The engine in the GS with direct injection might last a while, but not as trouble-free and long-lasting as a natural V6 that is in the ES. I'm with you on earlier models. IF, and it's a big if, I had to get a GS it'd be a 2008-2011. The 06 and 07 had carbon buildup problems and this generation GS also had major issues with the water pump. If you decide to get a GS from this generation, replace it immediately. 30k or 130k miles, you don't want to chance the engine getting destroyed.

The ES has become more of a drivers car in the 07-12 models much more than the 02-06 gen. I have no problem driving spirited whenever I want, which honestly isn't often because I get in my car and it's so quiet and smooth I'm not stressed at all.

Probably wouldn't have to worry about AWD problems in the GS but if you're one to keep your car for 200,000+ miles, you might consider against it. I don't know how the roads are in Minnesota so I couldn't help there. Since you said you won't put a ton of miles on this car, maybe getting a GS won't be such a bad idea. Keep in mind though that you need to replace the water pump immediately and you won't have as much interior room.

Maybe you can consider another vehicle. A 3rd gen RX (2010-15) isn't much more than a GS, probably within a couple grand. No potential dash issues, no direct-injection concerns down the road, no cramped interior, and you get the AWD and the convenience of an SUV. 25 mpg on the highway too. I thought about the 3rd gen RX but I couldn't see myself going the SUV route. You should consider it!

 

The direct injection engine in the GS also had port injection and carbon buildup hardly existed. The engine has been in service since 2006 and the vast majority of them are in perfect condition. You can peruse the 2nd gen IS forums and see for yourself...its literally bulletproof. Drive both back to back and you'll see the GS is far superior in dynamics...its not remotely close. I had an IS350 for many many years and dynamically, its far superior than any Camry based FWD platform. Test drive is key and if you enjoy driving with any sporting intention, you'll realize a RWD platform with AWD is in a completely different class than a FWD midsize sedan chassis. If you don't drive with any sporting intentions at all, then the ES will suit your needs but the test drive will easily differentiate the two. The GS chassis is so good, its still being used in the IS350 in use today (of course slightly different due to size). Also, the tranny in that GS was excellent and completely bullet proof. Good luck.

 

The ES350 is not more reliable than a GS350. They are basically equals in that regard.

 

You see more ES's with 300k trouble-free miles than you do the GS. It's the inherent nature of a sports sedan. Not going to last as long especially with people driving the heck out of them since they're more set up for speed.

 

If you are looking for handling and top grade materials, get the GS (for more money). If you are looking for ride comfort and economy, get the ES (for less money). The ES is actually faster with the same V6, and it gets better gas mileage. However, neither vehicle gets the EPA numbers you quoted. My 2011 ES350 gets about 19 around town, 30 highway, and 21 combined.

 

Link to the source of this "data"?

 

The added stress to the engine via direct injection, combined with how people who purchase the GS drive these cars, is all you need to know.

 

the ES is certainly a comfortable car. it's designed for easy driving. the GS is also comfortable, but a completely different driving experience. if you like more competent handling/steering, then the GS is better. the interiors of the GS are generally better materials too. if those things don't matter, get the ES.

agreed.

it's not a sports car and it's not what "everyone" wants.

please, enough with the sweeping statements about "everyone".

i'd get the GS, however, the AWD makes the center tunnel intrude much more into the driver's footwell, and some people don't like that. check it out.

yup, good luck on test drives. can't go wrong either way really, although obviously if you're buying a 10 year old car there's likely to be something needed on either car.

 

Right exactly! That's all the OP needs to know about the pros and cons of a GS vs. an ES - all the anecdotal "data" you keep pushing on his thread - GS drivers are reckless, GS's are not reliable, and on and on.

I have never read so much misinformation on a single thread by one single person ever.

 

Having had both cars, this just isn't the case. The GS is the more expensive, more sophisticated car. Its on a better platform, its RWD, it has more sophisticated multi-link suspension that delivers a better driving experience. The 4GS like I had is a good bit more firmly sprung than the 3GS he's looking at, the 3GS rides just as soft as the ES, its quieter. Its just a better car...which is why it cost more.

Every Lexus will last a really long time, there is no reason an ES would last longer than a GS. The GS is not a Porsche, people who buy them drive them just like the ES lol.

The only reason why I chose the ES both times was I couldn't afford the GS.

 

The GS is easily more reliable than the ES, especially the RWD version. FWD cars suffer more from suspension issues, and as they age they are more prone to being out of alignment, uneven tire wear, etc. However, the GS is going to be more expensive to repair as the parts cost more.

 

Better things cost more

 

Of course, but with a used car one must always budget for repairs.

 

True, but the GS is still not an expensive car to maintain. Anybody can work on it, brakes are $300, etc.

 

I had a 2010 ES 350. Purchased at ~55k, sold at ~165k. Car behaved very well on the highway, throttle response and shifts are precise, suspension supple but responsive, ~27mpg combined (95% highway). It is front wheel drive, so if you lose traction, you have less steering. Noticeable issues, wheels never stayed balance very long (wheels were checked for straightness) but tracked straight down the highway, fronts seats were uncomfortable, and leather seats cracked easily (leather was treated regularly), wood trims on door for power switches are expensive if the chrome are peeled ($775 per wood piece, w/o switches, no aftermarket that I can find). Transmission did have intermittent light vibration and occasion light clunk (fluid and filter changed around every 30k) towards the 165k mile mark. Overall, the car is very well built, both interior fit and exterior, brakes are exceptional (I have a 2006 550i Sport Package, and the ES brakes are almost as good as the 550i)as well as a good looking car, in my opinion. Never had to make any repairs, just full maintenance, brakes, tires, alignment, all right after purchase.

I currently have a base 2013 GS 350, rear wheel drive. Purchased at ~56k, currently ~75k. Car handles exceptional well for a mid size sedan, very little lean going through a 90* bend hard, more power than the ES. Mileage is ~25.5mpg combined (95% highway), front seats are more comfortable as well as durability. Rear leg room is not great, but not bad, for a 5'6" child. No tire balance issue as with the ES. I prefer rear wheel drive as it is what I grew up driving, as well as the driver retaining control of the steering of the car if the drive wheels lose traction. I hope this helps you.

On a side note, GS had a strange "issue" with the transmission today (6-speed). In manual mode, at about 60 mph, there was no engine power when the accelerator was pressed, whether partial or full throttle, but in auto mode, everthing worked fine. This was in the mountains, so I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it, no codes appeared.