Hey everyone –

OK I have some options and would like some feedback from you all. I have a 2013 GS350 AWD Premium/Cold weather package w/ remote start (Northeast US), black/black and tint coming off pre-owned lease. Pretty much everything except the HUD, and aside from needing a compound/polish in really good shape. Im looking at 2 options right now:

1) I can keep/buy this car. 42k miles, mechanically maintained (got it with 19k) and put ~3-5k into upgrades.
OR
2) Return it and buy a 15-16 F-Sport AWD w/ similar features if possible and put ~1k into upgrades.

So with that, what would you do? Tech-wise im happy with the 2013, but do like the f-sport look (looking for white w/ red int) and know it has some more features, including S+ mode of course. If I keep the 2013, upgrades I’ve been thinking about (based on what I've learned here mainly) and/or recommended to me include:

- a few body pieces, rear window fin, trunk fin, maybe fsport grill/nose or even Wald kit, chrome delete, smoked/carbon fiber logos, etc.
- intake (AFE Takeda vs. K&N)
- strut tower bar (Tenabe)
- axle back exhaust (Borla/Magnaflow/Tanabe? I want deep, not tinny/raspy, quiet on highway but rumble when you get on it…think 5.0 Mustang w/ flowmasters)
- Radar
- Dashcam
- 2014 or 15 radio swap to have siri eyes-free
- DVD bypass

Obvious exclusions above would be wheels and lowering. I like the current wheels so not looking to change, and would be ok with lowering it max 1" but i'm ok with how it sits now. I like a comfortable ride, and mainly want more speed/response/sound.

So…considering all of the above, what would YOU do? Tweak out the current ride, or upgrade to a newer model and do less?

 

 

If you're going to the '15 model, i'd say save the coin and mod your current '13. Seems like you have the budget to update the '13 to have the F-Sport-ish look.

I think a black non F sport GS looks great with the mesh F-sport grilles (see here: https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...2e042eea7d.jpg).

Also, since you know the car well and have maintained it, that also factors in to the equation...you have really low mileage for a 2013. If you can get into a 2016 which has the refreshed fascia, tail lights and wheels, then thats a much bigger aesthetic upgrade over moving from '13 to '15.

 

2016 F Sport all the way.

 

If you prefer the front end from the 13-15 models, I think you should just keep your current GS. I don't think it's worth upgrading unless you decide on a 16+ F sport and you'll find more satisfaction with modding your car now.

 

Yes, I don't think going to a '15 is worth it, but a '16 at the new body style I do.

Something worth mentioning is - if you are going to dump more $$$ into your current model, you will not gain that $$$ back when you go to sell.
By upgrading to the 2016+ Fsport model, your money is working better for you and you will have more equity in the car than an older model with more mods.

'16+ Fport vote.

 

I vote for 16+ F-Sport too

 

 

Mod it.

Not much differences between 2013-2016 except different tailights and upgraded front bumper/lights.

You can always upgrade the taillights yourself and get an Aimgain conversion bumper.

-Josh

 

Hey all - thanks for the advice here, wanted to post a report. I decided on keeping the 2013 GS350, 43k miles. And took some advice from you all and did some mods. Here's a quick update.

- Vvivd Vinyl wrap all 'wood' trim with carbon fiber. Man that stuff is great, and easy to use. (more here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...l#post10325735)






Had calipers painted flat gray. They look better in person, but wanted something subtle (this may have been after 1 coat, body shop sent to me).


Full chrome delete (plastidip). Came out better than i thought it would. Hit it a few times with the Turtle Wax Ice, did a great job in smoothing it and protecting it. 10+ car washes and still holding up perfectly. Did both sides, full front and rear (including exhaust ports).



Added subtle rear lip spoiler, plastidipped to match delete. This was the suggestion of the body shop, i was going to have them shoot it Obsidian but Mike there (All Phase Auto in Nyack NY) suggested making it match. Glad he did, and saved me some $.


Tinted front logo with smoke Vvivid. (side note...I've tried wrapping the tail lights like 3 times, they're a beast with those little nubs sticking out. If anyone has tips please help a brother out here...or if you're in CT and do it professionally hit me up!).


Strut tower bar and AFE Intake. I had NO idea how much the intake would affect the sound, but it sounds like a beast now, quiet as a Lexus at normal revs but when I get on it it has a really awesome throaty sound. Not sure if its noticeably quicker, but definitely 'feels' like it is probably cause of the sound. Thanks to Josh from Meraki - dude is a rockstar, had the parts at the shop in NY within 24 hours of my order.

Getting a light paint correction next week, chips filled, etc. Then thinking about a ceramic coat, any recommendations let me know, need to protect it from the CT winter. In the spring ill do a full correction so it looks good all summer. And that damn ChrisFix has me wanting to detail the engine compartment, so will probably do that too.

Thanks to everyone for the help here, enjoying this car more than ever, and loving that its a bit different from the rest of the GSs on the road near me.

 

Nice job! Bro your car is turning into look just like mine, our cars are literally twins!! Same year, same model and same packages. I have almost the same mods, color scheme. I'd HIGHLY recommend the DCTMS steering wheel, also the apexi accell. I just finally lowered my awd today and makes a nice difference! Couple of other suggestions I did, add the rear red taillight film, blacken out the fogs and tint them. I blacked out my exhaust finally last week. Check out the did today thread to see how similiar our rides are.

 

Ha, nice taste my friend! How did you get the tail lights tinted? Also did you dip all chrome or tint/paint? Wheels too. Post a pic of the steering wheel. Im on the fence right now for the pedal commander, seems better supported than the apexi but let me know what you think here. Sweet whip .

 

your car looks well maintained and clean! If you love it I'd say keep it! It is an ancient relic now, since Lexus has discontinued making the GS line for now! There will be no new gen GS in the future and our GS looks nice in it last generation! Although, I love how my 2016 front end GS F sport grill looks and the rear tail lights with the clear rear lens! If you want to upgrade to the 2016+ rear end tail light then go for it. Plus you have fog lights on your car, which IDK if 2016 discontinued?! good luck on your decision.

 

 

Its just a vinyl overlay for the red portion rest of taillights are stock, I perfer the rear contrast with the black.
You can find the overlay here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Red-out-Tur...YfzB:rk:2:pf:0
Heres my steering wheel:

I would highly recommend the apexi, one of the best mods for the car imo.