Lurker9

I sold my F150 and in the process of looking for a DD/winter car. I've found an almost brand new (just over 100 miles) 2018 GS AWD with Executive Package. The price is too good to turn down as they've marked it down to be around the price of a fully-loaded Rav4 Hybrid.
My question is for anyone who currently owns both GSF and GS, is this something advisable?

shu5892001

Are you asking about the GS350 AWD or the GS-F? This forum is dedicated for the GS-F (5.0 V8 RWD). Not much in common with the GS350 AWD.

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

Well first you need to narrow down which one as the GS-F is a different beast to the regular GS.

Lurker9

I already have the GSF. I have never driven the regular GS AWD and GSF back to back. From the reviews and the Forum posts, the former seems to be a very nice car, but I am interested in the perspective of having both cars at the same time. We all know what a beast the GSF is, so I am worried that I'd quickly get bored with the regular version.

RATEDF

I don't own both GSF and GS AWD. I think you are correct that you'd get bored with the regular version as you already own the F. Since you're looking for a DD/winter, I'd advise you to get a truck again, or a subie.

Lurker9

Agreed. I will use my GSF for the time being. Haven't looked at Subie lineup for a while. Loved the F150, but it was a bit too much for DD.

RATEDF

I agree. A pickup truck would be too much for DD. Get yourself a Camry for a DD. Since you said winter car, then look into Audi's or Subaru's as they have the best AWD systems.

bob256k

The GS awd is very very good; there was a thread on it somewhere out the 4GS. It has more in common with a truck's AWD system than most cars systems. It is also unique from the rest of the Toyota 4WD/AWD systems found among cars and SUVs.

winterturb

So I have the ISF and IS awd and Ls460 awd and am in Canada with plenty of bad roads. It’s not the gsf and gs awd but for comparison purposes will be the same. The isf is a dry pavement beast. In the winter the is250 drives circles around it on snow and ice. Absolute circles. The awd system in these Lexus’s works as well as any Range Rover awd on suspect road conditions. So if traction is what you are after the gs awd with good tires will be supurb. We use blizzaks.

the f series simply have too much power on slippery roads

so I don’t think you will be bored with a gs awd as they are great cars and fun to drive and you can save your gsf for the days when you can really enjoy it

UZ214

why not a LS460 AWD, spoil yourself a bit and they aren't that much more than a GS350 awd? a nice 2013+ f sport could be had for under 30k, or even a older Rx350 is a very good daily driver.

MoarLow

iTrader: (2)

You would get bored of a GS real quick if you’re already driving an F.

Lurker9

I really appreciated all actual experience and ideas posted about the regular GS and alternatives. We had a good snowstorm in Ontario a couple of days ago. I would rate the GSF on snow tires below average for driving in the slushy stuff. I am actively looking for a Lexus winter car.
I just saw a thread in the 4 GS Forum talking about this topic. I am leaning towards it.

golfer17

I test drove a GS350 AWD a few years back. It was awful. Probably one of the worst luxury cars I've driven. No steering feel. Floaty suspension. Felt completely disconnected. And the engine has no torque. I can only assume it is the exact opposite of a GS F. Maybe I had rose colored memories of my old SC400, but the GS350 was a huge letdown.

Flying3

I leased a 2014 GS 350 AWD F sport before my GS F. I agree it's a far cry from the F but I personally would not describe it as floaty. I thought it was a terrific, sporty and well connected sedan. Just 50 HP under powered.

I have an ES 350 now as my winter / snow car. Now that I would describe as floaty.

winterturb

if you want a fun to drive winter car and don’t need the space buy and older is250 awd and out blizzak tires on it. There is not a more fun car to drive in the winter

i have the ls460 awd, isf, is 250awd and a couple lx 470’s

the is250 is far more responsive than the gs due to size and weight. The smaller engine keeps it from breaking loose. It has the right amount of power and weight to make it the near perfect winter beater by a long shot.

Fwiw I have over a million miles on bad winter roads and have tried over 50 vehicles from range rovers h1 hummers’ awd porches, mb’s among others. The is250 awd is my favourite winter ride.