Thankful I bought the GS350
06-23-14, 06:48 PM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Thankful I bought the GS350
Took my car ('14 GS 350 AWD w/lux pkg, power trunk, cold weather pkg, Nav, BSM, Park Assist) in for its 5000K service today. Only settings I had changed were the open windows from fob.
Was given a '14 ES as a loaner and boy I am happy I bought the GS350. I know, completely different target markets (and cost point) but the GS is so much more refined and nicer to drive. The interior materials give the car another level of luxury. I nearly dislocated my shoulder in the ES while hitting the gas around a corner. The power steering jerk the wheel in the direction of my turn (hard). Did not punch it, just accelerated.
Things I love about the car are the
1. Power and handling - More than I can ever use.
2. Power trunk (never thought I would call this out until having it).
3. Folding mirrors (parked on a tight street the other night and didn't have to worry.) also they serve as a good indicator of if the doors are locked when I can still see the car but out of range of the fob)
4. 18 way adjustable seats (so much more comfortable than the ES) albeit gets a little hard on longer drives.
5. Auto Parking brake (forget I even have a parking brake)
6. Park Assist
7. Visibility, can see all around, include the BSM and Backup Camera in this category. Lacking birds-eye view.
8. Every thing is AUTO.
9. Not an audiophile but really enjoy the base sound system.
10. Most importantly, not definitive (still too early) but likely - Lexus Reliability.
Things not so thrilled about:
1. Exterior styling across all Lexus cars is too similar. Doesn't stand out enough from ES.
2. User interface of nav and communication system could be better refined. I would have loved to had the touch pad versus the joystick. But again, I've learned how to use it, so no problem.
3. Analog clock (reminds me of the old Mitsubishi Diamante advertisements - dating myself). At least put a digital clock on the display.
4. Tires - Ride is a little harsh on the dunlops. I will replace with the Michelins or even change the profile of the tires when the dunlops wear out. I'd give up some handling for better ride.
5. Black interior carpet. Not a big fan of black carpet, hard to see anything (not just an age thing).
Things I've heard others complain about but don't bother me:
1. Transmission is fine. I've learned in Sport and Sport + mode that I may have to shift up after braking or taking foot off of accelerator. still have to learn to downshift if needed. I sometimes think this is more about learning how to drive the car vs the car being "unfriendly"
2. Light in trunk was pretty dim but modified with LED strip as previously posted on this forum, now no problem with seeing what is in the trunk.
3. Unable to have it default in Sport mode but from what I understand that is an EPA rule that mileage estimates be done on the highest default mode.
4. Still open - Ventilation mode - Recirc vs fresh air - use to default to fresh air but lately is recirc, so it is probably a setup thing. UPDATED - Just was posted on another thread - Lexus employs Recirc-Lock when the temp is 75F+. Not a fan (no pun intended), dries out the sinus' and is not healthy for me.
These are all personal preferences. I had a 2000 GS300 before buying this new and haven't looked back.
LASTLY, This forum is awesome as a resource for research.
Was given a '14 ES as a loaner and boy I am happy I bought the GS350. I know, completely different target markets (and cost point) but the GS is so much more refined and nicer to drive. The interior materials give the car another level of luxury. I nearly dislocated my shoulder in the ES while hitting the gas around a corner. The power steering jerk the wheel in the direction of my turn (hard). Did not punch it, just accelerated.
Things I love about the car are the
1. Power and handling - More than I can ever use.
2. Power trunk (never thought I would call this out until having it).
3. Folding mirrors (parked on a tight street the other night and didn't have to worry.) also they serve as a good indicator of if the doors are locked when I can still see the car but out of range of the fob)
4. 18 way adjustable seats (so much more comfortable than the ES) albeit gets a little hard on longer drives.
5. Auto Parking brake (forget I even have a parking brake)
6. Park Assist
7. Visibility, can see all around, include the BSM and Backup Camera in this category. Lacking birds-eye view.
8. Every thing is AUTO.
9. Not an audiophile but really enjoy the base sound system.
10. Most importantly, not definitive (still too early) but likely - Lexus Reliability.
Things not so thrilled about:
1. Exterior styling across all Lexus cars is too similar. Doesn't stand out enough from ES.
2. User interface of nav and communication system could be better refined. I would have loved to had the touch pad versus the joystick. But again, I've learned how to use it, so no problem.
3. Analog clock (reminds me of the old Mitsubishi Diamante advertisements - dating myself). At least put a digital clock on the display.
4. Tires - Ride is a little harsh on the dunlops. I will replace with the Michelins or even change the profile of the tires when the dunlops wear out. I'd give up some handling for better ride.
5. Black interior carpet. Not a big fan of black carpet, hard to see anything (not just an age thing).
Things I've heard others complain about but don't bother me:
1. Transmission is fine. I've learned in Sport and Sport + mode that I may have to shift up after braking or taking foot off of accelerator. still have to learn to downshift if needed. I sometimes think this is more about learning how to drive the car vs the car being "unfriendly"
2. Light in trunk was pretty dim but modified with LED strip as previously posted on this forum, now no problem with seeing what is in the trunk.
3. Unable to have it default in Sport mode but from what I understand that is an EPA rule that mileage estimates be done on the highest default mode.
4. Still open - Ventilation mode - Recirc vs fresh air - use to default to fresh air but lately is recirc, so it is probably a setup thing. UPDATED - Just was posted on another thread - Lexus employs Recirc-Lock when the temp is 75F+. Not a fan (no pun intended), dries out the sinus' and is not healthy for me.
These are all personal preferences. I had a 2000 GS300 before buying this new and haven't looked back.
LASTLY, This forum is awesome as a resource for research.
Last edited by dougm213; 06-23-14 at 07:31 PM.
06-23-14, 07:05 PM
#2
Pole Position
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: PA
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Great summary, Doug. BTW, I also live in PA. I have the 2013, which is identical except for the power folding mirrors (a real downer without them--my wife's GMAC has 'em, for crying out loud) and power trunk (haven't missed this feature). You didn't mention it but what I like is the power rear sunshade. And don't forget the Navi.
06-23-14, 07:13 PM
#3
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Great summary, Doug. BTW, I also live in PA. I have the 2013, which is identical except for the power folding mirrors (a real downer without them--my wife's GMAC has 'em, for crying out loud) and power trunk (haven't missed this feature). You didn't mention it but what I like is the power rear sunshade. And don't forget the Navi.
I like the Navigation maps and interface, display information in diagrams and route.
Oh and forgot two other love it features, ventilated seats in the warm weather. I have them on all the time, won't be using the Auto feature in the summer. Second - voice commands, once you learn to use it. Have an old phone so haven't used the text reading or anything, but have used the voice dial.
One thing I wish it had that is missing - Birds-eye view camera display. Looking forward to the next car having automatic fullstop and start collision avoidance. Lexus' version is pretty weak from the research I have done.
Last edited by dougm213; 06-23-14 at 07:51 PM.
06-23-14, 07:28 PM
#5
Nicely balanced write-up, thanks. At first, the analog clock threw me off. But now i appreciate the contrast.
06-23-14, 08:04 PM
#6
Lexus Champion
Completely agree with the following but still love my GS:
1. Exterior styling across all Lexus cars is too similar. Doesn't stand out enough from ES.
2. User interface of nav and communication system could be better refined. I would have loved to had the touch pad versus the joystick. But again, I've learned how to use it, so no problem.
4. Tires - Ride is a little harsh on the dunlops. I will replace with the Michelins or even change the profile of the tires when the dunlops wear out. I'd give up some handling for better ride.
I personally like the black carpet and headliner and the analog clock, but I am also planning on replacing my Dunlops with Michelins within the next couple of weeks.
1. Exterior styling across all Lexus cars is too similar. Doesn't stand out enough from ES.
2. User interface of nav and communication system could be better refined. I would have loved to had the touch pad versus the joystick. But again, I've learned how to use it, so no problem.
4. Tires - Ride is a little harsh on the dunlops. I will replace with the Michelins or even change the profile of the tires when the dunlops wear out. I'd give up some handling for better ride.
I personally like the black carpet and headliner and the analog clock, but I am also planning on replacing my Dunlops with Michelins within the next couple of weeks.
06-23-14, 08:54 PM
#7
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Completely agree with the following but still love my GS:
1. Exterior styling across all Lexus cars is too similar. Doesn't stand out enough from ES.
2. User interface of nav and communication system could be better refined. I would have loved to had the touch pad versus the joystick. But again, I've learned how to use it, so no problem.
4. Tires - Ride is a little harsh on the dunlops. I will replace with the Michelins or even change the profile of the tires when the dunlops wear out. I'd give up some handling for better ride.
I personally like the black carpet and headliner and the analog clock, but I am also planning on replacing my Dunlops with Michelins within the next couple of weeks.
1. Exterior styling across all Lexus cars is too similar. Doesn't stand out enough from ES.
2. User interface of nav and communication system could be better refined. I would have loved to had the touch pad versus the joystick. But again, I've learned how to use it, so no problem.
4. Tires - Ride is a little harsh on the dunlops. I will replace with the Michelins or even change the profile of the tires when the dunlops wear out. I'd give up some handling for better ride.
I personally like the black carpet and headliner and the analog clock, but I am also planning on replacing my Dunlops with Michelins within the next couple of weeks.
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06-23-14, 08:57 PM
#8
Lexus Test Driver
Pretty sure everyone that has changed tires from the two factory options have been happier with noise and ride quality. 19's don't give you alot of shoulder to begin with, but the Potenzas are hard tires. Dunlops marginally better from what people have said here.
06-24-14, 05:55 AM
#10
Instructor
I totally agreed with your review. I am glad that you did the LED trunk light strip mod, I started that mod trend on here and made a DIY guide for it. Glad that my DIY guide was useful for members here. I wished our GS had the Auto hold brake like on the Lexus LS's so I dont have to hold the brake pedal at a stop light and during stop and go traffic. Once I reach 25,000 miles I will switch my dunlops for michelins because dunlops are kinda harsh for my taste.
06-24-14, 06:34 AM
#12
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Forgot some other features I like, Adaptive front headlights and Auto wipers. Haven't had the need to use the headlight washers. Heated steering wheel is nice but wish it covered more of the wheel but I guess not easy with the wood wheel.
Braking is great although one thing I still haven't mastered is the accelerator. When backing up or maneuvering, find it difficult depress the pedal just right to get the car moving gently. Always afraid of hitting it too hard and slamming into the car behind. My 2000 GS 300 was very touchy but for some reason I was able to control it better. Anyone else have this issue?
And why do we need the dealer to configure settings? Shouldn't almost everything be configured using the setup screens?
Braking is great although one thing I still haven't mastered is the accelerator. When backing up or maneuvering, find it difficult depress the pedal just right to get the car moving gently. Always afraid of hitting it too hard and slamming into the car behind. My 2000 GS 300 was very touchy but for some reason I was able to control it better. Anyone else have this issue?
And why do we need the dealer to configure settings? Shouldn't almost everything be configured using the setup screens?
Last edited by dougm213; 06-24-14 at 06:53 AM.
06-24-14, 06:49 AM
#13
06-24-14, 07:21 AM
#15
Lexus Fanatic
