IS 350 vs GS 350
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Driver School Candidate
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From: ca
IS 350 vs GS 350
I'm very close to trading in my 06 IS 350 for an 07 GS 350, the two main reasons are the size, and the mistake I made getting the light interior on the IS. Some people have told me that I should just get a different car because the IS and GS look similar. Any other advantages the GS has over the IS?
Driver
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Ontario
I'm very close to trading in my 06 IS 350 for an 07 GS 350, the two main reasons are the size, and the mistake I made getting the light interior on the IS. Some people have told me that I should just get a different car because the IS and GS look similar. Any other advantages the GS has over the IS?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Texas
With GS350, you will have more space, quiet interior (maybe not in my case), more refined materials.
Minor hold back, you will loose the boy-racer performance of IS350 and an iPOD connection.
IMO, go with the GS350 or GS460.
Minor hold back, you will loose the boy-racer performance of IS350 and an iPOD connection.
IMO, go with the GS350 or GS460.
Last edited by slk_dds; Jun 18, 2007 at 01:37 PM.
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: CA
I just did what you are contemplating. I owned another GS before the IS and am glad that I went back. The GS is obviously bigger and therefore more comfortable. The ride is also smoother, as it is not tuned quite as much for handling. The center console is better - it's nice to be able to hold two drinks without making room in the already small console. My wife and kids hated driving in the IS, and are now begging me to put tv screens in the GS so we can drive it all the time (as opposed to our suv). In general, it just feels more refined. Oh, the tires can be rotated since they're all the same size 
.
In terms of disadvantages: It is a tad slower, but that's fine for me. It does not have the ipod jack, but an investment in the vais product will not only cure that, it will improve upon it. I noticed a couple of items on the instrument panel display are missing from the GS - the one that comes to mind is the overall mpg. It has the tank mpg, but not the overall.
I'm sure there's plenty more that can be debated. Long story short, I'm glad to be back in the GS, and would probably never have bought the IS if it weren't for the fact that when I bought it, the GS was still running the old 300 motor.
.In terms of disadvantages: It is a tad slower, but that's fine for me. It does not have the ipod jack, but an investment in the vais product will not only cure that, it will improve upon it. I noticed a couple of items on the instrument panel display are missing from the GS - the one that comes to mind is the overall mpg. It has the tank mpg, but not the overall.
I'm sure there's plenty more that can be debated. Long story short, I'm glad to be back in the GS, and would probably never have bought the IS if it weren't for the fact that when I bought it, the GS was still running the old 300 motor.
Driver
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 64
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From: CA
I never saw these two cars as direct competitors (i.e.; GS vs IS). It really boils down to what are your requirements. You stated that you need more interior room so if that's your primary deciding factor I think you've already made a decision.
As for other feature comparisons:
- They have different gear ratios
- GS has a larger gas tank
- GS still has a cassette deck (disadvantage?)*
- GS has motorized trunk close*
- GS has longer rear seat legroom (other measurements are almost identical)
- GS can get rear and FRONT park assist (IS can only get rear?)*
- IS has better turning radius
- IS trunk is tiny bit larger than GS
*Unique to GS?
As for other feature comparisons:
- They have different gear ratios
- GS has a larger gas tank
- GS still has a cassette deck (disadvantage?)*
- GS has motorized trunk close*
- GS has longer rear seat legroom (other measurements are almost identical)
- GS can get rear and FRONT park assist (IS can only get rear?)*
- IS has better turning radius
- IS trunk is tiny bit larger than GS
*Unique to GS?
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 495
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From: NY
I went to Lexus looking to get the IS250... then the IS350... then I test drove the GS350 and the rest is history. The IS is a nice car, dont get me wrong, but it feels like a kids car compared to the GS. Think of the IS as the baby GS.
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: CA
I forgot - the GS also has sensors on all four door handles, whereas the IS only has them on the front doors. Seems minor, but very convenient since I like to put my bag in the back seat before I get in the car.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 34
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From: Ca
ah, im trying to decide black on black or white on black. I had a crystal white on black IS300 and loved it. But for some reason, black looks better on this car. White is easier to keep clean. What you guys think?