atomarchio

Trying to decide between leasing brand new GS350 or buying a 2006 LS430.

Would the Navigation and Bluetooth perform better on the GS350 since the model is brand new? Was wondering if significant improvements have been made?

Please let me know. Thanks.

ISFChamp

06 LS430 is older body style as I'm sure you know, and the GPS is not up to date. The 08 GS went under improvements in the exterior updates, and equiptment. You no longer have the Lawyer screen to play with. If you do decide to get a Pre-Owned LS, make sure you buy it certified so you can take advantage of the Special Financing offerd by Lexus.

atomarchio

What do you mean by LS430 GPS not up to date? Is the entire system old or are you just referring to new streets not in there which could be updated if they provide an option to purchase updated street info.

And what is the lawyer screen?

I've heard that Lexus Navigation cannot be used while the car is moving. Is that still true on the new models?

Please let me know. Thank you.

Mbenz528i

I think what ISFCHAMP means is that there is a brand new upgrade on the NAV system in the 08 GS. The system is more user friendly, has more maps and is easier and more acurate to use. I believe the 06 LS is using version 6, while the 08's are using version 8.

The lawyer screen is a screen that says that you cannot use the car while in motion and you have to click in order for it to go away, while there is no need to click in the 08.

You are correct, that absent a bypass, you cannot use the NAV while driving.

I personally would get the GS, oh wait...I did! Honestly, there is less hastle and there are a lot of insentives right now. I also think the GS is much better on gas than the LS, while delivering similar performance.

If you plan to keep the car though for longer than say 3 years (time of lease) I would maybe go LS, but I see no other reason.

Another thing, being in Ohio, you may just want to get the GS350 AWD.

huddleston

iTrader: (3)

go with the GS

farquad

tough choice.. but, i'd take the new GS over the LS

olddog

iTrader: (2)

i believe most of u are just picking or will pick the GS350 cos its newer and so...
But the luxury of a LS430 is crazy too....
The LS series is hella different from all other Lexus models to a crazy extent: The drive, the power, the feel, the interior....etc
i would pick the GS too cos the GS is my style but the LS will always be superior to the GS in my opinion..

socalJD

Totally different rides, like comparing apples to oranges. If you want more subtle luxury and less sport - get the 4LS. If you want more sport with the latest hi-tech goodies, get the 3GS. The LS has the older gen 4 nav, the GS has newer gen V nav - the graphics and res are clearer & sharper. The GS has the smart key with push button ignition (fob is smaller), the LS has the smart key but you still need to turn the ignition to start (fob is bigger & bulkier). Unless the LS has the sports suspension or air suspension, it will not handle as well as the GS. The LS does have alot more interior room, and the back seat is roomier than the GS. The LS has a V8 whereas the GS has a V6, HP is similar (290 vs 303), the LS will have more torque (320 vs 274), but performance is very similar. The LS is alot heavier, so the GS will have better fuel economy, in fact the LS is bigger in every exterior dimension, so it feels alot bigger and bulkier than the GS. Some other items, the GS has a VSC cutoff switch, the LS doesn't and the GS has a front passenger airbag sensor, the LS doesn't, also the 3GS has rear side airbags and the 4LS doesn't. I'm too young to be driving a LS so I chose the 3GS . . .

atomarchio

I like the bigger size of the LS. Other than that, every other factor leads me to the GS.

I consider Navi and Bluetooth critical functions. Have the Acura RL which I like but switching to the GS (probably) soon. I really like Acura's Navigation and hope the new GS Navigation can come close.

I will find it annoying to not be able to use the Navigation while car is moving. How can you get around this?

Mesca

iTrader: (28)

I'd take the GS also. Maybe if it was the new body style I'd pick the LS. There is something you can buy a NAV bypass. I forgot who was selling it..Vais? Someone else can chime in for me and tell ya

INHOCJP

I drove a '06 GS430 for 3 years and my mom drove a '06 LS430 during that same time. This past summer, my parents left for an overseas trip so I drove the LS430 quite extensively, including a road trip to Vegas.

No doubt the LS is the more luxurious vehicle. The interior is much nicer than the GS, especially with more wood trim and nice leather dash. Also, it is much roomier in the back seat and has a huge trunk.

Also, the LS is smooth as butter. It was a great car to drive for long road trips. It absorbs every bump and is so comfortable. The GS is definitely the more "sporty" vehicle.

The exterior style of the LS430 is not my favorite though. It's not very exciting...just plain vanilla. The new LS460 is much improved. The 3rd gen GS has the better looking exterior IMHO compared to the LS430.

atomarchio

The LS460 new is way out of my price range. Looks like the GS350 would be my choice.

When is the 2009 GS350 coming out? I have about 6 months left on my Acura RL lease and perhaps I should wait for the 09 GS350 for a better lease deal.

07350FROST

you should wait till the '09 Lexus's come out and buy a 2008 or 2007 LS460. Well, thats what i would do......

The LS460's are just plain sweet cars and the LS460L's are stupidly pimp!! straight ballin' baby!!!!