I am having difficulty trying to decide. To help let me tell you all a little about myself. I am 6'2", married, petite wife (5'3"), two daughters (preschooler and infant). The wife drives a 13 RX350 (which will be used for longer road trips). I recently test drove a 14 GS350 F-Sport and a 14 IS350 F-Sport and here were the characteristics that I've noticed:
GS350 F-Sport:
Pros
Very comfortable, cooled seats, seat memory, folding mirrors, larger nav/audio screen that read more details. very quick, all the feature you would expect for the $$$ that being shelled out.
Cons
The 19" staggered wheels that defeat the purpose of low maintenance, wheel option are ugly as well. I prefer the 07-12 5 spoke wheels.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IS350 F-Sport:
Pros
Great looks,youthful sex appeal, nice gauges, Roija red interior, attractive wheels, quick response
Cons
Lack of memory seating, cooled seats, folding mirrors, weird turning signal, tight to get in, lack of storage space, useless center console, staggered wheels (also costing too much for tire replacement)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
I was in love with the is350 f-sport at first sight but after driving it, I got a new outlook. For the $$ of the f-sport package, you're basically paying for a kool bumper/grill, aluminum pedals, kool gauges and different color interior options (all appearance), BUT you're actually loosing features that you would get from a non f sport. I can't justify this price hike for the sake of looks but loss. I came from a 2012 Kia Optima SX Turbo and that had more features that the is350 f-sport. I feel like I'm kinda downgrading as far as options goes. This is by no means a knock on the beautiful IS350 F-sport but I feel like I'm not getting my moneys worth.
The GS350 don't have quite the same sporty edge (again not to discredit the GS) but you get what you're actually paying for. With this car, I feel like I'm actually upgrading.


What do you all think? I know this is the GS page but I want to hear other's 2 cents.

 

I vote for the GS

 

im leaning more towards the GS as well. I feel I need to go back to another dealer to look again. Im planning on keeping for 8+ years

 

Yes I am biased towards GS.... BUT considering the fact that your girls will be in car seats for a good while longer, I'd go with the GS for the larger rear seat, although not by much. While the IS is taughter, the GS is no slouch around the twisties either.

 

I've had both. Loved the IS and felt like it was a bit more fun, but the GS is still fun, more refined, and great for a family.

 

I test drove the 3IS before getting the GS, in my opinion interior was lil tight and rear seats were not too comfortable also. GS all the way.

 

+1 ^^^

If you are 6'2" you should go with GS for sure... I'm 6'4" felt very tight in my wife's IS250....

 

leaning towards the GS-Fsport

 

I find it weird that im finding GS to be slightly cheaper than IS's. If the IS were significantly cheaper, that will be different

 

Gibbs,

I found the same. I was originally cross shopping an ES with a GS. I looked to the forums for advice and many suggested taking a look at the IS. I too noticed that a top of the line 350 F-Sport, in all reality, is pretty much in the same price league as a previous model year GS350 F-Sport. I did some hard looking at used '14 and '15 GS F-Sports, but have decided that a '16 GS F-Sport for ~$43k new is right up my alley. Currently, I'm just waiting on the '17s to hit dealership lots and going to check out what '16s are left and go from there. The IS lineup just sells incredibly well and you're not going to find as steep discounting on it, which is what brings the GS lineup down to about the same price bracket. It is worth noting that GS's depreciate hard and fast due to this as well. Good luck in your search!

 

GS350 Fsport all the way. Its no contest.

Actually, I would get the regular GS350 since I would be lowering and changing wheels. The non F grill looks alright to me on this car.

 

The GS will feel like the upgrade you seem to be wanting. I went from an 2IS to a 4GS and felt the difference right away in the fit and finish. Go with the GS - its roomier, more refined and is well balanced.

 

agreed, I am leaning towards the GS and searching for CPO's. thanks fellow members for your valued input.

 

I vote GS.. I have the IS and love the GS

-Josh

 

I'm looking at the same vehicles, as you. If I can find a good deal, I will definitely go with the GS F....