: is there a better model year or a worse model yr to buy?
: is there a better/ worse motor?
: do you love your car ?
: is there any serious signs of problems I should listen for when test driving?
In my opinion... V8 TECH is the only way to go. So with that said:
The 2012 4.6 = best year, engine, feature, and suspension combo. The only downside is the 8-speed transmission can be slow to react when flooring the throttle from a 10-25 mph rolling start (i.e. when it needs to downshift). A mid-2012 ECU/TCU patch did improve the behavior, so checking the
VIN with a dealer or pay $20 to HMAservice.com to pull the telematics info can tell you if the patch was done.
The 2012 was the "mid-generation refresh" model year with the newer head and tail lights and slight
mods to the grille and rocker body panels. The 4.6 was a tech trim, but not R-spec in 2012, so you can get the luxury look wood grain interior, and smoother riding suspension if you prefer that option. The 4.6 comes with no risk bumper soot and oil burn issues that plagued the early 2012 5.0 engines. GDI issues with valve carbon buildup have yet to crop up on this forum. Suspension harshness starting with early 2009s was improved in 2010 and fully corrected by 2012.
Ultimately it comes down to what driving style you prefer - if you want a smooth, luxo ride and low risk of engine issues and are not bothered by the occasional slow shifting transmission, then the 2012 4.6 is your car. If you're an aggressive sporty driver, then go with 2013 Rspec or 2011 4.6.
As long as you go with a 2012 or newer, you will have warranty left on the radio/head unit (3/36) and all other bumper to bumper (5/60). As others have said CPO is needed to get the 10/100 powertrain warranty.
Early 4.6's on rare occasions could misfire on start up (due to an ECU bug) that would result in internal engine damage in very rare cases. Sonatas had this problem far worse! Easy to tell if the engine is damaged as the car will have a very loud tick at idle (like a bad lifter or crankshaft bearing) - all modern engines tick a little (from injectors), but engines with this problem are easy to hear from the outside with the hood closed and obviously loud compared to another similar model. If you're not sure, go test drive a similar MY car at a dealer to hear a comparison. All Genesis through 2012 (I think) have been recalled for brake fluid and HECU module inspections (ABS control unit) - failures result in temporary loss of brakes or soft brake pedal slowly going to the floor. Dealers will upgrade the fluid to DOT4 and replace the HECU at no charge under the recall.
So in summary (for the V8s):
2009 - 4.6, 6 speed. Harsh ride. Very rare "tick of death" engine issues. Tech & Premium trims are optional. HECU/brake recall.
2010 - 4.6, 6 speed. Improved ride. Tech & Premium trims are optional. HECU/brake recall.
2011 - 4.6, 6 speed. same ride as 2010, but improved feature set. Tech trim standard on V8 now has adaptive cruise and electronic parking brakes. HECU/brake recall.
2012 - 4.6, 8 speed. 5.0 8 speed. 5.0 RSPEC. New body style. Improved ride again (best). 8 speed tranny slow to shift. Early 2012 5.0 engines burn oil. Lane departure warning system. HECU/brake recall.
2013 - 5.0 RSPEC. Tranny shifting issues somewhat fixed based on reports here.
2014 - 5.0 RSPEC. Tranny shifting issues completely fixed. No known issues but very little market penetration and owner participation here.
I absolutely love my 2009 4.6 -- so much fun to drive! Best car I've every owned, and I got a dynamite deal on a private sale back in 2011. Warranty has covered all (minor) issues to date. Gives a smile every time I look at it from the outside, or when I put my right foot down. Still get asked "what kind of car is that?" every so often (mine is wing-badged).
