GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020) Discussion about the 2013 and up GS models

My first Lexus Purchase 😊

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Old 02-12-20, 09:34 AM
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tbone69
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Default My first Lexus Purchase 😊

Hello all,
First time poster here. After saving up for my first Lexus (used, I'll never buy any car new) I'm ready to actually go out and purchase and as such desperately need a little guidance from you fine ladies/gentleman. In my price range (15k-max) for my next used vehicle, I centered my sights on Lexus, more specifically the 2013-up GS350-AWD or 2010-up LS460-AWD. My requirements are fairly simple, outside of it being either of these two models, which is AWD, being I live in a potentially snowy area during the winter months. I don't plan on modding these machines (unless it's fairly simple and considered a must have) and I'm looking for what is going to last me the longest? I'm a person who drives his vehicles to the ground before switching and therefore I want something that is going to last and provide the most comfort and functionality without killing me on repair bills. So if you could pick one would you go 2013-up GS350 AWD or 2010-up LS460 AWD? Is there a certain year I should try to find or stay away from? Is there anything I should specifically look at when viewing the vehicle etc etc? Thanks so much, in advance, for any help you may be able to give me.

-T 😁
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Old 02-12-20, 10:18 AM
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mkmckinley
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Personally I'd drive the GS but the LS is really nice too. I think the GS is a little more sporty and fun, looks better, but the LS is a little more luxurious. Just depends on what you want. The 2GR engine is one of the most reliable ever built and has great output for its displacement. I'd test drive both and decide which one speaks to you.
Old 02-12-20, 10:23 AM
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gdog5149
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Originally Posted by tbone69
Hello all,
First time poster here. After saving up for my first Lexus (used, I'll never buy any car new) I'm ready to actually go out and purchase and as such desperately need a little guidance from you fine ladies/gentleman. In my price range (15k-max) for my next used vehicle, I centered my sights on Lexus, more specifically the 2013-up GS350-AWD or 2010-up LS460-AWD. My requirements are fairly simple, outside of it being either of these two models, which is AWD, being I live in a potentially snowy area during the winter months. I don't plan on modding these machines (unless it's fairly simple and considered a must have) and I'm looking for what is going to last me the longest? I'm a person who drives his vehicles to the ground before switching and therefore I want something that is going to last and provide the most comfort and functionality without killing me on repair bills. So if you could pick one would you go 2013-up GS350 AWD or 2010-up LS460 AWD? Is there a certain year I should try to find or stay away from? Is there anything I should specifically look at when viewing the vehicle etc etc? Thanks so much, in advance, for any help you may be able to give me.

-T 😁
With a foundation forged in Toyota quality, I don't think you can make a bad choice from a model perspective. I just purchased a 2015 GS350 F-Sport AWD and love it. I think you decision point can only be answered by you based on requirements and your use case. Make a list of features / options, attributes, and capabilities for each car and start checking the boxes. An LS and GS are 2 different animals in several areas I would suspect. Then drive them both. I think you will find the decision much easier after that.
G
Old 02-12-20, 10:32 AM
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JDR76
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If you haven't already, I would search the 4th gen LS forum for maintenance and frequently replaced items. There are a few things, like control arms, that tend to need replacement on that generation of LS that can get expensive. The LS with air suspension can get expensive to maintain as well. Not bad, but you'll want to understand it ahead of time.
Old 02-13-20, 12:43 PM
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OUT FOX EM
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I would also ask this same question over in the LS forum, to get their perspective. Obviously most GS owners will suggest the GS because that’s what we chose, and I would expect the same from the LS crew. But it's always a good idea to see what they think also.

I had a higher budget but I was cross shopping both an AWD GS and LS like you are. Ultimately I went with the GS because I valued the extra sportiness over the extra luxury. I think that’s really what it’s going to come down to — sport vs. luxury.

I feel the GS provides the best of both worlds without too many compromises.
Old 02-13-20, 01:05 PM
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Given your relatively limited budget, I would go with the GS.
You'll have a newer car with lower mileage and a lower TCO per mile going forward.

Also the GS is more fun. I drove the LS when I was shopping in 2018, and the LS was just too squishy. Plenty of power, but it was delayed squishy power.
Old 03-13-20, 05:39 PM
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PeaceG
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Can anyone tell me how many control arms are on 05ls430
Old 03-13-20, 06:32 PM
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bclexus
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Originally Posted by PeaceG
Can anyone tell me how many control arms are on 05ls430
You are asking a question about a 2005 LS430 in the wrong forum. This is the 2013- 2020 GS 350 forum.
Old 03-13-20, 07:09 PM
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PeaceG
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Sorry ,first time on the air
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Old 03-13-20, 07:11 PM
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Originally Posted by PeaceG
Can anyone tell me how many control arms are on 05ls430
Check here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...2001-2006-158/
Old 03-15-20, 06:28 AM
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I just bought a 2013 GS350. One of the reasons I chose the GS over the LS is that the GS has a V6 engine. I plan to keep the car for a while, and when gas prices go above $5 per gallon, I'd be unhappy driving a car that gets less than 20 mpg.
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Old 03-15-20, 07:43 AM
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I just got out of an 2016 ES 350 17 mpg city, into a 2013 LS 460 19mpg city. I can't speak to other people's MPG but I'm pleasantly surprised at how well the V8 does.
Old 03-15-20, 08:42 AM
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It really all depends on your driving habits and how deep you push that throttle. If you baby your car, you're more than likely going to get better gas mileage than anticipated.
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Old 03-15-20, 10:23 AM
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Of course. Point is My habits in two different models. The v8 got similar to v6 ES. I know that this doesn't account for GS comparison but my guess is that I would see similar results in GS with my style. Therefore fuel economy is a non issue with my results. I was addressing Nickdanger post.
Old 03-15-20, 10:28 AM
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Originally Posted by jonathancl
Given your relatively limited budget, I would go with the GS.
You'll have a newer car with lower mileage and a lower TCO per mile going forward.

Also the GS is more fun. I drove the LS when I was shopping in 2018, and the LS was just too squishy. Plenty of power, but it was delayed squishy power.
In my 2013 LS, pressing the button for s or s+ completely eliminates response lag. but it is designed as comfort over performance while GS is opposite. Personal preference. apples and asian pears.


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