greys0uled

Lexus not updating the GS for eight years, then seeing them discontinue it, then seeing the IS get a refresh after EIGHT YEARS, then seeing them put a V8 in it.. still has me sick.

I hate the IS.

jgscott

iTrader: (1)

No update no big deal, it was a nicely designed change from Gen 3 to Gen 4. Discontinue, with low sales for a model it happens. IS refreshed it was and still is selling well. V8 in now, it had a V8 way back in the IS F.

The nightmare I have dreams about over and over was that the 4th Gen had a 350, 450h, 200T, but.....they did not put in the 460 V8. I just can't seem to wake up from the nightmare. One of the sweetest motors on the planet is the 1UR. As a owner of the 3rd Gen GS460, just think what the 4th Gen GS would have been with the 4.6 V8 starting at 342hp, and 340 ft of tq stock crank ratings. My GS460 gained 37hp Dyno'd with just a Unichip tune, 48 with Intake, Exhaust and Tune. One day I just might swap the GS F motor in if I found one blown and could rebuild it with, crank, rods, piston, cams and other. What a sleeper it would be. Kinda a 4th Gen 5.0 V8 GS Lux. Make my own 5th Gen GS!

Kingmatt24

Yeah, Lexus screwed up by not having a middle V8 option between the GS350 which started under $50K and the GS F that started at $85K.. old school sedan like the GS should’ve had a proper V8 option like the GS460

Kingmatt24

Anyway I wish they made the ES350 in AWD.. that’s the main thing keeping me away from it. ES350 F sport with AWD would be perfect as it’s a really nice car inside out. Instead they only offer an ES250 in AWD with grocery getter Camry 4 cylinder engine LOL

703

The IS looks awesome from the outside. Best looking sedan Lexus has.

But too cramped even for a small person inside. So that is the deal breaker.

GrandSedanFan

iTrader: (1)

Having driven thousands of miles in our IS350, I can definitively say that I do not fit in them. The seat bottoms are way too narrow and my left leg sits on top of the outer bolster. All I can feel is the metal seat frame digging into my leg. And if the car doesn't have power tilt/telescoping column, the steering wheel doesn't go up high enough for me to get in and out. The pivot point of the manual column is deep in the dash and the upper most limit is the lower limit of comfortable for my driving position. The only way I could have one is with memory package/power tilt AND if I have a body or upholstery shop bend the seat bottom bolsters out. I was seriously considering a 2021 face lift IS, but Lexus USA product planners omitting memory package from the 2021 IS across the board was an actual dealbreaker.

However, the size of the steering wheel is perfect, which Lexus also clearly understood because they put it in the GS-F.

BMGS

iTrader: (1)

They are gorgeous cars and catch my eye every time I see one. I can see it it being tight for me and the rear car seat so if I had to replace the GS with a Lexus sedan for about $50k, I'd go with a 3 year old LS500 for the price.

Kingmatt24

The RC I test drove yesterday had a foot parking brake, I was shocked. And I’m sure it’s the same for the IS. Looking at listings it seems they didn’t change that until 2021 model year which is pathetic. And don’t even get me started on RC/IS models with black interior, looks absolutely depressing and outdated beyond belief

ItzFilyO

Yeah the whole RC line is a dinosaur. Still has foot parking brake and no all speed cruise control. Glad I got rid of mine and went back to the GS when I had the chance.

Savjam

I had the IS 350 F Sport before my GS 350 F Sport. The GS is in the next class up from the IS, not just in size but in every important dimension such build quality, quality of craftsmanship and materials and overall refinement. One area I was especially surprised at was how much more solid the GS felt compared to the IS (like a Mercedes).. I was really surprised at this and was reminded of it this week when I had a IS300 F Sport as a loaner. The GS also feels more balanced than the IS. I loved the IS but the GS is a much better car. I could not go back. In terms of a replacement - that is a tough one as the GS is a really special car. The only comparable cars would be a BMW 5-Serries or a Mercedes E-Class but reliability would bnot be as good. Anyway, good luck with your decision.

jgscott

iTrader: (1)

German cars too many repairs. Been there done that. Not going back no matter how nice they are. Gneiss G70 is my replacement if I have to replace the GS before time. Fits the bill nice, and has the newest Infotainment and Technology. Fast and inexpensively performance moded tunable too.

Nalod

I got my wife out of the big SUV thing years ago and she loves Audi Avants/wagons/Allroads.
Me too,
Genesis brings that G70 “shooting brake” they sell in europe I’d be on that in a minute.
My 2020 GS, now with me 3 years is my first non Manual car. I drove manual BMW, Audi, for 25 years. A6 biturbo Allroad in 2003, 2007 530, 2007 328 sport, and 2013 535i. All stick.
Did they even do MT on IS? The old IS sportwagon was very cool!
I like small cars too but dig the sport + and it tightens things up enough.
We have a 3rd 2 seater german convertable MT play thing so we ok for now.
I love the style of the new IS and since I lost 30lbs I fit in things better.
But, money matters and paying more for IS AWD F sport 350 when mine has only 21k miles on it, a 2020 is not enough return for the money. I get some of the small car fun and Apple car play.
My GS is a sleeper. I like that. Im happy,, its all that counts.

tompass

I still have my '13 GS350 but also purchased a G70 3.3. Wonderful car but certainly smaller than GS. I would think that those looking at the IS take a look at the Genesis. You may be surprised.

jgscott

iTrader: (1)

Yes Kia and Genesis are impressive if you care to review them. The G70 is not IS small, but also the GS350 back seat sucks for a 4 door car its size, IMO.

Kingmatt24

one thing I hear about Hyundai/Kia a lot is that their dealers pretty bad and also don't like sticking true to those "great" warranties they advertise. Just as a heads up