Knucklebus

It's been 5 years that I have had my GS 350 AWD and I've enjoyed it, learned a bit and now I'm moving on. Five years is about average for me. This was my first primary vehicle that wasn't a truck in quite a while and I find I need hauling capacity more than I love the Lexus GS. It was my first Lexus so I was impressed with the build quality. I only drove it 26,000 miles in 5 years but they were fun, comfortable miles.

I was looking at a 2021 4Runner but the gas mileage was not great and the ride got terrible reviews. I figure they were car people unaccustomed to the way a truck feels but I passed on it despite it being red and nearby.

Instead, I compromised (happy wife, happy life) and am trading for a 2021 Honda Passport EX-L AWD. I gain adaptive cruise, carplay and a trailer hitch. I lose 18-way seats, double pane windows and relatively better handling in the RWD-biased chassis.

I may check back in from time to time.

See you around.

bclexus

@Knucklebus - I understand but I'm gonna miss ya Knuckles!

Wishing you and your wife all the best in the days ahead!

Im2bz2p345

You were a knowledgeable, hands-on member of our small community here @Knucklebus I appreciate you sharing everything. Hope you drop in every once & a while to say hi to long time members.

As we approach 10 years+ for many with the car, I'm sure we'll see many departures. The Honda Passport's are really nice SUVs so I'm sure you & your wife will enjoy it!

~ Im2bz2p345

909

See you broski.

I'm not saying the Honda won't be nice,

But you're gonna miss Lexus quality.

Take care.

Knucklebus

After waiting 40 years to get my first luxury car, it never really settled in for me. I enjoyed the car immensely and I'll probably drive it very spiritedly to the trade but I have muscle cars that are faster and I need something with a tow hitch. I drive my wife's HR-V half the time when we take it on a trip, usually with the dog because it is easier in her car. Now, he can go in my car without issue.

909

That's a plus. You'll also be getting better gas mileage. Not to mention regular fuel vs premium.
This summer I ended up grabbing a E350 3/4 ton with a tow hitch myself. It uses a ton of gas but I don't drive it much.

AJLex19

@Knucklebus first @websurfer now you too! That meteor blue was certainly a unique color. Glad you found something that works better for you though. Definitely appreciate your contributions on here and who knows, maybe you'll re-join the Lexus family sometime in the future.

Congrats on the new Honda!

Knucklebus

Actually, due to wind resistance, I think it is going to be pretty close. I got 23.6MPG on the info display for my 165 mile trip back home. The Lexus at the same speed but in the other direction got 25.3MPG. The difference in premium and regular will offset it for the most part.

I would be reluctant to say never. I lusted after a few RC 350s in my pre-GS days.

Here's a pic of the new beast from the dealer's website. It is gloomy here and it flurried the whole way home today.

JDR76

Congrats and enjoy!

gravesg

Bro never say happy wife happy life ever again. you'll be in the fast lane to divorce with that attitude.
It's Happy Spouse, Happy house. Everybody needs to win or everyone loses. Source: my dad was an attorney for 40 years

Knucklebus

After 37 years, if I get divorced, it's my fault. The car in the house garage will have little to do with it but the "other women" in the detached garage might.

bclexus

Good one!

Knucklebus

They aren't that kind of girls. They are sisters with the same fiery look and a growl when you push them.

bclexus

Knuckles - Jason Line would be proud of you!

Knucklebus

As a bonus, the Passport has Carplay and Android Auto though it is wired. To make it wireless I simply added a CarLinkIt 5.0 2AIR for $55. Too easy.