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I am really tired of the quality issues with my 09 IS250 mostly as it related to the engine carbon build up problem and the Cam gears rattle. It is hard for me to find an IS350 at a good price, however there are 2 used GS350s near me now. 1 is a 2010 GS350 RWD with 79K on it (Asking $17k and the other is a 08 GS350 AWB with 56K on it asking $16k. The 08 for some reason is without NAV and ML sound system. I though I would ask you guys who may help guide me on my decision on what models to avoid and what to look out for.
I went from an IS250 to a GS350 awd best move ever. You lose the sportiness, but so much more comfortable and better built.
Theyre really close to each other minus better quality interior, no melting rubber dash and door panels like the IS. Right now im looking for an LS, as prices on those have dropped recently. If you like the looks I think an LS would be better as there more reliable and are near bullet proof engines
I have both IS350 (with Sport Package) and GS350. The IS handling is much more sporty than GS. GS is far more luxurious and quiet (better sound insulation). Acceleration in a straight line is almost the same. Both are significantly faster than IS250. I would recommend GS350 compared to IS250 just for the engine alone.
I find the GS to be a very good handler already... Only test drove an IS before my GS purchase and I didn't feel a significant difference (though it was only a non sport IS250
The 08 I am looking at has less miles, however it is missing NAV and the upgrade ML audio system. To me that is a turn off, although I have not listened to the systems side by side to see what the difference is. I also assume that car likely has no backup camera as well as it looks like the screen is not color. Does the 08 and 2010 have Bluetooth audio streaming? My 09 IS does not and I find that to be an annoying problem for me.
I went from an IS250 to a GS350 awd best move ever. You lose the sportiness, but so much more comfortable and better built.
Theyre really close to each other minus better quality interior, no melting rubber dash and door panels like the IS. Right now im looking for an LS, as prices on those have dropped recently. If you like the looks I think an LS would be better as there more reliable and are near bullet proof engines
Have you had any issues with your GS? Anything you can tell me when I am looking at the car that I should look out for?
Outside of interior creaks and rattles, there isn't much to worry about with these cars. It's best to get the water pump replaced, just to make sure it's been done though. I have a 460, so I can't say that I experience the same things as the 350 folks, but overall they're very solid cars, with VERY comfortable interiors! I'm 6'4", 225, and I willingly take my GS on road trips because I stay comfortable the whole way. We'll see how she does at the end of the year when I move down to TX (That's for having to move to TX... The car will be great).
I agree. I am also 6'4" and 220lbs and the GS is extremely comfortable. I have the RWD 07 GS350 and with the F Sport sway bars the car handles extremely well. No issues except having to change the alternator. I have 142K
The 08 I am looking at has less miles, however it is missing NAV and the upgrade ML audio system. To me that is a turn off, although I have not listened to the systems side by side to see what the difference is. I also assume that car likely has no backup camera as well as it looks like the screen is not color. Does the 08 and 2010 have Bluetooth audio streaming? My 09 IS does not and I find that to be an annoying problem for me.
Thanks for everyone's responses!
I have a 2007 RWD GS350 and I like it. The engine has decent power for weight of the car, though it does feel a bit heavy when braking and turning corners. In my opinion the B-pillars create a huge blind spots when changing lanes on a multi-lane highway, even with my mirrors pointed outward.
If I recall, all GS350's have backup cameras standard. GPS is something nice to have, but it would be quite outdated now and a smart phone can do a much better job. 2008+ had bluetooth audio streaming, while 06-07 had bluetooth just for phone calls. However 2008 gets you an uglier steering wheel in my opinion. There's a thread on the differences here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...fferences.html
Have you had any issues with your GS? Anything you can tell me when I am looking at the car that I should look out for?
No issues here im at 150k miles on an AWD 08
When I mentioned the LS, the v8 in the LS is very stout and crazy reliable many will go 300-400k miles on that engine with good maintenance. The LS have dropped in prices recently, and I believe there close to what a GS would cost.
handling from an ISx50 to the GS350 is night and day. ive tried to replicate the ISx50 handling with front and rear fsport sways and isf stock suspension. its a little better but thats about it.
overall its a good balance of lux and sporty enough zip for the everyday joe.
01-28-17, 11:10 AM
Thinking of trading my IS250 on a GS350
(That's for having to move to TX... The car will be great).
