[onewhippedpuppy]

Coolant pipes were upgraded on the first facelift on 2009. The kit in the early models isn’t a ton of money but you have to pull the intake. Supposedly not a bad DIY job.

I owned a 2009 GTS, drove a 2012 S, and a 2006 base model. The PASM air suspension is generally reliable by air suspension standards and offers fantastic handling, body control, and comfort, I would highly recommend it. Fortunately many S and all of the Turbo and GTS models have it. The sport seats are way better than the standard seats, standard on the GTS. Sport exhaust is a must have option, again standard on the GTS and optional on the others. Finally Sport Chrono is a nice option, really wakes up the responsiveness. Again standard on the GTS and optional on the others. Notice a trend?

If I were to get another it would be a GTS. The base model with a V6 was an absolute dog in my book, totally underwhelming. The newer S was competent but honestly boring, and it didn’t have a meaningful sporting feel. Just a good luxury SUV. The GTS is the best driving SUV that money can buy IMHO. Drives like a sports sedan, and comes with all of the good options standard. One note is that the interiors get progressively better with each generation, which is the biggest reason I would spring for something newer than my old 2009. While I would still personally prefer a sports sedan (hence my E63), the GTS is fantastic for an SUV.