myLexus007

Hello All!

Sadly, after only 8 months of purchasing 2013 ES300h, I've decided to let her go. It's a great vehicle on MPG but I need sport + power now, changed job to shorter commute, and I felt this generation ES has too much road and wind noise (perhaps it's the hybrid) compared to last generation.

I've narrowed down that I want GS350 F-Sport. Looking at a 2013 GS-F Sport now with 37,000 miles, asking price $30700 from a non-Lexus dealer. Is that a good price? How much can I go lower?

Also, I understand 2014 GS changes from 6-speed to 8-speed. Is it worth paying the extra? What other changes from 2013 to 2014?

Thanks

joedaddy1

iTrader: (1)

2014

search for the differences. Plenty of threads on google

teezee1000

I traded in my ES for a GS 2 months ago... best move I made. ES is a nice car but I'm not in my 60's yet lol

Afrosheen

14, no brainer. Small yet nice changes. I think they introduced res+ in 14 or 15, they forgot to put it in the 13's while all other models got it.

dchar

Definitely go for a 2014...some added features are dynamic moving lines for backup camera, subscription-free HD radio traffic info update, 8-speed auto, climate concierge (auto heat/ventilation setting for seats), few refinement changes (ex. Trunk lining).

JDR76

^^^ I don't believe HD traffic/weather came until 15.

rjm

Many prefer the 6-speed tranny in the '13 model, myself included. A search on this subject will bring up lots of information on the differences.

er34

If you think the ES300h has excessive road/wind noise, are you sure the GS is really a good choice? You should test drive it longer to make sure you have your expectations set right.

AJLex19

Go with a '13 if you want to find the best deal for the 4GS (personally would take a lwr mileage, '13 over a higher mileage '14 with the same price). You will end up paying $3k-$4k more for a '14 in the CPO market.

Go with the '14 if you care about a few updated features (pwr trunk, power folding mirrors, 8speed tranny on the RWD, firmware update to Nav system).

myLexus007

Good point! Reason for my assumption the GS is better built because I drove my brother 535i for extended time and thought the road/wind noise was much quieter (this generation 5-series is more like a cruiser) and suspension (comfort and sport) was top notch. Hence that assumption since the GS is in the same class with the 5. ESh disappointed me, didn't drive the ES350 for this generation so I can't comment.

bclexus

Agree. The 6-speed transmission is much better than the 8-speed.

songoku

What's New for 2014
-Transmission Sport mode now provides eight steps, rather than six, and also adds a kickdown switch
-Flush mounted sensors for available Intuitive Park Assist
-Full color display added to optional Heads-Up Display
-Available Blind Spot Monitor adds Rear Cross Traffic Alert and power-folding mirrors
-Siri Eyes Free technology licensed from Apple; compatible with iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 models
-Climate Concierge feature now included with optional heated/ventilated seats.
-Luxury Package changes: LED foglamps, Superchrome finish for 18-inch wheels, and the rear armrest control panel display adds display option to view radio station and song title information.
-Lexus Night View system discontinued

atrac7

I test drove a bunch of 14's and 13's before going with the 13.

I will say, since my model DOES have the HUD, I would have liked the color display. I also could have benefited from the powerfolding mirrors when parking in downtown Dallas at times. A power trunk close would have been nice too, because for some reason the rear deck requires an awful amount of force to close it. Kind of silly for such a high end car (regardless of the year).

However...the downshifts on the 14 versus the 13 was very noticeable for me. On the 14, you could sense a feeling of the car "hunting" for the proper RPM range and gear. On the 13, there was much more of a sense of urgency when clicking down a few gears. I enjoyed the sound tone more on the 13 too when throwing it into sport + and downshifting.

If one isn't into spirited driving and feeling more "connected" to the car, then 14 is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a little bit of drama, the 13 really made me smile when test driving. Can't go wrong with either options though.

2013 Pros:

• Better for spirited driving (IMO, could be subjective)
• Price point. There was a noticeable difference in pricing between 13 and 14s. The deals around here were too sweet for me to look beyond the 2013 model

2014 Pros:

• More refined in terms of tech updates, but I think you'd really appreciate it only if you're used to a 2014+, and then have to go back to 2013. Then you may gripe about the lack of some creature comforts.
• I would assume it seems to hold its resale value a bit better due to some "future" proofing of said technology (8spd vs 6spd)

islandbeef

The folding mirrors of the '14 are a nice touch. But I'd stick with the 6 spd '13.

myLexus007

Are you North TX? The dealers here seem to be firm on their prices and not too eager to negotiate. I test drove '14 yesterday, it was unimpressive compared to the IS350 F Sport I had for a loaner in term of handling (expected since it's smaller), and power to ratio. And certainly no where near power and comfort to similar size 535i I drove.

I didn't test the '13 as they don't have it. Maybe the 6-speed is better in acceleration?

Was disappointed the '14 doesn't have power trunk and none has HUD.