Happy 16 Years Genny!!!

This post is dedicated to my first love: the Genesis Coupe.

Let's throwback all the way to 2010. June 2010 to be specific.

I had just graduated from nursing not too long ago but was having difficulty finding nursing jobs. At that time, there was something called the Nursing Grad Guarantee. This meant that within 6 months of graduating from a nursing program, you could apply to any job with the 'nursing grad guarantee' label, and the government would pay the entire salary for 6 months (the hospitals wouldn't have to touch their budget to pay for the position). After 6 months, if the unit has an extra position for you, you'd apply and then get the position, of which the hospital would then start paying for your salary.

This guarantee actually benefited the hospitals because they didn't have to touch their budget and pay a new grad. They could hire a whole bunch of new grads and for 6 months they wouldn't pay a cent. However, the challenge is after 6 months. If there are no open positions, the grads would be let go. But at least the new grads get to dip their feet into nursing for 6 months. 

The challenge with mine is after the licensing exam, it was more than 6 months since I graduated. Every position I applied to would not take me because 1) the positions I applied for was for 'experienced' nurses 2) they questioned why I didn't apply through the NGG program (likeee...it's been more than 6 months, I didn't qualify) and 3) they were looking for experienced nurses only. 

When the Harris government took over, he laid off a bunch of nurses (this was the time my brother was also graduating and trying to find a job - he got quite lucky with his position but not so much his other classmates). In 2009-10 it was like a repeat of 1996-97. I remember counting the amount of applications I submitted and it must've been about 75 (which is nothing in this day and age..my my how things have changed for the worst), majority of which were either rejected or told I wasn't experienced.

My question is, HOW would I get any experience if NO ONE offers me a chance? Not only was I applying online, but I was also visiting every unit to hand in my resume to the managers in person. I remember even questioning one manager when they told me they weren't accepting new grads, but looking for more experienced nurses, on a medical unit. You're looking for experienced nurses but how will I ever get any experience if you don't give me a chance?

They couldn't answer me.

After what felt like forever, I had 2 employers reach out to me and provided interviews, which both accepted me and was ready to offer me a deal. One was in Muskoka and the second was in Hamilton. Being in Toronto, this was a bit of a tough decision. They were both similar medicine units (which ironically had very high turnover rates in the world of nursing) and the pay was pretty similar. I love Muskoka and the surroundings but I knew it would be too far from my family and friends, so I opted for Hamilton.

Hamilton will always have a special place in my heart. Not only did they give me that chance, but they also mentioned in my interview that they wanted to give me a chance, and get my foot in the door. Not many employers will tell you that. They also mentioned a start date shortly after the interview concluded, but when I mentioned I was from Toronto and would be looking for a place to rent, they gave me an extra month to look around, with a start date in mid July. Now how many employers would be so nice to do that?! Yeah, almost non existent these days.

When this job offer came, and I found a place to rent, my next goal was to find a reliable vehicle to travel. And this is where my Genny journey began. 

Back in 2009, Hyundai introduced their first RWD vehicle the Genesis Coupe. It came in a 2.0T and a 3.8L V6 engine. It was hot off the press in Korea with slow introduction to North America. By 2010, the coupe had started making its way to the market.

I had my eyes originally on the Nissan Altima 3.5 SL sedan. It was the top of the line of all Altimas, and looking at my brother who also owned a base Altima, he drove his for over a decade until he had to upgrade it to accommodate a growing family. I wanted some sort of sports version of a vehicle. I dreamt about it all day and hoped to test drive one to find out.

When it came to actually buying the vehicle, there was a roadblock. There were basically no other SL available because majority of their customers opted for the base or mid trims, but the SL was not in very high demand. To get one in, I'd have to wait 3-6 months. Unfortunately I needed a car right away so this was out of the question.

Onto the next. I thought about the Hyundai Sonata sedan. However, when it came to driving it, the steering felt very loose, as if I would lose control at any moment. It also felt like a boat. After the test drive, I just knew this wasn't the one. 

Lastly, I was also following the Genesis Coupe release and reading up on the features, engine, you name it. I asked my Korean friends what they thought about it. I even called up the insurance company to get an estimate of how much it would cost. The insurance company had no idea what the car was, and asked if it was 2 door or 4 door. The only difference was the engine: 2.0T was obviously cheaper and they would consider it a small car, versus the 3.8L engine, which they considered a sports car and more expensive. This gave me the decision. 

I remember telling my parents I found my first car, the Genesis Coupe. They tried to deter me from even buying it considering this was the first generation, and the first time Hyundai designed a RWD car. What happens if it falls apart? The materials are cheap, what happens if the engine blows up? 2 door cars are weaker than 4 doors, what happens if the door falls apart? What happens if it rolled over and you can't get it? It just went on and on. 

When I brought them in to see in the show room, and had them try it out, that's when they stopped pestering. The price was also decent at that time (I mean it was about 25k but with taxes and all, it was more closer to 30k). I bargained with them that it would be cheaper than the Altima that I wanted. We shopped around at different dealerships, and most dealerships had the colours of red, silver, black. I really wanted the blue, and most dealerships were saying I'd have to order it in, which could take 6 months to arrive.

I didn't have 6 months. I need it THAT MONTH.

On July 6, 2010, we went to the last dealership and I felt like this was God's calling because, LOOK WHAT WAS SITTING IN THE LOT.

It was the brand new 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T base in Mirabeau Blue. Automatic (because I didn't know how to drive manual and wasn't interested in learning at that time). It was just sitting there sparkling in the sun. The price was the lowest I could find compared to the other dealers. I knew this was the one. The most tech I was looking for at that time? Foldable mirrors and bluetooth, no sunroof, which is exactly what the base came with. I had to order these as options for the Altima, which is ridiculous. 

We negotiated for a bit then signed papers. They needed a few more days to prep the car but that's ok because I still had some time before I had to drive all the way out to Hammertown. I remember when I had to do a pre payment initially, that my card couldn't pay for it all because...lo and behold I had a student Visa card that I barely used. It was a $500 limit. I think I needed about a grand so I maxed out, and mom (bless her) helped with the other half. This was also the moment that I realized I should get a better credit card. 

On July 10, 2010, she officially came home.

The joy, the excitement, the awe of owning Hyundai's very first RWD car and people having no clue what it was that first year...it was fun. Memories that I'll never forget. I racked up about 10,000km the first 6 months because I was driving a lot back and forth from Hamilton to Toronto to take courses and also being home sick. I washed Genny almost every moment that I could get. 

Obviously it wasn't 100% joyful all the time. There was a time I came out of the condo and noticed someone had splashed coffee on the trunk. Another time I came out of work and found a piece of half eaten toast that was thrown on my windshield. I didn't know why but MAYBE people were just jealous or tired of seeing non-American cars in a predominantly white city. Either way, I made sure to wash Genny. 

I remember with the biggest snowstorm in Hamilton, I got stuck on the condo driveway trying to get out and make my way to work. The driveway was heated, but right where it ended was where all the snow had built up. It took me about 5 minutes to finally get out of there and on the road. This was also on stock height so I can't imagine the situation now if I were to repeat it with a lowered car. I remember getting the first red light ticket when I was in a rush to get to work. I saw this BRIGHT flash in my rear view. It's been 16 years and I'm still waiting for the ticket in the mailbox. 

I remember all the bugs that used to die on my bumper when I made frequent visits to Toronto. The constant car washes on the driveway. The random comments I would get from kids such as 'Cool it's a Lambo!!' (yeah I wish kid), or the time people would take pictures with Genny. It was all the little things that brought joy into my chaotic life.

When I found another job here back in Toronto, it was bittersweet. I had waited for this moment for the past 8 months and finally, I had achieved the dream to come back to Toronto. But I also leave behind the city that gave me a chance. I went back to say a big thank you to the manager who gave me that chance, and to the colleagues who I had the pleasure of working with, and learned many skills from. I'll also cherish the patients that I got to meet and work with, to really help better their days by being there for them.

The first 4 years of Genny ownership was enjoyable, until I started modding her. Back then I thought it was so cool and I wanted my own Fast and Furious type of car. I tried to learn about different mods, what they mean etc. What people don't tell you is once you start modding, you don't stop. I had the roof wrapped a gloss black, and my ex at the time said it was a waste of money. Good thing I got rid of him shortly after that. No one needs that time of negativity in their life. 

The next 'big' mod was the suspension. Oh boy. After all these years, I learned to NEVER touch your stock suspension unless you're willing to deal with the headache and pain in the years to come. It started off as springs (which I mentioned in previous posts), and then after almost damaging the OG shocks, I went to coilovers. To this day, any issues that I have is mostly related to the suspension. Then again, it probably didn't help that I also slammed into a curb after slipping on black ice while making a turn. Honestly, that was my driving error. From that moment on, things were just never the same. 

And it's true, once you either alter the suspension OR you get into an accident that affects the suspension, it's never really the same anymore. My advice to those looking to modify their first car? Don't do it. Unless you're willing to invest and spend in fixing it up over the next decade.

The coolest mod? Honestly, I think it's the blow off valve. I bought mine second hand (actually, a lot of the parts were second hand as one of the members had written off his car and was selling his aftermarket parts and like why not?!). The way it made the PSSSHHHH sound, it was like Darth Vader marching down the street.

Nonetheless, it's been very hard trying to 'get rid' of Genny and to upgrade to a better daily. She is 16 years old this year (but if we look at her build date of Nov 2009, she's actually 17 going on 18). I think because there's so much sentimental value. The first car. The first road trip. The first job. The first heartbreak. The first mod. The death of M. The survival of COVID. The first job promotion. The first money pit. The first car meet. The first car group identity. The first tune.

I could go on and on but those are the main ones I could think of. 

The maintenance would be a lot cheaper if I hadn't modified her to begin with. I honestly think I had the best years for the first 4 years before she became modified. Once she was modified, I decided to just keep her and maintain her until the end of her run. Sometimes it's not so bad, other times it's expensive maintenance. And you know what they say...If you're paying more to maintain the car that is more than your car's worth, it's probably not worth it to keep. 

Yes, I could've bought another brand new car with the maintenance costs over the years. But if you were to ask me what car I wanted next, I couldn't tell you. I really don't know what to get after Genny.

I have already achieved my dream car which is the Cayman S. Completely paid off, and now it's just the maintenance (which is very little compared to Genny). I see people lease cars and change it out every 3 years. I get that people want to drive something different every 3 years. Some do it because they want to, some are bored, some just do it to show off and get people to like them. But why would I want to torture myself with continuous car payments? 

People may think the Hyundai is a piece of junk (I mean to some degree it is), but I love my hunk of junk. It is also what made me who I am. The sweat, the tears, the joy, the love. Getting rid of Genny would feel like I'll be getting rid of partially who I am. I couldn't do the whole lease a car for 3 years and then get another one. That's like being a hoe. You don't like this guy? Ok, change him up after 2 years to another dude. And repeat!

While Genny may not be perfect, she will always have a special place in my heart and in this lifetime. Until the day she stops working and I'll have to give her up, I will still cherish every moment and every drive. Take care of your cars, and they'll take care of you.