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- How would you describe the ride quality compared to same model year (non-f-sport) of the IS 350, ES 350, LS 460?
I own all four 2IS, 3.5IS, 3.5GS and 4GS.
For a start, the ES350 is the most softly sprung, flattening out the bumps, and rolling on corners, and the most floaty, with the smoothest and quietest tires, but the ES is also most nose heavy, least agile, and least terminal grip.
The 3IS is smaller, shorter, narrower and lower inside than 4GS, but both almost weigh the same.
The 3IS base model seems to have slightly softer springing than the 4GS, though the 3IS's springing is still quite firm [riding over the bumps - as opposed to flattening the bumps out] compared to 3 Series and C Class.
The 3IS is more firmly damped [in other words not floaty] than 4GS Luxury, which in turn is still more firmly damped than base 3 Series and base C Class.
Overall, the 3IS rides worse than 4GS, and more importantly, the 3IS has much more cruising noise at 60 mph than 4GS.
However, the 3IS is much more maneuverable than 4GS, and the 3IS has sharper steering, more terminal grip, and most importantly, the 3IS's handling is much more throttle controllable at the limits than 4GS.
It's all horse for courses, and each to their own.
For space, comfort and quietness, go 4GS.
For maneuverability and handling, go 3IS.
If you really really want a comfortable and quiet ride with RWD, you will have to go for a Benz or a Beamer.
There are a number of ways to look for the Luxury package. I find the easiest way is to see if it has a wood steering wheel and front passenger memory seats (switches on passenger door). Luxury package was discontinued I think in 2018.
In looking at a sea of photos, first I look is that it's not a f sport (no f sport badge, front bumper, rims), then the luxury package has different rims than the base and f sport, then if that check out then I look for the 18 way adjustable front seats, then rear console control, and then rear window sunshade, and of course look up the VIN on Lexus website to see all the options that car had from the factory or installed at port.
Refresh started 2016 and the luxury package ended in 2017 so if you want a refresh luxury package, you'd have to look for a 2016 or 2017.
I went through this same process getting my 2016 luxury but if you can, find a 2017 luxury with triple beam unless it's missing other options like ML, HUD, Trunk and Lexus safety system plus (on 2016 as it's standard on the 2017).
I find it interesting that the 2016 is the only model year not included in the recent fuel pump recall. 2013-2015, and 2017-2019 were included. I wonder what happened in 2016? (Thankfully, I have a 2016, heh)
I find it interesting that the 2016 is the only model year not included in the recent fuel pump recall. 2013-2015, and 2017-2019 were included. I wonder what happened in 2016? (Thankfully, I have a 2016, heh)
I bought a 2015 GS350 with less than 14K mi. It is the basic model. No frills. I want a RWD "European" saloon to drive. I got a RWD "European" saloon to drive, with the reliability of a Toyota. Every time I get in the car and hold the steering wheel, I smile. Every time I stomp on the gas pedal and hear the exhaust note, I think I have a V8, but it is only a V6. It is a shame Toyota decided to axe the GS because it is one of their best build models IMHO.
11-12-20, 05:57 PM
