Blueshark

I have a ES350 2008 right now with almost 250 000 km. I got very lucky to pickup my ES with almost all the options available which i enjoy every minute of it. Now, it is time to search for another RELIABLE car.

My option was to say with the ES350 later models (all options are almost a must for me) OR going with a GS350. I like the older models vs the latest one, On the ES, i like anything 2012 and under. For the GS, some thing.

Now the big question: what is more reliable of the two, since that factor is very important to me. For the feel of the car, i like both, i adapt very well on every car i had.

thank you.

Aron9000

They're both going to give you great service, I wouldn't say one is better than the other. There is one exception, don't buy a 2005 GS, that was the first year for the new body style, they had some issues that first year that didn't effect any other years.

As for which one is better, I'd buy the GS. Its RWD and has a much better chassis/suspension setup. Drive them both, the GS is IMO a way nicer driving car and handles more securely. The only real advantages I can think of with the ES is its cheaper, has a bigger back seat and trunk.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

The ES is way more reliable. Nothing else to be said. Won't go into details.

Lexus081

and you think rear wheel drive is better? have you driven a rwd in the winter?
fuel economy fwd is better and also for winter driving... rwd is a P-A-I-N IN THE A-S-S in winter

LexBob2

OP, are you considering an AWD or RWD GS?

Aron9000

Actually I hate FWD cars in the snow. You lose grip in the middle of a turn(ie enter a bit too fast), it'll just plow you into the ditch. With RWD, if you enter into a turn a bit too fast and it starts to plow, give it a little bit of throttle and opposite lock in the steering, it'll straighten itself out.

Now granted with a RWD car you have to have the right set of tires. Things like Corvettes with 10" wide rear tires shouldn't be driven in winter, but normal cars with skinnier tires, no worries. Something like a Lexus GS with winter tires on it, well if it gets bad enough to where you can't get around in that, its probably a blizzard and you shouldn't be driving anyways IMO.

12jimmyjam

If safety is a concern, I can tell you that the ES is fantastic in this area. I got plowed into by a semi at highway speeds from behind earlier this year and made it through without too bad of injuries. Most people who saw the car said that I was lucky to be alive.

SW17LS

I would drive a RWD car on winter tires in the snow before I would drive a FWD car on winter tires in the snow. No question. Anyways, the 06-11 (no 2012 GS) GS comes in AWD too.

As for reliability, ES's of that vintage will be more reliable. Reliability on that generation GS is a weak point. The GS was significantly improved in 2013, before that I personally don't think its that big an improvement over the ES day to day, I prefer the RWD setup but inside I don't think its all that much nicer, the ES is bigger, etc.

2013 GS vs 2013 ES I wouldn't even consider the ES.

Aron9000

I know the 2nd gen GS, the ones with the 1UZ and 3UZ V8 and 2JZ inline six are darn near bullet proof. Of course those are all 10+ years old now days, but they're still one of my favorite Lexus models. I like them a lot more than the 3rd gen cars that replaced them.

SW17LS

Thats an entirely different thing comparing a 2GS, the 3GS had some issues, especially early on.

CQRT

you've had an ES for 250000km- unless you're just bored, why change ?

Blueshark

I really appreciate the inputs. I still love my car, i've customized it well for my need by adding various amendities, but some updates cannot be done like having a AWD or better driving sensation. That been said, RELIABILITY will always be on my top priority.

If the GS give the same kind of wear and tear than the ES, that is a great reliability for me.

How is the comfort on the GS vs the ES : seating, suspension, cabin noise. If the comfort is on par with the ES, that is a great plus for me.

Franky, the one reason i'm considering the GS is the AWD, i don't care about horsepower. Quebec winter demands a AWD car.

ESh

GS drives better, but I think is not that comfortable or quiet. GS rattles like hell and for sure reliability is not on his side.

SW17LS

The ride is more similar than you would think. Comfort, cabin noise IMHO are better than the ES

ESh

No, the GS rides more like a BMW 5. The GS is firm. The ES is soft.