First, a little history...

I own a '92 SC400, one of the first available from Lexus in the US (my VIN # is under 10000). I LOVE this car, without question the best vehicle I've ever owned, and it's still in like new condition after 16 years on the road.

I plan to keep my SC until it's a classic, but the GS has been beckoning me recently. I recently bought my wife an ES350 (it replaced her LS400) and love all the new technology and luxury features, but the ride is a bit too soft and nowhere near as fun to drive as my SC.

So here's a question for you GS veterans - would I be happier with the GS350 or GS460? I know the V6 has even more HP than my SC400, but that old V8 is just so smoooooth ... would I notice the difference?

I value a quiet ride as much as sportiness, and the SC delivers both in spades. Of course, I do plan on thoroughly test driving both the 350 and 460, but I'd still like your valued opinions!

The new guy here (even though I've owned Lexus's since 1990 ),
-Trev

 

I've actually not tried the GS460 yet, but if the majority of your driving is in traffic, I'd think that the GS350 more than suffices. If money is not an issue, I'd go with the GS460

 

i would say gs 460 cause i like the sound of the v8

 

I have the 430, but I LOVE the rumble of the V8.......I can't imagine the GS350 being as fun to drive. I could be wrong.

 

I would have to vote for the GS350. I have spent a week with a 08 GS460 a few weeks back and I will have my write up finished on that car soon. Although the power of the GS460 is great, especially in the midrange for passing, it actually feels slower than my GS350. The GS350 has a 6spd vs an 8spd in the GS460. I feel that the first 3-4 gears is where the GS460 falters. After that it feels strong. The 350 is plenty smooth and plenty powerful and is quicker than the SC400. (303hp vs. 250). Fuel economy is huge with the GS350. I average 28mpg on the highway doing 75-80mph on long distance trips. The GS460, i've averaged about 25-26 mpg which is not bad at all. It really is preference. If you can oversee the AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension) and the brake by wire system, the 2 extra cylinders and the close to $10k premium for the 460, the 350 is definitely the way to go.

 

Although you didn't ask about the 450h, you might want to consider this option as well. I test drove both the 350 and 450h, with the 450h hands down winner (the 350 seemed gutless compared to the 450h).

 

GS460's engine is definitely smooth, it is after all, developed for the LS. However, in terms of actual performance on the road, 460 doesn't feel faster the 350. As another post said, if money is no concern, go for the 460, but if it is, then 350 is still perfectly sufficient in terms of power and performance.

 

wouldn't pick anything else... 460 gets my vote

 

450h gets my vote.

 

I bought the GS350 because of the AWD, since you live in CA, go for the GS460.

 

Just like what he said!!!

IMO, I would choose GS450H!!! (but again, you might still prefer the sound of V8, then get GS460)

 

I just bought the 460 last night!!! Started out looking to by a hybrid either the Camry or the 450H. Both my wife and I agree the GS 460 is a much better deal.

I'm pretty sure that after test driving both that you will go with the the GS. It will be more of what you are used to with the SC.

I've heard that the hybrid has more grunt but, for the price I would rather and did spend my money on the GS

 

Thanks to everyone for the helpful advice.

I'm leaning towards the GS460 since I think it will be the closest match to my 'ol SC400. The price difference between the 350 and 460 is pretty big, but maybe the dealers will be more likely to discount on the V8 with gas prices where they are. (I don't put much mileage on my cars, so that's not an issue for me...)

Just waiting for the '09 models to arrive and then I'll be test drivin' those babies!

 

yeah no difference really between 08 and 09... hopefully they fixed some rattles. GS460 you get upgraded leather which is super nice and really soft.

 

Before the purchase of GS460, I have thought about the GS450h as well, unfortunately the small trunk space was the deal killer for me (GS trunk space is small to begin with). I play golf with friends and that tiny trunk space just isn't usable for me.