What are differences? I had a 2008 now looking at new 2014? is it worth it OR SHOULD I buy used?

 

Here is a very similar discussion from a few days ago.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...-opinions.html

 

From what I've read there have been considerable changes to suspension etc. The interior has changed as well as the electronics. From 2013 to 2014 very little has changed - seat color and real LED fog lights.

 

large amount of changes from 08 to 14, honestly 2012 has most of the major changes. After 2013+ are minor things and dont seem worth the price, unless you get a ridiculous deal on a 2013+

 

I would go with a 2011 if money was a bit tight. The 2011 got all the major revisions. The 2012 got wider wheels.

 

2011 if you have less budget, 2013 to me is the best. has some suspension and steering tweaks over 2012, and then you don't have to pay big for 2014, which doesn't get you much, a silly CF spoiler, and some F's in the headrests and some alcantara inserts

 

2008. Save yourself a ton of cash and keep your eyes open for an LSD to add later. That's the only option I care about and will add to mine. Got mine for 13K less with 39k miles (CPO as well if you care about that) than the average 2011 in great shape. I prefer the tighter suspension.

 

 

hmm, the 2008 isn't 'tighter' i don't think but definitely less capable. in fact the 2011's and up are MUCH quicker around a track than the 08's, and its not due just to the addition of the LSD. there were suspension tweaks and changes for the better, steering, spring rates, bushings, damping etc.

but you are definitely right, can save a lot of money for an 08 vs later year, but it does come at some expense.

EDIT: on second thought the OP looks like he has some money. in that case, i'd get the '14 and match the other vehicles in your stable, ha. 2013 at a minimum

 

can buy an 08, add OS Giken LSD, aftermarket suspension or if you can find a 2011+ OEM takeoff suspension, 2011+ steering ECU

 

It all depends on what you expect of the car. If you want the quickest around a road course, you want a '13 or '14. If you want to look good and just drive around on the street, find a low mile '08 and save a few dollars. If you're somewhere in between, a good deal on the '11 is probably the best compromise for ride comfort, track speed, and latest amenities.

 

I was not aware that 2008-09 vs newer styles were that much of a difference around the track, I knew of the supension, LSD changes as 2 major differences othet than a few cosmetics.

 

this sounds like a lot of work though, ha. and anyway, not all the newer oem suspension parts don't fit on the older years.

plus its not just the steering ECU, i think the actual steering rack changed as well. plus i'd rather have what the lexus engineers designed, together as a one working system as opposed to pieceing together aftermarket suspension parts and components and hoping you end up with something that handles as good as a later MY.

but definitely an option as you say. i would just personally prefer the optimized stock setup.

 

Looking at the data panel of different car magazines, seems like 08 was quicker (not around the track) 0-60 4.2 versus later 4.6. Someone should really do a head to head stock vs stock 08 vs 14.