uplusd

Hi,

Has anyone here gone from a 2nd gen GS300/430 to a IS250/350? I was hoping you could share your insight about the switch. I'm mainly wondering if someone could compare the difference in the smoothness of the ride. Also wondering how you feel about the difference in space/size. Anything else you have to say would also be useful.

Thanks!

javyLSU

iTrader: (21)

Haha, when I saw the title of your thread, the first thing that came to mind was the HUGE difference in interior space... You really are going to have to sit in an IS and see if you're comfortable with the interior. It's fine for me, I love it - but coming from such a spacious and cushy car like the GS, you're in for some shock therapy (especially the back seating space). Smoothness of ride is similar, although I would definitely give the nod to the GS.

Javier

ABC

^ lol, that was my first thought too

Ramon

There is a pretty big difference in both smoothness and space.

Bichon

Maybe I test drove on bumpier roads than you, but I found the '06 GS430 soaked up the bumps a whole lot better than the IS. The penalty, which I wasn't willing to pay, came in the handling. Hustling the GS through the same series of twisties, it felt like a much bigger and heavier car -- softer and less fun-to-drive.

Ramon

My thoughts exactly.

jsquared

yeah, i agree w/everyone here. ususally, i hear it the other way around, going from an IS to a GS. anyway, if i had to compare space, the IS is like a normal closet and the GS is like a walk-in closet. as for driving, the IS is a lot more fun than the gs300. not sure about the gs430, but i would assume the IS is still better.

jman-is350

It really depends on your driving style/habbit. I like the IS better because it's easier to maneuver and more fun to drive while the GS is a more luxurious car.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

It also depends on your size. If you have long legs or a tall torso, or a tall neck, or broad shoulders....the IS would be a tough fit. I tried getting into one 5 times and hit my head on the door sill all 5 times. Sitting in it felt like a sardine in a can.
The GS is roomy as all get out. Really comfy. It can be made to have a firmer ride but you can't change the size. It's a big boat of a car.

There's another issue. Going from a GS to an IS is sort of downgrading. Not many people do something like that. Doesn't make it wrong or bad but most people wouldn't do it.

dong888

iTrader: (1)

This may be off topic a bit. I test drove the GS450h at the taste of lexus event and it is a great car. I believe the handling is a bit better than IS (stock to stock). GS is a lot roomier and smoother than the is350; however, I love my IS350 sports for its looks and performance. GS looks like for a slightly older age group.

ISbb

The GS is much bigger than the IS, personally I will not compare this two car together... only the outlook I like the IS over the GS, for comfort GS over the IS... I don't know...

Crazy Yoda

I think it boils down to how you drive. If you like to cruise along and are not an aggresive drive and like lots of comfort then the GS is the way to go. IF you drive a bit more on the edge and comfort is not as important (but the IS is comfy) then the IS is the car for you. I am also a little larger than average (6'4 and broad shouldered) but the IS adjusts so well it still is comfortable for me to drive. My wife is the opposite of me (5'2 and small) but she also likes the comfort of the IS.