Used GS or new ES350
11-11-08, 09:13 PM
#16
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Regarding ES350 being sportier with a better steering and less body roll 
You either got some TRD-tricked out ES350 or your GS300 is really that bad 
I drove ES350 for 4.5 month (1.5 of which was driving other ES350 loaners while they were replacing/fixing my tranny). That body roll was so bad, I had to slow down to 30mph at a lot of turns; and on a highway I completely didn't feel the road - felt like I was floating. Soft and comfy ride - yeah, fun to drive - yawn. Don't get me wrong, you will still get body roll with GS350 but I can take the same turns now at 40-45mph 
You either got some TRD-tricked out ES350 or your GS300 is really that bad I drove ES350 for 4.5 month (1.5 of which was driving other ES350 loaners while they were replacing/fixing my tranny). That body roll was so bad, I had to slow down to 30mph at a lot of turns; and on a highway I completely didn't feel the road - felt like I was floating. Soft and comfy ride - yeah, fun to drive - yawn. Don't get me wrong, you will still get body roll with GS350 but I can take the same turns now at 40-45mph What I am thinking is that the Camry/ES had stiffened up and the GS had softened up on every generation.
11-12-08, 04:46 AM
#17
My opinion is the GS300 is softer in all aspects of ride and handling with lots more body roll than the ES350. I felt the ES350 to be the sportier car in terms of subjective feel, as it is physically smaller, lighter (?), more tossable, despite it being FWD. Steering feel is a lot better in the ES. I feel a bit more disconnected with the road in the GS. The GS is floatier and has a bigger feel.
11-12-08, 07:20 AM
#18
Lexus Test Driver
If it comes down to a used car or a new car, I always pick a new car. The GS has early production problems, I would stay away from the 06 and 07. The new ES has most of its problem resolved already.
11-12-08, 02:08 PM
#19
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You're posting in the GS forum, so guess what 95% of us will say.
Not sure I can add anything else that hasn't already been stated by Rominl, Twister or Passnu2 other than:
Not sure I can add anything else that hasn't already been stated by Rominl, Twister or Passnu2 other than:
11-12-08, 05:06 PM
#20
Lexus Champion
Most striking was when I got back into my GS and drove away, it just felt so much better to me in every aspect (well, with the one exception of the GPS screen resolution). Getting back into my car was a huge Aaaaaaaahhhhh! From the moment my butt hit the seat and I hear the soft thud of the door closing, it felt like home. The feel of the wheel, the sound, the torque, the dash/gauges, taking that first ramp to the Interstate...I just soaked it all in and thought "I love this car!"
11-12-08, 05:09 PM
#21
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I wouldn't do used. I've owned GS's, while my parents ES's. They're great cars. My parents once had a loaded Avalon that cost more than a ES at the time. One poster stated the ES had a firmer feel, NO WAY. Maybe bad tires. The GS is firmer, always been. Another poster stated trunk room, the GS has a trunk the same as ladies carry those little clutches. The ES has a Trunk. Now children, they cost way more then a car, get new. New will give time to concern yourself with your #1 priority. IMHO. Been wrong before though. I think?
11-12-08, 05:46 PM
#22
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Let me add that the 3GS has rear seat side airbags standard. 5ES doesn't have rear side bags and it costs extra on the 4LS. That is an extra level of comfort if you're concerned about children's safety...
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