Trade in IS350?
01-22-07, 09:07 AM
#18
I actually thought about it...
And honestly, I think the IS is better for now...
The GS350 is in an odd position. It should handle/perform as well as the IS350 (if not better), but Lexus has made it very soft and plush (and heavily nannied by safety electronics). Some people have commented that there is a lack of difference in drivability between the GS and ES; both are soft and comfortable, even though the GS is RWD and the ES is FWD. So, I question buying a $50k GS350 when it rides like a $35k ES350...
The GS needs to be a bit more aggressive before I trade up. For now, the IS is good enough for me.
The GS350 is in an odd position. It should handle/perform as well as the IS350 (if not better), but Lexus has made it very soft and plush (and heavily nannied by safety electronics). Some people have commented that there is a lack of difference in drivability between the GS and ES; both are soft and comfortable, even though the GS is RWD and the ES is FWD. So, I question buying a $50k GS350 when it rides like a $35k ES350...
The GS needs to be a bit more aggressive before I trade up. For now, the IS is good enough for me.
01-22-07, 10:20 AM
#20
Lead Lap
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Anyway, might was well wait for the gs460.....
01-22-07, 10:25 AM
#21
The ES is a great car for people that want to move up from a Camry. However, it is the least performance-oriented car in the lineup. Unfortunately, the GS350 is not that far off performance-wise...
01-22-07, 11:20 AM
#23
And honestly, I think the IS is better for now...
The GS350 is in an odd position. It should handle/perform as well as the IS350 (if not better), but Lexus has made it very soft and plush (and heavily nannied by safety electronics). Some people have commented that there is a lack of difference in drivability between the GS and ES; both are soft and comfortable, even though the GS is RWD and the ES is FWD. So, I question buying a $50k GS350 when it rides like a $35k ES350...
The GS needs to be a bit more aggressive before I trade up. For now, the IS is good enough for me.
The GS350 is in an odd position. It should handle/perform as well as the IS350 (if not better), but Lexus has made it very soft and plush (and heavily nannied by safety electronics). Some people have commented that there is a lack of difference in drivability between the GS and ES; both are soft and comfortable, even though the GS is RWD and the ES is FWD. So, I question buying a $50k GS350 when it rides like a $35k ES350...
The GS needs to be a bit more aggressive before I trade up. For now, the IS is good enough for me.
01-22-07, 12:04 PM
#24
Lexus Test Driver
i dont really agree about the whole GS and ES argument. i drove both cars back to back really hard. The ES handles like a typical front driver and the ride was very squishy, absoultely boring, very little steering feel. The GS on the other hand handled a lot better, felt more stable and had better steering feel. The handling difference between the two is almost like night and day. And driving the GS450H is even better.
01-22-07, 12:29 PM
#26
Driver
Join Date: Mar 2006
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The differences between the GS and ES shine through when each car is driven at or near its limit.
My grandfather owns an ES, and the driving experience is completely and utterly devoid of any feeling whatsoever. The ES isn't for driving enthusiasts. That's what the IS is for.
My grandfather owns an ES, and the driving experience is completely and utterly devoid of any feeling whatsoever. The ES isn't for driving enthusiasts. That's what the IS is for.
01-22-07, 12:50 PM
#27
Yup. The ES is the only FWD car of Lexus. The RX can be FWD also, but you can get it as AWD...
The ES is a great car for people that want to move up from a Camry. However, it is the least performance-oriented car in the lineup. Unfortunately, the GS350 is not that far off performance-wise...
The ES is a great car for people that want to move up from a Camry. However, it is the least performance-oriented car in the lineup. Unfortunately, the GS350 is not that far off performance-wise...
No what the ES is great for is for buying your wife a car and having her get excited because its a Lexus and a bigger car- but you know the truth- and the rewards of a happy wife-
01-22-07, 01:52 PM
#28
There is a big war between the IS and 3-Series, and the competition is exciting. It makes people desire the IS350.
There is also a big war between the GS and 5-Series, which the GS is severely losing. The GS is selling far less than expected; less than the 5-Series and even Infiniti's M.
If the GS was significantly more sporty, it would be a better contender, and worth the extra premium over the ES. In turn, the ES would be able to stand alone as the "old man's" everyday car.
So far, only the IS provides a good balance between lux and performance...
01-22-07, 02:54 PM
#29
Pole Position
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According to most reviews that I have read, and from a test drive that I took in a friends GS 430, the GS just needs to be tightened up a bit. The 450h moves more in that direction. I think that Lexus needs to figure this out, and the GS will compete with the BMW 5 no problem. I love the styling of this car much more the the 5 series.
01-22-07, 02:55 PM
#30
Super Moderator
Couldn't agree more. The GS430 looked great on paper, and while it had good acceleration it just wasn't much fun behind the wheel. If I needed a Japanese car that size, I'd probably have pulled the trigger on an M45.