Chaidell

Hi all, future gs350 owner here!!! However, I need some help before I make my final decision.

1) Is the F-Sport really worth the upgrade? Both have 8spd trans..... Is the adaptive suspension worth it? Especially if I were to get coilovers later on...

2) I was sitting in the Base yesterday, and noticed that the wood trim doesn't look or feel real. Is it faux wood trim? I know the luxury package includes wood also, and it looks authentic compared to the base.

3) Can anyone comment on the 6spd vs 8spd trans.? How are the '14 owners liking the 8spd? The 6spd was a smooth reliable unit, will the 8spd prove to be as reliable? Is there a big performance/mpg difference between the two?

4) When is the Lexus Summer Sale? If I am looking for the best Lease rate on a 2014 model, is this the sale to wait for? Or is there a better time?

Thank you!!!

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

the 8 speed for the 14 IS/GS is the same one in the ISF. Its smoother than the 6 speed, I notice the difference when I drive the 06 and 14 IS back to back.

5thavenue

I have a 2014 Luxury so I cannot answer all of your questions but here is my opinion:

1. My car has the adaptive suspension but I've never driven a GS without it. I feel that the ride on my GS isn't too cushy so I'm not sure how much the adaptive suspension is working. I don't want to say that the ride is the same as my 2009 Toyota Camry I moved from, but I don't feel like it is much better. When I test drove 2014 Porsche Caymans on 20 inch wheels with and without the adaptive suspension it was very noticable. Without was very harsh when you hit road imperfections.

3. I test drove a 2013 6-speed but not back-to-back with a 2014 8-speed since they were not out at the time when I ordered mine. I feel that the 8-speed shifts to higher gears too fast in some cases and that it hunts for gears more often. Sometimes it is very noticable when I'm slowing down to make a sharp turn and I find it shifting as I'm turning. I feel like the shifts could be better. I think that the 8-speed only gets 1 MPG better on the highway only. I think that the combined MPG for the 6 and 8 speeds is the same. I wish I test drive both and choose which one I want. It seemed like many people on this message board were bashing Lexus for not keeping up with the latest and greatest transmission technology and then as soon as they got the 8 speed they bashed it for not shifting as well as the 6 speed.

Chaidell

Thanks for the responses, although both somewhat contradict each other regarding the transmission.

Kingkrs

iTrader: (1)

I have a 14 AWD with 6 speed and I find it not a problem. I had the 8 speed in my ISF and loved it. it was so super smooth and didn't even notice it change gears. Never had a problem with it hunting for the right gear either. I do wish the AWD came with the 8 speed but this 6 speed is fine. I will say that the engine is super responsive and that helps out a lot.

Chaidell

Thanks for the reply. Anyone have info regarding Lexus' Summer sale? When is it, and what discounts could I expect to receive?

Kingkrs

iTrader: (1)

as far as the F Sport being worth it, well I liked the interior look of the F Sport more and the front fascia as well. But that is just my preference.

gotink

It's the brakes that made the biggest difference for me ,
next to the looks..in my opinion the fsport is worth the money on rear drive cars,but not on the awd...

Chaidell

Thanks, anyone have an answer for #4?

revhigh

Ditto what gotink said ... + summer tires and staggered wheels on the RWD.