Should the 4GS be designed as a "four door coupe"?
09-18-08, 02:19 PM
#31
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^ LOL, I did just the opposite, came from a IS350 Sport into a GS350 and have absolutely no regrets. The IS was a blast but when the adrenaline wears off you come to realize that the 2IS is simply a 4dr coupe, and the rear seat is useless for passengers over the age of 10. It was a great commuter car, but couldn't really use it on weekends if I had to haul my kids around. When Lexus came out with the GS350, I knew I had to upgrade. Same engine, transmission & brakes as the IS350, similar mpg, and close enough in performance. What I don't miss is the IS is a dime a dozen here in SoCal, whereas the 3GS is still somewhat rare . . .
09-18-08, 02:31 PM
#33
^ LOL, I did just the opposite, came from a IS350 Sport into a GS350 and have absolutely no regrets. The IS was a blast but when the adrenaline wears off you come to realize that the 2IS is simply a 4dr coupe, and the rear seat is useless for passengers over the age of 10. It was a great commuter car, but couldn't really use it on weekends if I had to haul my kids around. When Lexus came out with the GS350, I knew I had to upgrade. Same engine, transmission & brakes as the IS350, similar mpg, and close enough in performance. What I don't miss is the IS is a dime a dozen here in SoCal, whereas the 3GS is still somewhat rare . . .
Right now, I'm happy the GS doesn't sell as well as some other similar cars...that gives us a little bit of exclusivity.
10-27-08, 01:13 PM
#39
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my take - I have owned the IS350 and an 08 LS, settled on the GS460
I loved my IS350, it was sporty enough to keep me happy, faster in the turns than the GS, had paddle shifters which I rarely used but were awesome when you did. It was still soft enough to be comfortable over the bumps. The traction control was a little more aggressive as well. Only reason I got rid of it was that it was too small, I am 6' which is average and no one could sit behind me.
I was going to go for the GS350 because I saw 300 hp vs. 340 in the 460. Then I drove it, it just didnt feel stout enough for me. I couldnt find a GS460 or a RWD GS350 anywhere so I settled on the LS because it was def faster and nicer (not to mention much more expensive). Mistake
After about 2 weeks I hated the LS, I still had the IS at the time and was driving that more than my brand new car!! LS is decently fast in a strait line but, you really have to push it to make it go. The gas is much slower to respond, handling is awful (no sport suspension on mine while the ride soaked up every bump that was incredible) and the non-levinson stereo was worse than the non-levinson in my IS. I loved all the power options, auto closing doors, hold button, display for all 5 tire pressures and auto trunk. It was just a bore for me to drive.
I then found a GS460 and I really liked it, not perfect but a good balance. For the extra cash they should throw in the Hard Drive from the LS, the auto trunk opener, door closers and the paddles and TC from the IS. I think the difference with the 460 vs the 350 and LS was that you dont have to really push it to make it go and the 8speed tranny makes a big difference over the GS350. There are also some small things like the gauges, sport suspension that I liked that were not on the GS350's I drove. I would also add a slight exhaust note when you push it kinda like the G35 sedan.
Most people think all this car buying is crazy but, I think I can live with the GS for a good while and be satisfied.
I loved my IS350, it was sporty enough to keep me happy, faster in the turns than the GS, had paddle shifters which I rarely used but were awesome when you did. It was still soft enough to be comfortable over the bumps. The traction control was a little more aggressive as well. Only reason I got rid of it was that it was too small, I am 6' which is average and no one could sit behind me.
I was going to go for the GS350 because I saw 300 hp vs. 340 in the 460. Then I drove it, it just didnt feel stout enough for me. I couldnt find a GS460 or a RWD GS350 anywhere so I settled on the LS because it was def faster and nicer (not to mention much more expensive). Mistake
After about 2 weeks I hated the LS, I still had the IS at the time and was driving that more than my brand new car!! LS is decently fast in a strait line but, you really have to push it to make it go. The gas is much slower to respond, handling is awful (no sport suspension on mine while the ride soaked up every bump that was incredible) and the non-levinson stereo was worse than the non-levinson in my IS. I loved all the power options, auto closing doors, hold button, display for all 5 tire pressures and auto trunk. It was just a bore for me to drive.
I then found a GS460 and I really liked it, not perfect but a good balance. For the extra cash they should throw in the Hard Drive from the LS, the auto trunk opener, door closers and the paddles and TC from the IS. I think the difference with the 460 vs the 350 and LS was that you dont have to really push it to make it go and the 8speed tranny makes a big difference over the GS350. There are also some small things like the gauges, sport suspension that I liked that were not on the GS350's I drove. I would also add a slight exhaust note when you push it kinda like the G35 sedan.
Most people think all this car buying is crazy but, I think I can live with the GS for a good while and be satisfied.
10-28-08, 05:20 AM
#45
I would love to see a real GS coupe though. Can you imagine a big GS-type coupe from Lexus. Something to rival the CL??? I would be jumpingfor jof. Especially if it stays in the current price range. I would buy one NOW!
I hate sedans.