SW17LS

You need to try and find a GS with the luxury package to drive. That's what I had, and in several ways the interior was nicer than what is in my LS460. Seats are better, leather is better, tech is better. Material quality otherwise (doors dash) not quite as good which makes sense given the price difference.

DarKnight

iTrader: (3)

If I'm not mistaken, the one I test drove had the luxury package. The seats were I believe 18 way adjustable with the adjustable side bolsters and even the top half of the seat was adjustable. My biggest gripe was the quality of the materials on the doors, the dash, the center console, etc. Even the doors sounded hollow when I closed them, they didn't have that thud. Maybe I'll just keep my current car for a year or 2 until the 2013+ LS is in my price range.

SW17LS

I mean, it's never going to feel AS solid as the LS. It's $25,000 cheaper new than a comparable LS460. Your expectations have to be set properly. If it were every bit as good in all those areas wouldn't all us LS owners feel foolish.

Once you have the top of the line it's hard to go backwards. Once you had it a while it wouldn't bother you as much. The car has attributes I miss, although overall I'm happier with the LS as it's my sort of car. But, backcountry roads in the GS were a blast while in the LS they're a chore. The GS has better seats and much better leather. (my LS doesn't have the semi-aniline leather, although even that isn't as nice as what's in the GS, and IMHO the base leather in the GS is nicer than the base level leather in my LS, which just isn't right.

DarKnight

iTrader: (3)

Therein lies the rub. Any way you slice it, a newer GS still feels like I'm going backwards.

SW17LS

Because you are literally going backwards. Feels like what it is.

Doesn't mean that the cheaper car is a bad car, or that there wouldn't be things about it that you would like. Go drive a 5 Series or E Class you will feel the same way. Trust me I tried.

DarKnight

iTrader: (3)

Yea, I'm just going to wait a year or so and get a 2013 LS. I'm just so disappointed with the newer GS.

SW17LS

I don't think you would be if you weren't coming from the LS. When I upgraded to my GS from the ES I loved the car, especially the interior. Overall it's probably my favorite Lexus I've had.

DarKnight

iTrader: (3)

My wife and I were having that same conversation. If we had been trading in our G37 for the GS it would have been totally worth it.

SW17LS

Yep, exactly.

Caketoo

Loved Both My 2005 and my 2013 LS'. Totaled my 2013 last week and I'm searching high and low for the best deal for 30Kish out the door for a 2013-2017 replacement (Maybe a 2012)??? Just to compare apples to apples all of my internet searches have been for Base AWD models. I saw a 2012 LS460 Base AWD with 41,000 miles for $25,000 Versus a 2015 LS460 Base AWD with 50,000 miles for $32,000. As I type, my answer seems clear to buy the 3 year newer LS for $7,000 additional BUT with two kids in college $7,000 is a huge savings. Lastly, I really do not want to go backwards but is going from a 2013 LS to a 2012 with super low miles really going backwards?? Thoughts?? Much appreciated.

SW17LS

I dont think you will be happy going backwards from a 2013 to a 2012

Black31385

Hmmm is this why the 2007-2012 LS460 and 2013-2017 LS460 forum are together? Always wondered that. I thought the 2013 and up were totally different.

Caketoo

Thanks I agree going to a 2012 from a 2013 might disappoint. I wish the 2013-2017s were called Fifth Generation LS’ to differentiate. My plan is to get into the newest LS I possibly can.

SW17LS

They aren’t totally different. The 2013 is a heavy refresh of the car, but it’s largely the same car.

With that said, the improvements they made are tremendous and IMO the 13+ is a much more appealing and current car.