015 at 12:02

Agreed. Just reflecting on the fact that Hyundai has continually gotten better over he years

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > The World of Vee
07/23/2015 at 12:41

Oh absolutely. They’re worlds ahead of where they were. I don’t have any doubt they’re capable of building a great luxury car, and I won’t be the least bit surprised if in 5 years we’re saying the Equus is a great car. I just want to see it proven, you know? I'd buy a Sonata or Accent tomorrow though, those are really good cars.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > The World of Vee
07/23/2015 at 13:04

BRB, getting a used Korean luxery-mobile.

For real though, what is their reliability? Because I could make a strong case for them when we get a second car if they are decent.

The World of Vee > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
07/23/2015 at 15:37

Yeah I feel you, of the two big boys I’d feel more comfortable buying an Equus over the K900 though. While the Equus has way more “stuff” in it, the things it has are all fair standard fare. The K900 has those exotic (re: extremely freaking cool) LED headlights that swivel and rotate and what not, but if you buy a 2015 you also have all your service and what not included for 5 years and your warranty for 10.

So you don’t really need to worry about the car for practically the life of it.

The World of Vee > Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again.
07/23/2015 at 15:40

All signs point to modern Korean cars have Japanese levels of reliability. And remember all of these will have the balance of the 5 years maintenance free and the 10 year powertrain.

You won’t have to worry about them essentially for the life of the car.