ES to GS
02-19-14, 12:37 PM
#1
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ES to GS
Well, went to the local dealer today looking to buy an ES350 ultra lux. Instead I test drove a RWD GS and liked it a lot. After that I test drove the ES. It felt exactly like my current 07ES. Not that thats a bad thing, but it just seemed I was ready for something new. It about 10k more than I am wanting to spend. I really liked the larger nav screen and the all leather steering wheel. Any one recently made the move from ES to GS? I'm looking for one with Mark L system, so sticker is going to be in the high 50's verses a loaded ES in upper 40"s. Thanks to all in advance.
02-19-14, 12:55 PM
#2
I had two ES350s and would have went with a '13 but I didn't like the interior quality vs the last generation.Nicer layout but the quality just wasn't the same to me.
I wound up going with the GS and never looked back.Great car and worth the cost difference,IMO.
You should be able to get a GS at least at invoice now.
I wound up going with the GS and never looked back.Great car and worth the cost difference,IMO.
You should be able to get a GS at least at invoice now.
02-19-14, 01:15 PM
#3
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I definitely saw and felt a difference in overall quality between the two. I'm an ES veteran, my 07 is the 3rd one i've owned. And each time I got a new one it was a upgrade from the previous generation. The 14 felt the same as my 7 year old ES. I had all intentions to buy another ES, so I knew all the options, colors, exactly what I wanted. Now I have some homework to do. IE just reading through the GS brochure and I see that the wood and leather steering wheel in the luxury package replaces the all leather steering one that I really liked on my test drive. bummer I'm looking for a specific color combo, black/black, which the dealer did not have. Did get a print out of one on the lot with luxury package,blind spot, Mark L, nav, power trunk,park assist for a sticker price of 59400. What kind of invoice price should I be looking for with a similar car. Thanks.
02-19-14, 01:16 PM
#4
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I had an older ES (2003) so my experience my not factor in much here, but there is a big difference in the cars. Everything about my ES was "soft." The interior, the ride, and even to some extent, the throttle response. I had expected an eleven year newer "performance luxury" car to cary over the softness of ride while having a sharper interior and sharper throttle response. Well, the ride isn't nearly as smooth, but it's not a bad thing. The GS feels like a sports car first and luxury second. I don't regret the trade (ignoring the 11 year difference), but driving it definitely took some getting used to after having my ES for so long.
Last edited by r2xj; 02-19-14 at 01:17 PM. Reason: fixed typo
02-19-14, 01:29 PM
#5
I definitely saw and felt a difference in overall quality between the two. I'm an ES veteran, my 07 is the 3rd one i've owned. And each time I got a new one it was a upgrade from the previous generation. The 14 felt the same as my 7 year old ES. I had all intentions to buy another ES, so I knew all the options, colors, exactly what I wanted. Now I have some homework to do. IE just reading through the GS brochure and I see that the wood and leather steering wheel in the luxury package replaces the all leather steering one that I really liked on my test drive. bummer I'm looking for a specific color combo, black/black, which the dealer did not have. Did get a print out of one on the lot with luxury package,blind spot, Mark L, nav, power trunk,park assist for a sticker price of 59400. What kind of invoice price should I be looking for with a similar car. Thanks.
Figure around 7.5% off sticker.
02-19-14, 01:39 PM
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02-19-14, 07:05 PM
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Had a 2013 ES and traded that in for a 2014 GS. They are completely different cars. The ES mutes road feel, the ride is very smooth, almost boring. It has more leg room for rear seat passengers. One annoyance for me was the faux wood steering wheel, which got very slick at times. The GS has a firmer ride, excellent road feel, is very nimble, but has less rear seat legroom. I've seen a number of people, including myself, go from a ES to a GS. Everyone, myself included, have been very happy. Haven't seen anyone moving from a GS to an ES. If anyone has made that move you should also get their opinions.
Last edited by NobodyHere; 02-20-14 at 04:02 AM.
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02-19-14, 08:31 PM
#8
I was finally parting with my 1997 es300 and planned on getting a new ESh. The power turned me off so looked at the es350. Very disappointed in the interior quality, much less that my 97. I wanted to stay with Lexus for reliability so had to move up to the GS. I got a quote from the buying services for a 2014 lux with bsm, nav, and parking assist for $53,030 but they didn't have any in stock so I looked around. One dealer had a 2013 lux for $9300 off MSRP which put it in the same ballpark as the ES350 ultra lux. I then found out the 2013 GSh's now came into my price range and got one for $11,000 off MSRP. There is no comparison between the ES and the GS!
The trade off was depreciation for one year-no problem, I keep my cars a long time. No rcta which I really wanted. Folding mirrors, never use them in my MB. My 10 way seats are fine. Lux has 18 way. The GSh comes with premium package. AVS is standard as in the lux. most if not all the cold weather package is also included. Also has the sport+ mode same as the lux. And the biggest complaint for the GS is the MPG. No problem with the GSh I get just over 30mpg in town driving! The additional power with the electric motors makes me think I am back in my old Corvette.
I did see a 2013 lux GSh in AutoTrader at Plano Texas for $66,000 black on black. I am sure there is more fat on that price. Also, look at the manufacture date. Mine had been sitting on the lot for over 18months so they were very motivated to move the car. Bottom line, don't overlook the 2013's they can be had for a great price but they are going fast. Hope this helps.
The trade off was depreciation for one year-no problem, I keep my cars a long time. No rcta which I really wanted. Folding mirrors, never use them in my MB. My 10 way seats are fine. Lux has 18 way. The GSh comes with premium package. AVS is standard as in the lux. most if not all the cold weather package is also included. Also has the sport+ mode same as the lux. And the biggest complaint for the GS is the MPG. No problem with the GSh I get just over 30mpg in town driving! The additional power with the electric motors makes me think I am back in my old Corvette.
I did see a 2013 lux GSh in AutoTrader at Plano Texas for $66,000 black on black. I am sure there is more fat on that price. Also, look at the manufacture date. Mine had been sitting on the lot for over 18months so they were very motivated to move the car. Bottom line, don't overlook the 2013's they can be had for a great price but they are going fast. Hope this helps.
02-19-14, 08:55 PM
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I did move from ES 2007 to GS 2014. if you make the switch to GS you will only lose the soft and smooth ride of ES other than this the GS is wayyyy better and much fun to drive 
02-19-14, 08:56 PM
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02-20-14, 06:31 AM
#12
I just put in the pricing using USAA web site. I found that this number is one the dealers will match so is a good starting point.
2013 GS350 with Lux: MSRP $59193. Buying group price: $49634. Savings of $9559
2014 GS350 with Lux: MSRP $59591. Buying group price: $55099. Savings of $4492
2013 GS450h w/0 Lux: MSRP $65,643 Buying group price: $55870.
2013 GS450h with Lux: MSRP $70848. Buying group price: $60659
Hope this helps.
2013 GS350 with Lux: MSRP $59193. Buying group price: $49634. Savings of $9559
2014 GS350 with Lux: MSRP $59591. Buying group price: $55099. Savings of $4492
2013 GS450h w/0 Lux: MSRP $65,643 Buying group price: $55870.
2013 GS450h with Lux: MSRP $70848. Buying group price: $60659
Hope this helps.
02-22-14, 01:05 PM
#13
Lexus Fanatic
I switched to the GS after having two ES's. a 2003 and a 2010. I also switched because of poor quality changes in the 2013 ES's interior.
Very satisfied, love the car. Its firmer at low speeds over potholes and such, but never harsh. I actually think it rides just as well if not better than the ES at speed where the overall suspension feels more refined.
02-27-14, 05:38 PM
#14
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I pulled the trigger today. RWD GS with luxury pack, blind spot, mark l, nav ,power trunk, park assist. Black/Black. My 07 ES served me really well. 78000 trouble free miles. Dealer found one for me it should be in early next week
. One question- has any one had the glass breakage sensor installed. Even though it's going to be garaged at night I'm still thinking about adding it.
. One question- has any one had the glass breakage sensor installed. Even though it's going to be garaged at night I'm still thinking about adding it.