GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020) Discussion about the 2013 and up GS models

Differences 2015 vs. 2014 - Would You Buy?

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Old 06-24-15, 06:52 AM
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RayoVac
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Question Differences 2015 vs. 2014 - Would You Buy?

Hi... just found ClubLexus... yes my first post.

I have an opportunity to purchase a 2014 GS350 loaded to the hilt with all the options I desire. The car is clean and miles are decently low.

My major dilemma is I hate the idea of buying old tech. From my research it seems they updated Inform, Nav and some other "infotainment" related view/screens etc. in 2015.

For those that have played with both versions of the GS... would you feel the differences are enough to cause you to pass on a 2014 to wait and find a 2015 or even just order a new 2016? The CPO car I am looking at had a $66K sticker, and I can get it for $48K it has 19K miles on it.

I am really struggling because I have been passing on Ford/Lincoln products waiting on Sync 3, same for Audi, waiting on updated MMI... so when I find they made significant updates to the infotainment for 2015 it gives me great pause.

I would greatly appreciate any opinions/advice. I have put down a refundable deposit to hold the vehicle until I can go see it on Saturday, but now I am thinking it might be a wasted trip.

Rayo
Old 06-24-15, 07:31 AM
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vinnier6
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I would get a new 2015 before I paid 48k for a 2014 with 19k miles on it....even if I had to get fewer options
Old 06-24-15, 07:35 AM
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RayoVac
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Originally Posted by vinnier6
I would get a new 2015 before I paid 48k for a 2014 with 19k miles on it....even if I had to get fewer options
I kind of feel the same way. I was going to buy the 2014, but I could lease a 2015 with extra mileage purchased for about the same $ per month, and not put any significant money down, where as with the 2014 since I was going to buy it... I was going to put 10K down.

Thanks for the opinion.

Rayo
Old 06-24-15, 07:56 AM
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JDR76
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While I don't have a GS, I have an RX that has the same gen nav system as the '14 GS, and my IS has the same gen nav as the '15 GS, so based on navigation systems alone, I would opt for the '15. After owning both, I find the newer system to be a huge improvement.
Old 06-24-15, 08:04 AM
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RayoVac
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Originally Posted by JDR76
While I don't have a GS, I have an RX that has the same gen nav system as the '14 GS, and my IS has the same gen nav as the '15 GS, so based on navigation systems alone, I would opt for the '15. After owning both, I find the newer system to be a huge improvement.
Thanks a ton for the feedback JDR... that is exactly the kind of opinion I was looking for.

Rayo
Old 06-24-15, 09:06 AM
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forplatina
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It isn't possible to upload the old multimedia système 2013 for the 2015 ?
Old 06-24-15, 09:13 AM
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JDR76
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Originally Posted by forplatina
It isn't possible to upload the old multimedia système 2013 for the 2015 ?
No, it is not. In addition to the firmware changes, there are changes to the Remote Touch Interface to accommodate the new system (new HOME button).
Old 06-24-15, 11:24 AM
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dougm213
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Another factor is NAVTraffic and NAVWeather, '14 requires XM subscription, while '15 is at no cost. (From what I have read here before).

You might also find interesting a comparison, Yours - '14 $66K MSRP with 19k miles now $48K. Mine is a '14 $61K MSRP (purchased at $56)19K miles now KBB value of $41K. Sounds like a similar depreciation.
Old 06-24-15, 12:50 PM
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forplatina
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Originally Posted by JDR76
No, it is not. In addition to the firmware changes, there are changes to the Remote Touch Interface to accommodate the new system (new HOME button).
And if I want absolutely the new interface, it is possible to change too, the remote touch interface ??
Old 06-24-15, 01:47 PM
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Allen K
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It's probably possible, but not worth the money to retrofit everything.

The new system does have a good bit of lag and a long start up time. Was it worse in 13-14?
Old 06-24-15, 02:18 PM
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forplatina
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I haven't pbm with the old system. But I guess we can always improve the speed for a best comfort.

but you're right, not worth the money to retrofit. Useless
Old 06-24-15, 02:36 PM
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thedwp
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I had a 2013 GS F Sport and just got a new 2015 GS F Sport...As others have said, I'd def opt for the 2015. The first thing I noticed right off the bat was the new anti-glare nav screen, which alone makes a big difference. And the tech updates, while they still have a ways to go are a good improvement over the previous versions.
Old 06-24-15, 03:54 PM
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dchar
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Originally Posted by forplatina
And if I want absolutely the new interface, it is possible to change too, the remote touch interface ??
The Remote Touch controller is the same (buttons/controls), they just changed the shape of the mouse. Major change is the maps being hard drive loaded (2013-2014) to SD card (2015), so the head unit is different. It would probably cost way too much to change it.

I had the 2013 GS350 F-sport and now have the 2015 GS350 F-sport. Another big change for the 2015 system is the change in traffic info from XM (subscription needed) to HD radio (free). Also, the backup guidance lines on the camera move with the wheel. 2015 also gets a 1-year subscription of Enform Remote which allows you to lock/unlock, start, locate, check status, and set alerts for the car through an app on your phone.

If I were in your shoes, I'd go for the new 2015 or wait for the 2016.
Old 06-24-15, 04:06 PM
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ITDude
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I passed on getting a new 2014 and opted for the 2015. The main reason was the change from SirrusXM for the navigation to HD navigation. Not only is the new traffic and weather free, it covers more roads than SirrusXM.
Old 06-24-15, 04:56 PM
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RayoVac
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Thanks everyone for all the information. I called the dealer and cancelled the deal. I am going to wait and see if I can find a 2015 or as other have said, just wait and order a 2016. Thanks again,

Rayo


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