Help Buying: '14 GS Cert vs '15 GS F Sport
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
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i am looking at 2 different GS's this week. I would love any suggestions or opinions on which route to go.
1. 2014 GS 350 AWD - 32,000 miles - Lexus Certified. White with black interior, bought and serviced at local Lexus dealer, clean carfax. Premium package, cold weather package, IPA, Blind Spot, rear cross traffic, 12.3 Nav, enform
2. 2015 GS 350 AWD F Sport - 42,000 - not at a lexus dealer. White with Cabernet interior. clean Auto Check. IPA, Blind Spot, Nav, enform.
Both are in great shape with no major defects, rock chips etc. I would be financing basically the same amount on either. that is why i am struggling with which route to go.
thanks!
1. 2014 GS 350 AWD - 32,000 miles - Lexus Certified. White with black interior, bought and serviced at local Lexus dealer, clean carfax. Premium package, cold weather package, IPA, Blind Spot, rear cross traffic, 12.3 Nav, enform
2. 2015 GS 350 AWD F Sport - 42,000 - not at a lexus dealer. White with Cabernet interior. clean Auto Check. IPA, Blind Spot, Nav, enform.
Both are in great shape with no major defects, rock chips etc. I would be financing basically the same amount on either. that is why i am struggling with which route to go.
thanks!
#2
Driver
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Tough decision. Comes down to personal preference and what you're looking for in a new car. Is the cold weather package a must have? To me it was even though I'm in NC but for most other folks in states like KS or NC, there's no care for it.
I don't believe the Premium package comes with the nicer seats (need someone with a Premium to confirm that) so the F-Sport would be better in terms of seat comfort. Alternatively, unlike the 2014 that has 18 inch wheels, the F-Sport comes with 19 inch wheels, so the ride will be more firm, but that can be fixed by slightly upsizing the tire size and changing the tire to a touring - this to me is more ideal since the F-Sport has the Sport+ mode that can stiffen up the ride when you're in the mood to drive the car harder.
The cabernet interior is classy in my opinion. I had that on my 2013 and got a lot of compliments (I have black on my 2018 now).
There's a value that only you can personally appreciate for having a L-Certified car. Some folks believe it's a waste, and others swear by it. I bought a 2GIS350 years ago with 20k miles and not certified, and never had an issue with it. I had my 2013 GS that was L-certified and again never had an issue with the car. In any case, as long as the car has been well maintained, you should have a great experience.
If none of the above matters to you, and you're itching for a GS, my money is on the 2014 since it has less miles and is certified... that way, in a couple years if you change your mind and want something newer, you may get a better value out of the car with lower miles and carrying the L-certified badge.
Let us know where you land and good luck with your decision!
I don't believe the Premium package comes with the nicer seats (need someone with a Premium to confirm that) so the F-Sport would be better in terms of seat comfort. Alternatively, unlike the 2014 that has 18 inch wheels, the F-Sport comes with 19 inch wheels, so the ride will be more firm, but that can be fixed by slightly upsizing the tire size and changing the tire to a touring - this to me is more ideal since the F-Sport has the Sport+ mode that can stiffen up the ride when you're in the mood to drive the car harder.
The cabernet interior is classy in my opinion. I had that on my 2013 and got a lot of compliments (I have black on my 2018 now).
There's a value that only you can personally appreciate for having a L-Certified car. Some folks believe it's a waste, and others swear by it. I bought a 2GIS350 years ago with 20k miles and not certified, and never had an issue with it. I had my 2013 GS that was L-certified and again never had an issue with the car. In any case, as long as the car has been well maintained, you should have a great experience.
If none of the above matters to you, and you're itching for a GS, my money is on the 2014 since it has less miles and is certified... that way, in a couple years if you change your mind and want something newer, you may get a better value out of the car with lower miles and carrying the L-certified badge.
Let us know where you land and good luck with your decision!
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tylerdh (08-23-18)
#3
Lexus Champion
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Two good choices.
Personally I would go for the '15 F Sport for a few reasons.
The '15 has a substantially updated navigation system over the '14. This includes things like 3D maps, one shot address entry, and free traffic and weather (you have to pay XM for a subscription to access traffic/weather on the '14). The '15 will also be compatible with Enform Remote, should that be of interest to you (subscription based remote engine start).
Other reasons I'd choose the '15 are F Sport related. You get the upgraded wheels, much better driver's seat (16 way vs 10 way), and the adjustable suspension.
Good luck in your decision!
Personally I would go for the '15 F Sport for a few reasons.
The '15 has a substantially updated navigation system over the '14. This includes things like 3D maps, one shot address entry, and free traffic and weather (you have to pay XM for a subscription to access traffic/weather on the '14). The '15 will also be compatible with Enform Remote, should that be of interest to you (subscription based remote engine start).
Other reasons I'd choose the '15 are F Sport related. You get the upgraded wheels, much better driver's seat (16 way vs 10 way), and the adjustable suspension.
Good luck in your decision!
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tylerdh (08-23-18)
#4
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
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thanks for the replies. I do like the red seats for sure, has a "cool' factor
so the '14 doesn't have the ability to do the smartphone app? to lock and start the car? i thought it showed Enform on the window sticker.
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so the '14 doesn't have the ability to do the smartphone app? to lock and start the car? i thought it showed Enform on the window sticker.
#5
Pole Position
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Got my '15 F Sport about 6 weeks ago and it was the best decision I could have made. One of the main reasons I went with the GS was the fact that I didn't feel the need to worry about certification as these cars are extremely durable when properly cared for. Second, the F Sport just looks soooo much better IMO. No to mention the added performance that comes with the F Sport which I have found myself using even more than I expected. Lastly, I have a Obsidian with the Cabernet and holy smokes do I love the Cabernet. Stands out and looks amazing but not obnoxious at all. Obviously, it comes down to your wants/needs but I can promise you won't regret the '15 F Sport.
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tylerdh (08-23-18)
#6
Lexus Champion
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The ‘14 will have the Enform App Suite, which includes things like Pandora, Spotify, etc. The ‘14 is not compatible with Enform Remote, the subscription based remote start app.
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tylerdh (08-23-18)
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