Hi there,

I am considering to buy a 2007 GS350. But, I'd like to get some feedback from the previous owner:

1) Your driving experience between GS350 RWD and AWD

2) I think AWD would be more stable at the corner...but for practilcal daily driving especially on the straight road, do you feel any different?

3) Maintenance cost RWD vs AWD.

4) Resale value

5) Car availability in Bay Area, Calif. Do we need to order? If yes, normally how many weeks?

6) Any info on 2008 model?


Thanks,
-bdar

 

I haven't owned a 350, but some advice.

The AWD will prpbably resale better. I knwo I'd want that over the RWD given the chance.
The AWD is better in turns ok, but how often are you going to be driving like that?
The RWD is probably a better fit.
You get more mpg with the RWD.

 

I've test drove both and landed with the RWD. Not much difference in driving impressions unless driving very aggressive in a turn. I think for 95% of the people who live in areas without much snow, the RWD just make a lot more since. If I lived on the east coast (e.g. Buffalo, Cleveland or other snow belt areas) then the AWD probably is the way to go.

 

I have the awd 2007 gs350 and love it. I previously had rwd m45 and hated the fact that everytime it rained the tires would spin anytime you stepped on the gas. I live on the east coast so we get alot of that. the acceleration is great in the rwd so i really don't think your giving up anything by going with the awd except for a couple bucks..just my two cents

 

Living in the Bay Area, I can't figure out why you would even consider an AWD unless you plan on taking the car on ski trips.

As far as 2008 model, there was some preliminary info posted to this forum a few months ago. I'm hoping someone soon will be able to chime in with more info since I'm waiting for a 2008 and will order it as soon as I have a good handle on all of the options and the changes.

 

Thanks for all the reply all! Actually I am personally leaning toward RWD. However, looking at the description of GS430 which is also RWD, how come this one has VDIM feature, while GS350 doesn't? Is the VDIM feature in GS430 get offest by AWD in GS350? Sorry guys, if my question doesn't make sense, but I never own a RWD car before. Since my RX330 is AWD and my Acura TL is FWD, I'd like to get more info on how's the handling and driving experience on RWD car.

Thanks.
-bdar

 

The AWD offers fantastic grip and traction

 

bump for this old thread, I'm in the same dilemma. I found a great deal on a 07 GS but its RWD and since I'm up in Ontario where we get some snow I would have preferred the AWD. Will the traction control not help me in the snow on the RWD? Deal is too good to ignore...

 

Keep in mind the spring valve recall on the 2008. Lexus will do the repair at no cost. And Lexus extended the warranty to 6 yrs - 100,000 mi because of this.

 

Hope that helps.

 

I have the RWD, love it!

 

We just got a bunch of snow here in Indianapolis, and (besides a few A6s and Subarus) was about the only car on the road. Kinda glad I had the AWD at that point.

 

Dude, go with the RWD...performance on the AWD models suffers. Plus if you want to burn the tires once in a great while, the AWD model won't let you do it. I have an 08' GS350 RWD and love it...My wife has a 2007 RX350 AWD and it will not spin the tires on wet roads or snow covered roads.... Previosly she owned an RX350 RWD and at a 20 roll it would spin the front wheels.. she loved it!!! lol the AWD model, not so much. again performance will suffer..

also, the rims on the AWD model are different. I believe 17" silver painted..... the RWD models have the 18" black power coated chrome rims..MUCH nicer.

If you want traction, (live in snow prone areas) then yes, go with AWD. but if you live anywhere else go with the RWD. Personally even if I lived in Chicago I would opt for the RWD and just walk to work when it snows!! :O)

 

Not to mention the AWD model sits higher. If you want to lower it, you could run into issues of the infamous AWD wobbles. Check the suspension part of the 3GS forum. There is tons of info on the AWD suspension issues.

Having an AWD and not really needing it, if I was faced with the same choice again, I would have bought a RWD.

 

I live in Chicago, I have RWD, just put it away in the winter, but it so much nicer in the summer!