Hey everyone, I’m deciding between buying a 2010 ls460 with 110k miles ($13k) and a 2014 gs350 with 110k miles ($19k). I really like the idea of the bigger comfy LS, but through internet research it seems like the LS is expensive and a bi*** to maintain as it gets older, whereas the GS is bulletproof (relatively).

Assuming the LS at some point needs a suspension overhaul ($6k), would that equal out the two cars? Or is the LS likely going to continue to have expensive repairs?



I commute in stop-and-go traffic for about 2 hours a day, but I drive pretty aggressively when I’m not commuting. I’m looking for a fast comfortable reliable car I won’t have to think about.

and BTW, no es350 for me-I don’t like their looks (respectfully).

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP/OPINIONS!

 

Welcome to Club Lexus and your 1st post! 🖖

 

Suspension overhaul for an LS is only if it has air suspension.

 

Won't the LS also have expensive brake repairs?

 

If you buy an F-Sport RWD GS350 the brakes are also a pretty penny.

 

The actuator yes, brake hardware costs about the same....

LS460 will need control arms, motor mounts, HPFP and valve cover oil gaskets, and valley plate most likely. None are particularly hard jobs nor are parts too crazy but nearly all of them need it. The brake actuator is the real issue as it's an expensive part

 

I think that generations LS also has some kind of coolant leakage issue inside the V part of the engine? It would be good to watch some of Car Care Nut's videos on the LS, he really goes in depth on it.

My brother in law owned a GS350 for 8 years without a single issue until someone totaled it for him last year. It seemed like a genuinely plush car, but I daily an 18 year old S2000, so I wouldn't be a good judge of luxury haha.

 

IS F unless that’s too small

 

Those are way smaller and cheaper inside, if you want to go that direction you are better off with a 340i

 

Good choice as well.

 

I owned a 2010 LS 460L that I sold about 2 years ago. Loved the car, but I'm not sure it's right for you based on you saying "I drive pretty aggressively when I'm not commuting." For that reason, of the 2 choices you presented, I'd go with the GS.

Also, on my LS the brake actuator failed at 99k (covered. by Lexus, otherwise like a $2k or $3k ordeal), I replaced all control arms around 130k, motor mounts at 140k. It is not an inexpensive car to own as it ages.

 

The GS350 would definitely be the more sporty of the 2.

I’m not familiar with used car market on GS but 19k for 10yr old car with over 100k miles seems very high.

I would consider some new cars instead like new Civic, Accord, Camry for not much more money especially if you are sitting in traffic majority of the time.

 

All the more reason to get a nicer car if you are stuck is traffic......the LS500 is sharper than a GS and more sporty but then you are left dealing with the 3.5 engine and it randomly exploding. You can also always go German......that way you get it all, sporty, actually fast, and the best interior features etc

 

The answer is always "GS" but then again, I'm quite biased...

 

I would avoid the LS. Unless control arms and brake actuators have been recently replaced.