I am thinking about buying a Lexus sedan for the first time. Have owned several Lexus SUVs and currently own an LX570 but have always driven German cars and never had a Japanese car.

With that said, I am considering a GS to replace my 750 BMW. I know the feel will be vastly different but I imagine its long term reliability will be night and day.
I am thinking about trying this experiment with one that is a couple of years old. I've done some reading but am having a hard time as they all look the same to me.

Is there any real difference in the 2014 vs 2015? Or even a 2013 for that matter.
Entertainment system, features, the way they drive anything I should know? Usually I find the small things out after the fact and in some cases they end up being big deals to me.

Appreciate your posts and thoughts very much!

 

The difference comes in with option packages and infotainment. The 2015's infotainment system/Enform system was upgraded from 2013/2014. I think a lot of folks on the forum have stated the 2015's system is better overall.

Not much else is different except for packages...The 2014+ models have optional power folding mirrors and power trunk ('13s did NOT have this option). A Night Vision option was available on 2013 models but discontinued for 2014+.

If you want the most value, I think a 2013/2014 fits the bill. I think the most bang for the buck would be a low mileage luxury package '13 GS which can probably be found for around $30k.

 

I'll take a shot at it, and someone else can correct me where I'm wrong.

'14 is the same as '13, but for '14 there was the added option of a power trunk and power folding mirrors. I believe Blind Spot Monitor was available on '13, but Rear Cross Traffic Alert was added to it for '14. Flush mounted parking sensors were added in '14. I believe some aspects of the trunk lining were changed from '13 to '14 as well.

'15 added Atomic Silver to the color choices, Lexus Enform Remote, and a new navigation system, featuring 3D view, one-shot address entry, and other improvements.

 

In addition the 2013 is a 6 speed transmission and the 2014+ is an 8 speed. People say the 6sp seems peppier than the 8sp through the gears and the 8sp also gear hunts at times. Due to the different transmission, the 2014 gets 1MPG better efficiency than the 2013.


2013 requires an XM subscription for nav traffic updates and 2014+ use HD radio (free) feeds for traffic on the nav.

 

Great catch. Can't believe I forgot that one, though note it's only the RWD models. For '13, both RWD and AWD used the 6 speed, but for '14 and on, the RWD went to the 8 speed while AWD remained with the 6.

The change to HD Radio for traffic/weather came on the '15s. '14 still used XM.

I also thought of another one - Ultra White became available for the F Sport in '14 and was not available on the '13.

Clari-Fi Technology was added to Mark Levinson in '15.

 

Just get the 15 unless you find a killer deal on the later years.

 

Last year I debated b/w a '13 and a '14. I ended up going with the '14 because I liked the 8-speed transmission over the 6-speed. It also had folding mirror which the '13 didn't have. And since it was a CPO, the '14 had a longer warranty period. Even a year later I think '14s are the way to go!

 

I have a 2014 F sport, and mine does come with Blind spot monitor, power folding mirrors along with rear cross traffic alert. Also comes with Mark Levinson Audio.

 

Wow! I must have gotten a great deal. I bought my 2014 AWD F Sport with Nav and Cold Weather and 24k on the clock for $28k. The Original sticker price was $59,735.

 

Oddly enough I am having a hard time find a 2015 with good options and priced ok. I found a 2014 F sport AWD that is pretty decked out but I would prefer a 2015 I suppose.
I checked Manheim's auctions and their prices there and am surprised at the prices int he public market relative to that. It seems like the market price is pretty strong in Houston whether it is a 2014 or a 2015. I checked nearby markets such as Dallas as well.
I am torn and wonder if I'd be ok with the 2014 or if I should just wait for a 2015 to appear if it happens.

Is there that much of a difference in the infotainment system? That appears to be the main item to consider - unless it is not a big deal to begin with.

thanks again

 

The '15s will not be as available because most of the 3 year lease returns haven't come back in yet. This is the prime year for '14 lease returns.

I to think the '15 nav system is a substantial improvement over the previous years, but I don't know that it's enough to keep me away from a good deal on a '14.

 

Heck, I woulda bought that in a heart brat if that was avail around me. couldnt have been a CPO tho was it?

 

Something to note the 2015-2016 have HD live traffic data on the map and it's free 13-14 have XM traffic isn't free and the coverage sucks. yeah I couldn't find a 2015 in my area to save my life
I ended up with a 2014 CPO with 24K

 

I have a 2015, and I thought I would like this free option, however, the traffic clutters up the nav map too much, so I ended up switching traffic off on the nav and using my Iphone maps for traffic prior to driving somewhere.

 

That is an amazing deal! I bought my 13 RWD F Sport with Nav 34K miles for $29k. This was CPO though. Was yours CPO and clean title?