I can't imagine any company other than Hyundai (well, maybe Kia) bragging about the lower maintenance costs of a timing chain over a timing belt in a luxury $40,000 sedan. But, indeed, Hyundai did, when it announced that all Genesis engines use a chain.

They've got a point—to some extent. Timing chains last the lifetime of a vehicle, while timing belts have prescribed replacement intervals. (Letting a timing belt wear to where it snaps can damage an engine.) So having a chain means you don't wind up with a bill for several hundred dollars to replace the belt when your car reaches around its Golden Years. Then again, it also means Hyundai won't foot the bill either during the coverage period of its extensive 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Problem is, the biggest cost factors in vehicle ownership are depreciation and fuel economy. These big-ticket costs eat into your budget more than a timing belt replacement. Even though Hyundai is building some very good cars, resale isn't yet a strong point. Plus, paying for gas for a 4.6-liter, 375-hp V8 isn't a budget-friendly choice, either. Hyundai also didn't mention a free maintenance program for the Genesis -- something that a (much-more-expensive) BMW has standard.

—Tom Mutchler

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