JTMav

I agree. I have a 2013 and have found it close to perfect. The 2016 may have enough new bells and whistles to get me back to the dealership.
YMMV
JTMav

gs300awd18

I'm surprised the 2013 GS didn't have power folding mirrors. All the 3rd gen GSs, 2006-2011 have them.

gs300awd18

You'd think Lexus would have learned its lesson from all the rattles in the 2006 model. They even gave themselves an extra year of downtime to get the 4th gen ready. Once a car is rattler, it will always be a rattler. I know from experience.

5thavenue

Compared to the 2013, I waited for the 2014 because...
- I don't want a 1st year model car based on experience in the auto industry (plus the 2013 was 1.5 years old by the time I wanted to purchase)
- Power folding mirrors
- Power trunk
- Rear cross traffic alert
- flush mounted sonar parking sensors
- Climate concierge for seat heating and ventilation (these features are now automated)
- LED fog lights (though I don't really use them that much, I still like that they now match the color of the headlights and daytime running lights)
- I like the 8 speed transmission OK
- I like the superchrome finish better on the Luxury wheels compared to the 2013

I don't remember what else changed on the car and if there was anything else I liked better but this is what I remember. I'm happy with my 2014 purchase.

islandbeef

With the brand new models being less expensive than the previous year (when they were brand new) may be another way to bring folks in to upgrade.

ZbynekZ

Next thing I don't understand between US and EU specs. I have got power folding mirrors on my 2013 F Sport Hybrid...

Afrosheen

That's simple part sharing with home/Asian markets. In Japan even cheap cars get folding mirrors because everyone backs into a parking space or uses the robot parking garages. The less stuff sticking out from the car, the less chance it's gonna get snapped off.

My ex is from Thailand and she said there, everyone backs into a parking space (it's the law, for visibility when leaving the space) and all of her cars had folding mirrors for this.

TonyCarson

As much as we wouldn't of minded getting a 2014, the fact that we got every option but HUD for only $44,000 on our 2013 compared to the $52,000+ we kept seeing for the 2014....I can definitely live without those features for now. Not to mention the 2013's are holding their value pretty well from what I see online.

Like I told my fiance, if you always wanted to wait for the newer car with more goodies...you would be waiting forever.

SW17LS

Mines a 2013, no problems. I'd wait for the 2016 refresh.

Ramon

Your first point is actually more of an issue for a 2014 than a 2013. There was really nothing new in 2013 besides the styling. It was using tried and true components. IIRC (and someone will correct me if I'm wrong) 2014 saw the introduction of the 8 speed tranny which a little less tried and true than the outgoing 6 speed, but had still been around for a little while. In essence, the 4GS, of any model year is probably one of the safest new cars you can buy. Now if they come out with a brand new engine for 2016, that will be the one to maybe be concerned about if you don't like buying first model years, even though that will be a 4th model year at that point.

SW17LS

The 2013 was more than just an upgrade in styling from the 2011. The powertrain carried over, but the entire platform, suspension, electronic systems were all new.