GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020) Discussion about the 2013 and up GS models

from 2005 LS430 to 2015 GS350 AWD?

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Old 01-05-18, 07:10 AM
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Shoafb
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Default from 2005 LS430 to 2015 GS350 AWD?

Guys,

I have had my 2005 LS430 for 7 years now ( 126k on it ) and I am thinking about selling and going to a 2015 AWD GS350 with 50k on it. Any words of wisdom? Has anyone done the same?

Ive done plenty of maintenance on the ls
new struts all the way around
new rotors and brakes last year
alternator and battery
Timing belt and water pump @ 80k

Thanks!

thanks!
Old 01-05-18, 07:22 AM
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joedaddy1
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why are you switching?

Also.. just know.. that the ride height of AWD GS is 0.6" higher than a RWD GS.. it makes the car look pretty bad.
Old 01-05-18, 07:37 AM
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06ls430KTC
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Shoaf, I traded my '06 LS in December of 2016 for a new GS 350. I loved the LS and I love the GS but they are completely different in terms of ride and handling. I was ready for a change and it has worked out well for me. I would make sure you have spent enough time in the GS so you have a good comparison to the LS.
My LS had the Custom Lux package so I wanted the Lux package in the GS because it gives me a lot of the same features I had in the LS.
Good luck!

Originally Posted by Shoafb
Guys,

I have had my 2005 LS430 for 7 years now ( 126k on it ) and I am thinking about selling and going to a 2015 AWD GS350 with 50k on it. Any words of wisdom? Has anyone done the same?

Ive done plenty of maintenance on the ls
new struts all the way around
new rotors and brakes last year
alternator and battery
Timing belt and water pump @ 80k

Thanks!

thanks!
Old 01-05-18, 07:49 AM
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JDR76
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I have not owned an LS but do have a '15 GS AWD. You'll find the ride to be much stiffer than the LS, but I think it hits a perfect compromise between luxury and sport. So definitely take a test drive to make sure you're good with the ride. This is my favorite car I've ever owned.

Originally Posted by joedaddy1
why are you switching?

Also.. just know.. that the ride height of AWD GS is 0.6" higher than a RWD GS.. it makes the car look pretty bad.
It's unfortunate that the AWD model sits higher, but with all due respect, I disagree that it "makes the car look pretty bad".

Old 01-05-18, 07:57 AM
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e60bmw
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I have both cars and they are very different rides. The LS430 is much more luxurious with the ride and "disconnected" from the road. The GS is alot more sporty and fun to drive. I switch between driving them all the time, just depends on the mood I'm in I guess. The LS is much bigger overall and has more backseat space and headroom. The GS engine is much louder even at idle and acceleration, I thought there was something wrong with my GS when I first got it due to how the engine sounds. If I were making the switch I would from the LS, I'm glad I have both cars though. If you have any other questions let me know.
Old 01-05-18, 07:59 AM
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joedaddy1
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Originally Posted by JDR76
It's unfortunate that the AWD model sits higher, but with all due respect, I disagree that it "makes the car look pretty bad".
it's the angle of your pictures that compliments the gap.. we all know that the fronts have more gap then the back.. in your picture, it's the opposite.
Old 01-05-18, 08:10 AM
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Shoafb
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Car looks great JDR!

Same color I am looking at, but it is not an F-sport.
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Old 01-05-18, 08:35 AM
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JDR76
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Originally Posted by joedaddy1
it's the angle of your pictures that compliments the gap.. we all know that the fronts have more gap then the back.. in your picture, it's the opposite.
Okay, here's the most "unflattering" picture I can find where the front wheel gap is easily seen, on my current flat driveway (other picture was at our old house). I'd prefer the gap was smaller (even the RWD has too much in my opinion), but it is what it is and doesn't ruin the look of the car for me, though I do refer to it as my "Lexubaru".

Old 01-05-18, 08:50 AM
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Shoafb
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man... now I really want it... LOL...
Old 01-05-18, 12:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Shoafb
Guys,

I have had my 2005 LS430 for 7 years now ( 126k on it ) and I am thinking about selling and going to a 2015 AWD GS350 with 50k on it. Any words of wisdom? Has anyone done the same?

Ive done plenty of maintenance on the ls
new struts all the way around
new rotors and brakes last year
alternator and battery
Timing belt and water pump @ 80k

Thanks!

thanks!
I would echo the sentiment that others have stated as the differences between an LS and GS. I recently traded my 2013 GS for a 2014 LS because I wanted a smoother, more comfortable ride as I’m spending more time on the highway these days. Also, I’ve always liked big cars. I’ve been very satisfied with my switch. I would definitely recommend spending some time in a GS before purchasing because it is smaller and less smooth over bumps (though not jarring). Find a dealer with a good used GS that would be willing to let you have a 24 hour test drive and then you would probably have a good idea if it is a transition you want to make.
Old 01-05-18, 06:03 PM
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charley95
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I never realized that the RWD's sit so low in the front till I got my 18. Of course I had never seen a RWD in person till I bought mine since they pretty much don't exist here in the midwest. It kind of reminds me of my old Corvette I had.
Old 01-05-18, 06:06 PM
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JDR76, That is the sharpest 15 I think I've ever seen! Your car looks amazing in the pics. It's obviously a labor of love the way you take care of it.
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Old 01-05-18, 06:10 PM
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cwells68
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Originally Posted by charley95
I never realized that the RWD's sit so low in the front till I got my 18. Of course I had never seen a RWD in person till I bought mine since they pretty much don't exist here in the midwest. It kind of reminds me of my old Corvette I had.
Charley, that's a sick *** whip!!!! I like it!

Last edited by cwells68; 01-05-18 at 06:11 PM. Reason: typo
Old 01-05-18, 06:19 PM
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charley95
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Side profile of my RWD. If it wasn't my car and someone said it was an AWD I guess I wouldn't be able to tell much difference.
Old 01-05-18, 06:48 PM
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charley95
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Wonder if there's much difference in ride quality between AWD & RWD?!


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