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My 2011 ls460 was totaled on Monday, so im looking for a new car. I have my eyes set on a GS350, preferably an F sport. Will i like it? Any quirks i should look out for? Im looking at getting a 2013.
What kind of ride and comfort are you looking for?
The GS not as big as the LS and doesn't ride a smooth as and LS but definitely more fun to drive. I've driven a couple LS before and wanted to buy one. My wife kept telling me its an old mans car so I went with the GS F Sport and don't regret it at all. I think there are a couple guys that went from an LS to a 4GEN GS because its more fun to drive.
My previous car was a 2001 is300, with upgraded suspension, brakes ect. LOVED that car, but was too small for a growing family, so i sold her and got my affordable dream car, the ls460. I believe the LS is under appreciated in general. The reason im looking at a gs is because its sporty yet refined. The LS says luxury, but it does give out an old man vibe lol. Im waiting on the check for the car and settlement so i can begin car hunting again, i bought the LS 5 months ago.
Sorry if i dont make 100% sense, im under heavy medication for the pain.
ES will be more cushy like the LS
(and newer ones actually bigger then the GS)
but GS will be more of a "driver's" car...will actually feel the road and hear engine (some)
F package gives you sportier suspension/feel, but if not buying for looks (different front dam/spoiler) then don't think that much different if just using to cruise like a LS
ES will be more cushy like the LS
(and newer ones actually bigger then the GS)
but GS will be more of a "driver's" car...will actually feel the road and hear engine (some)
F package gives you sportier suspension/feel, but if not buying for looks (different front dam/spoiler) then don't think that much different if just using to cruise like a LS
I dont see myself driving an ES, TBH. I am looking forward to a sportier ride. Will the GS in comfort mode ride softer, like an LS? I love the active Dampers on the F Sport .
I dont see myself driving an ES, TBH. I am looking forward to a sportier ride. Will the GS in comfort mode ride softer, like an LS? I love the active Dampers on the F Sport .
The GS will not float like an LS. It's smooth ride with tight handling but you will feel the road As long as you don't lower with 20s, you will be fine.
Go test drive with your family to test everyone's comfort. I would say anyone taller than 6'1 will have some comfort issues. I was sitting in the back seat of mine today because I was cleaning it and it felt a little tight and I'm 5'11.
My suggestion would be to check out the Luxury Package equipped GS' in your area. That version of the 4GS will probably be most similar to your LS as far as the seats, interior trim, details, etc. go and it still has the Sport Plus setting that the F Sport version has (however, they are supposedly still different either via software or the actual dampers/suspension). I have a Luxury Package equipped 4GS myself and I am quite satisfied with the way it drives, handles, etc. and the car overall. I would guess that for most people, there wouldn't be much of a difference felt between the Luxury Package 4GS and the F Sport. Also as many others have said and/or done, you can get the Luxury Package equipped car and retrofit the F Sport aesthetics (bumper, spoiler, etc.), but you will not be able to retrofit an F Sport with the Luxury Package options. My advice is to drive both versions and go from there.
The LS460 is the nicer car of the two, but I like the GS better. My GS is a base model. As long as you get a better optioned model, you'll be satisfied.
LS460 is much smoother and quieter than the GS. The leather seems to be softer and more plush. LS is much more comfortable for passengers, if that's important to you.
GS is easier to drive due to the size. Personally, I feel the 3.5L engine is a bit weak for a car this size. I can floor the car, and it'll move but without the kick you into the seat like a v8. The doors are not vault-like as it is in the LS. It's the typical Japanese door, maybe half a level above at most.
I'm thinking of doing the opposite as my teenaged sons are getting taller. The rear leg room is lessened with the GS but the driving experience is more precise and less floaty than the LS.
Driving one may help more than asking a stranger's opinion, but I have a XJL and a GS350 now and I almost forgot how nice it is to drive a car that is not huge...
Sorry for the accident man. Hope you recover soon. The GS is pretty small and tight, especially in the back. I wouldn't consider it to be a family car. The middle seat is practically useless as my 5 feet nothing cousin can attest.
Our GS has been a wonderful family car for us, so I do recommend it in general, but as others have said, go do some test driving and see how it feels. It's a lot different from an LS.
04-13-16, 08:18 PM
Coming from a LS460, will i like a gs350?
