SLPR 6.0L

My name is Greg. My current daily driver is a 06 CTSV with optional rims and PS2s. My wife wants a GS, most likely a 350 AWD. I have always been a fan of the GS starting with the second generation GS 400. We went to the Auto show in St Louis this past weekend and were woowed by the nice interior and good exterior looks of the GS.
How does a GS 350 AWD perform compared to a 460?
How reliable is the AWD?
Are squeeks present in warm and cold weather? I will feel right at home as this is my only issue with the V (cold weather squeeks occasionally).
Is the Nav available only with the Mark L. sound sytem?
Once again nice looking cars

Greg

rominl

iTrader: (4)

welcome to clublexus. i will try to answer some

the gs350 is a fast car, much better than the gs300 (the 2nd gen). i had the gs400 before as well, now gs350. the gs460 will still be a smoother drive imho (the v8 rocks), but i won't take points off the gs350

actually a lot of gs350 don't come with mark levison. nav and ML are separate options. (but if you have ML, it has nav for sure)

a lot of gs has problem with dash squeaks when cold.

The G Man

I drive drove both the GS350 AWD and the GS 460 2 weeks ago. Both engine is very refined. The V8 is a tad faster but the 350 is fast enough for most people. I wanted AWD, so I didnt have a choice but to get the 350. The V8 does come with a few other standard options that the V6 dont have such as varible steering ratio, brake by wire system and adaptive suspension. Consumer report and J D power did drop the GS AWD to average or below average on drive train reliebility. The RWD version was rated at good. Not sure what to make of that rating as I have driven Toyota / Lexus AWD cars or trucks for the last 10 years and never had a problem with the AWD system. I had a few AWD problem on my old BMW that was very expensive to fix, so I bought the extended warranty on my last Lexus AWD and after 4 years, never had one single problem.

SLPR 6.0L

Thanks for the input.
I like the fact that the 3.5L has 3.73s. My wifes V8 4-Runner and my V have the same. 3.73s make for a good launch, but dont kill fuel economy.
As far as Consumer Reports, they should stick to rating toaster ovens, becuase they often have no clue.
How are the dealers for fixing squeeks?

MartinGS

I just drove 20 miles through poorly plowed suburban Chicago roads with my GS 300 awd. It is the absolute best, 7 inches of snow, I'll drive nothing else.

beercity

Agreed with above, the AWD is excellent in the snow. It out performs the 4Runner hands down, as I have one also. I've not had a problem here in Milwaukee this winter with my AWD... no squeaks or vibration. Even the dash hasn't rattled yet, but given some of the posts, I'll keep listening.

In short, the AWD works great. I've probably been driving on more snow this winter than pavement(it feels that way) and I've yet to have an issue starting or maneuvering.

Sounds like we had the same storm you did last night. 7in on the ground here also, still more coming today. GS handled like a champ this morning and last night when the snow started.

INHOCJP

Hey Greg, nice car you got there

The GS350 is an awesome car. Good looking car and very comfortable to drive. I'm sure your wife would love it.